Editing Computer case (section)

==Appearance==
{{further|Case modding}}
Throughout the 1990s, most computer cases had simple rectangular shapes, and were often painted [[beige]] or [[white]] with little attention given to the visual design. [[Beige box]] designs are still found on a large number of budget computers assembled from generic components. These class of machines are now known as [[white box (computer hardware)|white box computers]], even though the cases for these types of machines are now generally colored black or silver instead of beige. More modern computer cases include a much wider range of variation in shape, color, form factor, and materials, such as brushed aluminium and/or tempered glass which are offered with more expensive cases.

''Case modding'' is the artistic styling of computer cases, often to draw attention to the use of advanced or unusual components. Since the early 2000s, some cases have included clear side panels or acrylic windows so that users can look inside while it is operating. Modded cases may also include colored internal lighting, custom paint, or [[Watercooling|liquid cooling system]]s. Some hobbyists build custom cases from raw materials like aluminum, steel, [[styrofoam]], acrylic, or wood.

Historically, cases used CCFL lighting<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xwIAAAAAMBAJ&q=computer+case+ccfl&pg=PT23|title = Maximum PC|date = October 2004}}</ref> and eventually single color LEDs as strips or in fans to illuminate their interior; modern cases use RGB LED lighting instead, often incorporated into case fans. To improve airflow while allowing RGB fans to be visible, many cases as of 2020 use metal meshes, without any external bays.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/3534-gn-awards-show|title=GN Awards Show: Best & Worst PC Cases of 2019 (Thermals, Quality, Noise)}}</ref> Many include a PSU shroud and vertical gpu mounts. Some used to include holes to support external water cooling radiators.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamersnexus.net/hwreviews/3579-phanteks-p300a-case-review-benchmark-vs-p400a#!/ccomment|title=Phanteks P300A Case Review vs. P400A, NR600, & More: Thermals, Noise, Fans}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamersnexus.net/news/1282-nzxt-h440-case-specs-psu-shroud|title=NZXT H440 Case Specs – Includes PSU Shroud; Video Preview & Hands-On}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://custompc.raspberrypi.org/articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-vertical-graphics-card-mounts|title = The Pros and Cons of Vertical Graphics Card Mounts}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/3324-fact-check-cablemod-vertical-gpu-thermals-vs-stock-h500m|title=Fact-Check: CableMod's Vertical GPU Thermals vs. Stock Case}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cgIAAAAAMBAJ&q=pc+case+external+radiator&pg=PA38|title=Maximum PC|date=July 2006}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RQIAAAAAMBAJ&q=pc+case+external+radiator&pg=PA52|title=Maximum PC|date=August 2006}}</ref> Cases with side windows may have side fans (on the window) as well, although it is uncommon for cases with glass windows to have side fans.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/692-how-many-case-fans-should-you-have|title = The Basics of Case Fan Placement – How Many Fans and Where?}}</ref>

===Case manufacturers===
{{See also|List of computer hardware manufacturers#Computer cases}}
Prominent [[after-market (general)|after-market]] case manufacturers include [[Antec]], [http://www.bitfenix.com/ BitFenix], [[Cooler Master]], [[Corsair Gaming|Corsair]], [[Fractal Design]], [[In Win Development]], [[Lian Li]], [[NZXT Corp.]], [[Phanteks]], [[Rosewill]], and [[Thermaltake]], (DIY PC)