Throughout the years eMachines has used many different computer cases in our various models. This presentation is intended to introduce you to our line of cases and identify the important components that you will be assisting our customers with.
 
Despite the variety of computer case styles, you will find many similarities in the function and design of our cases. The first feature that you will find through out all eMachines cases is a feature called “Soft Power”. This feature is part of the ATX/Micro-ATX specification. With Soft Power the motherboard controls the state of the power supply (The motherboard can turn on and off the power supply) This opens the door to many abilities that otherwise would be impossible, such as “Wake On LAN”, “Power Saving options” Suspend and Hibernate.
 
Soft power has caused some confusion among our customers. Many customers expect that if the computer locks up all they should have to do is tap the power button and the computer will turn off. This is not the case, the power button is programmable and can perform many actions when tapped such as shut down the computer, go into suspend, hibernate etc. One setting stays the same no matter what. If you press and HOLD the power button for 5-7 seconds the computer will turn off.
 
As mentioned before the computer must be able to vent out warm are and “breathe” in cool air. A majority of the components of a modern computer will generate heat, when all these components are enclosed in a small box or computer case that heat is intensified.
 
Proper air flow is very important to the stability of the computer. Notice on the side of any eMachines computer case there are small vents. It is important that nothing blocks these vents. On the back of the computer is the exhaust fan this fan should have at least 3 inches from the wall or any other surface. When choosing a location for you computer, ensure that the system will have enough room to breathe.
 
Some higher end systems also include a “case fan” to help with the air flow. The extra case fan shares the job with the power supply to vent warm air out and away from the computer.

eMachines Case Family
 
The eMachines case family is split into two groups the user serviceable and non serviceable computer cases. User serviceable computer cases are designed to provide easy access to the internal components for repair and upgradeability.

Note: It does not void the customer’s warranty if they open the computer case when the customer is instructed to do so by an eMachines representative. The silver “eMachines QA” seal is there so the customer understands nobody else has opened the computer case before them.
 
Opening the Case
The process of getting inside of a computer is actually fairly simple. It is safe to assume that the majority of our legacy models shipped with a shell style case, while the newer systems shipped with a side-panel style case.
 
Shell Removal
When the left, right and top sides of the case all come off as one single piece, it is typically known as a shell style case. When you open the case, you will be removing this outer shell. Sometimes it can be difficult to open this case.
 
 

	STEP 1: Locate and remove three screws located on the back of the computer along the top-center, bottom-left, and bottom-right.
	STEP 2: Once you have removed the three screws from the back of the computer, pull the shell back about two inches toward the rear to free it from the system.
	STEP 3: Once the shell is free from the system, you can then lift it up away from the computer.

Note: Always make sure that the locking loop is not bent as it may inhibit the removal of the case.

As you’ll learn in the next few pages, the systems, which feature a shell style case are the Fiat, Lantra, and Verna. These cases are most popular with the eTower and eMonster models, which were shipped in between 1998-2001.

Many of these systems are currently out of warranty. Make sure you understand the proper procedure for opening this type of case.

Side Panel Removal
When the left side of the case is the only part of the case that comes off as a single piece, it is typically known as a side panel style case. When you open the case, you will be removing the side panel. This case is much easier to open.

	STEP 1: Locate and remove two screws on the back of the case, located along the right-hand side (if you are facing the back.)
	STEP 2: Once you have removed the two screws from the back of the computer, pull the panel back, about two inches toward the rear, to free it from the system.
	STEP 3: Once the shell is free from the system, you can then lift it up away from the computer.

Note: Always make sure that the locking loop is not bent as it may inhibit the removal of the case.
 
As you’ll learn in the next few pages, the systems which feature a shell style case are the Big Bear, NexGen, NexGen 1, NexGen 2, NexGen 3, and the NexGen 3 LC. These cases are most popular with the club SKU models which are currently being shipped.

Many of these systems are currently in warranty, and you’ll run into them all the time. Make sure you understand the proper procedure for opening this type of case.

User Serviceable Cases
 
The Fiat Case

The Lantra Case

The Verna Case

The Big Bear Case

The NexGen 1 Case

The NexGen 2 Case

The NexGen 3 Case

The NexGen 3 LC Case

Non-Serviceable Cases
 
eMachines also ships non serviceable cases, these cases are designed to fit specific size dimensions and use proprietary cases that are not designed to be opened by the end user.

