HP Compaq pro 6300 form factor

[marc2912]

I have a hp compaq 6300 small form factor that I use as a dedicated plex server running ubuntu. I'd like to switch it to another case to add more drives but without knowing what form factor it has I'm not getting very far. My concern is it's probably custom, because heck with standards, and I'll have to get a new setup. Can anyone give me any advise?

 

[The Paladin]

well you can swap it out into a full tower, the only real issues I can see is the front panel of the case connectors (mainly power one) may not "wire" up to a standard 3 pin connected so there is that issue. assuming you managed that particular issue in one way or another and you transferred the system to a custom case, the only other concern is the PSU capabilities as you increase the amount of hard drives being powered by it.. fluctuations can cause read/write failures pretty quickly if the PSu cannot handle the load.

otherwise, all depend how comfortable you are.

PS: I need to do one of those Plex server they seem fun... but spoiled with 8TB NAS unit.

 

[marc2912]

well you can swap it out into a full tower, the only real issues I can see is the front panel of the case connectors (mainly power one) may not "wire" up to a standard 3 pin connected so there is that issue. assuming you managed that particular issue in one way or another and you transferred the system to a custom case, the only other concern is the PSU capabilities as you increase the amount of hard drives being powered by it.. fluctuations can cause read/write failures pretty quickly if the PSu cannot handle the load.

otherwise, all depend how comfortable you are.

PS: I need to do one of those Plex server they seem fun... but spoiled with 8TB NAS unit.

Is there a way to know if the motherboard will line up with mount points and openings on a full tower. I have things like USB, ethernet and so on that I don't want to lose.

 

[The Paladin]

do you have the dell product code (one on label that defines the parts inside)

 

[marc2912]

do you have the dell product code (one on label that defines the parts inside)

It's an HP Compaq, not a dell...

 

[The Paladin]

do you have the dell product code (one on label that defines the parts inside)

It's an HP Compaq, not a dell...

sorry, what is the HP product code

 

[marc2912]

do you have the dell product code (one on label that defines the parts inside)

It's an HP Compaq, not a dell...

sorry, what is the HP product code

2UA2381DGB

 

[The Paladin]

looking at the manual : http://h20628.www2.hp.com/km-ext/kmcsdirect/emr_na-c03348601-2.pdf
it would seem your motherboard can be fitted but I would see issues with your "external port connections (usb etc) " due to orientation.

comparing it to a standard board below your motherboard looks like this :

and a standard ATX board (in this case an LGA1150 but this matters not)

another Z170 in this case

notice how your PCI Slots are to the right of the Usb devices connectors ?
and on the standard Board the PCI slots are on the left of the usb connectors
this is what I am talking about.... your board will not fit. unless the case has "provisions for it"

 

[marc2912]

looking at the manual : http://h20628.www2.hp.com/km-ext/kmcsdirect/emr_na-c03348601-2.pdf
it would seem your motherboard can be fitted but I would see issues with your "external port connections (usb etc) " due to orientation.

comparing it to a standard board below your motherboard looks like this :

and a standard ATX board (in this case an LGA1150 but this matters not)

another Z170 in this case

notice how your PCI Slots are to the right of the Usb devices connectors ?
and on the standard Board the PCI slots are on the left of the usb connectors
this is what I am talking about.... your board will not fit. unless the case has "provisions for it"

Ok so basically the fact that they used a custom design board prevents it from being installed in a standard case. Thanks for the time and detailed answer.

 

[The Paladin]

you know I was thinking, since this motherboard is also use in the HP6300 Mid Tower models, you could possibly find one of those empty cases or a AS-IS computer ebay sales for cheap and strip it out and migrate your stuff over easily enough and gain the space your looking for.. not a perfect solution but...