Computer Cases: Fundamentals of the Most Overlooked Component - Materials: Aluminum or Steel
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Materials: Aluminum or Steel
In addition to airflow considerations, which are some of the most significant factors, there are a number of other variables to consider before purchasing a case. Among these is the material the case is made from: aluminum or steel.
The vast majority of cases being produced today are primarily made from low-grade steel and produced in presses and dyes. Steel is a popular material to manufacture from because of its low cost and high tolerances. Steel is a very rigid material with high tensile properties that allow the creation of nearly any combination of shapes through a series of dyes without losing much of its inherent strength. This allows for a fast-paced production schedule and thus increased manufacturing volume. On the other hand, steel is comparatively heavy, and for the after-market modder not the most ideal material to work with.
Aluminum, however, can be cut and filed with a variety of hand tools and is soft enough that many complex curves and shapes can be made through sheer strength of will. Aluminum is very light weight in comparison to steel but is also more prone to warping or developing “wobbles” through the use of cutting tools when trying to cut a side window or blow hole. Aluminum cases are significantly more costly to produce and less forgiving to mistakes made in the dyes compared to steel.
Regardless of what the chasis or side panels are made from, be it aluminum or steel, almost all cases incorporate a plastic bezel on the front. The plastic is even easier to form and mold than steel or aluminum and allows for more aesthetic liberties for the case manufacturer. The most important factors when looking at the bezel is the location and placement of front input jacks like USB or Firewire connectors, number of optical drive openings, and the presence of front air input. This last point is the most critical, and amusing, part of case selection. The majority of budget cases available often have a variety of side panels and bezels but still build off the same chasis. It never ceases to amuse me to see all the proper mounting holes and positions for a front intake fan but a solid piece of plastic separating it from the cool air outside of the case.
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