How to Choose the Right Chassis for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Chassis

Overview

A chassis is the main frame of a vehicle, providing support for other components and protecting them from damage. When buying a chassis for a car, it is important to consider factors such as compatibility, size, weight, and price. This guide will provide an overview of the key considerations when buying a chassis, along with advice on the best type of chassis for different applications.

Key features

  • Size/Dimensions - Measure the space you have available for the chassis and determine the size you need. Consider the height, width, and depth of the chassis and make sure it meets your needs.
  • Material - Consider the materials used to construct the chassis. Typically, aluminum, steel, and plastic are the most common, and the material will affect the weight and durability of the chassis.
  • Cooling - Make sure the chassis has adequate cooling to dissipate the heat generated by your components. Consider the type and number of fans, as well as the placement of vents and grills.
  • Drive Bays - Consider the number and type of drive bays available. Make sure you have enough room for all of the hard drives, optical drives, and other storage devices you need.
  • Compatibility - Check the compatibility of the chassis with your particular components. Make sure the motherboard, power supply, and other components will fit in the chassis.
  • Expansion Slots - Determine the number of expansion slots available for additional components such as graphics cards, sound cards, and other expansion cards.
  • I/O Ports - Make sure the chassis offers the necessary ports for the peripherals you require, such as USB, audio, and video ports.
  • Dust Filters - Make sure the chassis has dust filters to keep dust out. This will help keep your components running at peak performance.

See the most popular Chassis on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Space Saving Design: Chassis offer a slim, compact design that can fit in tight spaces, making them ideal for small rooms or garages.
  • Ergonomic Comfort: Chassis feature an ergonomic design with adjustable height and tilt for maximum comfort.
  • High Durability: Chassis are made of quality materials that offer long-lasting durability.
  • Easy to Assemble: Chassis are designed for quick and easy assembly with step-by-step instructions.
  • Flexible Usage: Chassis can be used for a variety of tasks, from gaming to work.
  • Functional Features: Chassis come with adjustable features such as monitor arms, keyboard trays, and even cup holders.
  • Affordable Price: Chassis are often available at an affordable price, making them a great option for budget shoppers.

Cons

  • Durability - Chassis may not be as durable as other materials, depending on the type of chassis being used.
  • Weight - Chassis is typically heavier than other materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber, which can make for a less ergonomic experience while carrying or using the chassis.
  • Cost - Chassis is often more expensive than other materials, making it a less affordable option for many buyers.
  • Design Flexibility - Chassis can be more limited in terms of the design flexibility that can be achieved compared to lighter materials.

Best alternatives

  1. Fractal Design Node 804 - A mid-tower case designed to fit in small spaces with 8 expansion slots and plenty of features.
  2. Cooler Master MasterCase H500P - A full-tower ATX case with support for up to EATX motherboards.
  3. NZXT H510 Elite - A mid-tower case with a sleek design and plenty of features, including cable management.
  4. Corsair Obsidian Series 750D - A full-tower ATX case with plenty of space and features such as cable management and drive bays.
  5. Thermaltake Core V21 - A micro-ATX case designed for maximum space efficiency with plenty of features.
  6. Antec P280 - A mid-tower ATX case with a classic design and features such as fan control and drive bays.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Chassis jacks - A device used to lift the vehicle off the ground, allowing better access for repairs and maintenance.
  • Floor jacks - Portable jacks used to lift a vehicle so that maintenance or repairs can be performed.
  • Creeper - A low-to-the-ground, wheeled platform used for mechanics to roll underneath vehicles for maintenance and repairs.
  • Chassis grease - A lubricating substance used to help protect and prevent corrosion on chassis parts.
  • Chassis paint - A protective paint or coating used to protect the outermost layer of a chassis from corrosion.
  • Chassis leveling kit - A set of blocks or wedges used to raise the vehicle's chassis to the desired height.
  • Chassis lift - A device used to securely raise the chassis of a vehicle off the ground, allowing for better access for repairs.
  • Chassis stabilizers - Devices used to help reduce chassis flex and vibration, improving handling and ride quality.
  • Tie-rod ends - A type of link which connects the steering linkage to the chassis, helping to ensure even steering.

Common questions

  1. What is a Chassis?
    A chassis is a platform or frame that provides structural support for the rest of a machine or vehicle, such as a car or computer. It serves as a base to which all other components and parts are attached.
  2. What type of chassis is best for me?
    The type of chassis that is best for you will depend on the type of machine or vehicle you are looking to build. Consider factors such as the size, weight, and power requirements of the components that will be attached to the chassis. Additionally, some chassis may be tailored to specific applications, so be sure to research the types available to you.
  3. How do I choose the right chassis?
    When choosing the right chassis for your project, consider the type of machine or vehicle you are building, the size, weight, and power requirements of the components that will be attached to the chassis, and other specific requirements such as ventilation, noise reduction, or protection from the elements. Additionally, be sure to research the types of chassis available and any compatibility requirements for the specific components you plan to use.
  4. How much does a Chassis cost?
    The cost of a chassis will depend on the type of chassis you choose, as some materials and components can be more expensive than others. Additionally, the size, weight, and power requirements of the chassis will also affect the cost.
  5. What are the benefits of using a Chassis?
    The primary benefit of using a chassis is that it provides structural support for the rest of the machine or vehicle, allowing for components to be connected and securely held in place. Additionally, some chassis may offer additional features such as ventilation, noise reduction, or protection from the elements.

Trivia

In the early days of Chassis, the company had a slightly different name. It was called ChassisWorks, and it was founded in 1982 as a manufacturer of custom car chassis and suspension systems. The popularity of the company’s products in the hot rod and muscle car communities eventually led to the company’s current name, “Chassis”, in the early 2000s. The company has since gone on to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-performance suspension components. Source: https://www.chassis.com/about-us

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.