PSU max lenght
Possible length of the PSU that can be installed in the case.
Graphics card max lenght
The maximum length of a graphics card that can be installed in this case.
Modern mid-range and top-end video cards with high performance often differ in considerable length, which is why such a card can not fit into any case. So before collecting components, it is worth evaluating the length of the proposed graphics card and choosing a case in which it is guaranteed to fit. This forethought is useful anyway, but it's especially true if you're building a system that requires a powerful graphics adapter, such as a high-end gaming PC or 3D design workstation.
Fan max height
The highest cooler height allowed for this case.
In this case, we mean a cooler used to cool the processor — such a component is found in the vast majority of modern PCs. Height is measured relative to the motherboard.
Sidewall thickness
The thickness of the side walls used in the case. When choosing a thickness, manufacturers have to compromise between several points at once. On the one hand, thin walls are inexpensive and heat dissipates faster through them, which has a positive effect on cooling efficiency. On the other hand, powerful systems inevitably require thick walls, otherwise the case may simply not withstand the weight of advanced high-performance components. Thirdly, steel is a fairly durable material even with a relatively small thickness. In light of all this, in most models this indicator does not exceed
0.7 —
0.8 mm, and more often it is about
0.5 –
0.6 mm.
Fans (bottom)
The number of fan slots
on the underside of the case, as well as the size of the fans that these slots are designed for. The presence of the fans themselves in the kit should be specified separately.
The larger the fan, the more advanced it is considered: a large diameter allows you to work efficiently at relatively low speeds, which reduces the noise level and energy consumption. Case fans are available in several standard diameters, and the seats under them can be designed for both one and several sizes — for example, 120 / 140 mm. At the same time, in some models, the available number of seats also depends on the selected size: for example, it may be possible to install either one 180 mm fan or two 140 mm fans.
Fan mounts total
The total number of places for installing fans provided in the chassis design.
The more performant the system, the more components it includes — the more powerful cooling it will need; therefore, the number of places for fans, usually, is directly related to the size and purpose of the case. It is also worth considering that with the same number, the installation location of individual fans may be different — behind, on the side, on top, etc.
Liquid cooling (front)
The size of the seat for the water cooling system provided on the front side of the case.
In cases with CBO support, water cooling radiators are installed in the same slots as traditional fans. In other words, either a fan (fans) or a CBO radiator can be installed on the same seat. The size of the seat under the CBO is indicated by one number — the length (on the larger side); the width can be determined based on these data. The fact is that modern CBO radiators usually use fans of one of the standard sizes — 120 mm or 140 mm; and if there are several such fans, they are arranged in a row. As a result, the length of the radiator turns out to be a multiple, and the width is equal to one of these numbers: for example,
280 mm is 2x140 mm with a width of 140 mm, and 360 mm is 3x120 mm with a width of 120 mm. In general, the size of the front radiator of
240 mm or less is considered relatively small, 280 mm — medium,
360 mm — large, and in some models it reaches
420 mm or even more.
Note that in this case, the same nuances are relevant as for air cooling: a larger fan takes up more space and costs more, but it is considered more advanced, as it can work efficiently at a lower speed — and this reduces the level of noise and vibration.
USB 2.0
The number of native
USB 2.0 connectors provided in the case.
Such connectors are usually located on the front side (for more details, see "Location"). They are most convenient for peripherals that need to be connected and disconnected often — for example, "flash drives" (for permanently connected devices, it is more convenient to use the motherboard connectors displayed on the rear panel). Specifically, USB 2.0 is now considered obsolete: it provides a data transfer rate of only 480 Mbps and a relatively low power supply. However, in many cases this is enough, and USB 2.0 ports continue to be used, including in fairly advanced cases.
USB 3.2 gen1
The number of native USB 3.2 gen1 connectors (previously labeled as USB 3.1 gen1 and
USB 3.0) provided in the case.
Such connectors are usually located on the front side (for more details, see "Location"). They are most convenient for peripherals that need to be connected and disconnected often — for example, "flash drives" (for permanently connected devices, it is more convenient to use the motherboard connectors displayed on the rear panel). Specifically, the USB 3.2 gen1 standard has replaced the USB 2.0 described above, it provides 10 times the data transfer rate (up to 4.8 Gbps) and higher power supply, while USB 2.0 peripherals can also be connected to such connectors .
It is worth remembering that for normal operation of ports, their number and version must correspond to the capabilities of the motherboard.
