Hawkstrong16 Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 Since my laptop failure I have been looking at just getting a new motherboard for one of my old cases that I have(I have a pretty old Gateway, and a Pretty old Dell) and I was wondering about how to install one in to my old case. I have played around with stuff like this before but not enough to know what I'm doing. I have most everything I'll need to put together a computer, I just will need the motherboard and processor. My dad and I have been able to find motherboards and processors at good prices. But neither of us know enough about it to be sure of what we're getting. I also don't know if I can put a processor in myself or not? Thank you very much for any help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingerhs Posted December 12, 2009 Share Posted December 12, 2009 it doesn't take much. for starters, check the cases configuration to see if its ATX, micro-ATX, or something really weird like BTX. unfortunately, you probably won't be able to tell through a specification or the like. as such, you'll need to look at the layout of the old motherboard and even break out some sort of measuring device so you can get the dimensions. for specifics on the differences between ATX and BTX, check here and then check here. once you have that sorted out, actually installing the motherboard is a pretty simple process. just take the old one out, but don't remove the standoff bolts that should still be attached to the motherboard tray. you'll also want to the remove the connector cover (usually a metal tray that covers the spaces between all the connectors on the back of the motherboard) and then snap the new tray in its place. with that part complete, test fit the new motherboard to see where the standoffs need to be. with any luck, you won't have to remove any of the old standoffs, and you'll be able to screw the motherboard into position. two things to consider though: some manufacturers use different types of fasteners for the motherboard mounts to make the motherboard a more permanent attachment. these can be removed, but you'll either need special tools or brute force (ie, a power drill). as for the CPU installation, don't worry about it since its pretty fool-proof. all CPU's are installed with some sort of a zero force insertion socket. all you have to do is to line up the arrow on one corner of the CPU and a corner marked on the socket, and it should just drop in place. the main differences lie with whether you get an AMD or an Intel processor since AMD still uses pins while Intel uses very tiny ball connectors. and as for getting the new motherboard and processor, the main thing to watch for is to make sure that the CPU and the motherboard are compatible via what kind of socket the CPU uses. this is much more important if you choose an Intel processor since they usually release a new socket specification with every major line of processors. with AMD, its less important since they put a lot of effort to make sure their new CPU's will work with older sockets, but its still a good idea to check. anyways, hope that helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawkstrong16 Posted December 13, 2009 Author Share Posted December 13, 2009 That did help. Thanks stingerhs! One of the other questions I have. What about connecting the power/reset switch(s) from the case to the motherboard? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingerhs Posted December 13, 2009 Share Posted December 13, 2009 usually, the connectors are labeled (ie, PWR, RESET, HDD, etc) no matter what, so you shouldn't have to worry about that part. as for the actual connection, just refer to the motherboard manual that comes with the new motherboard. they always have a wiring diagram for that bit which makes it relatively simple. the hard part is actually connecting the wires to the pins. if you have big fingers like me, just use a pair of needle-nose pliers from the start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawkstrong16 Posted December 13, 2009 Author Share Posted December 13, 2009 I have to say it sounds a lot more simple then I thought it would be. Now all I have to do is find myself a motherboard and CPU and I should be all set. I would like a duel-core at least 2.4Ghz with a half decent board for under $200US Anything more then that and I might as well get a whole computer. You have been a big help, thank you! I'll post here again if I have anymore questions. Edit: I was thinking about this for my unit http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5024445&CatId=14 My only question about it is that it says it has a 8 pin PC power connector. The power supply I will be putting in doesn't have a 8 pin connector. The supply is a Power 450W My second choice was this http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5353309&Sku=B69-3271 Let me know what you think Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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