I need a cheap/small case/mobo for my old PC

supabeast

I have an old PC in a full-size case that I want to put in a Shuttle Case or something even smaller. The CPU is an Athlon 2800XP, the video card is a Radeon 9700 Pro (PCI!). Is there somewhere—other than eBay—that I can still order a new small case and mobo for this old equipment, or should I just keep it in the tower?

Cimmerii

Check computer stores near you, most have a small selection of cases that you can browse. Also check www.newegg.com as they have like.... everything. I found the case I wanted at a Fry's, but they were out, so I ended up ordering the same one off Newegg for a bit cheaper.

If you can't find the mobo you wan't off Newegg, try TigerDirect.

vonPoonBurGer

I'd be really careful about putting that equipment into a Shuttle case or similar. I played around with this PSU calculator, and I'm guessing those components would probably use 250W+. Many mini-PC cases come with 300W or even sub-300W power supplies, so you could be in for some real headaches if your system draws more power than the tiny PSU in a mini-PC case can supply.

The other issue you need to be concerned about is heat. If I recall correctly, those older Athlons tended to get pretty hot, not sure about what sort of heat the 9800 generates though. Shuttle-style cases are usually pretty bad for heat dissipation because they're so cramped inside. If you do put these components in a mini-PC cases, make sure to keep an eye on CPU and graphics chip temperatures under load.

supabeast

Thanks, I didn’t realize that NewEgg sells old hardware, too. Close this one!