Help me identify and equip this case!

[YamahaAlex37]

Hey, I got one of these cases:

http://www.hypermicro.com/ProductDe...=0&eq=&desc=HP-DESKTOP-CASE-404164-005&key=it

and I thought it would be perfect for my the Pentium 4 motherboard/cpu/ram I have... but the front plugs (like power, reset, led, etc) seem proprietary, just one long unit, not separate like most cases you buy. The motherboard I am trying to use is the FIC VG31 (Tango)... and as far as I can tell the case seems to be a HP/Compaq DC7800 or DC7900...

I know this is really specific but I would really appreciate any advice, thanks!

 

[Reanimation_LP]

Unless the picture is backwards, I don't think you can use that case with that mainboard, due to the configuration is reversed, like BTX.

 

[YamahaAlex37]

Nooooo don't tell me I need BTX... I could of swore when I got it I made sure it took mATX...

 

[YamahaAlex37]

C'mon I know you soldering case modders probably deal with issues like this in a jiffy, is there anything I can do? Or do I need the exact motherboard designed for this case?

 

[Reanimation_LP]

Unless you're good at doing a lot of hacksawing and such, I'd think you'd have to get the original board, as it is BTX.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Main-board-HP-D...435874816?pt=Motherboards&hash=item4cef835000

Then again, for like 45 more than that, you can find the entire damned computer.

http://cgi.ebay.com/HP-DC7800S-PENT...0461209500?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item1e6018139c

 

[starhawk]

EDIT: looks like I got beat to the form factor issue. If you still want to go ahead with modding, read on anyways. If not, then just pretend there's nothing else here

It looks like you have two issues here. I'll look at both in as much depth as I can reasonably provide.

Issue (1) is the proprietary front panel header (the connector for the lights and switches on the front). More on that in a minute.

Issue (2) is the compatibility of your motherboard. First, you want to go to http://www.formfactors.org/formfactor.asp and make sure that the mounting points inside the case match MicroATX mount points. If they don't, I hope you have skill with drilling and tapping holes (if you do, you're better than me!). Also... the expansion slot covers (PCI slots, etc.) should be to the LEFT of the I/O Riser (the ports on the back and the flimsy metal shield that goes over it). If those slots are to the right... game over 'cuz it's BTX style.

Note that I'm not using the image from the website, because that website says right on it that its image is not the actual case image.

As for the front panel header, here's what you do. You'll need a little hobby knife, typically sold under the X-Acto brand here in the US. It's the regular blade you want (what they call #11). You'll see, if you look at the connector and it's the type I think it is, that there are little metal tabs holding the connectors in. Press down with the tip of the X-Acto knife on the tab, and push on the wire, and if you're doing it exactly right, then they'll slip right out.

I've done it before. It's easier said than done (don't give up if it doesn't work right away) and it takes a lot of finesse -- brute force gets you either a broken X-Acto, a destroyed connector, a cut finger, or some combination of the above. Have patience, and it will work for you.

As for insulating the little metal tubes once you get 'em out, just wrap them in regular electrical tape. Works fine -- but don't expect any kudos on the looks. If someone's going to be examining the interior of this case, up close and in detail, on a regular basis, then go to your local computer shop (or local junk room) and get replacement connector housings (that's what the part is that you took off), but otherwise, don't worry about it.

 

[YamahaAlex37]

The picture from the site I linked may not be the picture of the actual unit I recieved, but it is definitely the same exact model. Can anyone confirm if this is a DC7800 or DC7900?

I'm going to double check if a mATX motherboard can fit, and if so I'll see what I can do.

Thanks starhawk.

 

[CrimsonFury]

BTX has the expansion slots on the opposite end of the motherboard. There is no doubt the case in the pictures you linked is micro BTX.