Help With Cases

[Harry Rushworth]

Hi, so my question is that I'm building a new computer, but I really like my old case, and I was hoping to buy a simple one for when I sell my old one. The only problem is, would the new one fir the old, and the old one fit the new? Do I have to look at measurements or anything?

 

[thespaceduck]

The common restricting factors about PC cases are:
-The form factor (e.g ATX, mATX, ITX etc) - and this is the main thing you should be looking out for
-Number of drive bays.
-The space for the VGA card. It might not fit the whole length of it.
-In some cases (pun intended) the space for the PSU might be a factor too.

If these parameters fit, you are good to go.

Kudos,
Albert

 

[Harry Rushworth]

The common restricting factors about PC cases are:
-The form factor (e.g ATX, mATX, ITX etc) - and this is the main thing you should be looking out for
-Number of drive bays.
-The space for the VGA card. It might not fit the whole length of it.
-In some cases (pun intended) the space for the PSU might be a factor too.

If these parameters fit, you are good to go.

Kudos,
Albert

Thanks, but I'm new to this things, could you tell me where, or what they look like, and what the unit of measurement is

 

[thespaceduck]

Ok here is an example:

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4521#sp click specifications tab

Here you have:
-Form factor | ATX / Micro ATX - that means that this case can house an ATX form motherboard and by extension a Micro ATX (which is the same form but smaller). So if you have ATX or mATX its ok. If you have ITX you are not (the places for screws will be at the wrong spots)

-Drive bays | 5.25" x3 , 3.5"x1 + 5 (internal) - this means this case can hold up to 3 5.25 inch drives and a 3.5 inch drives (the smaller can go in the bigger slot though) on the front side, plus (i presume) there is 5 places inside for 5 more. If you have at most this many drives, again you are golden.

-The VGA and PSU length are not listed, they are the tricky part, it will require some digging online. There are some people on the internet who specialize in cases, my favourite is Rodney Reynolds (3DGameMan on youtube) look him and your cases up. Also there are reviews which will help you on your decision, google is your friend, since you didnt specify the actual cases you have- will buy.

Kudos,
Albert