I want to ditch my of the shelf Packard Bell case to get a nicer looking, taller one, with more slots available.

Is this just a case of simpily, unplugging everything taking it out and putting it in the new case? Or is there more to it than that?

In theory you are right, however often big name manufacturers like Packard Bell will use non-standard size components. You often see riser cards for PCI slots for example. There's no real way to tell apart from opening it up and having a look. Its the motherboard you want to look at primarily as everything else will fit fine. It needs to be either the ATX or MATX standard. If you run one of the online hardware scans mentioned on this site and post the model I may be able to tell from the manuals available on Packard Bell's web site.

Thanks very mcuh for replying.

I am at work at the momment, I will check and post it later tonight. Providing I do just need a standard size. Do I just unplug everything (remembering how it was connected) then just put it all back together in the new case?

Thanks.

Basically, yes. If you have a compatible case to fit your motherboard, then everything should slot in nicely. I'm assuming that your Packard Bell and the bits inside it are a few years old - Pentium II / Pentium III ?

If you are trying to go from a desktop case (i.e. the type that can sit flat underneath the monitor) and replace it with a new tower case (i.e. the upright kind), then it is quite likely that your motherboard won't fit.

If this is your first build, be VERY wary of static electricity. It won't do YOU any harm but it could easily damage your components. Invest a few pounds in an anti-static wrist strap, wear rubber soled shoes, do it on a wooden table on your kitchen floor, etc, etc, blah, blah, blah - search the D-A-L.com forum for threads about "static" and you'll find lots of advice.

Also, I've just had another thought - make sure your Packard Bell has an ATX power supply with a single ATX power connector to the motherboard. If it has two AT power connectors to the motherboard, you won't be able to buy a new case that has that old-style connection.