Most cases available allow access to the inside through their side panels. Some used to require you to take the entire sides and top off but since making your own custom computer is becoming more popular, the case manufacturers decided to make things easier. If your case doesn't come off in the described manner, just refer to the manual it comes with, or do some experimenting to find out how to open it up.
The following sets of pictures show two different cases illustrating how they can either come off in one piece, or have the side panels removed.
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In any repair job that involves inspecting or replacing internal components, the technician has to open the case. That used to be very simple; the technician would remove four screws in the back of the computer with a Phillips screwdriver, then pull the case's cover forward to reveal the contents. Today, however, cases come in a variety of forms, with screws in the front or back, fancy plastic bevels in front, and featuring one of several types of metal wraps—some in several parts, some in a single piece.
The majority of cases still open the old-fashioned way. However, if you find yourself with one of the exceptions and can't locate screws in the back, check to see if the plastic cover in the front can be pulled off. If so, that should reveal three or four screws. Then see if the main cover can be pulled forward. If not, look for screws that secure one or more of the side panels. Some side panel designs are great for granting easy access to our next topic, motherboards. This style of case allows one to inspect or remove the motherboard without having to remove the entire outer covering.
Another trend is a case design using fittings that can be opened without any tools. Some computers now provide easy opening with a thumb screw that doesn't even require a screw driver. If you are working with one of these computers, simply turn the thumb screw and slide the case back.
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Removing the Case as a Whole
Removing a Case's Side Panels
Installing the Power Supply:
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Most power supplies are a standard size and should fit nicely in the case. Just make sure the fan is unobstructed and the screw holes in the power supply line up with the screw holes in the case. It may help to lay the case on its side while screwing in the power supply. After the power supply is secured, you should be ready to install the motherboard risers.
Installing the Risers:
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RiserLocate the bag of screws that came with your case and take out the motherboard risers. They will either be plastic or metal. Either type will work, or in some cases you can use both. Right is an example of a typical metal riser.
You will need as many risers as there are holes in the motherboard. So carefully take your motherboard out of its anti-static bag and place it on that bag. Orient the motherboard as if you were going to place it in the case by making sure the connecting ports on the motherboard (where you connect the keyboard, mouse, USB components, etc) are facing out the back of the case. Count the holes in the motherboard and see where they line up on the inside of the case. It may be a good idea to mark these holes in the case with a highlighter or marker so it's easier to remember where to install the risers.
Next simply screw the risers into place, as seen on the above, making sure they're tight. If the motherboard happens to have some extra holes where there are no holes lining up with them in the case, just pop in some of the plastic risers with the pointy part of the riser pointing through the face of the motherboard. What this does is prevent the metal of the case from touching of the electronic components on the underside of the motherboard.
Once the risers are installed, you can get the front of the case ready for the drives.
Preparing the front of the case:
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When a case is brand new the front part where the drives will be are covered up usually by a metal piece as well as a plastic piece on the front that matches the case as seen to the right. First, decide where you will be putting your drive or drives. Typically a CD/DVD drive is put in the top slot of most computers, but it's completely up to you and is most often simply an aesthetic decision. The front cover for each CD/DVD bay can usually come off fairly easy with a flathead screwdriver. Once off, you may or may not have to remove a metal piece inside (as seen on the right).
Preparing the back of the case:
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The last thing you need to do to prepare the case is make sure there are open slots to accommodate the motherboard's various ports as well as the ports that will be there when all the cards are installed.
Usually the motherboard comes with a rectangular metal piece that fits on the back of the case and allows access to all the necessary ports on the motherboard; ports such as the keyboard and mouse ports, and the USB ports. If the motherboard came with one, then replace the existing one on the case with that one. Make sure the round keyboard and mouse port holes are towards the top of the case, this will ensure they will line up correctly once you put the motherboard in.
Your case is ready!
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