Editing Computer case (section)

===Major component locations===
* The [[motherboard]] is usually screwed to the case along its largest face, which could be the bottom or the side of the case depending on its form factor and orientation.
* Form factors such as [[ATX]] provide a back panel with cut-out holes to expose [[I/O port]]s provided by [[integrated peripheral]]s, as well as [[expansion slot]]s which may optionally expose additional ports provided by [[expansion card]]s. Many larger ATX cases can also be used with motherboards of other form factors.
* The [[Power supply unit (computer)|power supply unit]] mounting point differs from case to case, but the most commonly used locations (both at the rear of the case) and their advantages/disadvantages are:
**The top of the case, usually allowing the PSU's built-in fan to act as an auxiliary exhaust fan but causes the PSU to be fed air heated by the internal components of the case, thus causing PSU efficiency and lifespan degradation.
**The bottom of the case, with an (often filtered) vent in the bottom of the case allowing the PSU to draw cool air from the outside.
*Regardless of the mounting position, the PSU will usually be attached to the case with four [[screw]]s to support its weight.
* Most cases include [[drive bay]]s on the front of the case; a typical ATX case includes [[5.25"]], [[3.5"]] and 2.5" bays. In modern computers, the 5.25" bays are used for [[optical drive]]s, the 3.5" bays are used for [[hard drive]]s and [[card reader]]s, and the 2.5" bays are used for [[solid-state drives]].
* Buttons and LEDs are typically located on the front of the case; some cases include additional I/O ports, temperature, and processor speed monitors in the same area.
* Vents are often found on the front, back, top, left side panel, and sometimes on the right-side panel of the case. Regardless of their placement, their purpose is either to let cool air into the case or to let hot air out. Larger vents usually allow [[computer fan|cooling fans]] to be mounted via surrounding threaded screw holes. Newer cases include mountings for larger 120 mm or 140 mm cooling fans for quieter operation than the 80 mm fans formerly common.
* An I/O template, or I/O plate, fits around the motherboard's back panel of external ports. Sometimes provided by the case manufacturer, it is often replaced by the one that comes with the motherboard.