Replacing your computer's case can be a major undertaking. Although it requires no complicated installations or reconfiguration, nearly every component must be removed and reinstalled in the new case.
Caution: please read our safety information.
Before opening the case, unplug the PC to avoid an electrical shock hazard. Exercise caution as there are sharp edges on a PC and its components. Always wear a static electricity discharge strap and attach the lead to the metal frame of the case, when working with your PC's components to avoid damaging your PC. Note that some manufacturers will void your PC's warranty if you open the case.
When removing the components of the PC, be sure to place them on a clean, dry surface. Do not place them on carpeting or other static prone material. Handle all components by their edges and avoid touching the electronics.
- Unplug the PC.
- Disconnect all of the wires from the back of the PC.
- Open the case.
- Unplug the power supply connector from the motherboard and each of the components.
- Disconnect the lead to the on/off switch (or remove the entire switch).
- Disconnect the case control wires, such as the PC speaker, hard drive activity LED etc. from the motherboard.
- Disconnect the floppy drive, hard drive and CD-ROM ribbon connectors from the motherboard. To avoid confusion during reassembly, label the connector that was connected to the primary IDE controller. The primary IDE controller should be labeled on the motherboard and "PRI IDE", "IDE 1" or something similar.
- Remove the screws that secure each of the accessory cards to the case.If the motherboard has no obstructions blocking it, it may be possible to leave all of the cards in their slots and remove the entire motherboard intact. If so, skip to step 9. Otherwise, make a written note of which card is installed in which slot and remove the cards.
- Remove the screws that secure the motherboard to the case. Instead of screws the motherboard may use plastic snaps. To release the snaps, pinch the plastic tip together while gently lifting the motherboard.
10. Remove each of the drives, noting which cable is connected. If more than
one device is connected to a cable, note the order of the drives.
- Inspect the new case and determine the best order for installing the components. In some situations, the drives may interfere with the installation of the motherboard or vice versa. Go to step 14 first if you installing the drives before the motherboard.
- Install the plastic or metal mounting posts into the case so they will align with the holes in the motherboard. Secure the board in place by snapping it in over the plastic posts or fastening it with screws.
- Connect the power supply to the motherboard.
- Insert the drives into the appropriate bays. Make certain that the controller cables and electrical wires can reach each of the drives. Fasten each drive in place with the original screws.
- Connect the case control wires to the motherboard. Most cases will have a wire for the PC speaker, reset switch, hard disk activity LED, power LED. Some cases will have wire for the power switch. If there is a wire for "Turbo" it usually serves no purpose and can be ignored.
- Install the drive controller ribbon cables to their appropriate drive controllers on the motherboard. Make certain that you align pin #1 of the cables with pin #1 of the controller.
- Connect the power supply to each of the drives.
- If they were removed, reinstall each of the accessory cards.
- If it was connected before, reconnect the CD-ROM sound output to the sound card.
- Double check each of your steps.
- Reconnect the keyboard, mouse and monitor.
- Plug in the power supply and test the PC.
- If the system boots properly, shut it down and replace the case. Also reconnect any other wires to the back of the PC.
- If there are any problems, the most likely cause is a loose, unconnected or improperly connected card or wire. Shut down and unplug the PC and check all of the connections. If that does not resolve the problem, see our troubleshooting article.