Computer case with modular I/O panels
Disclosed is a computer case with I/O panels on opposite sides of the case, and a method for providing the case. The case includes a top, a bottom, a back side that is opposite a front side, and a right side that is opposite a left side. The case also includes a front I/O opening formed in the front side that receives a front I/O panel. The computer case also includes a rear I/O opening in the back side that receives a rear I/O panel.
1. A computer chassis comprising:
a top, a bottom, a front side, a back side that is opposite the front side, a left side, and a right side that is opposite the left side;
a front input/output (I/O) opening formed in the front side and configured to receive a front I/O panel, where the front I/O panel comprises a first tab configured to engage an interior surface of the computer chassis and a second tab configured to engage an exterior surface of the computer chassis;
a rear I/O opening in the back side and configured to receive a rear I/O panel, where the rear I/O panel comprises a first tab configured to engage an interior surface of the computer chassis and a second tab configured to engage an exterior surface of the computer chassis; and
a bottom panel comprising:
a first upwardly extending tab configured to engage an outer surface of the front I/O panel;
a second upwardly extending tab configured to engage an inner surface of the front I/O panel;
a third upwardly extending tab configured to engage an outer surface of the rear I/O panel; and
a fourth upwardly extending tab configured to engage an inner surface of the rear I/O panel.
2. The computer chassis of claim 1 , further comprising a shell disposed around the computer chassis.
3. The computer chassis of claim 2 , where the shell comprises openings configured to receive the front I/O panel.
4. The computer chassis of claim 1 , where the rear I/O panel is configured with a layout of I/O openings that conform with a layout of I/O ports of a selected motherboard.
5. The computer chassis of claim 4 , where the rear I/O panel includes inwardly extending tabs and outwardly extending tabs configured to engage with inner surfaces and outer surfaces, respectively, of the computer chassis.
6. The computer chassis of claim 5 , where at least one of the inwardly extending tabs and the outwardly extending tabs includes a return flange.
7. The computer chassis of claim 1 , where the front I/O panel is configured with a layout of I/O openings that conform with a layout of I/O ports or buttons of a selected motherboard.
8. The computer chassis of claim 7 , where the front I/O panel includes inwardly extending tabs and outwardly extending tabs configured to engage with inner surfaces and outer surfaces, respectively, of the computer chassis.
9. The computer chassis of claim 1 , where a top panel of the top comprises a downwardly extending lip configured to locate the rear I/O panel.
10. A computer chassis comprising:
a top, a bottom, a front side, a back side that is opposite the front side, a left side, and a right side that is opposite the left side;
a front input/output (I/O) opening formed in the front side and configured to receive a front I/O panel, where the front I/O panel comprises at least one snap connector configured to engage a slot of the computer chassis;
a rear I/O opening in the back side and configured to receive a rear I/O panel; and
a bottom panel comprising:
a first upwardly extending tab configured to engage an outer surface of the front I/O panel;
a second upwardly extending tab configured to engage an inner surface of the front I/O panel;
a third upwardly extending tab configured to engage an outer surface of the rear I/O panel; and
a fourth upwardly extending tab configured to engage an inner surface of the rear I/O panel.
11. The computer chassis of claim 10 , where the rear I/O panel comprises at least one snap connector configured to engage a slot of the computer chassis.
12. The computer chassis of claim 10 , further comprising a shell disposed around the computer chassis.
13. The computer chassis of claim 10 , where the rear I/O panel is configured with a layout of I/O openings that conform with a layout of I/O ports of a selected motherboard.
14. The computer chassis of claim 13 , where the front I/O panel is configured with a layout of I/O openings that conform with a layout of I/O ports or buttons of a selected motherboard.
15. The computer chassis of claim 14 , where each of the front I/O panel and the rear I/O panel comprises a perimeter, and a plurality of snap connectors disposed on the perimeter.
16. The computer chassis of claim 15 , where each of the plurality of snap connectors is positioned and aligned with a corresponding slot formed in either the front I/O opening or the rear I/O opening.
17. A method of forming a computer chassis, the method comprising:
providing a top, a bottom, a front side, a back side that is opposite the front side, a left side, and a right side that is opposite the left side;
providing a front input/output (I/O) opening formed in the front side and configured to receive a front I/O panel, where the front I/O panel comprises at least one snap connector configured to engage a slot of the computer chassis;
providing a rear I/O opening in the back side and configured to receive a rear I/O panel;
providing a bottom panel comprising:
a first upwardly extending tab configured to engage an outer surface of the front I/O panel;
a second upwardly extending tab configured to engage an inner surface of the front I/O panel;
a third upwardly extending tab configured to engage an outer surface of the rear I/O panel;
a fourth upwardly extending tab configured to engage an inner surface of the rear I/O panel; and
inserting the front I/O panel in the front I/O opening, and inserting the rear I/O panel in the rear I/O opening.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising attaching a shell to the computer chassis.