How do I open my computer case?
Question
How do I open my computer case?Answer
Caution: Before working inside a computer,
disconnect all the cables from the back of the computer and make sure
you're aware of the potential dangers of ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD).
Unfortunately,
there is no standard for how to open a computer case, which means how
you open your case depends on the manufacturer of your case
and computer. Below are the three most common methods of how to open a
computer case.Before opening the case, disconnect all the cables from the back of the computer and place it on a table. Next, identify the chassis you're working with. Below is a short list of different ways a computer case cover is held on.
- Screw - Case held on with screws.
- Thumbscrew - Case with screws that require no special tools and can be tightened and loosened with your fingers. Often, these screws also have indents that allow them to also work with tools if needed.
- Screw less - Case that has no screws, only held on with metal or plastic clamps that can release from the case by pressing buttons or switches.
Screw
and thumbscrew computer cases
The screws, buttons,
or other mechanisms to open a computer case are almost always located on
the back edges of a computer. If the case has screws, these will need
to be removed before the case cover can be removed.
Note: Often, the power supply
screws are also visible from the back of the computer; however, these
are often in the middle of the back of the computer case. The screws you
want to remove to open the case are always on the outer-edges of the
back of the computer.
Once screws have been removed
from the back of the case, push the side cover of the computer case
towards the back of the computer. Either the side of the computer case
will slide off, or the complete cover will be removed.
Note:
If you've removed a side of the computer but cannot see the inside of
the computer, it's likely the wrong side of the computer case was
removed; remove the other side to expose the inside of the computer.
Finally,
some computer cases use a combination of thumbscrews and screwless
mechanisms to hold on the side of a computer case. If you only needed to
remove one on the back of the computer, it's likely you're working with
this case.
Screwless computer cases
There
are several techniques on how computer and case manufacturers develop a
screwless entry chassis. Therefore, keep in mind that the below steps
may not apply to your computer case.
As mentioned earlier, screwless computer cases work by using buttons, levers, or push arms. For example, NEC, Dell,
and other major computer manufacturers used a popular screwless entry
case where a single thumbscrew is removed from the back right side of
the computer case, and while the computer is on its side, press and hold
in two small levers on the top and bottom and push the side towards the
back of the case.
In addition to the above example, a
screwless computer case may have similar levers that may be located in
other locations such as the bottom of the computer case or the front of
the computer.
Finally, there are also several other
screwless computer cases that utilize buttons often located on the front
bottom portion of the computer case. pressing this button will release
the side of the case, allowing it to be removed.
Other recommendations
Finally, if after reading the above recommendations you're still unable to
get inside your computer, we suggest consulting your computer or computer
case manufacturer's documentation. If you did not receive any documentation
or have lost it, most manufacturers today have online versions of all their
documentation on their website. See the third-party contacts page for a complete listing of computer and case manufacturers' contact information and websites.
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