need info on replacing motherboards

[unreconstructed1]

I have a few older computers laying around that I hate to just dispose of, but they are all older motherboards (DDR1 RAM, PATA hard drives, etc.), so I would like to upgrade them. the only components that I plan on reusing are the cases, so If I bought newer motherboards ( DDR2RAM SATA drives, dual core processors, etc.) would there be any complications?


each of the computers but one has standard sized motherboards, so I assume that aftermarket pieces would fit with no problem. for the most part, I am fairly knowledgeable concerning computers, but I have never went so far as to completely rebuild one, and I would like to learn how to. I plan to replace everything , so this shouldn't be terribly complicated, but I figured I'd ask just to be on the safe side.

 

[computeruler]

I dont understand why you would want to use the old cases, but it would should work.

 

[unreconstructed1]

I dont understand why you would want to use the old cases, but it would should work.

well, honestly there is no good technical reason; they are just good cases that I've had for awhile and I see no point in them taking up space in a landfill when they could be taking up space in my computer room.

thanks for the quick reply.

 

[schw32m]

I have a few older computers laying around that I hate to just dispose of, but they are all older motherboards (DDR1 RAM, PATA hard drives, etc.), so I would like to upgrade them. the only components that I plan on reusing are the cases, so If I bought newer motherboards ( DDR2RAM SATA drives, dual core processors, etc.) would there be any complications?

As long as they conform to ATX standards in design, you should be fine. Some of the older Dells, HPs and Compaqs can be a problem if they use micro PSUs or the FP connector is in one block connector instead of individualized. The other thing is you will probably have to remove all the duct work if the case uses it. Dells and some HPs are famous for this. Front USB connectors can sometimes be a problem, generally because of a lack of such things in some older cases. Getting a multi-function card reader/control/USB panel generally solves this problem. OEM cases also don't usually have a great deal of 3.5 HHD mounts either so if you are planning a large multiple drive array, understand the limitations there.

I also don't change out the optical drives unless the one in the case is shot or doesn't have the features you want. So running the PATA opticals with the one IDE port on modern MBs isn't a problem.

Case ventilation should also be considered if you are planning a high performance system. Some OEM cases really suck for this.

each of the computers but one has standard sized motherboards, so I assume that aftermarket pieces would fit with no problem. for the most part, I am fairly knowledgeable concerning computers, but I have never went so far as to completely rebuild one, and I would like to learn how to. I plan to replace everything , so this shouldn't be terribly complicated, but I figured I'd ask just to be on the safe side.

It isn't. Mostly a simple mechanical operation as long as the case isn't too goofy in its design and construction.

 

[Machin3]

I dont understand why you would want to use the old cases, but it would should work.

Not everyone has $50 to dish out a 3 new cases. And that's $50 minimum on each.

It depends on what kind of motherboards you have right now. If there are standard ATX motherboards then you could use your cases. But it should all be fine.