1st Mod 1st complete build

[carbonfiber]

The biggest problem I have is modding a computer. I've never mod a cpu before and have no idea how to go about solving my problem on my own. I'm not into the flashy multiple optical drives(more than 2 bays). I despise huge towers and prefer a mid tower look. I'm building my pc with a """"ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition AM2 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard"""" but the type of case i like is a "HP m8100y" which happens to have a micro atx format for motherboards. I would like to know if there is anyway i can mod that case so that it will accept the motherboard i want to use. That particular case design is crucial because my entire design is based on that layout. I'm open to any suggestions as long as it doesn't require me to change either component (motherboard or case).

[Spawn-Inc]

welcome to the forums!

not sure why your going with a old chipset but thats what you want.
you can convert the case to ATX if there is space for the motherboard to fit in the case.

the way i would go about it is get sheets of paper and place it under the motherboard and get a marker or something to mark the 10 holes that the standard ATX motherboard needs. then just trace them to the metal and drill some holes and install the motherboard standoffs and your done.

[carbonfiber]

Thank you. I don' t know why i couldn't figure that out myself. I was making it more complicated in my brain thinking I would need to extend it somehow etc. I really appreciate the response. Is it really such an old chipset? I didn't think it was. I guess i've been out of the loop for a while. Is there one that you recommend thats affordable.

[Spawn-Inc]

ya no problem, as people always say when things are simple we tend to over complicate them.

the 680i chipsets are even starting to age a bit now, 730i and/or 780i will be coming out in a bit (not sure when, but i would guess 3 or 4 months). as for whats affordable I'm not sure, how much do you want to spend? right now the 680i boards are the best for SLI whereas the new P35 and X38 chipsets are best for single card and crossfire systems. for the 680i i would recommend my board, though its a bit pricey at 259.99 (link (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188013)). though i have just realized your going with amd and i just checked newegg and there doesn't appear to be any 680i am2 boards. right now intel is in the lead for performance as well as nvidia cards so i have been pretty much only looking at them. sorry i can't tell you more but i don't want to steer you in the wrong direction.

[carbonfiber]

With Careful decision i also considered building an intel computer as well. The specs i have for it are as follows...

Processor: Core 2 duo E6750
Motherboard: Gigabyte P35
Video Card: 8800gt------- but due to availability issues i might go with the cheaper 8600gt
Memory: Crucial 2x1G(2gb) --just found out that Kingston HyperX more compatible with Gigabyte
Hard Drive: 250GB Seagate
PSU: Corsair 450vx
Case: (Pending)

[Spawn-Inc]

looks nice, i think if i where to build a new pc i would go with pretty much the same thing. make sure you get the new seagate 410AS ones and not the 620AS.

are you going with a 8600GT until something better comes out, because there is a big difference in performance of the two cards listed.

[carbonfiber]

Yes i planned on getting the 410as. I will be getting another video card later next year. I just don't want to hold off building a computer because the specific card i want isn't available. This will get me by until mid 08. Then i will prob get whatever comes out and donate the 8600gt to a friend or something. In the meanwhile i can mod my case lil by little to pass the time.

[Ap1thy]

why not pick up a 3850, its in between performance and price wise, and you could always get another to crossfire with the p35

that e6750 is a really good value processor though price/performance-wise