New Life for an Old Box

[spudsky]

Hey folks --

I’m looking to build a reasonable (read cheap!) system using an 5-yr-old HP desktop as the starting point. I plan to REUSE the case & power supply, optical drives & maybe HDD if compatible. Also sound card, etc, if it has a decent one - I haven’t got it in hand yet…

I’ll be buying a NEW mobo & chipset, maybe another HDD, etc. Some great deals around on newegg, including this bundle:

AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core
Plus
BIOSTAR N68S3+ AM3 NVIDIA MCP68S Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
For about $120.

I’ve never used AMD or Biostar (mostly Intel & Asus) but I hear good things. Can anyone tell me whether these would be a good match -- & whether they’ll do the job?

Are there other issues I’m forgetting (form factor, of course, but I’ll measure that before I buy)

Really appreciate the help -- as always!!

[mattaggie]

you need to specify exactly what old HP model you are using. Im pretty sure not many on here are going to recommend Biostar. Its usually Asus, Intel or Gigabyte.

[jdeb]

Model number of PC. Depending on model, it is usually not advantageous to upgrade but lets get some specs out of the way so we can proceed to help you.

[David M]

If you are trying to save money then there are cases for under $30. You then don't have to worry about your old HP case being ATX compatible.

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Computer Cases, case

[glc]

I also would never reuse a HP power supply.

Biostar boards are about the only cheapies I trust.

[mattaggie]

Ive used a few Biostars for cheap builds and had no issues.

[spudsky]

OK, thanks much for the advice!
I didn't think reusing the case, power supply, etc. would cause any problems...
(Is there any particular issue that is known to be trouble?)

I will repost when I have exact info for you.

[glc]

Name brand OEM cases don't always have a standard motherboard mounting system or removable I/O shields. Name brand OEM's generally use cheap low power PSU's that can't handle anything stronger than what the computer came with.

Reusing hard drives is generally no problem, but the operating system has to be reinstalled from legal media - the OEM load and/or recovery disks can't be used. Opticals can be reused in a different case as long as they have standard front bezels.

Bottom line - it's never a good idea to try to do any major upgrades to a name brand OEM computer, it's always best to build a whole new machine - ESPECIALLY if you are trying to make a gaming machine.

[edfair]

OEMs also tend to have special off-board connector layouts that won't match what comes with the new motherboard.

Better to go with a new case and power supply. The opticals with special bezels generally fit into the case OK but either have no dust protection or stick out where they matched the previous case.

[spudsky]

More on (moron?) the idea of building a new “utilitarian-type” computer in an old enclosure with some re-used parts:

Here’s what I have:

1) a HP Pavilion 310n box, with Bestec 150 W power supply, takes mobo sized about 7” x 9”
2) a Gateway essential 700 box, with NPS-200PB 200W power supply by Newton Power, takes mobo sized about 8” x 12”

plus optical drives, sound card, etc…

I was thinking of buying the following mobo & chipset:

AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core
Plus
BIOSTAR N68S3+ AM3 NVIDIA MCP68S Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
For about $120.

(I’ve never used AMD or Biostar (mostly Intel & Asus) but I hear some good things. Would these be a good match? Would the do the job?)

I think I see why the previous posters discouraged me from using the old HP - the power supply is dinky and the box is tight. However, it’s only a slight exaggeration to say that the old gateway box could double as a spare closet.

What do you think: Box OK? Power supply reasonable? A crazy idea?

Thanks a whole lot for your help!

[David M]

Is it worth your time to spend hours cutting, drilling and grinding away at a factory case in order to force it to meet ATX standards?

You can buy ATX enclosures for under $40.

[glc]

Pitch both cases and power supplies. Neither one is suitable for an upgrade.

Threads merged.

[rwest]

I reused an HP case before, but there are complications.

1. The backplate is one,(already mentioned though), you will 'have to' cut the case.

2. You will 'have to' replace the PSU. You will need to be sure of clearance for the new PSU. You may be restricted to specific dimensions or under. I did.

3. The MB I used lined up fine with the existing mounts, but this may have been a lucky shot with mine.

4. The front connectors for usb and audio are propietary. You will 'have to'modify the connectors.

5. You may have to modify the case for additional cooling. The case I had, only had a rear fan. I ended up cutting the side panel and installing an intake fan. The front part had to many non flat surfaces to attempt it.

I wouldn't reccomend reusing a retail case to anyone after doing it myself. I'd rather get a cheap case for 19.99 first. It's just not worth the effort it takes.

[jdeb]

Get a new case and powersupply to save yourself a lot of headache... unless you are modding the case.

[spudsky]

ok!

I'm in complete agreement about HP box. But maybe I should have indicated that I wouldn't necessarily object to trying a little case modding on the gateway. I will look into that (don't see a forum for that here). I might even try the old case & buy a new one if it doesn't work...

I take it that the forum feels the 250W power supply isn't adequate (or reliable) enough for the new mobo (+HDD, etc) I specified? But otherwise, the mobo/chipset is OK for a basic machine?

[David M]

A 250 watt cheapo PSU won't even be good enough for onboard video. Buy a quality PSU with a little bit more than barely enough power.

Power supply calculator...
What Power Supply should I get? How many Watts? Who made it? Guide Inside.

[glc]

If a standard ATX power supply won't fit in the case, don't even bother thinking about modding it.

[spudsky]

right. thanks to all for the straightforward advice. that's why we love you guys.