Motherboard question

[MilwaukeeMike]

Im starting to upgrade my computer (slowly), and was going to start out by getting a newer case that allows for a lot of expansion. I have a 3 1/2 year old Sony Viao with 2.4Ghz P 4 CPU in it. Im not sure if any of you guys will know this, but I want to make sure my motherboard will fit into the new case Im going to buy. (I eventually plan on getting a new motherboard) How do I figure out what size, type, whatever... my MB is? What size MB's do computer makers usually use? What size case should I get? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Rat]

Cases and motherboards are fairly standard sizes. If it's ATX compatible, it'll all fit together. Despite the attempts of BTX, ATX is still by far and away the most common, and I suspect mini- and micro-ATX still outsell BTX.

I would though take the plunge with case, mobo, cpu, ram, and psu all at the same time. Upgrading a bit at a time is a nice idea, but cpu/mobo/ram have to all be done together ideally, and it makes sense to get a case to suit them.

Cheers,
Rat.

 

[snooziums]

Just as long as you do not have a "Extended-ATX" mainboard, you should be fine. Extended-ATX mainboards are 12" by 13" and are rather rare.

I had that problem when I built my custom computer, but I overcame it, as seen here: http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/dual_motherboard_mac/dual_motherboard_mac.html.