old computer + new case?

[rocketpcguy]

i got old computer that i want to use as a linux CLI-only server/firewall/router. but the case of that computer is very messed up, dirty and broken.

i wanted to buy new case for it, but i dont know if that motherboard will fit. its has "pentium 1" processor.

will it likely to fit? how do i know if the motherboard is ATX or something?
the case itself is slightly shorter than my normal case.

[LNXchd]

If it is that old....I doubt it is ATX, probably AT. A very simple way to tell is look at the keyboard connector. The ATX mobo's use a small PS/2 connector....i think it is purple in color, while the AT uses a larger connector....and I'll be damned if I can't remember the nomeclature for it either! :) The power supplies are different as well. The older AT mobo's used a p/s with two connectors called the P8 and P9, while the ATX usese a PI connector. If you are new working with PC's I would suggest getting a book called Building a PC for Dummies and then follow up by reading an A+ certification book which will build on what you learned in the * for Dummies book and go more in depth. Good Luck and have fun! :D Check out these links...use Google.....it's your friend!!

Form Factors (http://users.erols.com/chare/atx.htm)

More on Form Factors (http://www.formfactors.org/formfactor.asp)

[Parcival]

If the motherboard is an ATX board, it will most likely fit into any ATX case.

ATX specifications (http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/atx.htm)

The difference between ATX and AT in a picture (http://www.a2zpc.co.uk/Form%20Factors.htm)

BTW, Google does the trick.

[mrBen]

Originally posted by LNXchd
.i think it is purple in color, while the AT uses a larger connector....and I'll be damned if I can't remember the nomeclature for it either! :)

Not all PS/2 ports were colour coded. The AT keyboard port was a DIN socket. :)

The power connector is usually a better way of telling.

[LNXchd]

Not all PS/2 ports were colour coded. The AT keyboard port was a DIN socket.

AAHHH yes the DIN, hence forth the mini-DIN or PS/2.....DUH!!:rolleyes: Ok, maybe I should drag out my * for Dummies book and knock the dust off of it! :D Interesting about the color....every keyboard I have seen had a colored connector on it....I always assumed that was an industry standard. That's what I get for assuming anything!

[mrBen]

Originally posted by LNXchd
Interesting about the color....every keyboard I have seen had a colored connector on it....I always assumed that was an industry standard. That's what I get for assuming anything!

Ah - when you assume you make.....

One of my old PCs had a weird 'combo' motherboard with both AT and ATX power connectors and screwholes. It's PS/2 port was on a seperate plate, and had no colour. Likewise PS/2 ports in laptops were usually colourless as they could take either mouse or keyboard (although sometimes required a splitter cable IIRC)

[rocketpcguy]

thanks guys!! after reading through, im pretty sure this is a AT form-factor, not atx.

guess ill just clean it, and put some tape :)

edit - oh, another thing, i posted in the general forum because my previous post on a non-strictly-linux-related hardware question was put into the general form (about cable ties). i then thought the hardware forum was just linux+hardware problems. now, i'm just confused :p

[LNXchd]

Ah - when you assume you make.....

Oh, well; drink water drive on.

[Parcival]

Originally posted by rocketpcguy
now, i'm just confused :p

It depends on the mod you run into, i.e. me in this case. :D We try to mod more or less the same, but of course there's always an individual spin to it. :)