An ATX case is a computer case that follows industry standards for compatibility with ATX motherboards and power supplies. It has evolved to accommodate changes in hardware, such as increased power and cooling needs, and can vary in size and features. Modders may add LED lights for aesthetics.
An Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX) case is a computer case manufactured to ATX industry standards. The ATX standard is a format for computer hardware manufacturers to ensure interoperability. The ATX case will house an ATX power supply and an ATX motherboard.
The ATX case was born out of the shortcomings of the previous standards, namely the AT and BaAT standards. As technology has improved, there have been many significant changes to the hardware that have required a newer style case. This case is the natural evolution in computer case design.
For example, component-laden computers require more power today than they did in the early 1990s and greater cooling capacity. Power supplies and power schemes have become more powerful and efficient. An ATX case often comes with a power supply, or the consumer can purchase an ATX power supply separately, knowing that it will work in any ATX style case.
The back of the ATX case has also changed to accommodate ATX motherboards with integrated ports that slot into place to form part of the back wall. This replaces older BaAT cases designed for empty IDE slots, with the only built-in port being the keyboard port. The holes in the ATX motherboard also line up with the posts on the case.
The number of internal and external bays varies on ATX cases, so it’s important to choose one that fits your desired configuration. A redundant array of independent disks (RAID) configuration that uses multiple hard drives will require more bays than might be required for a system that will house only one or two hard drives.
If two DVD drives are desired, make sure the case has the required number of 5.25-inch (13 cm) bays. The front of the case can also be equipped with USB (Universal Serial Bus), Firewire and audio ports. This is very convenient for today’s portable devices, such as digital cameras, audio players and memory sticks.
An ATX case comes with fans in most cases. The size and number of fans varies between models. Fans are needed to draw heat away from the motherboard and processor and out through the ventilation blades. The more ventilation, the better.
Modders like to spruce up their ATX cases with LED lights. Many feature clear side windows so that the inside of the case can be illuminated when turned on. This allows the enthusiast to see the expensive components he has purchased.
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