How to Choose a Form Factor for a New Computer

Computers are sold in four general form factors: tower/mini-tower, desktop/slimline, built-in monitor and stub chassis. The form factor has a major effect on upgradability, reliability, repair costs and price.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computers

1. Decide where you will put the computer and monitor, and what size monitor you will use to determine your space requirements.

2. Look for at least one open drive bay and four open expansion slots. Make sure manufacturers' specifications of bays and slots do not include those already in use or internal bays with no front access.

3. Buy a mini-tower, also called a "mid-tower," for versatility, flexibility and upgradability.

4. Buy a tower if you plan to install many drives and cards and need a more industrial product.

5. Buy a stub chassis if price is more important than upgradability or reliability.

6. Buy a desktop chassis if price is more important than upgradability or reliability, and you wish to put a small 14- or 15-inch monitor on top of it.

7. Buy a slimline desktop chassis if space is more important than any other consideration.

8. Understand that a stub chassis, often called a "micro-tower," and the desktop chassis lack sufficient internal space to prevent components from overheating.

9. Expect a consumer-model "designer" case to contain proprietary floppy drives and other proprietary parts, often including a CD or DVD drive built into the case.

10. Buy a computer with an integrated monitor to accommodate special space and transportation needs, such as a college student frequently moving from one small room to another.

11. Make sure a computer with an integrated monitor has swivel and monitor height adjustments.

12. Expect a mini-tower to retain functionality for 4-6 years; expect smaller and integrated chassis form factors to retain functionality for up to 3 years.

Tips & Warnings

• A mini-tower can be placed on a desk, in a desk cut-out area, or on the floor.
• Slimline-chassis models are halfway between a desktop and a laptop computer.
• People who never expect to upgrade their computers often discover that they would like to add new technology without having to buy a new machine - that's why you want the extra drive bays and expansion slots.
• Computers with built-in monitors have more heat-caused hardware problems than any other design, and are the most difficult to transport to a service center.
• Computers with a built-in monitor cannot be upgraded separately, which means that if either piece needs a repair that isn't cost-effective, you will need to buy a new computer and monitor.
• Small, cramped computers may have drives mounted on their sides, which can hamper usability and reliability.
• Smaller and more proprietary designs have much higher parts and labor costs than average. This is especially true of Macintosh computers.