[British]

Yes thats my old PSU. And i bought this computer mostly for its size to save space and so when i move in/out of my dorm it wont be as much of a hassle to carry it.

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Yeah, I understand and appreciate that but how often do move? And that is one box. I assume your monitor, keyboard, etc. are all standard size.

That's the problem with compact units (which includes notebooks) - it greatly limits your upgrade options and then those options tend to be more expensive.

[Digerati]

Yeah, I understand and appreciate that but how often do move? And that is one box. I assume your monitor, keyboard, etc. are all standard size.

That's the problem with compact units (which includes notebooks) - it greatly limits your upgrade options and then those options tend to be more expensive.

[British]

I suppose and yes i have standards of everything else, it also just seems like a lot more work to move everything from the case i have now to the new one. I will think it over more about maybe switching to a larger one but im still reluctant.

I also move it in and out about 4 times a year. Beginning of September, mid December, mid January and then the end of the school year. I dont mind having to lug around a larger case those few times i just didnt want to have to if i could avoid it

Edited by British, 06 October 2011 - 10:44 AM.

[British]

Okay, ive thought it over a bit and i will at least look at larger cases. Im not sure what to look for, if i nee to find one with the same specs as mine, ie. same number of usb ports and such or if i can just buy whatever i think looks good and wont be too big to move several times a year. Id really appreciate some input on this matter because im still iffy on that big of a project and how hard it is actually going to be to move everything over.

[Digerati]

if i nee to find one with the same specs as mine, ie. same number of usb ports and such or if i can just buy whatever i think looks good and wont be too big to move several times a year.

That's what is so nice about the ATX Form Factor standard. It allows you to use ANY ATX motherboard and ANY ATX power supply and put them in ANY ATX case and know they will fit correctly and all voltages and cable connectors will be correct.

Here are 325+ to choose from!

The Antec Three Hundred is a good example for a decent case. It has lots of large (120mm or larger) fan support, easy open side panel for easier cleaning, and it has a removable, washable air filter - a must for any case I buy.

Note that many cases come with a PSU. Sadly, many are cheap and underpowered, tossed in to make the case sale. Be prepared to toss it out and put in a good one.

Aluminum cases tend to be lighter in weight, but also tend to cost more. The problem with aluminum is they can be flimsy, and get out of "true" (not perfect 90° corners) and that can put undue stress on the motherboard mounting points.

[British]

So for cases it doesnt matter what i pick it will work with the motherboard i have now? As for the material its made of what do you recommend as the best for long life and strong structure?

I was looking at both http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811121003 http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811148030 http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811119227 as my top choices. is there anything i should know about these other than the one with the power supply that i wont want that PSU?

[British]

OK WOW DO I FEEL DUMB. I just wacthed a very simple video that explained the low profile graphics card installation..... I dont need to go to a bigger housing, or at least i shouldnt. so i can go back to my original plan to just modify my existing case by adding the athena PSU and the Gigabyte grapgics card. sorry for putting you through that bit of stress but i am glad i figured out how to upgrade my computer. Thanks again for all your help.

[Digerati]

No stress on my part. Good luck.

[British]

Thanks, ordered everything and was still bellow the $200 budget even after adding the 4GB of RAM so my comp will be sitting pretty in a few days :]