Computer Case

[mbritton2]

Does it matter or not will my gigibyte motherboard fit into any case or do i need to by 1 type of case and what is a good size power supp to get for it i will be running a P4 /3.4 and help would be nice

[John Prophet]

depends on the size of the gigabyte board....most boards today are fairly small...but either way they come is certain sizes...usually ATX or "micro atx"

I suppose when you see "atx" it means the same as "full atx".

obviously "micro" atx is small so it will fit in most anycase...whereas a "full" atx board would not fit into a case if the case specified it only held "micro" atx boards....but most cases hold regular atx boards (and thus all smaller boards like "micro" or "flex" atx) and if not it should plainly tell you

what exact model gigabyte is it?

[Jarhed7276]

If your motherboard is an ATX motherboard you will need an ATX case. There is also a Micro-ATX motherboard. I think most of those will fit in an ATX case but I not sure about that.

As far as the power supply I would get at least a 400 watt but you might want to go a little higher to provide for future expansion.

Also, don't skimp on the ps. Get a good brand name. Antec and Sparkle come to mind but do forum search for power supplies and you will get a lot of good info here.

[Dooin' it]

Also, if some of the nomenclature prompt confusion just keep this in mind when you're shopping for cases.......

Mini-ATX..........Usually only has 2 large (5-1/4") slots for CD/DVD drives in the front and 1, maybe 2 of the small (3-1/2") slots for floppies/card readers.

Mid-ATX...........Usually 4 large (5-1/4") slots and 2 small (3-1/2") slots. <-------Certainly the most popular & probably what you'll want to shop for!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Full-ATX...........5,6 and sometimes 7 large slots (depending on how wild the mfgr got dreaming the night b4 design....(he he).....and 2,3 or even 4 small (3-1/2") slots.

You'll see others like "mini-mid" and the like, but "Mid" is what you're looking for and is most easily noted by the 4 large bay slots and 2 smaller bay slots.

Here's a classic example (easily seen on this case) of "Mid" atx and actually a great case for a great price with a "better than average" power supply.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...138-033&depa=1

P.S. If anybody could tell me if they REALLY want us to sandwich the sensor wires (doohicky) for those front temp panels between the CPU & HSF, I'd love to hear success/failure 'cuz I just leave 'em dangling in the case for fear!!!

[JPMiller]

Amamax has some nice cases... look under "promotional Items List" and under "cases".....
http://store.yahoo.com/amamax/pomaxcswatxm1.html
http://store.yahoo.com/amamax/csmina161nowinmecca.html
Newegg has some great cases occasionally under their refurbished section...
http://www.newegg.com/app/manufactor...Type=Refurbish

[zepper]

You didn't really give enough info about your mobo and the rest of your system to allow me to make a PSU recommendation. A good brand 400W unit should cover all bases.
. One of the best cases regardless of price is the Kingwin 424 series. Another is the design used in the Antec SLK3700AMB/Compucase 6A19 series. Many brands use the same basic chassis for good reason. See more about the 6A19 on coolcases.com.

Amamax has had a lousy Reseller Rating, but it has improved some recently. I would still be wary. Other good case sources:
Directron.com
DealSonic.com
ExcaliberPC.com
AxionTech.com
and Newegg of course.
.bh.

[Krishnawhite]

If you are building a PC, which it sounds like you are, then Building a PC for Dummies is a good book, I own a copy and theres a section about power supply units. Assuming you are buying your parts from an up front store and not the internet, just ask the guy behind the counter about PSUs, all the shops ive been to have been extremely helpful. It would probably be a good idea to get your case from an up front store because then if it doesnt fit or the power isnt enough you can take it back and exchange it, the rest of your parts you could probably get cheaper on the net. If this is your first PC, id advise buying a case without any connections at the front (front USBs, earphone jacks etc) because in my experience they are a pain in the ass to connect. Ive built 3 PCs and it took me a lot of tinkering to finally make my front usbs work, the headphone jack still doesnt work and I cant be assed to make it work either.

[mbritton2]

thanks everyone

[zepper]

Ooops, I forgot to mention mwave.com. You wanna look there too when shopping for cases, etc.
.bh.