Case ATX: models, specifications, owner reviews

A huge assortment of computer components has made it necessary to create uniform standards for their production. True, the regulations concern only a few dimensional parameters and form factors, among which the specification ATX. And first of all when choosing accessories in accordance with this format, you should focus on the platform in which the remaining working components will be located. In other words, the ATX computer case should be the starting point for selecting the remaining components. Of course, this does not mean that the "stuffing" should depend on what the outer shell will be, but the choice of each element, from the motherboard to the power supply, must be coordinated with the characteristics of the enclosure.

ATX Format Features

The standard ATX at one time replaced the outdated form factor AT, but today it is quite serious competition it is such formats as mini-ITX and micro-ATX. The advantages of these architectures include the possibility of a more optimized and compact placement of devices. On the other hand, the advantages of the Micro ATX body are expressed in universality. This form factor allows you to install almost all modern power supplies and motherboards (with rare exceptions). Also, there are advantages in the form of a large number of slots, suggesting the future expansion of the functionality of the system. However, with the development of technology in the field of computer technology, there is a lag in the form factor ATX. This, in particular, already manifests itself in the problems of combining the internal design of the enclosures with 2.5-inch drives.

Main characteristics of ATX cases

For the case, one of the most important parameters is the size. For the sake of simplicity, manufacturers here also use a well-established classification, which provides for the separation of blocks into formats Micro, Midi, Mini and full size. It is important to note that the differences in these sizes apply only to the enclosure itself, and its internal architecture is determined precisely by the ATX specification. Further it is important to note the power of the power supply unit, which can be supplied with the design already in the basic configuration.

For example, for a productive "stuffing" it is necessary to orientate from the very beginning to the case of the ATX 500W, which can be of the Miditower format. This option should be chosen if the "filling" will provide a high-frequency processor, a powerful graphics card and several memory modules. In other cases, for simple everyday tasks, computers are equipped with cases with a power supply unit of the order of 200-300W. In addition, it should take into account the capacity of the hull. This refers to the number of compartments into which hard drives, wireless communication modules, audio devices and video cards can be integrated.

Comments about Fractal Design Define R5

In the middle segment of the ATX chassis, perhaps this is one of the most successful options. According to the owners, the unit has good capabilities for future extensions, has a built-in reobas, is equipped with quiet fans, and also provides good protection against dust with noise insulation. In the long term, this picture and the reliability of the components with connecting nodes do not overshadow this picture. Even before the direct working acquaintance with this model, it is possible to evaluate external virtues. This is a very original ATX case, which is knocked out of the general line by an unusual and striking design. As for the shortcomings, the owners note the absence of a compartment that allows the operative replacement of drives. However, such an opportunity in the classical buildings is, rather, optional. Also, to the minuses of this block can be attributed a fairly high cost, which in the domestic market varies from 8 to 10 thousand rubles.

Reviews of the Zalman Z9 Plus

The Korean firm Zalman is also famous for quite successful models of buildings, and in different segments. The Z9 Plus modification is good because it can be viewed as a budget option for equipping a gaming computer, and as a multifunctional solution for a home or office PC. The advantages of this enclosure include high-quality assembly, the presence of a re-ball with a thermometer, the original design, the presence of integrated filters at the inlet ports, and the possibility of installing up to seven coolers. But there are also disadvantages that the case of ATX Zalman in the performance of Z9 Plus. The fact is that the lighting of the fans does not turn off during operation. In addition, the installed reobas regulates the speed of only two coolers, so its function can be considered as limited.

Reviews of the model Gigabyte GZ-G1

The company Gigabyte is a good version of a single-housing MidiTower, which provides the lower location of the power supply. In the basic configuration, the power supply is not provided, so it will have to be purchased separately. And the design is not limited to the power unit. Users in general note the poverty of the filling and the modest appearance of the model. However, these shortcomings are overlapped by the qualitative performance of the main task, which falls on the ATX MidiTower case in the GZ-G1 version. This is the ability to place all the components in their places with maximum reliability and rationality in terms of saving space for the fans. It's enough to note the space for nine hard drives. True, for many owners, the fact that there is no regular possibility to install at least one 2.5-inch drive is unpleasant.

Reviews of the model from Crown

The task of finding a compromise between price, functionality and performance in the segment of computer equipment is most acute. The company Crown offers to facilitate it through the model CMC-SM162. The technical "stuffing" of the case is quite modern and is filled with two USB connectors, operating status indicators, a wide range of compartments for drives and hard drives, and a 500W power supply. At the same time, the Crown ATX case can be attributed to budget models, since its cost is on average 3 thousand rubles. Users note that in practice, this enclosure also demonstrates good performance, cope with both thermal loads from the productive filling, and with mechanical influences.

How to choose the best model?

Pay attention first of all to the general requirements for the system in terms of capacity. This will allow you to determine what characteristics will have the "filling", the number of components, power requirements, etc. Also, for ease of operation, it is worthwhile to provide additional features that are provided by the ATX package in modern modifications. The most useful functions are related to the indication of computer operating states. Do not ignore the aesthetic qualities of the design. The cases differ not only in their operational properties, but also in design designs, allowing organically supplement the interior with a system unit.

Conclusion

If the choice of processor or motherboard is rather strict criteria, from the account of which the buyer can not move away, then the case of ATX in terms of choice is quite flexible. In contrast to the Mini and Micro standards, this form factor provides the least restrictions on the layout. Usually they depend on manufacturers, although the developers themselves are not only trying to expand the capabilities of users, but also to make fundamentally new additions and improvements in the configuration of ATX.