Is there any reason that I can't

[Lexman]

Take an A-socket MB, and install it in an IBM Aptiva that is a piddly 100 mhz, and basically create a new PC using all the other standard components that came with the Aptiva?

Maybe MB different size? Power supply issues? Hell, maybe I could just assemble on a big flat board and hang it on a wall as "art", but still use as a PC? lol.

I made what could be conceded as the wrong MB decision. Later, when they are introduced, I plan to get a dual T-bird A socket MB. Take the old board, get the lower priced CPU, install it in the Aptiva and have basically a good "spare" PC with decent power.

Lex

[Andrew Pratt]

nope sorry lex IBM loves to use too much proprietary hardware etc so upgrading IBM's isn't as easy as it should be. The best hope you have is pulling the harddrive, floppy drive , CDROM, monitor, possible the video and sound cards if they aren't part of the mobo (highly likely though) and buy a new case (cheap)....honestly though it may be cheaper just to sell the Aptiva cheap and build a new one from scratch.

[Lexman]

What does the wiring come with anyway, the case, or the mb?

I know IBM is famous for that, as compaq "was" or is. I heard they were changing their way, but can't confirm that.

Lex

[ThomasW]

Lex

Wiring loom is mostly from the power supply, and a few are attached to the front panel, switches/indicator lights. So if you buy a case that includes the power supply you get it all.

BTW the Addtronics available below, are very well built, quite easy to work on (the MB tray removes as a separate entity, all drive bay devices are on quick remove sliders, sides are quick remove etc, etc)

http://www.aberdeeninc.com/abcatg/cases.htm

Jon and I have been using these for many years and they have proven tanklike

Also, the SuperMicro cases listed on the same page are just custom versions of Addtronics with superficial differences. And not worth the price difference




theAudioWorx
Klone-Audio

[JonMarsh]

Addtronics has a new ATX Midtower model, the last several systems I have built for friends and myself have used it, the "key" is a 300Q power supply, particularly where Athons are concerned, and ESPECIALLY if you want to pair an Athlon with an original GeForce based video cards, which are some of the most power hungry on the planet for so-called "consumer" grade video boards.
My personal fave is ASUS or ABIT socket A boards paired with Elsa Gladiac (Geforce 2; lower power consumption AND faster). Plus, the Gladiac driver panel supports custom resolutions.

Regards,

Jon




Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....

[Lexman]

Thanks for the tips guys, but I just built my supercomputer. I know I should have gotten the Asus board, but I didn't. But this system seems to be performing better and better as I get configuration issues resolved.

I was mostly looking at something very cheap to make a low powered box into something worthwhile.

Lex