Things You'll Need:
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Step 1
Decide where you will put the computer and monitor, and what size monitor you will use to determine your space requirements.
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Step 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.
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Step 3
Buy a mini-tower, also called a "mid-tower," for versatility, flexibility and upgradability.
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Step 4
Buy a tower if you plan to install many drives and cards and need a more industrial product.
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Step 5
Buy a stub chassis if price is more important than upgradability or reliability.
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Step 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.
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Step 7
Buy a slimline desktop chassis if space is more important than any other consideration.
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Step 8
Understand that a stub chassis, often called a "micro-tower," and the desktop chassis lack sufficient internal space to prevent components from overheating.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 11
Make sure a computer with an integrated monitor has swivel and monitor height adjustments.
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Step 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.







