Putting "baby AT" motherboard on ATX case

[luisr]

Hi there! The power supply fan of my system is fried and I want to replace the case altogether, not just the fan or power supply alone.

My problem is, this is a "baby AT" motherboard and a few places I have searched online sell "ATX" cases. Question is, can I install a baby AT motherboard on an ATX case?

This is a Pentium 166MHz system I built myself and I am not ready (don't need to at this time) to upgrade to a faster system. What I have does what I need fast enough and expect to squeeze a bit more from it.

The case is about EIGHT years old. Yes, power supply is as old and has never caused any problem. Internal components are mostly two years old except for a hard drive which is quietly churning five years later.

I want a new case of about the same size (this is a mini-tower) due to space constraints, which will take my current hardware and will also work with whatever I get in the future whenever I upgrade the system.


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Thanks.

Luis...

[bailey]

I don't think so, the atx power supply has a differnt power connector, there are some motherboards that have both type at and atx connectors so that it will go in eather type of case, i would recommend going to the newer type atx case if you could because it is the format that all newer mother boards are going to, and some day you will be doing that to, just my best guess. it is a good time to upgrade

[Toaster]

Aside from power connections there are other differences. One being the "on/off" switch.
This switch is "momentary" on ATX class cases and on AT class cases the switch is a true "on and off" switch. ATX power switches (on the case) are not designed to "switch" the current but simply to let the system board and power supply that the user wishes to power up.
So, your problems in using an ATX case instead of an AT case for an AT system board has the following shortcomings:
1. Power switch design.
2. Power supply connections to the system board.
Options?
Install an AT supply with its switch in place of the existing ATX supply and ATX switch.
-or-
Install a AT supply with a switch on the rear of the supply and leave the ATX power supply switch disconected.

[This message has been edited by Toaster (edited 07-14-2000).]

[luisr]

It is more complex than I expected. Didn't know the switch thing. And since I don't want to upgrade the system for a while I will better find a replacement fan instead. I think it will be the solution for the time being.

I might be able to find used fan which might solve the problem.


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Thanks.

Luis...

[HAL9000]

An AT motherboard will physically go into an ATX case without any problems. If the power supply is ATX on the case, the motherboard must support an ATX power supply (some boards have connectors for both AT and ATX) so it depends on the board you are using. An AT power supply can be bolted into the ATX case as the mounting screws are in the same locations. Not really a big deal, just a bit of mix and match.

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If it ain't broke, you're not pushing hard enough!

[Xayd]

Well, there's nothing wrong with buying an AT case, and in fact, they're super cheap. I've seen them new as low as 20 bucks, with power supply.

I'd just be sure and get a 250 watt plus power supply, especially if you run alot of drives or extra cards (i.e. CDRW's, video accelerators, two hard drives, etc.).

Xayd

[glc]

Easiest and safest thing to do is just replace the power supply with another AT power supply.

[Smoke24]

Egghead still has AT cases and may even have the AT power supplies. The cases are pretty cheap. I have also seen them at Aberbid auction and at Ubid and they usually sell cheap at those also. Just watch the shipping charges!

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Take Smoke's advice as fact if it works and fiction if it don't!!!

[revelation]

I agree with glc. Although you could get a whole AT case for about the price of just the power supply, would would be placeing EVERYTHING into that new case. To replace just the power supply would do the trick.

[luisr]

The motherboard does not have the ATX power connector. Since I don't know how long I will keep the current setup I will stick with the case I have. A replacement power supply will do the trick. Someone offered me one.

I opened up the power supply to get to the fan and it seemed to work properly after I cleaned it. Put the whole thing back in place and the fan worked just a few minutes. It stalled again so until I get the other power supply the computer will be all cracked open with a fan blowing next to it.


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Thanks.

Luis...

[glc]

if you have already cracked the power supply to clean the fan, try opening it again, and this time spray a little WD-40 into the fan motor. Be VERY CAREFUL inside that power supply - hazardous voltages exist for many hours after unplugging it!!!!!

[Baitcaster]

luisr

If ya haven't read it yet, look at this BEFORE you mess with the insides of that power supply. http://www.pcmech.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/001510.html

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BAITCASTER

A bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work !!!!

Batteries NOT included !
Some assembly required.
FEED YOUR MIND mindbinge
The Bait Box
Reefland

[luisr]

I was aware about the high voltages present in the power supply but thanks for reminding any way. But it won't be necessary to open it again. Won't bother with it anymore. Just will replace the power supply. Perhaps a new fan is just a few bucks in Radio Shack but the person who offered the replacement power supply will give it to me.


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Thanks.

Luis...

[Xayd]

Don't forget to double check those colors too Luis, remember, black goes on the inside, or is it the other way around...



Xayd

[glc]

Black in the middle, yep.