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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Sorry, what do you have plugged into the 2 USB sockets (a.k.a. USB headers) on the motherboard?
 
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There are two USB ports and another port that looks kind of like a USB port but slightly bigger. I know that I have seen it somewhere...in my reading...I am going to take a look and find out exactly what it is.
 
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I found it...It's a FireWire port...Whatever that is. My case even has the 1394 under it. I thought it was a USB port LOL. Maybe I should disconnect that one and connect the other two?

ETA...The two USB ports are actually combined into one of those plastic wire holders and fit into one USB connector on the MB.
 
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Yes, remove the firewire connector and connect the memory card reader and front panel USB. Your new mobo does not have 1394/firewire.
 
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It's disconnected.

Still no sign of my new win7...🙁 If it does not come tomorrow I will have to wait until after the weekend. I'm working and won't have access to my computer since I will be out of town.
 
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It is rarely used outside of the video world and then only with cameras that have firewire ports (most have USB). Its main advantage over early USB was bandwidth and compression. Without getting technical, firewire would allow you to move more data without compression (and a loss in image quality) than early USB. That is less of a case now.

Bottom line, if you don't have a specific need for firewire, you don't need it. Of course, if you do need it, you can add with a PCI or PCI-E card that plugs directly into your mobo.
 
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FireWire vs. USB 2.0 - Architecture

FireWire, uses a "Peer-to-Peer" architecture in which the peripherals are intelligent and can negotiate bus conflicts to determine which device can best control a data transfer

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 uses a "Master-Slave" architecture in which the computer handles all arbitration functions and dictates data flow to, from and between the attached peripherals (adding additional system overhead and resulting in slower data flow control)

FireWire vs. USB 2.0 Hard Drive Performance Comparison
Read and write tests to the same IDE hard drive connected using FireWire and then Hi-Speed USB 2.0 show:

Read Test:
* 5000 files (300 MB total) FireWire was 33% faster than USB 2.0
* 160 files (650MB total) FireWire was 70% faster than USB 2.0

Write Test:
* 5000 files (300 MB total) FireWire was 16% faster than USB 2.0
* 160 files (650MB total) FireWire was 48% faster than USB 2.0
Click to expand...
Good info. I didn't mention the HDD aspect of firewire as few use it (Apple users excluded). Malmental's provided info helps support the point of video processing as well. Firewire is a good interface for appropriate uses, but is not nearly as essential as USB is today. HOOAH!!!
 
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Thanks for the info. I did look it up...but I thought I would ask to clarify. My one concern is that we have an external Seagate HHD with all of our music on it and it has the firewire connection. I knew I used that port for something. 😀 It does have another type of outlet...it has the USB symbol...but it looks different than the normal USBs. I have been looking for it in one of my how to books.
 
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You should be able to use the USB port to access the HDD, with the correct cable. What is the model number of your external HDD?
 
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No...It has not come. 🙁 My invoice says it shipped on the 4th...so it should be here already. I am calling Newegg today to check on things. I leave tomorrow at the crack of dawn for work (flight attendant...I told you...not a rocket scientist LOL!) and I was hoping to get everything done before I leave. I won't be back until Sunday night.
 
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Awesome...Thanks! I can't really say I am upgrading this computer...You all are doing it for me! :bounce:
 
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You should have a tracking number from them that you can check. Also, if you want to load something, you could download Ubuntu Linux and burn to a CD. You could then boot the new system with the CD (select the Live version when prompted or just let it boot itself) and play with the new system and verify that everything works. It would also significantly increase your "geek quotient" with your son!!!
 
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LOL!!!! You know I was just reading about Linux last night...I think that may be beyond me :pt1cable:

Hey Mal~We don't get our mail until late...around 5 pm...but the last time everything came by UPS 2 days after I ordered.
 
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Hey...did you notice that I'm an apprentice now???? How's that for a good laugh! Although I will say that I have learned a ton from you guys...but not quite at an apprentice level yet.
 
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Cool beans! You are doing better than you realize and your son thinks you on your way to greater geekdom. That is priceless!
 
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