Tech Q:I want to upgrade, need to find a dual core MB in a small form case

[Loafmeister]

Hi everyone,

2 questions:

1) Does anyone know if there is a particular fast dual-core motherboard that can fit in a HP-Compaq DC7600 small form desktop case?  note: the DC7600 came with a 3.4ghz Pentium, but some games/console/pinball proggies would love a bit more muscle

2) Assuming yes, would I also need to replace the small form power supply that came with the DC7600, due to it's low power? If yes, any recommendations that fit in such a small profile case?

Thanks in advance for the help. I'm not upgrading just yet but I want to know my options and because of the size of my arcade cab (it's a mini-cab, I think less than 6" in height), and the available area inside of the cab, I'd prefer to keep the pc as is.

[HaRuMaN]

Buy a new case.  Most likely, the power supply that's in that case is a custom size, and will not accept standard ATX power supplies, and you will probably need a new power supply.

Or... better yet... if this is going in a cab, just leave the thing decased and save that much more space.

[severdhed]

i agree...ditch that case...

if you are mounting this in a cabinet, you dont need a case at all.  if you really want a small form factor case, buy a new generic one.  it has been my experience that trying to replace motherboards in those systems is more of a problem than they are worth.  (sometimes the mounting holes don't match up, non standard power supplies..sometimes non standard front panel connectors (for the power buttons/LEDs and such)

do yourself a favor, go to www.newegg.com, you will find anything you need at a great price.

[Loafmeister]

Thanks for the advice. The "decasing" idea has been considered but it's not a preferable option because the back of my cab has a hole the size of my current case , that's why I don't have a heat issue, everything gets blown out the back.  I'll probably replace the entire case at that time, or will go the "decased" route but will replace the back door with the gigantic hole in it and add a fan or two to cool things down inside.