AT form factor?

[Match]

My parents' computer recently died, and I'm going to be upgrading it for them. The processor is a 200 MHz AMD, and I can't find a name on the motherboard. I want to re-use the case if I can, but I don't think it's an ATX formfactor. My question is how can I tell? There's not really a backplate, just holes in the case itself for plugs on the motherboard to fit through. Also, this motherboard only takes a pre-PS2 type keyboard. Is this pre-ATX, or just microATX or something else I'm not familiar with? Thanks

 

[Demon-Xanth]

The ATX and ATX based form factors have a back plate area. The AT forms generally didn't have this and often had connectors located on the back of the case itself. The power supply is also most likely different, with the twin 6 pin connectors (similar to the auxilary connector that the early P4s required) instead of the 20 pin. That is the easiest way to check. Most likely, you'll have to plunk down $30 and get a cheapo case w/ power supply.

 

[RaiderJ]

I can't ever remember seeing an ATX motherboard that had an AT style keyboard adapter (which is the predeccesor to the PS/2 adapter). Plus, given that your processor is that old (and slow), I can't imagine an ATX board that would even support it.

In any case, you'll be much better off just buying or building a new system. There is no way that you could upgrade that system to anything terribly useful without wasting dough.

If your parents were happy with that system until it died, I would suggest getting them a cheapo Dell system, if you aren't comfortable building one. Commercially built systems are quick, easy, and have warranties, which would free you from worrying about a bad part, or something put together improperly.