System Case

Components of a PC  

A PC comprises of hardware and software. Everything that you can see and touch in the PC is called the hardware. The computer consists of large number of components. Each of these components are essential for the functioning of the PC. The input devices, output devices and the storage and processing devices are the different components of the PC. 

1.3.1 System Case

System case is a box that is made up of plastic and metal. It provides a cover for all the main components of the computer. It plays an important role in the functioning of a computer. The System case performs various roles in the following areas: 
 

Protection – Prevents dust and foreign particles from entering into the internal components of the computer. PC produces a lot of radio-frequency (RF) interference as it works. The system case protects electronic devices located near the computer from the RF interference generated in the PC. The system case also protects the internal wires and cables. It shields the user from electric shocks. An inferior quality system case would cause a great deal of damage to the PC as well as to the electronic devices near it. 

Well-defined Structure – Organizes all the components of the PC in a structured manner. The system case contains the motherboard, which is the most crucial part of the PC. All other internal components are mounted either on the motherboard or on the system case itself. Therefore, the system case plays an important role in structuring the parts of a PC. A system case must have enough space to contain all these parts. Proper placement of the internal components is important for their efficient functioning. An overcrowded system case would effectively reduce the lifetime of the PC components. 

Expandability – Allows adding additional devices such as a hard disk, CD-ROM, and floppy disk drive to the system case. A system case that is small would not offer many options for expansion. 

Cooling – Protects internal components of a PC from adverse effects of heat. The different components of the PC produce heat due to their working. This heat is highly damaging to the internal parts of a PC. The system case must be large enough to provide air circulation in the interior. The power supply fan in the system case keeps the power supply cool. A system that has poor cooling will fail suddenly, without showing any signs of trouble. 

Status Display – Indicates the functional status of the PC through lights. The lights on the system case are called LEDs. Some of the LEDs such as Power LED are built into the case while others are the parts of the devices mounted on the case. The Power LED indicates whether the PC is switched on or off. The CD-ROM LED indicates whether the CD-ROM drive is in use or not.