Re: Shopping for barebone kits

That falls squarely in the 'it depends' category. If the case is pre-IO
shield then yes, a new case is definitely needed. If it does use an IO
shield then there's a good chance the case will be OK. That said,
ideally for a newer system the case will also have a side (if tower) or
top (if desktop) air vent. The Intel CPU cooler lines up with it
directly although it really is optional (it allows a direct feed of
outside air to the CPU cooler, which should bring cooler air across the
heat sink v. air that's already slightly heated by being in the PC case
already).

IO shield in the lower left. It goes on the back of the case where the
keyboard, mouse, etc. plug in.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=13-127-030-06.jpg&;
Image=13-127-030-02.jpg%2c13-127-030-03.jpg%2c13-127-030-04.jpg%2c13-127
-030-05.jpg%2c13-127-030-06.jpg%2c13-127-030-07.jpg%2c13-127-030-08.jpg&
S7ImageFlag=0&Depa=1&Description=ABIT+IP35+Pro+ATX+Intel+Motherboard

The IO shield goes in the IO panel area:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=11-129-032-09.jpg&;
Image=11-129-032-05.jpg%2c11-129-032-02.jpg%2c11-129-032-15.jpg%2c11-129
-032-03.jpg%2c11-129-032-08.jpg%2c11-129-032-16.jpg%2c11-129-032-10.jpg%
2c11-129-032-09.jpg%2c11-129-032-12.jpg%2c11-129-032-07.jpg%2c11-129-032
-13.jpg%2c11-129-032-11.jpg%2c11-129-032-14.jpg&S7ImageFlag=0&Depa=1&Des
cription=Antec+NSK4480B+Black+Computer+Case

The upper air vent in this pic is what I'm referring to:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=11-129-032-03.jpg&;
Image=11-129-032-05.jpg%2c11-129-032-02.jpg%2c11-129-032-15.jpg%2c11-129
-032-03.jpg%2c11-129-032-08.jpg%2c11-129-032-16.jpg%2c11-129-032-10.jpg%
2c11-129-032-09.jpg%2c11-129-032-12.jpg%2c11-129-032-07.jpg%2c11-129-032
-13.jpg%2c11-129-032-11.jpg%2c11-129-032-14.jpg&S7ImageFlag=0&Depa=1&Des
cription=Antec+NSK4480B+Black+Computer+Case