I'm switching motherboards currently: I'm literally right in the middle of installing an Asus motherboard with a Pentium II processor into the ATX case of my old, Pentium Pro 166 MMX computer. I built this computer myself, and it is a good case and everything fit perfectly and went smoothly: until I attempted to slide the motherboard plate back into the computer itself. It seems that in this mini-tower case, the new Pentium II processor stands upwards (instead of flat, like the old pentium 1 processor) and thus the motherboard plate cannot slide in because the power supply fan stops it. My question: is there any way around this without having to get a new case? I tried to go ahead and hook it up anyway, but the LED cables won't quite reach (frustrating, a centameter or two more and it would work) and I don't want to actually have the motherboard working outside of the case itself... that would just be a little odd, and risky if you ask me. If I removed the power supply fan, it would fit, but I have a bad feeling about that: is my feeling right, or would it be okay? Any ideas or suggestions, or recomendations of a place to find an affordable yet decent quality ATX case would be most appeciated if there is no other alternative.

-Pat

I'd like to add, also, that I'm considering unscrewing the power supply and just letting it set free to see if that works: is that safe?

Secondly, if I do order a case, how do I make *sure* this problem does not arise again? I'd hate to put money into a case and find that it won't fit!!

What exactly are you looking at, a slot1 mobo and CPU?

Your power supply has an external fan?

You may be able to get a little more clearance with a new power supply...one with an internal fan.

If you are talking about the heatsink/fan on the CPU then you may have a different problem and might get around it by a different cooler combo...

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mjc
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Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

The power supply does indeed have an external fan, and that is what is preventing my getting the board in. As for "slot1"... I know this may make me seem extremely ignorant, but I'm not fully aware what qualifies a motherboard and CPU as slot1. *chuckles* My knowledge in this area comes solely from personal experience and a few questions asked here and there, I've had no formal instruction or training. The motherboard I'm installing is an ASUS, and previous on here I got help finding a page where I could find a manual for the model. It's the same brand as my old motherboard, coincidentally, and the only difference is the face that the old processor lays flat upon the motherboard and the new one is a vertical Pentium II. As in, it is verticle and you plug it in much like you might RAM... where-as the older processors I've worked with before seemed to have a whole different kind of mechanic.

I tried unscrewing the power supply and moving it back a bit, and was able to connect up the motherboard and discovered it wouldn't run anyway... but I figured I would have an easier time finding out why with a right fit anyway. Oh... and if you happen to know how to find out what speed and type a processor is without any way to tell but the actual processor itself (it doesn't have anything on it saying its specific type and speed) I'd be ever so grateful!
-Pat
Originally posted by mjc:
What exactly are you looking at, a slot1 mobo and CPU?

Your power supply has an external fan?

You may be able to get a little more clearance with a new power supply...one with an internal fan.

If you are talking about the heatsink/fan on the CPU then you may have a different problem and might get around it by a different cooler combo...

This wont solve your problem, but where did you purchase this motherboard & Pent. II ? I assume it is used, right? On a Pentium II you have to detach the cpu fan from the processor to find out the specific specs.... did you get any documentation with the motherboard?? If you didnt get documentation with the motherboard then you are in for a doozie of a build if you have never done this before ........based on the wording of your post. My best suggestion is to find a "mentor" [someone you know who has done this before] to assist you in building this system.

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Will XP save Me ?

Firstly, no, the motherboard did not come with documentation however I found the manual online. So yes, I have a detailed manual which explains where all the jumpers and such go. I haven't done a motherboard installation before, but I've installed all sorts of cards, RAM, hard disks, etc. I'm very comfortable working with the hardware itself, and as I don't know anyone such as you mentioned who lives anywhere near me, I figured the only way I'm going to learn how is by trial and error and using resources such as this board. I'll check under the fan and see if I can find out what it is, and thanks! Also... yes, I got the mboard and cpu both from a friend. I was hired to help her get her system running, and ended up advising that it would be cheaper and less risky for her to buy a used system on ebay, so she is giving me the motherboard as she cannot use it.

Hi;

Let's step back for a moment.

What model number is the board that you have?

Does it fit into the case without the power supply OK? Do all the ports line up ok with the type of connectors that you have (ie; lpt, com ports)?

Do the connectors from the power supply match the ones on the board where they plug into the motherboard?

It sounds like a new power supply may be in order, generally if the case is an ATX, the motherboard should fit. A power supply may be in order to assure that you have enough power to un the processor. Check www.amd.com (http://www.amd.com) and check the recommended power supply you should have (ie; 250, 300 watts).

I'm wondering if you have a slot A or slot 1 motherboard, knowing the model number of the board would be a help. This will also allow us to help you identify what processor you have.

Do you also have the memory that came with the board that was given to you? The "same brand" does not mean that your old memory will necessarily work with the new board.

