ALIENCULTIST.COM
HARDWARE ARCHIVES // ENCLOSURES

[ 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.

[ 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.

Original schematic illustration of a computer enclosure
SCHEMATIC // NOT A DIMENSIONAL DRAWING

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 fitCommon standards include ATX (305 × 244 mm), microATX (244 × 244 mm maximum), and Mini-ITX (170 × 170 mm). Chassis may support only selected standards.
Common sizesFull tower, mid tower, compact/mATX, and small-form-factor; marketing terms are not a universal dimensional standard.
Drive mountsModern 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 checksGPU 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

  1. 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.
  2. Intel — Desktop board form factorsManufacturer overview of common desktop board size families.
  3. PCPartPicker — Build guides and compatibility workflowSecondary practical fit-checking reference; confirm against manufacturer manuals.