[ The PC Guide | Systems and Components Reference Guide | System Case | Styles and Sizes ]
Comparison of Case Styles
The table below compares and summarizes the different case styles and their advantages and disadvantages.
Note: The number of bays
depends on the case, but the numbers given are typical ranges based on what I usually see
. For external bays, the first number is how many 3.5" bays the case typically will
have, and the second is how many 5.25" bays. Internal bays are usually 3.5".
Power supply ratings are measured in watts (W) and are just what is typical for the style.
Getting a full tower case is no guarantee of a 300 watt power supply, but it's much more
likely to find one in a full tower than a mini tower.
Case Style |
Size |
External Bays |
Internal Bays |
Cooling |
Power Supply |
Cost |
Full Tower |
Large |
2 + 4 or more |
3 to 5 or more |
Best |
250 to 375 + |
High |
Mid Tower |
Med |
2 + 3 |
2 to 4 |
Better |
200 to 300 |
Med |
"Midi" Tower |
Small to Med |
2 + 2 or |
2 to 4 |
Good |
170 to 300 |
Low to Med |
Mini Tower |
Small |
2 + 2 |
2 or 3 |
Good |
170 to 250 |
Low |
Desktop |
Small |
2 + 2 |
1 or 2 |
OK |
150 to 230 |
Low |
Slimline |
Very Small |
1 + 2 |
1 or 2 |
Worse |
90 to 200 |
Low |
Next: Form Factors
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