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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Well...this is quite the conundrum...The connector which I thought went into the serial port connector actually goes into the FP connector...These are all the wires that lead to the on/off, LED etc. However...it will not fit in the new MB FP connector.
 
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I guess this means that rewiring is in order. But I am going to need some of those little connectors for the wires right? I have to get going now...but I will check back later. Thanks again for all your help!
 
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Frys likely has the 2-wire/pair blocks you need. Also, I didn't even think that you might use the serial port header for that! Almost no one outside of an industrial environment uses serial ports any longer.
 
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What do they use? Also, I am just going by what the new MB installation guide calls it. The FP connector from the case fit perfectly...that is why I thought it went there. LOL!

There are 6 wires a red and black, yellow and black and blue and black. The yellow and black duo appear to go to the on/off light Is that the LED light?), The Red and black go to the black square nob On/off button., and the blue and black go to a kind of clear white plastic circular nob that has a P next to it.

Any thoughts on what is what?
 
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So I am guessing that I cannot do much more until I get the 2 wire/pair blocks that I need. Could you go over how to do the rewiring? Cannot believe I am doing this...I am going to be the cool mom with my son's friends!
 
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The power connector on a generic case has only 2 wires, but sometimes come on either a 3-pin or 2-pin block. Your mobo can accommodate either type.

What you do is punch out the pairs with a straightened paperclip and then you insert them into the new block. If you just can't wait, you can wrap the tips (you'll know what I mean when you see them) with a very small piece of electrical tape and plug the tips directly onto the pins. As long as they don't touch, metal on metal, you can cheat and plug in that way as well.
 
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I have been following this thread closely as I have just done the same with an old Compaq. 44surf youll be surprised how easy it all is really. Just take your time, as all the headers on the mobo "should" be marked. You can also look at your old mainboard for clues as well. It like a puzzle with a lot less pieces.

I am rooting for you.

Imdy
 
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Hey! COL~ I think I will wait until I get the 2 wire/pair blocks. The mere fact of rewiring is about as wild as I can get! LOL I will try and make it to Fry's tomorrow, but it is a hectic day so I may not...Wednesday for sure.

Imdy~Thanks for the cheers...As Mal said...any advice? Did you have to rewire?

 
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I did not have to re-wire thank goodness. Patience was key for me. What I did was take of the front bezel of the case. I tracked the wires down to where they originated and then wrote down on a sheet of paper where they all went. I then used the diagram included with my new mobo. I then removed the wires from the connector and plugged them individually. I used a small piece of electrical tape to prevent any shorting and it has worked perfectly. Later I went in and sleeved the wires to clean things up a bit, but you dont have to do that. Once you get the modding bug.... and you will get it... sleeving is one of the things you can do to dress up a machine that runs well but looks "untidy".

Keep at it though. It really isnt that hard. I promise. If I can do with a handful of thumbs, you can do it.

Imdy
 
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So it sounds like you did what COL suggested I might do...you took the wires out of their blocks and wrapped them in the electrical tape and connected them to the corresponding pins correct?

ETA Not sure if I will get the bug LOL...time will tell.
 
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Yes, thats correct. You can go back later and get the connectors from fry's. You might also want to ask someone for some heat shrink tubing. Get the smallest size and you can use that instead if tape. A little easier to use IMHO.

Once you finish this project, you will have the bug. It will be disguised as a sense of accomplishment and pride. Sometimes it can take as long to manifest itself as a year or more, but be sure... this wont be your last build.

:bounce:

Imdy
 
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44surf, I just realized why your current front panel connector (2x5 block) won't fit on your current front panel header on your mobo (remember, you only need to use the right most 5 pairs.

The problem is that one of the pin holes is blocked (referred to as "keyed" so it will only fit one way, it also made it look like a serial port connector in this case). That being said, you can usually "unkey" the block. Like how I described removing the wires from your FP connector (insert through the opening), you should be able to push the same straightened paperclip through the backside (same side the wires go into) to push the plug (small piece of plastic) out.

This should save you a trip to Fry's. Check it out and let us know if that did the trick.

Also, FYI, the power switch pair can be wired either way (pos or neg), so the order of that pair is irrelevant when you plug them in. The LEDs, however, do require that the wires go the right way. If you hook everything up and the LEDs don't work (and they were working before you started this project), just reverse the order of the wires and the LEDs should work.

Are you having fun yet?
 
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LOL @ Mal!

COL~That is exactly why it won't fit...because of that blocked hole. That sounds much easier than rewiring...so I will give it right right now. I will get back to you in a minute.
 
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I am using a little tack. I can't get it through. I may ask the DH for some help...He has all kinds of tools/drills. I am sure he can do it. It sounds so much easier than rewiring...but I will probably spend just as much effort trying to do it as I would rewiring...LOL! Hey, but at least I can avoid a trip to Fry's.
 
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Yay!!! I did it! It fits! I am not sure which way to connect it though. Wish I had time to play around with this...but I have to get the child to school, and I will be gone all day. Thanks so much for the idea! Soooooo happy I don't have to rewire!
 
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A very tiny drill can do the trick, very tiny. Or, lots of poking and twisting. Still, you will need to arrange the pairs in the proper order for your new mobo as I am sure the old pairings won't match, but you should be able to avoid going to Fry's if you can punch through.
 
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Well guess what...It fits...well I do have the empty slots sitting off the edge...but I don't think that matters right? It seems I did not even really have to punch the blocked whole out either. I plugged it in, and it turned on when I pressed the on off button. What is next? No beeping though. I am thinking I don't have an internal speaker?
 
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