New MB into old case

[NJC]

I want to fit this MB:

into an older case, similar to this:

Of course the USB and ethernet ports don't have a knockout. I'm guessing I could knock the whole panel out - has anyone done this?

 

[MGregoir]

If they are both ATX it should work, usually you have to swap the whole panel regardless. I know new boards include a new panel.

Make sure ventialtion is adequate, as newer ATX boards require extra processor and video card ventilation hopenings.

 

[uc50ic4more]

First off, I don't see an image of the mobo, just the case...

EDIT: I refreshed the page and the mobo image automagically appeared.

Most mobo's and cases adhere to the ATX spec, and they're, for the most part, entirely interchangeable. I say "for the most part" because of knockouts, cases sizes, power supply sizes, PCI card sizes, etc. sometimes preclude you from getting a mobo into a case.

I do this very, very often as I kludge together Frankensystems.

 

[uc50ic4more]

Originally Posted By: MGregoir
Make sure ventialtion is adequate, as newer ATX boards require extra processor and video card ventilation hopenings.


This advice is probably mission critical: I'd grab a few of the cheapest or quietest fans I could and duct tape or twist tie (or mount properly) them in place to keep air flow moving.

 

[NJC]

The case I have has 2 fans (+ power supply fan) so ventilation should be adequate. MB is an Asus M2A-VM:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=23404&vpn=M2A-VM&manufacture=ASUS#Specifications

 

[SLCraig]

You'll be fine. Might have to remove a screw or 2 from the previous board (if it was ATX), and the back I/O shield will come with the new MB in the box. Should be aces!

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

New boards come with slot covers. Looks much like the one I bought recently.

 

[NJC]

Thanks very much gentlemen ... the last MB I upgraded was a 486DX/33 to a 486DX2/66 back in 1994.

I hadn't even heard of an I/O shield.

 

[MysticGold04]

Upgrading to an AMD 64X2 processor? Hopefully I will be doing the same later this year and ditch my P4 3ghz Sony desktop. Yes, I totally agree with mounting fans in the spots that are empty. You also might need to upgrade your power supply depending on if it will support that motherboard as well.

 

[NJC]

The power supply is rated 420W max, which should be well beyond what I'll be using. And indeed, I'll looking at AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Dual Core Processor AM2 2.7GHZ. Not the best of course, but I'm not gaming and it should be a bleedin' lot faster than a 2000 AMD 1.3Ghz Duron.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

NewEgg has your processor for $62, free shipping:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103210

MB for $79
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131324


I suggest going one step up from the MB you were looking at as it has only the 1000mhz HT bus. The MB for $79 has a 2600mhz HT bus. I looked at the very same MB due to cost, but wound up buying the $79 item as it has more modern spec's. It's running XP and Ubuntu now very happily

Here's a link that compares the two side-by-side:
Like new NewEgg comparing the two Asus MB's

 

[MysticGold04]

Originally Posted By: NJC
The power supply is rated 420W max, which should be well beyond what I'll be using. And indeed, I'll looking at AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Dual Core Processor AM2 2.7GHZ. Not the best of course, but I'm not gaming and it should be a bleedin' lot faster than a 2000 AMD 1.3Ghz Duron.

Yes, the machine I intend to upgrade is an AMD Athlon 1.1Ghz. (Socket A) It has been solid for many years and still is a great machine, just not fast enough for me.

 

[NJC]

Originally Posted By: ToyotaNSaturn
NewEgg has your processor for $62, free shipping:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103210

MB for $79
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131324


I suggest going one step up from the MB you were looking at as it has only the 1000mhz HT bus. The MB for $79 has a 2600mhz HT bus. I looked at the very same MB due to cost, but wound up buying the $79 item as it has more modern spec's. It's running XP and Ubuntu now very happily


Great info, thanks!

I had a look at newegg.ca and the newer MB and 5200 processor is $92 and $68, respectively. And I'll also be running XP and Ubuntu so good to hear it's compatible.

 

[daves66nova]

Just curious, have you seen anyone have a running comp with no case? Like all the parts laid out on a desk?

 

[MGregoir]

They actually sell test bench trays with all the mounting points for the mainboard as well as a hard drive and optical drive.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: daves66nova
Just curious, have you seen anyone have a running comp with no case? Like all the parts laid out on a desk?


I've mounted them in boxes and drawers and all kinds of fun places

 

[Oldmoparguy1]

Originally Posted By: daves66nova
Just curious, have you seen anyone have a running comp with no case? Like all the parts laid out on a desk?


I've done that. Was testing several boxes of used parts to see what worked.

 

[uc50ic4more]

Originally Posted By: daves66nova
Just curious, have you seen anyone have a running comp with no case? Like all the parts laid out on a desk?


Well, if what you're getting at in general is the concept of an open case, the Antec Skeleton may be just the ticket: http://www.futurelooks.com/antec-skeleton-open-air-case-review/

 

[NJC]

I'd appreciate comments on this board. Asus/Intel LGA 775 with following:

Chipsets
North Bridge Intel G31
South Bridge Intel ICH7

Asus P5KPL-CM

The only down side is the 2 mem slots. Although I do like the ASUS M3A78-EM, it only has 1 PS/2 slot and no serial port for my external USR (I know I know

)

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

As you said, the only downside is the memory as it only supports 4GB of it with those 2 slots.

Otherwise, it has favorable reviews, offers a fast FSB speed and contains a decent 2D graphics chip, the Intel 3100. Don't expect to play games on it though. You'll need to pop in another video board to do that.

I believe this chip will work in this MB to make it nice & fast for you:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037