Thinking of changing my case, have a couple of quick questions

[pjyelton]

Complete newbie here, have never done modding before save for adding a sound card and a graphics card. I currently have a 2 year old store bought Emachine system (yeah, I know they aren't very good but I got it before I knew ANYTHING about computers) and with the new componants its running pretty hot - as high as 60 for the main board - and the only way to keep the temperature down is to open up the side of the case since the current case has REALLY bad air flow.

I'm thinking about getting myself a new case, one with more fans and better airflow, but being a starving student I need to spend the least amount of money I can. I would love just to revamp the whole system but the budget just doesn't allow it beyond paying for a new case if I can help it. Having never modded before, is it possible to just buy a new case and transfer everything from this current case to the new one? Could I get just any case and expect everything to fit right? What are some of the pitfalls and what are the items that I would absolutely have to buy?

Thanks for the help, and again sorry for the newb questions!

 

[gordanfreeman]

having an old emachine myself, i know how terrible the airflow can be in those things. as for moving the components to a new case, it is possible, but you may have problems if the motherboard is not ATX formfactor. the motherboard on my old emachine is definatly smaller than standard ATX. i am not sure but if this is the case you may run into trouble while trying to mount the motherboard in the new case. not sure on that one but it is a possibility. otherwise though i would think it shouldnt be a problem, though.

 

[viivo]

I imagine it's a micro tower so the board is most likely mATX - it should fit into any ATX case, though you should check the specs of any case you are looking at to make sure.

 

[pjyelton]

Thanks for the help! This is probably a dumb question, but how do I check to see if my motherboard is ATX formfactor?

 

[viivo]

Here's a good guide dealing with form factors. Also if you saved the documentation that came with your PC it might list the specifications.

 

[Fern]

Another option might be to pick up a couple fans and add 'em to ur case. Last rig I built was on a budget, so I picked up cheapo $15 case. The airflow sucked, so I used a dremel and put a fan on the side blowing in and one on the top blowing out. Works like a charm

 

[Zepper]

formfactors.org has specs on ATX and microATX. Some older eMachines mobos had a unitized front panel connector that might be hard to make work with standard front panel connections - you will definitely need a pinout diagram for that connector. Other than that, they were standard micro ATX form factor.
. IMO, a good case design with excellent airflow potential is the Antec SLK3700AMB/Compucase 6A19 (twins under the skin). See coolcases.com. Not cheap, but not outrageously expensive either.
.bh.