Term for main part of desktop computer

Solution 1:

That 'part' is the computer. The other devices you describe are peripherals connected to it.

If the form factor is a traditional, vertical case, as pictured, 'tower' is often used as well. And of course, if you're looking for a term specifically for the housing, well, that'd be the 'case'.

Solution 2:

The outer box can be called any of the following:

  • computer case
  • computer chassis
  • tower
  • system unit
  • base unit

Though most of the times, people would refer it by just chassis or 'CPU' which is technically incorrect but widely accepted.