Desktop PC Cases

I’m under the impression I have an issue with the power switch button/wire relating to it on my computer case. It’s preventing me from turning on the system. Suggestions on how I can address this?

I doubt the switch is the problem, switches are very simple devices and rarely fail unless they are physically broken. So unless the switch looks like it is not seated properly, or doesn’t click like it used to, the problem is likely not the switch.

To know for sure, you can just follow the wires from the front panel to the motherboard, looking for the plug labeled "PW-SW" or Power or some other label that looks like it would be for a power switch.

Remove the connector, and then use a screwdriver to short the two pins that the switch connector connected to. If the switch is broken, shorting these wires will turn the computer on. If there is something else wrong with the computer, the computer will still not turn on.

I’m planning on building a computer for the first time. I have a ASRock 775i65G motherboard (micro atx) and I’ve been searching for a computer case that’s in common with the connectors and ports but no luck. I also want to know what kind of power supply is supported with this type of motherboard.

Any ATX case (mid tower) will work. The mother board came with an I/O plate, it will fit any ATX case as well. Any PSU will work. But I would NOT get anything less than 500Watts, higher if you plan on doing any hard core gaming. Then I wouldn’t go less than 750 watts. But I think this will be enough of a PSU to get you started (see link).

I picked up a computer tower at a thrift store, its unmarked but in good shape. It seemed like a great deal at only 15.00, but how can I know if a motherboard will fit it or not, its quite a large case.

Motherboard’s come in 5 different sizes,
Standard-ATX
Micro-ATX
Mini-ITX
Nano-ITX
Pico-ITX

Im guessing if its a standard MID-TOWER case, which is the most popular case size, it will fit all motherboards.

I’m taking on a project. I have a old computer case (taken out all the parts) that i want to covert into a fishtank. What would be good to put inside and keep metal out of way. (also needs to block the wholes) Also where can i get plexiglass cheap?What do you suggest to sercure the stuff together.

Well I guess you could make up a glass or perspex tank that fits inside the case. You will just need the sheets of glass and aquarium safe silicone sealant to hold it together.

I suggest you repaint the whole inside with good quality enamal paint to prevent rust from the humidity the tank will cause.

Other option will be to fibreglass the inside to make it water proof.

Ian

I have a black computer case and I want it red. I wouldn’t have to sand it down or anything right?

I don’t see you having to sand it. I do suggest that you gut it before you spray it. Liquid will ruin your computer. If you don’t know how to do so or put a computer back together, I suggest not using spray paint. Computer cases are relatively inexpensive now-a-days. You can go to a Comp USA or Best Buy and they can switch your case for you.

I am putting together a computer and I have a bag with some skrews that came with my case. I have no idea where they go and what their lettering is. I see some letters next to the skrew holes but I do not know where each skrew goes. My case is a Super Case SK-503 from Newegg. Please help. I will choose a best answer.

line up the motherboard with the MB tray and notice which skrew holes match up to the motherboard holes. You may have extras, this is normal.

I experience some kind of electricity passing when i touch outside the sides of my computer case. Is it normal or there is some electrical leak or something? Please explain.

Seems fairly normal to me; a certain amount of current is perfectly acceptable. However it could be a poorly grounded power supply.

Start by going straight to the source – the power supply. If you’re fairly comfortable handling electricity, check the socket for faults and if it is properly earthed. Else get someone who has experience.

CAUTION! Make sure the power is switched off at all times.

You could consider buying a UPS or a power stabilizer for the socket. Might cost a bit, but worth it for peace of mind.

Hope I helped!

I am putting together a computer and I have a bag with some skrews that came with my case. I have no idea where they go and what their lettering is. I see some letters next to the skrew holes but I do not know where each skrew goes. My case is a APEX SK-503-C from Newegg. Please help. I will choose a best answer.

The Gold looking ones are motherboard stand offs that make the mother board the right hight for the back panel of the case, look at the board to place the right standoffs for your board ( the letters on the mother board tray is for the different types of mother boards atx and micro atx etc), then the rest are for hard drives, fans, etc. You will have a lot left over.

http://www.pcmech.com/byopc/
use the site as a guide if you need help.

Chassis screws – this is the type used to tighten down cards, etc.
Smaller screws – just like the chassis screws, just with a smaller diameter. It is used to fasten the motherboard in.
Standoffs – these are screws that are used to hold the motherboard about 1/8″ from the motherboard mounting plate. Their ends have a threaded opening in them that accept the smaller chassis screws.

So i took an old desktop computer off my aunt’s hands and it is really dusty. She never maintained it at all, so a lot of dust and dirt has gathered inside the case. How would i go about safely cleaning the inside without damaging anything in there?

Use an air compressor or can of compressed air to blow the dust out. Do NOT listen to anyone telling you to use a vaccum or damp rag, vaccums give off static electricyity and can really harm your components, and water is bad for anything related to computers in general. So yeah, bloing the air out is best. NO VACCUMS.

I’m trying to open my computer case, and one of the screws holding the cover on won’t come out. The problem isn’t that it’s simply too tight and I can’t turn it; it turns just fine when I move the screwdriver counterclockwise. It just doesn’t come out, but stays flush against the surface of the case as it spins.

What are some possible ways to deal with this situation?

Yes its possible – you’ll need something thin but sturdy to be pried under the screw heads lip, while gently using a screw driver to turn the screw. The trouble here is the screw threading of what held that screw in place has either fallen off so the screw is free floating, or the screw threads were part of the case itself and they have been stripped.

Thin sturdy objects may include long nose needle pliers, flat blade of a slot headed screw driver, metal ruler, box cutter (x-acto knife), or tweezers depending on the nature of the location of the screw. Meaning if its on a flat surface accessible from all directions, or down in a hole where the screw head lies a distance from the flat surface above.

You may also try locking jaw pliers (Vise Grips) and lock the jaws around the screw head and gently pulling while turning in a counter clockwise direction to try to catch some threading to allow the screw to be extracted.