Computer Case Types and Hard Drive Components Explained

Computer Case Types

Barebone: A small-sized case designed to occupy minimal space.

Minitor: A compact case.

Bench: Similar to the Minitor, but placed horizontally on the desktop. These were once common but are now largely obsolete, except in school computer labs. It's typically placed under the monitor.

Half Tower or Semitorre: A case that's larger than the previous types, allowing for more devices to be installed.

Tower: The largest type of case, offering ample space for numerous components. It's used when significant expansion is required.

Server: These cases often have a wider frame and prioritize functionality over aesthetics, as they are commonly found in data processing centers. Their design focuses on performance and ventilation.

Rack: A dedicated server with higher power capabilities. The shell has a standardized measurement called a "U," which represents the width of a slot. These are typically housed in air-conditioned rooms due to the heat generated.

Modding: Cases with a focus on aesthetics, sometimes to an impractical extent. They often feature neon lights, fans, custom paint jobs, and extravagant designs that can make expansion difficult (e.g., a pyramidal tower).

Notebook: A pre-built system with limited expansion options. They can overheat under heavy use. The size varies depending on the screen size.

Hard Drive Components

Dish: An individual platter inside the hard drive.

Face: Each side of a platter.

Head: The read/write head for each face of the platter.

Track: A circular path on a face. Track 0 is located at the outer edge.

Cylinder: A set of vertically aligned tracks (one on each side of each platter).

Sector: A division of a track. The standard sector size is currently 512 bytes. Older hard drives had a fixed number of sectors per track, which resulted in wasted space on the outer tracks.

Today, there are internal and external hard drives, available in two common sizes: 3.5" and 2.5".