INSIDE THE CASE

Of all the components inside your system unit, the most important is the motherboard, which hosts your microprocessor, memory chips, and other components. This motherboard also contains several slots, into which you can plug additional boards (also called cards) that perform specific functions.

TIP

Open the Case

To remove your system unit's case, make sure the unit is unplugged; then loosen the big screws or thumbscrews on either the side or back of the case. You should then be able to either slide off the entire case or pop open the top or back.