How important are cases?

So instead of getting everything new I thought I would just upgrade my current crappy computer.

So I'm wondering if cases matter too much because I plan on keeping a lot of the things in my computer like of course the case, but also the CD drive and the motherboard.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/include/AddCartfromGallery.asp?EdpNo=4555150&csid=ITD&Sku=M975-10065&imgcart=1 That's my case

I just opened it up my first PC so I have a few questions. Are integrated graphics cards already on the PCI slots, or are they integrated on the motherboard as the name implies? And can you remove the CPU without replacing the motherboard because what looks like a CPU (a fan with some glue-like substance under it) looks like you can't remove it. Thanks in advance.

You can remove the CPU from the mobo.

What upgrade r u planning 2 do? because that case looks really small, and even a GFX update might be impossible to do.

Depending on what case you have makes a big impact on how cool your system will stay. Also it will effect on the ability to fit larger cpu coolers, and gpus onto your mobo.

You can remove the CPU from the mobo.

What upgrade r u planning 2 do? because that case looks really small, and even a GFX update might be impossible to do.

Amith12

Depending on what case you have makes a big impact on how cool your system will stay. Also it will effect on the ability to fit larger cpu coolers, and gpus onto your mobo.

dackchaar

[QUOTE="dackchaar"]

Depending on what case you have makes a big impact on how cool your system will stay. Also it will effect on the ability to fit larger cpu coolers, and gpus onto your mobo.

brandontwb

You would just have to measure it, or just test it out yourself. Usually the deimensions are put online.

I looked at the rear of that case and I see a potential problem. The motherboard is mounted on the opposite side and is basically oriented upside-down. This in itself doesn't necessarily pose a problem but the motherboard may be propreitary. It means that it won't install in a standard PC case. The screw holes, slots, and ports may not line up with the standard PC cases.

Well if that is your case then I can only assume you own a Compaq Presario SR5710y.

I know most HP/compaq desktops come with uatx(micro atx) Mobo which use uatx power supplies....May want to check, but I am very positive your mobo is uatx which means you cannot use that power supply you were interested in.

In my opinion just buy a new desktop. Check out ecollegepc.com

2.8Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 3MB Cache FSB 1066
Stock Intel LGA775 Heatsink and Fan
FOXCONN M7PMX-S (GeForce 7100 Video, nForce 630i, HDMI, PCIEx, 8-Channel Audio, LAN, 4xSATA, 2xDDR2, 1333FSB)
4GB (2GBx2) PC6400 DDR2 800Mhz Memory Lifetime Warranty
500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA300
22X LG Dual Layer DVD+/-RW/CDRW w/Nero
512MB nVidia GeForce 9800GT GDDR3 PCI Express DVI/Tvout
Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3
Foxconn Black FX-TS001A (3 5.25, 5 3.5 bays) 2 Fans, Front Audio/USB
500watt Antec EarthWatts EA500
Onboard LAN included
Onboard Sound included
Standard 1 year parts and labor

Total pric: 671.00

Well if that is your case then I can only assume you own a Compaq Presario SR5710y.

I know most HP/compaq desktops come with uatx(micro atx) Mobo which use uatx power supplies....May want to check, but I am very positive your mobo is uatx which means you cannot use that power supply you were interested in.

In my opinion just buy a new desktop. Check out ecollegepc.com

2.8Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 3MB Cache FSB 1066
Stock Intel LGA775 Heatsink and Fan
FOXCONN M7PMX-S (GeForce 7100 Video, nForce 630i, HDMI, PCIEx, 8-Channel Audio, LAN, 4xSATA, 2xDDR2, 1333FSB)
4GB (2GBx2) PC6400 DDR2 800Mhz Memory Lifetime Warranty
500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA300
22X LG Dual Layer DVD+/-RW/CDRW w/Nero
512MB nVidia GeForce 9800GT GDDR3 PCI Express DVI/Tvout
Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3
Foxconn Black FX-TS001A (3 5.25, 5 3.5 bays) 2 Fans, Front Audio/USB
500watt Antec EarthWatts EA500
Onboard LAN included
Onboard Sound included
Standard 1 year parts and labor

Total pric: 671.00

eikast

I looked at the rear of that case and I see a potential problem. The motherboard is mounted on the opposite side and is basically oriented upside-down. This in itself doesn't necessarily pose a problem but the motherboard may be propreitary. It means that it won't install in a standard PC case. The screw holes, slots, and ports may not line up with the standard PC cases.

Rusteater

[QUOTE="eikast"]

Well if that is your case then I can only assume you own a Compaq Presario SR5710y.

I know most HP/compaq desktops come with uatx(micro atx) Mobo which use uatx power supplies....May want to check, but I am very positive your mobo is uatx which means you cannot use that power supply you were interested in.

In my opinion just buy a new desktop. Check out ecollegepc.com

2.8Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 3MB Cache FSB 1066
Stock Intel LGA775 Heatsink and Fan
FOXCONN M7PMX-S (GeForce 7100 Video, nForce 630i, HDMI, PCIEx, 8-Channel Audio, LAN, 4xSATA, 2xDDR2, 1333FSB)
4GB (2GBx2) PC6400 DDR2 800Mhz Memory Lifetime Warranty
500GB 7200RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA300
22X LG Dual Layer DVD+/-RW/CDRW w/Nero
512MB nVidia GeForce 9800GT GDDR3 PCI Express DVI/Tvout
Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3
Foxconn Black FX-TS001A (3 5.25, 5 3.5 bays) 2 Fans, Front Audio/USB
500watt Antec EarthWatts EA500
Onboard LAN included
Onboard Sound included
Standard 1 year parts and labor

Total pric: 671.00

brandontwb

That's my educated guess, i'm not 100% positive. Call compaq/HP to clarify.

9 times out of 10 your case will outlast your parts inside of it. So pick wisely.

If you're not building a gaming computer with big gpu's that produce a lot of heat, I wouldn't really worry about having a small case and constricted airflow. Your case is fine as long as you stick with modest gpu's, but make sure they physically fit in the case lol.