Desktop computers are the old standby of the
home computing system and are more versatile than they have ever been. Today,
in addition to the diversity of options in hardware and accessories, there are
even many options in the size of you desktop computers’ case. Though the
computer is unlikely to move, bigger isn’t always better. For the space
restricted, there are desktop computers that pack an unbelievable amount of
options in a small package. On the other end of the spectrum, for hardcore
gamers, there are cases big enough for them to trick out their machines to
their little heart’s content. Here is a look at some of the pros and cons of
various computer cases.
There was a time when computers came exclusively in a low, wide case
that the monitor sat on top of. While this design has seemed to fall by the
wayside, there are still a number of computers that come with this case design.
For someone who wants a computer with more hardware than a smaller enclosure
can hold, but perhaps values leg room that a tower computer might restrict,
these low, wide cases are a perfect solution. Not only do they save space, but
they can be used as a stand to prop up a computer monitor higher on your desk.
One of the newer case sizes is often referred to as the breadbox. You
might have seen this popularized by the Mac Mini. These tiny enclosures look
barely large enough to fit a DVD at 6.5 inches square and 2 inches tall, yet
house a DVD drive and a full CPU. Though it is small enough to get lost on a
desk, the Mac Mini is packed with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, NVIDIA
graphics, DDR3 memory, and storage space of up to 500GB. Additionally, the Mac
mini has five USB 2.0 ports and a FireWire 800 port so you can connect,
monitors, camcorders, printers and other peripherals with ease. No more
crawling under a desk to hook up your computer.
Another space-saving design is called the all-in-one. This design houses
the CPU within the monitor rendering it almost invisible. The iMac is one of
the powerful computers with this seamless design. The massive 21.5” or 27”
displays declutters your desktop, completely eliminating cords save a single
power cord and leaves you to wondering if the iMac is simply a monitor. Yet,
the iMac offers all of the same ports and hardware that you would expect from a
desktop computer.
The tried and true tower computer has more options than ever, but the
basic design has stayed the same: several internal and external drive bays, PCI
Express and regular PCI slots for for expansion, plus a bunch of ports for
peripherals such as digital cameras and printers. Despite its numerous options,
for some people, the midtower design just isn’t big enough, they need a Full
tower. The Full tower is too big and bulky for most computer users and is
usually preferred by gamers who want to pack their cases with the newest,
greatest, and fastest hard drives, graphics processors, and CPUs, with plenty
of room to upgrade. Additionally, Full tower enclosures can be a good option
for do-it-yourself users who assemble computers piece by piece and want plenty
of room inside to tinker with.
So, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to choosing a desktop
computer enclosure. Instead, it is best
to assess your needs and make a choice that best suits those desires.