Firstly, my motherboard is an ASUS P2l97 rev. 2.04.
Second, It fits perfectly into the case when I move the power supply, and the only part of the power supply that blocks it is the external fan.
The ports all line up perfectly, and it seems to fit without a single problem save for the power supply.
The connectors from the power supply match perfectly, and I've already been able to plug it in.

Now, would checking AMD help me find the power supply information out if I have a Pentium II processor? If so, I shall try, but it makes me wonder.
I have a Slot 1 motherboard, I'm pretty sure, and the Pentium 2 processor I have is an SECC form factor, from the pictures of the different form factor builds I saw on Intel's website.
I do have the memory that came with the board: they are PC100 DIMMs, though I cannot tell their size. Thank you so much for your help, and patience... I know that sometimes novices can be a bit frustrating, and I'm not quite sure why so many experienced folks are willing to help on here, but I'm deeply greatful that you are!

Hi,

Yep, if you have a pentium, the AMD site is of little help. I would buy a quality power supply and probably one that exceeds your current needs, as I guess you will be upgrading again (once you start building your own, it's hard to stop!) since I suspect that you will upgrade to a board that will require more power at some point. Here are two guides that should help you choose the right wattage;
http://www.pcpowercooling.com/products/power_supplies/index.htm

and an excellent guide....
http://www.pcguide.com/ref/power/sup/form_SFX.htm

The latter site covers all types of form factors.

Good luck!

The question still remains, though, how do I find out what type of processor I have? I can't set the motherboard jumpers without knowing the processor speed... and I'm not sure how to find that out, as I can't run the processor on a computer to use a software program to ID its speed until I know its speed. Kind of a loose-loose situation eh? Any ideas would be most welcome! Thank you very much for your help so far, I do so very much appreciate it!
-Pat

Since your case was obviously made pre-secc, I think you should just go ahead and get a new case. They're not that expensive and a power supply is only going to save you a couple dollars anyway.

Remove the processor and take off the fan and heatsink and you should be able to tell what you have by looking. If not, a savvy computer dealer should be able to this for you.

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He thrusts his fists against the posts but still insists he sees the ghosts.

Thanks to a reply on the other topic thread I have going, I was able to find out that the information I needed was actually printed on the thin top part of the processor (not covered by a hint sink and fan, which would have been impossible to take off for me) and then went to Intel's site to decode them. The processor is an Intel Pentium II 233 mhz. I also want to thank you above for the advice on the power supply. I've been able to connect the motherboard now, with the right jumper settings, and while I hear the computer start I don't see any activity that indicates it is all working properly. I'm thinking the power supply is probably the culprit, as the "lawnmower" sound its fan makes probably is a sign of slow death. I'm hoping that once I get a new power supply and/or case, then things will start to work.
I only have one final question: do the cases LED cables (save for the power switch one) have to be hooked up properly for the system to run? Or can I leave them disconnected and only hook up the power button, and the system should still run properly? Thank you again for your help, you guys!

Hi,

For information on the LED's and cases, I refer you back to the PC Guide page, as I have found that one should learn so one can understand what we are doing.
http://www.pcguide.com/ref/case/leds.htm
http://www.pcguide.com/ref/case/index.htm

You say that you get a "lawnmower" sound? Make sure no cables or other obstaructions are in contact with the power supply or processor fans.

I agree, you should consider a new case and power supply, especially if considering doing this again in the future. I had food luck with the following sites that have reasonable cases and power supplies, but make sure you choose quality ones!
http://www.computergeeks.com

http://www.directron.com/faq.html


You say "nothing" shows when you boot the machine?

Why did you have to change the jumpers? Wasn't this motherboard and processor and memory given to you together, or are you adding components to the board?

Do you get a post or video card ID? Does anything show on the monitor when you boot up?

Consider getting a new power supply, but also read the PC guide troubleshooting guide, it's preety good!

I'm pretty sure that the sound isn't related to any cables being in the way... the fan for the power supply has a metal grating over it, and nothing was touching the grating. It's just slowly begun to make that sound over the years... the case and supply are at least four years old or more.
As for doing this again in the future... I might indeed do it again, but not with this equipment. I have another computer that is my main computer, and the work I've been doing is with my older computer. At least this way, if it doesn't work it isn't the end of the world... just a small cataclysm. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif
I'll probably be using pricewatch.com to try to find any cases or power supplies, but I'll check those links out you mentioned as well. Experience is the best teacher, and I can tell when it is speaking to me.

I ended up not having to change the jumpers, I just wanted to make sure they were set right. The motherboard and processor did come together, and I'm not adding any components.
There was no video idea, absolutely nothing on the screen. I know it isn't the video card that causes the problem, as it works perfectly on my old motherboard (Pentium Pro 166 MMX).
I'll take a look at the troubleshooting guide: you've gone above and beyond the call of duty, and it is deeply appreciated.

Hi;

I forgot about pricewatch.com - it's an excellent resource!

Good luck from a fellow novice PC builder.