Birthday computer upgrade.

So...i just realized that my current case is BTX. Is it possible or recommended to install an ATX motherboard in a BTX case or should i just buy a new case? Also will my power supply work even if its for BTX?
 
The power supply is compatible. It's a toss-up as far as the case goes. If gateway put an ATX board in the case you have for their other models then it could have screw holes drilled for ATX boards, but this is likely not the case. So you have four options

  • Scour the internet to see if anyone has done it for your model.
  • Call (Don't E-Mail) gateway and ask if you can fit an ATX board in your case. Tech support will instantly tell you that you cannot. Be forceful likely the low-level tech doesn't know and is just saying that because he assumes it to be true since your computer is BTX. Ask several times if he/she is just quoting system specs or if he/she is sure he is right, try to get him/her to admit he is unsure so you can talk to an advanced tech that would know more about Gateway's cases. Since this is an obscure question that tech-support would be unaccustomed to answering, most likely you'll end up with a no answer even if you can, but it could be worth a try.
  • Buy your stuff and try to put it in your case. If it works then hurray. If not buy a new case.
  • Buy a new case and not bother trying to fit stuff into the old one.
 
Cool thanks man! I'm also going to ask my future father-in-law (he's helping me with assembly) if he has any extra cases laying around, chances are he does and then i can just get some nice fans for them to deal with the heat as they are cheap cases.
 
Yay :) It's here. Now i just have to finish out the week and i can installl!

thanks everyone. I'll post again when its up and running

edit: I just talked to my future-father-in-law and he bought me 4gbs of 1066 RAM :-D to trade for my old processor/mobo. Looks like im getting a bit of a bigger upgrade than i expected.. All in all i will go from

Pentium D 3.00 Ghz
2 GB 800mhz RAM
Crappy Intel motherboard
gateway case

Phenom II x4 920 2.8Ghz
4GB 1066 Patriot RAM
FoxConn A79A-S motherboard (AM2+)
An ATX case he had laying around. I might have to rework some of the cooling for it but im not sure.

only things i'm really keeping are HDD, GFX, and PSU. :-D
 
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