Identification

• Kriplozoik, Wikimedia Commons, Older Desk Top PC.
  
  You can identify a tower PC by its height. A tower PC case has a narrow base and it is many times higher than it is wide. The components inside are stacked vertically.
  
  A desktop PC can be identified by its large base. it takes up more ground space than a tower PC. This kind of case is much shorter than a tower and may be rectangular or slightly square in shape.
  
  (See Reference 1)
  
  

Size

• There are multiple standard size classifications for each kind of PC case. tower PCs come in three primary sizes that include a mini-tower design, a mid-size tower, and a full-size tower. As their names suggest, the mini-tower is a short tower while the full size tower is nearly double the mini-tower's height. The mid-size tower is the most common and falls between the two in terms of height.
  
  Desktop cases come in standard desktop size and slimline desktop size. The slimline is shorter and has smaller length and width dimensions than the standard size.
  
  (See Reference 1)
  
  

Function

• A tower PC can be placed on a desk or on the ground next to the desk. It is designed to be placed on the floor or in a desk compartment designed for tower cases. The small footprint of the case makes it ideal for tight spaces between desks.
  
  A desktop PC, as the name suggests, is designed to be placed on the desk without being top-heavy or obstructing the user's view above the PC. Some cases are built strong to allow a monitor to be placed directly on top of the case.
  
  

Considerations

• The biggest thing to consider when deciding between a desktop and a tower is size and space availability. If you plan on putting your computer on a desk, the desktop model case is a good choice. If you need to put multiple computers side by side or need to reserve desk space for other items, a tower PC is a good option to place on the floor next to a desk.
  
  Deciding between a standard and slimline desktop design again comes down to the space issue. The slimline will allow desktop placement while taking up less space. A key disadvantage to desk top design cases is that upgrading them can be more difficult due to lack of space inside the case.
  
  Aside from space availability, choosing a tower PC revolves around determining your specific needs. Full-size towers are heavy, the most expensive, and awkward to move. They are, however, ideal for those who need extra space inside the computer to add hard drives and other components as well as those who plan to upgrade the hardware on a regular basis.
  
  Mini-towers are ideal for space issues, but like slimline desk top cases, they lack interior space for those who want to upgrade components or add additional hard drives and PCI cards.
  
  (See Reference 1)
  
  

Misconceptions

• Some believe that the orientation of the case layout does not matter when placing the computer on or next to a desk. Users might assume that because the shape is similar, placing a desk top PC case vertically or placing a tower PC on its side is acceptable for regular use. However, cooling systems, internal fans, internal wiring and components are installed in part based on the physical orientation of the casing. For example, placing a Tower PC case on its side will leave the user with CD drives and connection ports that are inaccessible or hard to use.