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The case that you purchased should provide instructions on how to open it. However, most cases are opened by unscrewing the left-side plate. The case that I am using for this example is shown in Figure 2.1.

Figure 2 1: An Empty Computer Case, from the Front

Here you can see the empty computer case. The first step is to open the case so that the power supply, and all other components, can be attached. Each case is slightly different, but most cases include two to three screws that hold the left side cover on. By the way, when I talk about left and right on the computer, I assume that you are facing the computer from the front, as it is seen in Figure 2-1.

There are two types of screws commonly used by cases. Regular and thumb screws. Figure 2-2 shows both types of screw.

Figure 2 2: A Regular Screw and a Thumb Screw

Thumb screws are very convenient, as they can be loosened and tightened using your fingers. This provides for quick access to the computer when a screwdriver might not be immediately available. However, either thumb or regular screws can be opened using a screwdriver. Case screws can be either Phillips or straightedge. You will likely need both a Phillips and straightedge screwdriver to complete this project.

The back of the case, with thumbscrews, is shown in Figure 2-3.

Figure 2 3: The Back of an Empty Case

As you can see from Figure 2-3, the power supply has not been installed in this case. The power supply is installed in the large space near the top of the case. You should also be able to locate the case-screws. In Figure 2-3 they are located on the left and right sides, near the top and bottom. This computer case allows both the left and right side panels to be removed. Some cases allow only the left side panel to be removed. All components will be installed through the left-side panel.

While we are looking at the computer case lets also examine the port block. This is where all of the ports, from the motherboard, will be exposed to the outside of the computer. The port block is shown in Figure 2-4. Don’t worry if the motherboard ports do not match the case’s ports. The port-block cover can be easily removed, and most motherboards include a port-block cover that fits the motherboard’s ports.

Figure 2 4: A Close Up of the Port Block

Now it is time to open the case. Remove the screws from the left-side panel. If your case has a right-side panel, remove those screws as well.

Once you have removed the screws you must slide the two panels off. Most panels have a small indentation near the back that gives you extra leverage when sliding the panel off. Apply pressure from the front to the back, as shown in Figure 2-5. This should slide the cover off.

Figure 2 5: Disassembling the Case

Once you remove the side-panel you will be able to see the inside of the computer. There is nothing much in there! But that will change soon. Figure 2-6 shows the left side of an empty case.

Figure 2 6: The Left-Side of an Empty Case

The right side mainly allows you to access the drive bays, to connect drives. Figure 2-7 shows the right side of an empty case.

Figure 2 7: The Right-Side of an Empty Case

Now that the case has been opened, we are ready to begin assembling the computer. The first step is to attach the power supply.