How To Build A Computer

Step Three:
Computer Case Preparation

To Remove The Cover

To begin computer case preparation, it's best to work on a table.

Wouldn't you know, each case is different. Lay the case on its side. Today, the case cover is usually the entire left side. Sometimes the cover is one piece which includes the top and two sides.

• If you have screws holding the case cover on the back, undo the screws. Keep the screws in a safe place. (A closed small plastic sandwich bag is perfect. Make sure you seal the bag shut.) Now, remove the cover.

• On other cases, the screws are on the front, under the front plastic panel. First, you need to remove the panel. It will snap off; but sometimes it requires some effort. Take hold of the bottom or side and give it a hard yank. When it's off, remove the screws from the front.

• On screwless cases, take a firm hold of the bottom of the front rim and give it a hard yank. It may need a bit of muscle and several tries. The sides will then lift off and the top will usually slide off.

Study the Case Design

The inside of cases is always different. You need to take your time and closely inspect how it's put together, what moves, what comes out, and what does not. Understand the layout well before you continue. Also, give thought here on where and how everything will fit.

Some cases have a motherboard mounting plate and card rack combo that will slide out the back (after it's disconnected). In others, the sides will come out. There are hundreds of designs, so you simply have to look carefully and study it. Don't force anything inside until you understand how it comes apart.

Then,

when you think you understand the case design, continue with the following:

1. Clean the Case - Clean the entire case, in and out. Make sure it's completely free of dirt and dust. Use a damp rag and compressed air. Pay attention to the fan and the power supply, they're a little more difficult.

2. Inspect the Power Supply - The power supply is often overlooked, even though it is a critical part of the computer. Make sure it's firmly attached. Check to make sure it is set to your local voltage - 110V in USA & Canada, 220 V for most other countries.

3. Inspect the Power Switch - This is the button on the front of the case that turns the computer on and off. If the case is new, you may have to install it. Make sure it is tightened and plugged in to the power supply.

4. Inspect the Fans - Make sure they're working and that they blow into the case, not out.

   At this time, install any fans that may be needed because of a stronger processor. Follow instructions that come with the fan AND the processor.

5. Set the LED - Many newer cases don't use LED. To find out, simply check the case diagram. If it does, locate the LED in the case. Follow the case manual instructions to set the jumpers.

6. Remove Those Drive Bay Covers - By now you know which drives (floppy, CD-ROM, etc) you will have in your new computer. Select which bays will be used for them. On a tower case, the higher bays are usually better because they are often a little more convenient.

   Less expensive computer cases usually have each drive bay sealed with a thick metal strip. These covers are usually attached in a semi-permanent manner, so they are not easy to remove. Using care not to injure yourself or the case, use tools to cut, pry, bend, twist, and otherwise force the covers off of the bay. Take it slow, and be careful of the sharp corners.

   On more expensive cases, drive bays more often have plastic covers. These can usually be easily removed.

With all of that done, the case is now ready.

Tutorial Table of Contents • Next: Step Four: Hard Drive Configuration & Installation