Hello Jerphee, I have a pretty good case that I got from a friend and now I am going to build a computer for my x-mother-in-law. I what I need to know how do I tell what size of fan to get? How do u measure them? Do I need exhaust fans or intake fans? Thanks Jerphee.

Well, here is what I did Jerphee,

I have a ATX PW 300 (with 4pin connector), and 2-1GHZ DDR2 memory so, I didn't need to order those items for her. I also have the OS too. (XP Pro 32bit SP2)

Here is what I order:

Newegg.com - APEVIA X-SUPRA G-Type X-SUPRAG-RD Black / Red SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

Newegg.com - ASUS M2A-VM AM2 AMD 690G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - AMD Motherboards

Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250310AS 250GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives

Newegg.com - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Brisbane 2.5GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - Processors

Newegg.com - SAMSUNG Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - CD / DVD Burners

Fans in general are either 80mm or 120mm.

The case you link has a side and rear 120mm. Side intake / rear exhaust.

There appears to be room for a front intake which I would add.


Otherwise I would not use a MICRO ATX motherboard. It is just too limited unless you need a tiny PC.

You also do not mention the graphics card which today is one of the most important components.


With that in mind as well a 300 Watt PSU is basically obsolete.

To run a mutil core CPU and a good PCI_E graphics card I'd suggest 500 Watt minimum as well as a clear notice that the PSU is MultiCore and PCI_E "Ready".

Then also I would recommend Intel over AMD.

This computer is for a older lady around say ....55 The only thing she needs is just for her schooling. She don't play games. She uses software like Micorsoft Office and that pretty much it. So, the Micro ATX should be fine for her and don't need a graphic cards the onboard would be enough. I order this parts already. Would the PSU be enough for her?

Didn't mention Jerphee this lady's husband has really bad heath. He has had heart problems and her income is very limited. Thats why I went AMD for cost savings. This set I ordered should do the job, you think bro?

Just for reference the "Micro" form factor was basically designed to fit very small cases.

That is about its only reason for existence. A mid tower case as you chose takes a full ATX as well.

Anyway a full ATX is just so much easier to work with unless you have a mini case.


The Wattage of the PSU is not the main concern here.

Most new PSU's are certified as multi core "ready".

In many cases this just adds the 8 pin ATX that Quad Core requires.

But some other features might be relevant here.

Rails / Voltages / etc.



Give it a try.

I'd say if you have any problem starting it up you need a new PSU.



...

Yea, I agree Jerphee I should have just look for a low-cost ATX MB but, I just seen this one and was like, nice price so I order it. The PSU is actually from another machine I got from a friend at work. The biggest thing with that is it needs the 4 pin connector for the mulit-core correct?

At least I should have plenty of space to work with by using the Micro ATX. Do you think that MB will do what she needs it for Jerphee? If I need I can get a new PSU.

All ATX boards had the 4 pin.

New boards have 8 pin but that is only required for quad core.

That board also requires 24 pin main and not 20 as some older PSU's might have.

Otherwise I suppose it will work. Again depends on voltage@amps requirements as well.

No harm in trying.


In browsing the details from Newegg most new PSU's will say "Dual Core" "ready" if in fact they are.

Newegg.com - ATX12V, Power Supplies, Power Supplies, Computer Hardware


Do you know the make and model of the old PSU?


Also note that the RAM must be 240 pin and not 184.

Yea the old PSU is only a 20 pin connector so, that will not work. Can you help me find a "dual core" ready PSU that is low-cost and enough voltage@amps.

Hey Jerphee,

I think I found a pretty good and low-costing PSU. Let me know what you think.


Newegg.com - Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC 430W ATX Power Supply 115/ 230 V - Power Supplies

Here is another one but, it looks like it only a 20 pin connector. Why does it say "20+4" This one looks better then the one above but, I don't see it have a 24pin connector for the board?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817152028