How to Open a Gateway Desktop
By Gregory Hamel
Gateway is a popular manufacturer of desktop personal computers that uses special tower cases for its computers that open differently from standard cases, which are simply screwed on from the back. Gateway cases have easy-release systems that often make it possible to open the case without using a screwdriver.
How you open the case depends on what type of Gateway desktop you have. There are there common types of cases: the new Gateway midtower cases have a panel covering the disk drives, the microtower case is a smaller case without a gray accent panel on the top, and the older midtower cases are somewhat larger than the microtower case and have a gray accent on the top of the case.
E-Series Midtower Case
Step 1
Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.
Step 2
Look for a release handle on the top of the new midtower case.
Step 3
Push the release handle inward.
Step 4
Swing the case down from the top to open it.
Microtower Case
Step 1
Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.
Step 2
Lay the computer down so that the left side is face up.
Step 3
Locate two cover release levers on the back of the case toward the middle of the left side panel.
Step 4
Squeeze the release levers together, then lift the panel up, swinging it away from the back of the case.
5 and 6-Bay Midtower Cases
Step 1
Turn off the power and unplug the power cord.
Step 2
Lay the computer on its side, so that the left side panel is face up.
Step 3
Remove any retaining screws along the left side of the back of the case that are holding the panel in place. These screws may be removed with your fingers.
Step 4
Locate two release levers at the top and bottom of the back side of the case, and push them away from each other.
Step 5
Swing the panel up and away from the case to open it while holding the release levers.
References
Tips
- Note that the retaining screws for Gateway's micro uBTX series of cases are located on the right-side panel instead of the left. Nevertheless, the process used to open the case is the same as with 5 or 6-bay midtower cases.
- Do not use too much force when opening the case; it shouldn't take a lot of power to remove the side panel.
- If you touch components inside the case, also touch the case periodically to dissipate static buildup.
Writer Bio
Gregory Hamel has been a writer since September 2008 and has also authored three novels. He has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from St. Olaf College. Hamel maintains a blog focused on massive open online courses and computer programming.