Replacing my computer case - is it difficult?

Forums › Desktop computing › Replacing my computer case - is it difficult?

simon14

1889 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 44

Trusted

#60103 19-Apr-2010 14:43

I purchased a new computer not long ago but the case is rubbish.... it's just really cheap.

Is it easy to move everything to a new case? Anything i should know about or be aware of? Is it a big job? Do things like fans come with the case or are they moved over too?

Many thanks.

8d52797c436

264 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#320256 19-Apr-2010 15:12

Is it easy to move everything to a new case?

Essentially to do this you have to pull apart the computer and rebuild it again in a new case. If you havent done something like this before it can be a pretty daunting task, but its fairly easy to do without breaking anything. Just try to be careful with where you put the pieces as you take them out so they arent damaged.

Anything i should know about or be aware of?

I did something like this myself a few years ago. I accidentally used the motherboard stand-off's from the old case instead of the new one, leaving the graphics card a few millimeters away from having a proper connection with the slot, which actually resulted in a fried graphics card. Just remember to be careful, and if in doubt, go get someone else to install it all. I had my local PC shop put the pieces in a new case for me for 2 hours labour after the mistake I made.

Do things like fans come with the case or are they moved over too?

Things like case fans should come with the case. A powersupply may come with the case, but I wouldnt usually recommend them anyway, as they are often cheap and nasty from my experience.

Finally, if you want a really nice case, I recommend Lian Li. The cases look great, are incredibly easy to work with and very sturdy/soundproof. I got one a couple of years back for a server I was building and now I only buy Lian Li.

Ragnor

8279 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 585

Trusted

#320258 19-Apr-2010 15:32

It's not too hard you can pretty much read the case's manual and your motherboard manual and work it out.

There are also ton of guides on the net and on youtube for putting pc's together.

Most cases come with a few fans, but have a few empty slots for adding in your own extra fans.

xpd

Geek of Coastguard
14116 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4579

Retired Mod

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#320259 19-Apr-2010 15:40

Stick with known name cases such as Lian Li (as 8d52797c436 said), Coolermaster, Silverstone, Antec, iCute etc.... the cheaper cases are usually flimsy as anything and restrictive on space and/or air flow.

This sort of case does most people - http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=182/ID=9834/SID=1059132209/productdetails.html

Obviously you could go for the big guns such as http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139235/CATID=181/ID=6544/SID=1051025654/productdetails.html

Friend of mine was given (yes, as in free) one of these.... Im jealous :) (Altho I ended up with his clear perspex case for free to replace my "hacked" ICute)
http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=14

XPD / Gavin

LinkTree

GBristow

178 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 7

#320343 19-Apr-2010 17:16

I just got an Antec P183, and love it. It separates the lower chamber with hard disks and PSU from the top chamber. The only issue was the main ATX connector was a tiny bit short, but got it onto the slot. If you don't mind reading instructions, you shouldn't have a problem. It's people that just plug everything in without thinking first that break things. You'll just need the manual for your motherboard. The new case might come with fans, which are easy to install. The hardest part will be aligning the front panel wires with your motherboard. It's mostly just paint-by-numbers though.