Recomendations for (free) simple CAD software

I was interested in building my own computer case so that I could have a unit that would more closely fit into my available space, given the components that I have. To this end, I have been making sketches on paper, but have not been happy with the inexact view this provides. What I was hoping to find is a simple (and free) Windows-based 3D CAD program that would allow me to define the size and shape of components and then move them around, so I could check out different placement options.

I know that around 20 years ago this type of software was all over the place. Does anyone have recommendations on what to use today?

Google Sketchup? I downloaded it but haven’t messed with it too much. It looks pretty useful. There is a library of models out there for it too.

Give Google’s SketchUp a try. I haven’t done much beyond doodling and it certainly isn’t AutoCAD, but it may work well for your needs. It’s got both free and pro versions.

ETA: Simulrecomendation!

Wow! Thanks guys.

But of course, Google has a free solution for this. After all it is something I could use, and they have cornered the market on free things that are extremely useful. I should have looked there first. :smack:

It will take me a bit to get up to speed on how it works, but I already see that other people have created projects similar to what I wanted to do. Using one of the existing models as a basis will save me a great deal of time.

I also recommend Google Sketchup. My brother used it frequently during his first years of his architectural education.