Prebuilt computer case only takes Low-Profile cards, what do I do?

[cptmold]

I made sure of everything, and I remember distinctly that full-size ATX graphics cards worked according to the computer details. Guess what? Now, I learn that I have to have low-profile or it doesn't go in! Not great for a dual-slot card.

I'm thinking of turning my tower on its side, and using it like that with the card simply placed in the PCIE 16x slot. Are there any risks that make this a bad idea? It's a full size R9 280, so I'm just a bit afraid that I might crush the MoBo.

 

[ronintexas]

You can purchase a new full-tower ATX case for $50-$60 easily.....and they probably have better air-flow that the case from a pre-built computer....

This is one of my favorite cases: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129180

It will fit almost any mobo, PSU, GPU combination out there....and great air flow.

If things are fitting well, sometimes a slight modification is possible to get parts to fit, but if something is more than slight (i.e. turning it on it's side) could result in air flow not being adequate, optical drives not working, etc....

 

[cptmold]

You can purchase a new full-tower ATX case for $50-$60 easily.....and they probably have better air-flow that the case from a pre-built computer....

This is one of my favorite cases: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129180

It will fit almost any mobo, PSU, GPU combination out there....and great air flow.

If things are fitting well, sometimes a slight modification is possible to get parts to fit, but if something is more than slight (i.e. turning it on it's side) could result in air flow not being adequate, optical drives not working, etc....

If I buy a case, chances are I'm buying a whole new computer with it (from scratch, of course). What I'm wondering is if it's safe for the time being to let my graphics card simply sit directly on the motherboard without support, if the case is positioned so that the motherboard is flat. It won't be getting support from the PCI brackets. Will a motherboard be able to hold this graphics card on top without breaking, since it's the full Sapphire Dual-X (dual slot) R9 280?

 

[ronintexas]

I would be concerned with anything that isn't "secured" to the case. A simple bump of the computer can create big problems. With a new case, you can transfer everything you have now to the new case, and it works like you have it now. You can always upgrade your components when you want - whether it be budget or timing issues.

 

[cptmold]

I would be concerned with anything that isn't "secured" to the case. A simple bump of the computer can create big problems. With a new case, you can transfer everything you have now to the new case, and it works like you have it now. You can always upgrade your components when you want - whether it be budget or timing issues.

Assuming I avoid bumping it around (it is a full size ATX tower, after all) and having it out of the way, though, do you think the motherboard could support the weight of it without breaking? I could always use one of the cable ties that came with my CX500M and put it between the IO panel of the card and the case, to give it a bit of security.

 

[Quixit]

The motherboard should be able to support the weight of the card, yes. You'll have to be careful not to bump the card out of the slot while the system is running because that could kill the card or the motherboard. Gravity will hold the card in place just fine assuming you've got the system oriented with the board on the bottom and the card sticking out the top.

As for the new case idea, nothing is saying you can't buy a new case now and the rest of the components later. Remember the concept of "a whole new computer" was just invented by Dell and HP to move more boxes. It's just a bunch of components.

 

[cptmold]

The motherboard should be able to support the weight of the card, yes. You'll have to be careful not to bump the card out of the slot while the system is running because that could kill the card or the motherboard. Gravity will hold the card in place just fine assuming you've got the system oriented with the board on the bottom and the card sticking out the top.

As for the new case idea, nothing is saying you can't buy a new case now and the rest of the components later. Remember the concept of "a whole new computer" was just invented by Dell and HP to move more boxes. It's just a bunch of components.

Yeah, but I'm genuinely broke right now. I spent it all on 2GB of RAM, a 500w Semi-Modular PSU, and R9 280... and that's only because I got a good deal on it. Getting into PC gaming is hard when you're only 15...

Do you think it might be a good idea to move this Pentium motherboard over to a Corsair SPEC 03 when I've got the money? I'm applying for a job soon, and I've still got every cable tie from the PSU. (I manged to do it all with twist ties)

In the meantime, I think I'll "secure" the graphics card with a cable tie via the IO panel, just for a small amount of structure. Time to turn it off, flip this thing sideways, and see how the GhettoBox 9000 does in Red Faction! Thanks for all the help, and I'll do my best to make sure this card doesn't get bumped around at all.

 

[cptmold]

My graphics card isn't actually being picked up... it's not even spinning! Is there something wrong with it? I made sure it went in at the right angle, it hasn't been bent at all, and both 6-pin connectors are in. I haven't installed the drivers yet.

 

[cptmold]

Thanks for all the help, guys... but it turns out, I'm just a complete whimp and I didn't push it in all the way! It fell in place as I was using the computer, and the whole thing shut down. Now, it looks like there's a BIOS issue... oh well.