Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware.homebuilt (
More info?)
On Sun, 21 Aug 2005 17:07:23 +0100, aleX
<aleX@no-email-address.com> wrote:
>> The Gateway P5-166 may have an odd case and power supply not suitable
>> or compatible with standard ATX motherboards.
The power supply is unsuited for modern systems (ignoring
something rare like a Via Eden type all-integrated ultra low
power config) because it is a very low capacity power
supply, even though relatively high quality per the rated
capacity.
>
>Absolutely correct, if it's the same as the G5. I had to get rid of the
>case when the power supply died, because the case was too small for any
>replacement PSU I could find. I do believe these smaller PSU's are
>available online if required though.
The standard Gateway case of that era (in fact I have at
least 3 of them here) was a standard ATX to the extent it
will mount any standard motherboard, EXCEPT the rear I/O
port panel is stamped into the rear wall of the case, not a
removable I/O shield panel. It is the older style of
standard ATX port layout so there are some (especially
lower-end all-integrated) boards that will be compatible
with the permanent rear port layout excepting that most now
have network adapter integral and a couple more USB ports,
so IF the user needs that port(s) accessible they'd have to
cut out another rectangular hole (or the lazy way, an
oversized round hole). It's theoretically possible to use a
saw to cut out the entire rectangular area of the permanent
port holes to install any motherboard I/O port panel, but it
also elevates the amount of reworking the case needs to the
point of being unreasonable (IMO).
The other large failing of that GW case design is limited
air intake area, the front bezel is fairly restrictive.
Around that time GW slightly modified the case spec, some
had no rear fan mount on rear wall (under PSU) and others
did. Either way, they're quite sturdy cases and a hole saw
(or whatever-preferred methd) can be used to cut an 80mm fan
hole or two.
The power supply is standard ATX electrically, including the
plugs, but a unique form-factor. It might be possible to
mount a mATX PSU or other type of proprietary form-factor
PSU providing (that proprietary) PSU had complimentary
dimensions.
However, it is possible to cut out the rear of the case some
and mount a standard ATX power supply. It's a tight fit,
width-wise there is but a few millimeters slack, but if one
takes their time doing the measurements it's not hard.
Examples,
http://69.36.189.159/usr_1034/gw_case/rear.jpg
http://69.36.189.159/usr_1034/gw_case/