tower case

[′tau̇·ər ‚kās] (computer science) A system unit that stands in a vertical position.

tower case

A vertical computer cabinet. A common design for servers and high-performance workstations, tower cases have more room for storage and card expansion than horizontal desktop cases and all-in-ones.

In order to fit on shelves and equipment racks next to A/V equipment, home theater PCs (HTPCs) are housed in horizontal cases. All-in-ones are computers built into the monitor case and have the least internal flexibility. See all-in-one and HTPC.

Three Towers

Prior to 2014, these towers were used daily by Alan Freedman, author of this encyclopedia (left to right: custom-built PC, Mac Pro, HP PC). The Mac was replaced with the next-generation Mac Pro, and the HP was retired.

Cases Galore

Micro Center offers a huge variety of tower cases for the computer builder. This photo was taken in the Wayne, Pennsylvania store in 2014.

They Can Be Quite Fancy

Thermaltake makes tower cases with some pretty exotic designs. For computer enthusiasts who want something out of the ordinary, there is bound to be a model that pleases. For more information, visit www.thermaltake.com.