Caution: Opening a non-serviceable case will void the customer’s warranty.
 
The eOne (No Longer Supported)

 
* All In one system
* 15 inch CRT Display
* Integrated audio
* Integrated video
* No Serviceable parts
* 1 PCMCIA (Optional)
* 1 RCA Video Input
* 1 Slim line Optical

The eSlate (No longer supported)

 
* Notebook Computer
* 12 inch display
* Touchpad mouse
* 2 Type II PCMCIA Expansion Slots
* 2 USB 1.1
* 1 Slim line Optical Drive
* 1 RJ11 (Phone line)

M Series Classic case
 
M Series Classic (Open)

 
* 15.4 Widescreen Display
* 6.6 lbs
* 1 Type II PCMCIA
* 1 Slim Line Optical
* No Floppy drive
* 3 USB 2.0
* 1 IEEE 1394 (Optional)
* 1 S-Video (optional)
* 1 RJ11 (Modem)
* 1 RJ45 (LAN)

M Series Classic (Back)

M Series Classic (Bottom)

 
 
1. Mini PCI
2. Air Vent
3. Memory
4. Battery Release
5. Battery

M SERIES “Shadow Case”

 

* 15.4 Widescreen Display
* 6.6 lbs
* 1 Type II PCMCIA
* 1 Slim Line Optical
* No Floppy drive
* 3 USB 2.0
* 1 IEEE 1394 (Optional)
* 1 S-Video (optional)
* 1 RJ11 (Modem)
* 1 RJ45 (LAN)

M SERIES “Shadow Case” (Side and Back)

M SERIES “Shadow Case” Bottom

 
Top Left: Mini-PCI Slot
Bottom Left: Battery
Right Center: SODIMM Bay
Bottom: Hard Drive Bay

Form Factors
 
Form factors are a way of standardizing the way that a component is designed. The computer case form factor governs the size of the case and the location of mounting screws and external ports.
 
Why are they important?
Form factors are important because they help manufacturers design their components to be compatible with 3rd party hardware. Form factors also make the customer’s life easier by providing the piece of mind that when they purchase a component, it will fit in their home computer.
 
ATX vs. Micro ATX
The two most common form factors in the industry are ATX and Micro ATX. In 1995 Intel announced Advanced Technology eXtension (ATX) as the successor of the old AT form factor. The ATX specification called for several important improvements. One of the changes was in the connector panel, where the location of connectors was moved to allow for shorter cables between devices such as hard drives and floppy drives. Another change was the standardization of a single-keyed power connector. The CPU and memory banks were relocated to allow for easier accessibility and cooling.
 
ATX is more common in “generic” build computers; Micro ATX is more common in OEM builds. Micro ATX conforms to a majority of the requirements, how ever the actual size of the motherboard, case, and power supply is smaller.
 
Power Supply Form Factors
The power supply can be either ATX or Micro ATX. The ATX power supply typically provides a standard single-keyed motherboard power connector and more peripheral power connectors because it is more likely to have a higher wattage capacity. The Micro ATX form factor still has the standard single-keyed mother board power connector, but less peripheral power connections due to its lower wattage.
 
The power supply accepts power from the power cord (120 watts) and converts it into the various voltages and amperages for the various computer parts. eMachines uses Micro ATX form factor power supplies. One thing about the ATX power supply is that it is designed to be controlled by the motherboard. The power supply provides the power for the motherboard, IDE drives, floppy disk drives, and also the case fan.
 
What is the difference between ATX and Micro ATX?
Power supplies use switcher technology to convert the AC input to lower DC voltages. The typical voltages supplied are:
 
• 3.3 volts
• 5 volts
• 12 volts
 
The 3.3 volt and 5 volt are typically used by digital circuits, while the 12 volt is used to run motors in disk drives and fans. The main specification of a power supply is in watts. A watt is the product of the voltage in volts and the current in amperes or amps.
 
Power supplies are measured in watts (like light bulbs). Most eMachines come with one of three power supplies:
 
• 120 Watt (Micro ATX\ Legacy Cases)
• 250 Watt (ATX \ NexGen Cases)
• 300 Watt (ATX \ NexGen Gases)