[ CASES // 6 LEAVES // 261 DISTINCT ENCLOSURE RECORDS ]
Browse enclosure catalogs
Static model directories cover historic computer systems, tower cases, compact enclosures, office mini-PCs, rack servers and professional workstations. Every identified addition has its own sourced record and original local schematic.
Keyboard computers and early desktop enclosures; model and board revisions define fit.
OPEN LEAF CATALOG →CATALOG LEAF // 80 MODELSTower and legacy desktop casesFull and mid towers with model-specific drive cages, motherboard widths and component clearances.
OPEN LEAF CATALOG →CATALOG LEAF // 50 MODELSSmall-form-factor casesCompact cases where GPU, PSU, cooler, riser and optical-drive envelopes interact.
OPEN LEAF CATALOG →CATALOG LEAF // 30 MODELSOffice and mini-PC enclosuresVendor-specific small systems with machine-type-dependent power, storage and mounting hardware.
OPEN LEAF CATALOG →CATALOG LEAF // 40 MODELSRack server enclosuresRack chassis with exact-generation backplanes, risers, rails and hot-swap drive layouts.
OPEN LEAF CATALOG →CATALOG LEAF // 24 MODELSProfessional workstation enclosuresProprietary professional towers with configurable storage, PCIe and thermal assemblies.
OPEN LEAF CATALOG →[ COMPONENT RECORD // ENCLOSURE ]
Cases &
chassis.
The enclosure provides mounting, protection, grounding continuity, airflow paths, and access to front-panel controls. It determines which boards, drives, coolers, and graphics cards can physically fit.
CLASS RECORD: common desktop enclosure families. Case names and advertised compatibility do not guarantee that every part combination fits; verify the exact case manual and component dimensions.
Reference specifications
| Board fit | Common standards include ATX (305 × 244 mm), microATX (244 × 244 mm maximum), and Mini-ITX (170 × 170 mm). Chassis may support only selected standards. |
|---|---|
| Common sizes | Full tower, mid tower, compact/mATX, and small-form-factor; marketing terms are not a universal dimensional standard. |
| Drive mounts | Modern cases commonly offer 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch mounts; older designs may have 5.25-inch external bays and 3.5-inch floppy bays. |
| Clearance checks | GPU length/thickness, CPU cooler height, radiator dimensions, PSU length, board layout, and cable bend radius are model-specific. |
Fit, airflow & care
- Check motherboard standoff locations and install only the standoffs that match the board's mounting holes.
- Match intake and exhaust fan placement to filters and vents; keep cables clear of fan blades and avoid blocking the CPU/GPU intake.
- Confirm front-panel pinout in the board manual. Power switch, LEDs, USB, and audio headers differ by connector and generation.
- Inspect sharp edges, corrosion, missing panels, damaged threads, and broken plastic clips before reuse. Never force a board against a misplaced standoff.
Often overlooked enclosure hardware
Include dust filters, fan hubs, USB-C front-panel cables, vertical GPU risers, drive cages, hot-swap bays, rack rails, and small-form-factor power-button or riser assemblies in a complete chassis record.
Sources & further reading
- FormFactors.org — ATX motherboard interface specificationBoard dimensions and mechanical mounting references; check revision dates. Original page is gone; this is the Internet Archive’s copy.
- Intel — Desktop board form factorsManufacturer overview of common desktop board size families.
- PCPartPicker — Build guides and compatibility workflowSecondary practical fit-checking reference; confirm against manufacturer manuals.