Now that you've built the internals of your gaming computer, it's time to take a look at the most obvious external component: the computer case. Buying the right computer case can be an amazingly complicated task, especially if you don't have all of the facts about your system in front of you.
Before you purchase your perfect computer case, you'll need to know some information about your setup:
Motherboard form factor - this generally comes in ATX, although other variants will be available. Basically you just want to make sure that the dimensions of the motherboard (Length x Width) will fit inside the case. Since there are standard form factors, you just need to match the form factor up with the size the case supports.
Number of internal drives - while it's possible to extend the number of drives you can fit into a case, you're going to eventually reach a physical limit.
Aesthetics - part of the reason of building a gaming computer is to make it aesthetically pleasing. If you're spending a few thousand dollars on the machine, it might as well look nice, yeah? So, before you put down a few hundred dollars on a really cool looking case, make sure all of the components, like the DVD drive, will look good sitting in the case - there's no reason to have a beige DVD drive sitting in an all-black case.
Size - there's one thing you really should take into consideration before buying a computer case: how big the sucker is. There's no sense in buying a case that will not fit into the space you planned on putting it in.
Power Supply - many computer cases include a power supply, while others don't. If you're looking to save some money you should probably invest in a case that comes with a power supply; however, be sure to double-check the power rating on the included PSU. If the combined power of the components draws more power than the PSU can handle, then the computer isn't going to work.
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Recommended Computer Cases
Tight budget
PowerUp AK-18 Mid-Tower - $24.99 - Being on a tight budget doesn't mean getting a crappy computer case. This PowerUp case includes some cool lighting effects on the front of the case, and a very nice steel color. This case does not include a power supply.
Average Budget
Ultra Black Aluminum Case - $79.99 - this is the best full-tower ATX case you can buy at under $100. It comes with 7 external bays, 5 internal bays, 7 expansion slots, and supports front USB, Firewire, and Audio ports. Plus it has a clear quick-release side panel for easy hardware access.
Big Budget
Coolermaster Warfare 830 - $999.99 - if you've got the money to spend, you might as well spend it on something that looks damn cool. It has a total of 10 external drive bays, 4 internal drive bays, 7 expansion slots, and supports USB, Firewire, and Audio ports. It also has a swing-open side panel for the easiest hardware access in the world. Oh yeah, it comes with a radical camo paint job.
Back to the Build a Gaming Computer guide.
