Is my chosen computer case big enough for my build?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether a chosen computer case is adequately sized for a custom computer build. Participants explore various factors that influence compatibility, including motherboard dimensions, graphics card size, and the number of drive bays. The conversation includes technical specifications and considerations for both hardware compatibility and physical space within the case.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that cases specify compatible motherboard types, such as ATX, Full AT, and Baby AT, and emphasize checking the motherboard size against the case.
  • It is suggested that the number of slots for hard drives and optical drives should be considered based on the user's installation plans.
  • Several participants highlight the importance of ensuring there is enough room for the graphics card, particularly for high-performance models that may be longer than standard sizes.
  • One participant mentions the need to check that the motherboard has the appropriate socket for the graphics card and that power connectors are available for high-end cards.
  • Concerns are raised about the physical fit of large graphics cards in cases, with examples provided of specific models that may not fit in smaller cases.
  • Another participant points out that modern motherboards typically support both Nvidia and ATI chipsets, but some may only support one, which is a consideration when selecting components.
  • There is a discussion about the common motherboard form factors (ATX, mATX, eATX) and how they differ from older standards like Full AT and Baby AT.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of checking compatibility between the case, motherboard, and graphics card. However, there are multiple competing views regarding the specific dimensions and requirements for high-performance components, and the discussion remains unresolved on some of these technical details.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential missing assumptions about specific hardware configurations and the varying definitions of case sizes and motherboard compatibility. Some participants express uncertainty about the exact requirements for different setups.

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I'm attempting to build my own computer. How can I tell if the case I select is big enough? Thanks.
 
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Cases specify which motherboard type they take.

There are a few options:

ATX Motherboards: 12 by 7.5 inches.
Full AT Motherboards: 12 by 11 inches.
Baby AT Motherboards: 10 by 8.5 inches

Just check it takes the size of motherboard you have (the motherboard will be one of the above).

PSU's, CD/DVD/BR Drives and HD's are standard sizes and will definitely fit.

I would note, cases will have a specific number of slots for hard drives and disc drives. Depending on how many you plan to install, you might want to check this.
 


Also make sure there's enough room for the video card, as some of those are fairly long.
 


rcgldr said:
Also make sure there's enough room for the video card, as some of those are fairly long.

Unless a HD or the PSU (when installed in the bottom right) are overlapping the motherboard, this shouldn't be an issue.
 


Another question: how do I check that the graphics card is compatible with the motherboard/CPU?
 


Well first, check the connection. Make sure the motherboard has a socket to accept it.

I suppose that really is the main one. Can't think of anything else off the top of my head (well it is 3AM).
 


ForMyThunder said:
Another question: how do I check that the graphics card is compatible with the motherboard/CPU?
Both should be PCI Express these days. The other issue, is the power needed by the video card, which may need one or two 6 pin or 8 pin PCI Express power connectors (or one of each).
 


jarednjames said:
Unless a HD or the PSU (when installed in the bottom right) are overlapping the motherboard, this shouldn't be an issue.

It's actually more of an issue than you think, especially in the high-end cards. Low and mid-range video cards are fairly reasonably sized, but high-performance gaming cards will be large with built-in heatsinks and cooling ducts.

ATI's top-end card for example, the Radeon HD 5970, is more than 12 inches long- too big to fit in anything but a very large full-tower case. I have an nVidia GTX 260, and the card barely fits in my NZXT full tower gaming case. I literally have to turn it sideways in the case to get it in there, then turn it straight and plug it into the mobo (the power connections are on the side of the card to keep length semi-reasonable).
 


Mech_Engineer said:
It's actually more of an issue than you think, especially in the high-end cards. Low and mid-range video cards are fairly reasonably sized, but high-performance gaming cards will be large with built-in heatsinks and cooling ducts.

ATI's top-end card for example, the Radeon HD 5970, is more than 12 inches long- too big to fit in anything but a very large full-tower case. I have an nVidia GTX 260, and the card barely fits in my NZXT full tower gaming case. I literally have to turn it sideways in the case to get it in there, then turn it straight and plug it into the mobo (the power connections are on the side of the card to keep length semi-reasonable).

I think this case was designed as a portable gaming-type case:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/270339-28-case-5970

They can jam one of those suckers in there! :bugeye: Somebody else had a similar setup, but also added in water cooling.

EDIT: To the OP, outside of the motherboard form factor (which determines how much expandability you have), the biggest space-eater is the number of drive bays (external 5.25" types and internal 3.5" types). Unless you're running a server or plan to have multiple hard (e.g. for RAID) and optical drives (maybe you're a disk duplicator?) you don't really need massive cases. Especially since many of the peripherals that you once needed to get cards for (e.g. modems, ethernet, sound, possibly video) now come standard and integrated on motherboards.
 
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Another consideration you must take into account when choosing your motherboard/videocard combo is whether the motherboard only supports Nvidia or ATI chipsets, most modern motherboards do support both but I have seen some floating around that only support one or the other.

Also, in my experience, cases don't use the 'full at' or 'baby at' motherboard ratings. They will either be ATX (standard), mATX(microATX), or eATX(extendedATX), there are many more but these are the three most common.
 

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