How hard is it to transplant an entire gateway computer into a new case.

[coolred]

My friend bought a gateway 700S, but he would prefer to move the components over to an antec case, like a 1040SX. He wants my help and I told him I would, but one thing i am wondering, will we encounter any problems since it is a gateway computer, or do they use a standard ATX motherboard with standard screw hole layout and stuff? One thing he mentioned to me is that the gateway MB uses pem studs to mount the MB, can these be used in the new case to mount it, or can they be easily removed in order to use the standard mounting studs that will come with the case.I also realized according to this pic that the MB has a slightly differant I/O layout then I have seen. Will there be an I/O cutout that will fit that MB? I know I got the Antec 1030B a while back and it fits my ECS K7S5A, but isn't the NIC port generally right beside, or in line with the 2 USB ports beside the keyboard and mouse ports? His has the 2 USB ports, but thenhas 2 more and the NIC port down around where maybe the onboard audio is on some MB's. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[godmare]

Isn't there a cutout plate in the gateway case for the motherboard?

 

[coolred]

I have not seen it yet, there are obviously holes int he back for the ports to stick out through, but I'm not sure if they are just cut out of the case metal or if its a removable backplate.

 

[CaptnKirk]

Boy oh boy, looking at the Specs and "Customize" features for the 700S, thats a pantfull of money to pay for a system you are gonna canabalize !

He could have build a "Scratch" for a little over 1/2 the price = that can flat outperform it - and have upgrade options galore for the difference.

There is some "Propriatory' stuff there, don't know how much, probably not as confining as a Dell, Dude. Not as cheesy as the HP's.

 

[coolred]

I tried to convince him to build rather then buy, but in the end with the economy the way it is and prices, building doesn't save as much as it used to. Hes not canabalizing it, he is taking everything from it and putting it in a new case, the only thing not being reused is the gateway case. Also could you give me an exact component list with prices and place of purchase for that system you can build for 1/2 the price that will out perform it. I am not saying i don't believe you, but it just seems to be it would be very hard with prices where they are. Keep in mind you need to make sure every part has a 3 year warranty or better, since his computer does, it also has to include a full copy of XP Pro, his also comes with the Sims, but you don't have to worry about that since it was a free add on. thanks


Oh and can anyone help me find a I/O backplate that will fit his config of ports. He said he found one for a few bucks, but that they want 9.00 to ship it, and he said it was hard to find.

Edit:

I am including his part list as far as I know it. He has a P4 2.4, 512MB Rdram, Geforce Ti 4200, SB Audigy(or do they come with audigy 2's yet?) 60GB 7200RPM hard drive, 48x CDRW, 16x DVD drive

 

[styrafoam]

The last Gateway I worked on had a proprietary header for all of the case connection wires on the motherboard. The power switch, reset, speaker, etc. were all put together into 1 plug, if that is his situation it may be difficult, or impossible.

 

[coolred]

Thanks, I will look into that

 

[coolred]

Also i have come across this pic from the gateway site, talking about a 6 pin power connector that is required for the MB to work. I know the P4's require that extra 4 pin connector, which is on P4 compatiable PSU's, but that 6 pin connector is likely a gateway thing right? Therefore an Antec PSU is not gonna have that connector.

 

[coolred]

Maybe I am wrong, antecs site lists the true power 330watt as having a 6 pin connector, is that the same one as the one the motherboard needs.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Your friend may void his 3 year warranty if he moves his components to a new case. He should check with GW first.

 

[nick1985]

why do you need to put it in a new case to begin with??? to make your firend think he doesnt still own a gateway???

 

[CaptnKirk]

I ran the 'Customize your Computer' on the Gateway site, it priced out at $ 1,778.00 = less the 2nd optical drive,
and did not include Tax (Approx $ 130) and freight. That comes to $ 1,911 without the freight or the other optical drive.
They offer LONG TERM Financing, which is another hit as $ 50 /Mo X 36 Mo (3 yrs) is only $ 1,800.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: CaptnKirk
I ran the 'Customize your Computer' on the Gateway site, it priced out at $ 1,778.00 = less the 2nd optical drive,
and did not include Tax (Approx $ 130) and freight. That comes to $ 1,911 without the freight or the other optical drive.
They offer LONG TERM Financing, which is another hit as $ 50 /Mo X 36 Mo (3 yrs) is only $ 1,800.

that is a rip-off

 

[coolred]

I think he is giving up on the idea, i don't fully know why he wanted to do it. I know he said something about wanting a bigger power supply and a front mounted fan, but beyond that I'm not sure. He said that when a part is defective they just require that part to be shipped back, so he thinks the warranty is not a problem, I myself wouldn't trust that, and I told him this, but he seems okay with it.

I know he paid a lot less then that, he did not get any monitor with it, so don't add that on, also I didn't mention that he got it discounted since we work for UPS, so take an extra 15% off.