The Case Project

-- A step by step walkthrough of transferring a computer into a new case

Before the Project:


The Old Case


The New Case
  • My old case was pretty boring, so I got something a little more interesting.
  • Now, to move the inner workings of my computer into the new case!
  • Tools Needed: Philips Screwdriver, Pen, Paper, Low Static Cloth, Anti-Static Wrist Strap or mat

The Tare Down:

  • Begin the project by shutting down, and unplugging your computer
  • Find an area where you have plenty of light, and room to work!
  • Always remember to use Anti-Static devices (Wrist Straps, Mats, Etc) when working on an electronic device
  • If you are not 100% sure of yourself, I highly suggest writing down what you do, where you take things out of, and what cables they were attached to!

1

  • Remove both side panels of your case.

  • (This may be a good time to blow any dust out of the system)

2

  • Disconnect the power cables from all devices

  • Disconnect drive cables, audio cables, etc

  • Carefully remove screws, and take out drives (Hard drives, CD/DVD, Floppy, Etc)

3

  • Be sure to put the drives somewhere safe!
4

 

  • Next, remove the power supply, and any expansion cards (Video, Sound, NIC, etc) that you may have.

 5

  • Again, keep those items in a safe place!
6
  • Remove all of the cables still attached to the motherboard, and set them aside.
  • Finally, remove all the motherboard mounting screws.
  • Carefully remove the motherboard (with CPU & RAM still attached)
 7

  • Be very careful with the motherboard!

The Build Up:

8
  • Remove both sides from your new case.
  • Save the screws!
  • You might want to brush/blow any dust off of the rest of the parts before re-assembling the computer.
 9
  • Line up your motherboard with the mounting pegs.
  • Gently mount the motherboard to the pegs.
  • DO NOT over tighten the mounting screws, as it can cause your board to crack!
10
  • Install all of the drives into the new case.
  • This is also a good time to hook all of the cables back up to your drives, before everything else is in the way!
 11
  • Next, install the power supply
12
  • Then, set the right side panel (with the motherboard attached) next to the case
  • Line it up where it needs to be.
  • This is a good time to hook up all of the cables that need to be attached to the motherboard
 13
  • Push the right side panel into position, making sure not to pinch any cables
  • Attach right side panel to the case
14
  
  • Re-install your expansion cards, and hook up any cables that were attached to them
 15
  • Before you finish assembling your computer, hook it back up to your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power
  • Make sure that the computer functions normally, and all of your drives and devices show up!

The Finished Project:


Front
Back
Left
Right
       
       
    
Lights On		          
Lights Off
New Keyboard :-)

**  This is by no means the ONLY way to do this!  It is not guaranteed to work, attempt at your own risk!  This was a personal project of my own.  I documented the steps, and created this tutorial hoping  it might be useful to somebody.  If you have any questions, please post them on our Forums