Reference number: CH000765
How do I open my computer case?
Question:
How do I open my computer case?
Answer:Alert: 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/or 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 type of chassis
you're working with. Below is a short list of different types of
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.
- Screwless - Case that has no type of screws, only
held on with metal or plastic clamps that can release from the case
by pressing buttons or switches.
Screw / 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; simply 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 type of 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. Simply 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 our third-party
contacts page for a complete listing of computer and case
manufacturers' contact information and websites.
Additional information:
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