A good case or chassis should have form and funtion. Not only should it look good and compliment your monitor and peripheral devices but it must also serve as a secure and temperate housing for the system’s components. Features like tool free installation will make it much easier to upgrade in the future and prevents accidental component damage by utilising slot in and lock systems for internal drive bays for example. Most system will typically have just one Disc Drive accessible from the front but consider the number of external bays provided in case you wish to expand your system. If you need to hot-swap USB devices or regularly use headphones then convenient front port access will be required.

The thermal capabilities of any case are of great importance and although lighter aluminium designs offer better heat dissipation, sufficient fan cooling is more desirable especially if an exhaust fan is complimented with an intake fan.