Finding Motherboard to fit case

Velocity2gs · Nov 24, 2004, 12:12 PM

How do I find a motherboard to fit my already existing case?

Its not really my computer, its my mom's, I was thinking for christmas I could buy her a new motherboard (And some ram if the current mismatches).

She currently has a 800mhz Celeron cpu. And the case is a HP Pavilion XT 849, if that matters. Im guessing I will have to take some measurements or something, I would just like to know where to start.

davidnsibs · Nov 24, 2004, 12:44 PM

well, the first thing is do you want to use the same cpu, and if so, you have to get a motherboard with the correct socket (different generations often have different sockets). you'll have to find out what your mums is, i know there was a socket 370 celeron 800mhz, but not sure if that was the only one (?) these are a little out of date now so may be hard to find (earlier pentium 4s used socket 478 and now they use lga775 and there the ones you see most of the time now). as for fitting in the case, all pc motherboards/cases/power supplies for ages have used a 'form factor' called ATX which basically means they'll fit in together nicely, so should be no worries there.

anyway, after all that, is there anything in particular that makes you want to upgrade your motherboard? it may be that the one youve got is about as good as you'll get with that processor, but a great way to help overall pc performance is more RAM, so i'd say that'd be possibly a better thing to look at if theres space for it

Judas · Nov 24, 2004, 02:35 PM

it may be easy to go to HPs website and find out the spec list on it.... IT may be Micro or MINI or just flat out ATX

And it might be easier and in some cases worth it to get a new cpu coupled with the new motherboard.... Todays prices for new stuff for the slowest/budget stuff is insanely low.....

earth4x · Nov 24, 2004, 08:31 PM

computers built by IBM,COMPAQ,HP are ALWAYS minitowers... well in my experience they were

the problem with this is that a regular board won't fit in it and if you want to upgrade something in the comp you need to buy a better powersupply and since it's a minitower it's gonna cost ya 200$ for like 250W and it's pretty damn hard to find a minitower powersupply.

Geminiwave · Nov 25, 2004, 01:49 AM

compaq usually uses full ATX boards. HP does not though they are getting slightly better these days.

IBM also often uses full boards, though honestly why would you pay like $2000 for an IBM? "I've Been Mugged" anyone?

Judas · Nov 25, 2004, 03:05 AM

Compaq and HP use whatever they want, and generally build the machine in such a way as the damn pin holes don't match up.....

One compaq had a micro... another a full... i've seen a mini in a full ATX case..

When dealing with prebuilts.... always keep in mind that your most likely going to be pushing the bolder up hill every step you take....