Can I use my old HP pavillion case to build a new desk top?

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44surf

44surf

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I want to try and build my own PC. Can I use my old 2008 HP Pavillion case? My system crashed...the motherboard is bad according to the repair tech. He said not to sink another penny into it. I am interested in learning how to build my own system and was hoping I could use the case. Any ideas out there?
 
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500 GB. Maybe I don't need to replace it. I am just not sure if I screwed it up when I tried to recover the computer. Maybe it will be able to use the recovery partition if the system stops shutting down in the middle of the process.
 
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OK...I ordered the parts. Free shipping...but California tax. Feeling a little overwhelmed. I watched a video on building your own pc...There are so many wires...and I don't have a manual for my old case. The child is not helping...LOL! He wants to know why I am not putting a quad core in...wants a certain type of graphics card, sound card etc. I just need him to be quiet for a minute...sigh. He says..."Mom, you know I'm kind of a geek right?

On another note. I can probably pick up a tube of the thermal paste at Fry's right? There is one about 5 miles from me.
 
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I let my son read this thread last night...He first said your a genius LOL! He said "really mom...I understand a lot more about this than you." Ahh, the confidence of youth. Then he said..."Wow...that guy is so nice!" He wanted to post his question so I let him. I am probably budgeted out right now since I just bought the new laptop and these other components. I will have to look into how expensive the video cards are.

I am not sure exactly what you mean by the power supply...As I said...I'm pretty clueless about all of this stuff. However, I did find a label on the case that says:

AC INPUT 100-127V - 6A
50/60 Hz 200-240V - 3A
 
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OMG...The UPS guy just delivered all my stuff from Newegg! Yikes...Guess I am really going to have to do this...LOL! I thought I would have a couple more days. I took a look at the motherboard and it seems to match up with the one that is currently installed...minus all the stuff attached to it.
 
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Have fun! Malmental gave you some great advice and you should have minimal issues installing new guts in your case. Be sure, however, to do a clean install of Windows as your old installation won't work with your new hardware (to many variables in the original install that will be different with the new config).

Good luck!
 
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It came with a "Quick installation guide" Step 1 CPU Installation, Step 2:Memory installation, Step 3: Power Connection.

I could use a little more than that! 😀

I have the "Build You Own PC For Dummies Guide...I first need to figure out how to get my old motherboard out. I thought this new MB would have some information on how to actually install it in the case.

I will try and just take it one step at a time. It's kind of crazy in my house right now...dinner, homework etc.

ETA~Thanks COL...Now if I can just figure out how to get the old motherboard out.
 
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I assume you figured out the removal already, but if not there are 5 or 6 screws (typically) that your size mobo uses to afix the mobo to the case. Just remove those (remove all of the cables/connectors on the old mobo first). The old mobo will lift right out afterward (you may have to wiggle a bit to pop it out of the I/O plate (the plate where the ports stick out the back of the case).
 
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Thanks guys. I am learning a lot more about computers which is part of the reason that I wanted to attempt this project. My son is all excited. I am going to try and do it this weekend.

Mal~it looks like there is some type of card attached to the MB at one of the back slots. It says ANATEL on the back and has some type of jack/connecter which I never used. I am going to have to investigate a little more but I don't have time right now.

COL~I have not taken the MB out yet...but I was looking at it last night. I saw all the screws that you mentioned. The guide book I have talks about spacers also. The mb that I purchased did not come with any...but I also don't think I see any such thing on the current mb. I am planning on tackling this project this coming weekend. I want to have enough time to focus on it and make sure that I have everything I need. I am a little worried about all the cords and wires...where they go etc.

Also, my old mb has 2 ps/2 mouse and keybosrd connector ports (sorry if my lingo is wrong) and the new mb has 1 ps/2 and 2 usb ports. Does that matter? Do I have to get a new mouse? Or can I get an adapter?

Thanks again for all your help with this!
 
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The spacers are built into (or screwed into) the case, under the motherboard.

If you using a PS2 keyboard and/or mouse, I would recommend you get a new USB mouse, at a minimum. Don't waste your time on PS/2 to USB adapters.

When you install the new mobo, it will have its own I/O plate that you pop into place after you remove the current one. Then, all of the ports will line up properly.

You will be fine with the cabling/wiring. Have fun with you son and the project!!!
 
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Thanks! I figured I could work on it while the DH watches the game LOL!

You know while I was researching the specs for my system there was a notice/warning about my model's Seagate SATA hard drive crashing. Apparently I was supposed to download some firmware. My bad for not knowing you had to check such things..LOL! Do you think that could have been the problem all along? I am committed to upgrading the system regardless, but will I still have problems with the HD? Mine is one of the HD model numbers listed. Or will reformatting the hd fix the problem?
 
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Wiil I still be able to use the HP update for the hdd if I change these other components? Maybe I should call HP cust sv? Yikes...what will the hold times be like!?

Yay for Geek Support! I would have given up already if not for you guys!
 
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Well I just got off the phone with HP support...wanted my money before they would even discuss...LOL. She did relent a little...offered to let me send in my system and have it repaired for $199.00 or buy new Recovery CDs. I figured I might as well continue trying to see if I could manage the upgrade since I already purchased the items. It will be an adventure! LOL

Should I get the OS before starting?

Thanks for the info about the HDD. I was starting to freak out a little...baby steps right?

You are probably laughing at me behind my back 😛 I warned you...I am not a techie.
 
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One never laughs at someone willing to learn. What operating system do you have now? What would you like to have (if different than what you are using now)?
 
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First...you guys can laugh if you want. I will laugh with you. I know I can be a little clueless..LOL!

Second, I can actually buy the recovery discs from HP for $16.50. I never made mine. I know, I know...I always figured I could recover from the partition and never got around to making the CDs. But the HP rep I spoke with said I could not use my current OS if putting in a new MoBo because it was keyed to the current MoBo . The computer repair guy I had look at my computer said they could use my OS one time with a new MoBo...So I have no idea who is giving me correct info...🙁

And you are absolutely right...HP customer service is a waste of time...You guys are 100% better. I just wanted to hear their take on why they don't contact their buyers when they discover that they have used faulty hardware. They of course had no answer. It's up to the consumer to check for such things. I had no idea to even check for such things. My current computer manufacturer (Toshiba) actually did notify me that my model had a BIOS update. I did not need to go looking for such information.

At any rate...Should I purchase the Recovery CD's for my Vista OS? Or do you think I should just upgrade to 7?
 
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It won't really be a HP after you swap the innards, it will be a generic PC. The recovery disks will look for an HP BIOS (your new config won't have that) to allow it to install (or not). Don't buy the recovery disks.

You should buy either an OEM or retail version of Win 7 (up to you what version) and install a nice shiny, new, clean install of it.
 
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