Can I use my old PC case with these problems?

Drew Henery

Commendable
Feb 21, 2016
3
0
1,510
Is it possible to fit an ATX PSU into a mATX Dell Vostro 220 case. I am also replacing the consumer board with another mATX server mobo. And is there a way I can replace the mobo and cpu without reinstalling Windows?
 
Solution
If this is your PC: http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0825/1477/products/dell-vostro-220-2_00c9c60b-731e-49d6-b649-971bf9342e65_large.jpg?v=1446130208
...it uses a std. ATX PSU. Any replacement will work.

The only problem that might arise when changing boards is if the Dell used proprietary connections between case amd board. If the server board is another Dell from that era, it may not be a problem. Retail cases and motherboards are standardized so they don't have that problem. But OEMs like to use proprietary connections for fast assembly line work.

You can try to restart the PC after the board swap. If they are similar enough, Windows will load its default drivers if it recognizes the new board and try to boot to the desktop...

clutchc

Titan
Ambassador
If this is your PC: http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0825/1477/products/dell-vostro-220-2_00c9c60b-731e-49d6-b649-971bf9342e65_large.jpg?v=1446130208
...it uses a std. ATX PSU. Any replacement will work.

The only problem that might arise when changing boards is if the Dell used proprietary connections between case amd board. If the server board is another Dell from that era, it may not be a problem. Retail cases and motherboards are standardized so they don't have that problem. But OEMs like to use proprietary connections for fast assembly line work.

You can try to restart the PC after the board swap. If they are similar enough, Windows will load its default drivers if it recognizes the new board and try to boot to the desktop. If you get that far, I suggest you run CCleaner and do the Clean and registry portions both to clean up the mess the registry will be in. Then install any drivers provided for the new board. https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
But keep in mind, if you are running a personal OEM license of Win, it will be void when it sees the new board. You will have to re-activate.
 
Solution