lmbswimmer

Hello,

I have a micronpc from 2001, the capacitors have exploded on the motherboard leaking battery acid all over it (I blame the chinchillas!), I now get the blue screen of death every day to every other day.
Therefore I need to replace my motherboard.
Now, I have been told that the motherboard is Form factor ATX compatible -sure.....
What is the difference between ATX and the micro ATX?

My old motherboard is a Crush MSI nForce420, what will fit in the same slot?
The socket type is 462.
I am having difficulty understanding what is compatible with the old motherboard because all the ATX motherboard pics I have seen on Tigerdirect.com have a different set-up in the back that I am unsure will fit into my computer slot.

Thank you all in advance,

Lisa

johnb35

As far as a new motherboard fitting your case.... as long as its a standard case and not one from hp, dell, compaq, etc. etc.... it should work. The cases come with a removable back I/O plate. You get one included in the motherboard box when you buy it, so that the holes match up to the motherboard.

And as far at ATX and Micro ATX.... Micro atx is smaller in size for the smaller cases but all Micro atx motherboards will fit all cases. If you want the much bigger ATX motherboard then you have to make sure you buy a case that is compatible with an ATX board.

Hopefully I didn't confuse you.

And as long as your processor is the same socket type as the board you are putting in, then it will work. If not, you have to get a different motherboard.

lmbswimmer

Thank you for the response, I understood almost everything you wrote!
Micron cases are not a regular box - There is only one spot that a motherboard will fit. They are custom cases for their computers. Though, I believe they are more customizable than Dell or IBM.
What do you mean by socket type?
Oy! There are days that living in the middle of nowhere can be difficult!

johnb35

Meaning that if the processor from the micron pc is a socket 462 then you can use it with the Crush MSI nForce420 motherboard.

lmbswimmer

The Crush is the bad motherboard, with the socket 462, I can't seem to find anything for newer motherboards and a 462. Will anything else fit? Is anything else compatible with that motherboard for that socket?

SirKenin

No socket 462 is long gone. You will have to replace both your mobo and your CPU. ORRRR.. you can go to http://www.pricewatch.com/brands/motherboards/msi-1.htm and buy one used for $30 USD.

lmbswimmer

Thanks for the info.....
Now I need to decide what to do.