CPU and Mobo Upgrading - Setup: Gateway Dx4200-09

[MrBufo]

Hi there! My name is Larry! Thats enough introducing!

I have a Gateway Dx4200-09 desktop. I've been upgrading this machine slowly, but surely, and its coming up time to do a little bit more. In the last year or two, i've upgraded the stock PSU to a 500w one, and i've added a powercolor radeon HD6790 1gb GDDR5 gpu.

GPU: http://powercolor.com/us/products_features.asp?id=335
No link for PSU, as i've thrown away the box and don't remember what the psu model is all i remember is its 500w, enough for the gpu addition.)

Here is a link for the specific stats of the 4200-09, according to cnet: http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gateway-dx4200-09/4507-3118_7-33513602.html

I've been discussing things with a friend who is far more adept at hardware upgrades than I, and he tells me that my tower's case dimensions are 17.32" x 16.34" x 7.09".

My current desire is to upgrade my Motherboard, and then, the CPU to go with it. I also plan on getting some extra ram. I asked my friend to do some searching on newegg, and these are the components he linked me to. He was careful to mention however, he was not entirely positive my case was of the correct size for the motherboard he had linked me.

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130677

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103962

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

So my main questions are: Can anyone doublecheck my current desired hardware with the specs of my case, and tell me:
"what am i missing, if anything?",
"what do i need to change, if anything?",
"will my motherboard fit in this case? And if not, what case would i need to purchase in order to take the guts out of my current tower and transfer them all to the new?"
My overall maximum budget i told him was 300$, which is fortunate for me, as those three products round up to $307. If i needed a new case, i could spend a bit more. Maybe.

 

[MrBufo]

The stock mobo is 244mm x 244mm and the one i want is 12" x 9.6". I'm not sure if the new mobo will fit in my case, or if i'll need to buy a new one.

This website:
http://www.ascendtech.us/gateway-dx4200-09-phenom-x4-9100e-quad_i_pcgatdx420009x4.aspx
has the pc's entire specs, including case dimensions; which are:
http://www.ascendtech.us/mmASC/Images/DX4200-09-004.jpg

 

[tiny voices]

Get an fx-6300. Its much better.

All these parts are compatible. Don't forget that you will need to reinstall windows.

If the parts don't fit in the case, get a new one. Good cases can be had for less than 50 bucks.

 

[MrBufo]

.. :S The parts chosen were chosen due to their ability to stick within my budget. hahaha. I was really hoping someone might reply who might be able to answer the case size issue from firsthand experience, though i guess finding someone else who's upgraded in the same exact case may be a rare find.

So, i basically need to buy a new copy of windows, then? I bought this computer from a store, it didn't come with a cd for the copy of Vista thats on it. :S Damn, thats another 100+ dollars..

 

[tiny voices]

Yeah, the copy of windows is tied to the motherboard. When you change motherboards, you have to reinstall windows.

 

[MrBufo]

Bluh. Well, Windows 8 is an absolute NO from me, so i'm not upgrading OS's... Whats better if i'm going to use my pc for games like Diablo 3, Starcraft 2, Minecraft (its actually very RAM intensive!) and SimCity, just to name the ones i play primarily... Windows Vista Home Premium, or Windows 7? I'm used to Vista, but if i recall, doesn't 7 take up less room?

 

[Mousemonkey]

Anyone? Bump? :S

Don't...

Bump posts


http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/283384-33-read-first

 

[tiny voices]

Bluh. Well, Windows 8 is an absolute NO from me, so i'm not upgrading OS's... Whats better if i'm going to use my pc for games like Diablo 3, Starcraft 2, Minecraft (its actually very RAM intensive!) and SimCity, just to name the ones i play primarily... Windows Vista Home Premium, or Windows 7? I'm used to Vista, but if i recall, doesn't 7 take up less room?

Vista is total crap. 7 is good but 8 is faster and has all the bugs worked out. Its a great OS. You can use 7 if you like. Vista, no chance.

 

[MrBufo]

Windows 8 has all the bugs worked out? Literally everyone i know that has bought a desktop or a laptop recently with windows 8 on it has returned the computer to the store at least once because of glitching. I feel like windows 8 hasn't been out long enough for the bugs to be worked out yet.

 

[tiny voices]

I have windows 8 and i play all my games and do everything else just fine. No driver issues or anything. Its noticeably faster than 7.

 

[MrBufo]

Just had (bout half an hour ago, now) a livechat with a tech support representative from Gateway, they said that the tower for DX4200-09 series desktops are rated for both ATX and microATX motherboards. I had not had time to go to my various threads and post that i had gotten my answer. :X

Conversation with Techy:

Techsupport Person: The specs of the motherboard shipped with your computer is "MB BENGAL RS780M03G1-8EKRS2HMOD FXN R ".
Me: Yes, and i believe it is a microATX motherboard,
Techsupport Person: Yes,.
Me: but by the dimensions of the computer's case itself, the case is somewhere between Mid-tower size, and mini tower size,
Me: I simply need to know if the case is rated for normal ATX boards or not.
Techsupport Person: Yes the case is normal atx.
Me: So, if i go out and spend 150$ on a new motherboard that is not microatx, but simply ATX, and i get all my computers guts ripped out and go to replace it, it will fit?
Techsupport Person: Correct.
Me: I'm aware that ATX boards are 12" by 9.6" and micro's are 9.6" by 9.6". that increase in size is compatible with the Dx4200-09's space? And i realize i'm repeating myself essentially, i just cant afford to purchase these things and then have to wait to purchase something else because the first one didnt fit.
Techsupport Person: I understand your concern.