Determine the size/style of my PC case?

[varissul]

How do I determine the size/style of my PC case? I wish to upgrade my motherboard and have read on several sites that the motherboards are for "AT/ATX" or "mini AT". What does this mean and how do I determine which mine is. Thanks.

[bassvax]

Check out these sites: http://www.pcguide.com/ref/mbsys/mobo/form-c.html http://home.fuse.net/Walts_Place/motherboardforms.htm

If you cannot tell by looking at your board then skip to the next paragraph. Here are some key items:
memory banks running perpindicular to expansion slots indicate ATX
I/O connections for mouse and keyboard are serial type or large din connector as opposed to the 6-pin mini din style indicate AT board
AT power supply connector on board
ATX power supply connector
In some instances both connectors are on board so you will have to use a combination of info to distinguish between them.
I have noticed that the battery seems to be located near the CPU on the AT boards, while it is as far away as possible on the ATX boards.

If you have access to your mobo manual it may tell you in there. If not can you write down your bios string (all those numbers you see when booting-just hit the pause key and write them down) then head over to http://www.motherboards.org and use one of the ID tools listed on the left side to ID you board and maybe get some info, like a manual, from the manufacturers site.

http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif Happy hunitng and Good luck http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

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savoire faire ist everywhere...

[This message has been edited by bassvax (edited 05-05-2001).]

[varissul]

Thank-you for posting a reply to my inquiry. My current board is an EPoX EP-5BVPXB, dimensions are 220mm X 210mm (8.66" X 8.26"). Is this ATX? Sorry to seem so dumb about this, just don't want to purchase the wrong size board. Thanks again.

[Randy_tx]

You have an AT style motherboard. I found the manual here:ftp://ftp.epox.com/support/motherboard/manuals/vpxb.pdf
I would study a GOOD deal about configuring a new motherboard and installing new cpu, etc. before attempting this project! The most serious limitation you face is that the FASTEST cpu chip you can put on a AT style motherboard/case setup is 550 mhz AMD K6-2......I would consider scrapping the old computer and getting a ATX style case with a Pent.III/IV or Athalon cpu if you want some speed.

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Will XP save Me ?