easy case question

[RCB03]

Hi all! Happy holiday. Something I have been wondering. I built the pc I have now several months ago in a new case. Planning to build another system in the old generic case for a second pc. This old case is different from what I have now in that the PSU doesn't mount above the motherboard. Instead it hangs down in front of the motherboard. It seems that this will interfer with the HSF or be very close to it. Lets say that the HSF is 1/2 inch from the PSU.Is this OK or will this significantly reduce airflow to the HSF and cause a problem.

This may be a very common occurrance when building PC's but I'm just not sure as Ive only built one so far. Thanks!

[Budfred]

Are you sure the case is even an ATX? If it is an AT case, it is going to be difficult to upgrade it. AT computers generally didn't worry so much about heat because the CPU didn't get that hot. The newer and denser CPUs need more cooling because they get really hot really fast.

If it is an ATX case you will have to pay attention to airflow and make sure that there is enough. You may also have to use a low profile heatsink/fan for the CPU or find another way to cool the CPU.

Ultimately, it may turn out to be easier to get a new case....

[RCB03]

Hey Budfred! This case is an ATX FF. It originaly housed a Gigabyte GA5AX mobo with an AMD K6-III 450. I had planned to use this case with the mobo/cpu I have now. When I realized how close to the PSU the HSF would be, I opted for a new case. Is this an unusual configuration for the PSU to be here?

[Budfred]

My HP has everything crammed together in there real tightly, but then it also has a cowl to the CPU so that it assures cooling. The power supply is actually set up to swing out when you open the case to get in there, so it isn't too awful to work with. But it is quite a bit more crowded than the systems I've built myself...

In other words, yes it does sound unusual, but not unheard of...

I am guessing that it is a mini-tower with just enough room for the board and not a lot of clearance. You might want to look at micro-ATX boards since this is only a second computer anyway. That would give you a little more room.

[RCB03]

Thanks Budfred! I think I'll just forget this case and get another. The Athlon XP runs hot enough without placing a PSU in its face. I looked around the web at cases and couldn't find one example of this type. Oh well, thanks for your replies:)

[Whyzman]

You might want to check out www.newegg.com who have a pretty decent complement of cases.

I don't know of any of the regulars who have had a dissapointing experience with them. Their prices are usually competitive and many cases offer free shipping...