dannyshutters Posted June 6, 2011 Posted June 6, 2011 I am looking at changing my tower case to something more modern and would like to know if I have to look for a case with the same number of ports etc. Is it the case that as long as the new case is at least the same size or bigger then my existing gubbings will fit. Here's the spec of my system below, I know it's not the best but it's enough for what we need!! Dell Dimension 5150. 160gb SATA HD Pent 4 Proc. 3.0ghz 2gb DDR2 Mem. Floppy. DVD-/+ RW all in one drive. PCI wireless card. 7 USB to rear, 2 USB to front. If anybody could recommend anything suitable it would be much appreciated - I'm struggling!! Thanks guys n gals.:) Quote
KenB Posted June 7, 2011 Posted June 7, 2011 Hi, I am pretty sure that Dell do not use standard ATX motherboards. So - if you swapped the case you would need a new m/board too. And a repair install of XP. Dell PSUs are also ( often ) non-standard. Quote There is an email going around offering processed pork - gelatin - and salt in a can ......this is simply SPAM !! MiniToolBoxNetwork TestWireless Test
dannyshutters Posted June 7, 2011 Author Posted June 7, 2011 Thanks Ken, I've emailed a company that supply nice cases and have said basically if everything is standard ATX then its just a matter of take off and bolt on. However, they also said I may need a new motherboard for £35? I'm awaiting their response as regards returning the item if it isn't correct so hopefully I will be able to answer precisely if it's possible. I feel like I'm opening a can of worms here for the sake of making the PC look a little better!! Many thanks for your reply and hope to update soon..... Quote
KenB Posted June 7, 2011 Posted June 7, 2011 Hi, I have been doing a bit of reading and your Dell has a BTX form factor board. Most cases are ATX and they are not compatible. There are BTX cases about and you may be able to find a dual BTX / ATX case. Remeber your old PSU may not be compatible with the new case. If you find a case that is compatible you should not need a new motherboard. Quote There is an email going around offering processed pork - gelatin - and salt in a can ......this is simply SPAM !! MiniToolBoxNetwork TestWireless Test
dannyshutters Posted June 7, 2011 Author Posted June 7, 2011 Hi again, Once again, thanks a lot Ken, I'm getting more help from you than maybe the 5 or 6 firms I've emailed!! Given what you've already posted for me, would I be right in assuming the best way would be to buy an ATX case and new motherboard? Also looking at the spec of my system, I think it is a 305W PSU so should I get a new one and bigger rated? or same rating. Thanks Ken and any more insight off anybody else would be much appreciated. Quote
dannyshutters Posted June 7, 2011 Author Posted June 7, 2011 I think I'm starting to understand that this is turning into something a bit more than I thought as it seems to be leading to another issue once I've got my head round the previous one!! If I have to get a new motherboard ( I take it ATX ) which one should I get because there are hundreds!! I won't be doing any serious gaming etc, I just want the system to look and work well. If I change the motherboard, will I then have a problem with my OS? I'm getting stressed now!! Can someone please advise on the easiest way forward now without breaking the bank and becoming to indepth. Thankyouuuuuuuuu!!!!!! Quote
KenB Posted June 7, 2011 Posted June 7, 2011 The easiest way forward is to find a case that fits your motherboard. BTX. There are very few about. Be aware that if the case comes without a PSU you need a BTX PSU too. 305Watt - depends what you are running. If you are thinking of upgrading your Video Card then you would probably need a new PSU too. If you do buy an ATX case - you will need a new motherboard. If you don't have the original Operating Installation Disk you will need to buy a new OS too. Seems to me a big expense to see no improvement in performance. Have you thought of asking an artist friend to customise the original case for you? Quote There is an email going around offering processed pork - gelatin - and salt in a can ......this is simply SPAM !! MiniToolBoxNetwork TestWireless Test
dannyshutters Posted June 7, 2011 Author Posted June 7, 2011 Well Ken, your last comment had crossed my mind and I think it could be the way forward!! I've just spent thousands on our new bedroom and basically didn't want anything to let the overall look down, the desktop was a token gesture as we already use 2 laptops in the house!! However, maybe for the spare room I might get another barebones system and have a play, pc building looks and sounds expensive but I'm starting to find it a bit more intriguing the more I look into it. I might do a boys toys games room if the Mrs will let me. lol. Would just like to say thanks for all your help, nice to know people are actually bothered and interested!. Thanks. Quote
KenB Posted June 7, 2011 Posted June 7, 2011 You are welcome. The extra expense just doesn't make sense :) Quote There is an email going around offering processed pork - gelatin - and salt in a can ......this is simply SPAM !! MiniToolBoxNetwork TestWireless Test
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