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Determining Case size?

G

GreatestOne

Limp Gawd
Joined
May 15, 2005
Messages
488
Hey guys... I have been building systems for the last decade or so, but I never really paid attention to the case layout, meaning what does an ATX or a mini case actually look like, to the exact dimensions... I always bought all the components together so it was never a problem. However recently, I have come across some friends' old Celerons, and they have nice cases, so I am deciding to keep them, and I need to determine the case size and the motherboard type in case I can fit a P4/Athlon in there for a cheapie. So

- How do I know the case size for the corresponding MB to fit just by looking at it if it has no markings or labels?

- How do I know what chipset/CPU's the current MB supports? I know some say it right there, but some dont.

- One more thing... is there a cheap or free program out there that tests each individual components for reliability? I.e., if a system keeps crashing and has no error message and no unusual sounds, how can I test between the MB, CPU and memory? I know I can just exchange parts, but I dont always have Celeron chips or DDR 133's lying around you know?

Thanks!
 
GreatestOne said:
- How do I know the case size for the corresponding MB to fit just by looking at it if it has no markings or labels?
Click to expand...
You don't. You look at the motherboard area, and hope the standoffs are in the ATX layout. You'll know if they're in the ATX layout if they match up with the holes in your motherboard. That, or you can compare it to schematics on line, or compare to a case you have already.

If the backpanel has 7 expansion slots, and the area where the motherboard sits is roughly a foot tall (11-13") it should be ATX. I wasn't around for AT... so I have no idea what generation of hardware ran on AT.

If the backpanel has 4 expansion slots, the case is probably very short (no more than 20" in total). mATX.

- How do I know what chipset/CPU's the current MB supports? I know some say it right there, but some dont.
Click to expand...
Not sure if the BIOS specifies. It might. It largely depends on the socket anyways.


Not sure about the last question. There's POST error cards, but otherwise, its down to troubleshooting.
 
Nobody has used the AT form factor for a very long time, so unless you're looking at something more than 10 years old, you'll have either a standard ATX or uATX form factor. For testing components, you might consider the Ultimate Boot CD, which comes with quite a few utilities for that purpose.

As far as CPU support goes, it really depends more on the chipset than anything else. If it's a computer from an OEM (Dell, eMachines, HP, etc), you can often look up the model to find the exact chipset used, and then look up the CPU compatibility for that chipset.
 
Thanks guys, some good stuff here but the wiki only lists the size of the BOARD, not how to measure the screw hole distances or size of the case.... I realize if an ATX at 305x244mm "fits" in my case, it "should fit," but isnt it a possiblity that the screws holes wont match if it were just designed for a micro ATX?

As far as the chipset, so if the MB has no copy on it, basically it is impossible to tell what chipset it is unless the BIOS states it? I am looking for physical ways to determine what chipset/socket a MB has, bec i know you are a mm off and thats one too many.

Thanks again.
 
Ah, what you're looking for is the ATX form factor specification. You'll find dimensions, diagrams, and all sorts of other good info there. ATX and uATX have all the same mounting hole locations--almost. uATX has one which is not included in regular ATX. In any case, however, you'll have at least five (out of six) mounting points common between the two.

As for identifying the socket, that's easy, relatively speaking. Pentium 2 and 3 socketed processors used the same Socket 370, IIRC, and all the common sockets since then have been visually easily distinguishable. Identifying the chipset is a bit more tricky. If all else fails, you can pull the heatsink off the top and read the chipset number right off the package.
 
If you are able to get online with the board in question, down load a free program call "PC Wizard 2008". It's another what's on you comp type program that will also identify what chip set you have.
 
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