Will I be able to reuse this Compaq Presario SR1830NX shell for a custom PC build?

[Hoang34]

I'm looking to basically gut everything except the DVD drive and put all new parts in it. I'm assuming I'll be giving up newer features such as USB 3.0 and other stuff that I don't know of since I'm relatively new to the scene. I know that it's an ATX form factor for the MoBo that came with it originally, and I will be switching that out for a Mini ATX most likely.
What are the merits of doing this? Pros? Cons?
I'm mainly looking to spare around 40-50 dollars over the DVD drive and Case combo but don't want to sacrifice durability or compatibility. Would everything even fit?

 

[RazerZ]

You can re use your case and the only motherboard it will fit is a micro atx board.

The only real benefit is that you would be saving around $45 by not getting a new case. However:

- There is zero cable management asides from maybe a wire tie at the bottom of the case
- Cooling options are limited
- If the drive bays are not removable, you will have a hard time fitting in a full sized graphics card.

 

[USAFRet]

How much are you spending on everything else? A new case is typically a small fraction of the cost.

 

[bignastyid]

Could you? Yes. Should you? I wouldn't suggest it.

 

[Hoang34]

Hey guys, I wasn't expecting so much help so fast. I am trying to keep my build very low-priced because I'm a 17 YO lifeguard making 50 cents above minimum wage. On the other hand, I'm only looking to play League of Legends and the latest Battlefield with my friends.
CPU: AMD Athlon 760K
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 (around $110 right now)
MoBo: I'm still clueless and am either looking at the
Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-S1 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard
or
MSI A55M-E33
PSU: Corsair CX600
RAM: 4GB of Crucial
Hard Drive: 500 GB of WD Blue I know I am skimping on both, but I'm trying to meet a budget.
WiFi Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN350GD 802.11b/g PCI Wi-Fi Adapter

 

[Hoang34]

The total without a case or a CD drive comes out to $371 and some change, definitely within my budget. But I have no OEM for Windows. That's why I wanted to remain so low, since I'm leaving $500 for the entire build. Could Tea urchin explain more as to why I am unable to salvage the DVD drive that is in there?

 

[USAFRet]

The real questions are:
What do you have now?
What are you going to use it for?
How much money do you have to spend?
Where are you buying this from?

A few someones will be along to spec a list of viable parts.

 

[Hoang34]

To answer USAFRet
1. I have nothing right now, this is gonna be my very first build. But my friend's dad is going to be walking me through everything. I just have to get the parts together.
2. I plan on using it for gaming, schoolwork and general usage. Maybe a little video editing once in a while, but I can use my MacBook for that also.
3. The budget I have set is $500, take it or leave it.
4. I am buying everything from pcpartpicker.com

 

[USAFRet]

To answer USAFRet
1. I have nothing right now, this is gonna be my very first build. But my friend's dad is going to be walking me through everything. I just have to get the parts together.
2. I plan on using it for gaming, schoolwork and general usage. Maybe a little video editing once in a while, but I can use my MacBook for that also.
3. The budget I have set is $500, take it or leave it.
4. I am buying everything from pcpartpicker.com

Does the $500 include OS and monitor?
pcpartpicker does not 'sell anything, it is just a list of parts and sources.

 

[Hoang34]

$500 dollar would include the OS if I can't find someone who's willing to give me their spare. I have a spare monitor and other peripherals.

 

[Hoang34]

Thank You so much for the explanation Tea Urchin, I guess I'll spend that extra $15 then. The case does have a fan in it already, I was pretty happy to see that.