A Case For Desktop Computers: Is Bigger Better?

By Author: James.King
Total Articles: 44
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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.

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