Have computer cases changed over the years?

[JohnGabriel]

I know new computer manufactures add windows and fans and the cases look different than way back in the 90s, but they still seemed to be called ATX computer cases.

So an old IBM ATX computer case from 1995 still be usable with modern components right?

(Note: I have no interest in using an old case, I was just more curious than google searching covered)

[Lax]

Cases supporting the ATX form factor can technically be used, yes. What matters is the motherboard form factor vs the form factors supported by the case. There are a few common ATX form factors. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATX

[Ughmahedhurtz]

To elaborate on what Lax mentioned, I haven't noticed much of a change in basic ATX cases generally. In my experience, if you get a good full-tower ATX case, it'll usually fit most any normal mini/micro/standard ATX motherboard. You start getting into problems with drive bay placement, cables being too short, etc. when you move up to some of the larger motherboards.

There are, however, two subtle changes that happened probably 10 years ago. Cases got wider (so they'd support big CPU coolers presumably) and the standoff post locations moved around. Some of the old standoff holes still match but there are about 5 or 6 extra I think that the newer boards need for full edge-to-edge support.

Caveat: I don't buy bling cases, so I can't speak to all these glowing, shiny monstrosities that others have noted; they might have more significant changes than the middle-tier white-box cases i usually buy.

[mbox_bob]

Another change is the addition of a cutout in the motherboard tray for the heatsink/cooler backplate. If you use the bog standard Intel cooler then this wont matter (or at least it didn't), but the after market jobbys which have a backplate will. The location for socket775 and socket 1055/56 are slightly different, and the sizes are too. Current ATX cases usually cater for the largest socket around, so socket2011, but an ATX case from 1995 would have no cutout for cooler backplates, except for one you cut yourself.