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How to Build Your Own PC - Save A Buck And Learn A Lot  9  Chapter 4: Installing The Mainboard In The Case

Chapter 4: Installing The Mainboard In The Case 1 Opening the Case

Figuring out how to open the PC case can be slightly challenging. If your case came with instructions, examine the instructions to see how to open it. It’s always amusing to find a case with the instructions for opening it inside the case.

It’s possible to overlook some simple thing, such as a hidden latch that must be opened. And, if you overlook a hidden trick, you might find yourself unscrewing all sorts of things that would be better left alone, such as the screws attaching the power supply to the case. Unless your power supply fries and needs replacement, there’s no reason to remove it.

Other systems have side panels that are easily removable from the back, while the front panel (also called a “bezel”) remains in place. You usually need to remove one or two screws that secure a side panel and then just slide the side panel out.

Other cases, such as some Dell cases, absolutely require finding a manual online or a Mensa-level intelligence to understand how to open the case. But, most ATX cases should open relatively easily. Just examine all sides and the top and the bottom of the case and decide how best to proceed.

Chapter 4: Installing The Mainboard In The Case 1 Opening the Case