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Bludall
Senior Member
Joined: 11 Apr 2007
Posts: 8800
Location: East Midlands
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 Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:24 am Post subject: Pc conversion to tower unit. |
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We want to swap our huge pc over from a desktop base unit to a tower. We've looked on Ebuyer and Maplins for a suitable unit but need some advice regarding a good model to opt for.  We currently have the hard drive in a removable carriage and we have a cd re-writer but we'd like to put in a dvd re-writer. If anyone can point us in the right direction I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
Louise
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unclek
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Joined: 07 May 2007
Posts: 82
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| Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 1:38 pm Post subject: |
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| Is the computer fairly new? |
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Foggy
Senior Member
Joined: 13 Oct 2007
Posts: 1252
Location: Lincoln
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| Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 2:28 pm Post subject: |
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| unclek wrote: |
| Is the computer fairly new? |
doubt it if its a desktop unit
you might struggle ,depends what motherboard is in it ,the configuration for a desktop motherboard might be a totally different layout for fitting in a tower unit ,power supply etc etc
or are you talking about a new unit ,motherboard etc ? |
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stevelusky
Senior Member
Joined: 03 Nov 2007
Posts: 116
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| Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 2:36 pm Post subject: |
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| I dont think it will be as easy as just changing the case im afraid, Im not sure but im fairly sure the motherboard will be designed for a desktop and i dont think it will "swap" in to a tower case. For around 300 quid you should be able to pick up a new complete tower unit that should be more than good enough for day-to-day tasks, unless your in to photo/movie editing or high end gaming ? And by the sounds of it you are probably ready for upgrading a few parts anyway. I have 3 PC`s that i built myself and have built many others for friends and family so if you want any help just shout :grin: |
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Bludall
Senior Member
Joined: 11 Apr 2007
Posts: 8800
Location: East Midlands
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| Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 3:26 pm Post subject: |
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I don't know enough about computers to give you any more info. It was an ex-office computer. I think we'll end up getting a bare bones job from Ebuyer and starting from scratch. Thanks for the replies.
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RichieP
UHM Super Moderator
Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 351
Location: Wolverhampton
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| Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 7:36 pm Post subject: |
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Have you tried just standing it on it side? As long as air can flow through the vents it should work fine.
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Bludall
Senior Member
Joined: 11 Apr 2007
Posts: 8800
Location: East Midlands
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| Posted: Sun Jan 20, 2008 9:09 pm Post subject: |
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We need more drive bays, so that would work but it'd not improve things.
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nobby
Junior Member
Joined: 24 Jan 2008
Posts: 29
Location: Alsager, Stoke on Trent
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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You can always try Microdirect or Aria for PC components, I used them to build my PC.
Just be careful when buying some of the seperates, make sure that everything is compatible - As items that aren't compatible wont work.
Also if you get Vista you will need a minimum of 1 GIG of RAM to get any reasonable use out of the PC although I recommend 2 GIG.
If I can be of any further help just YELL.
Nobby |
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Bludall
Senior Member
Joined: 11 Apr 2007
Posts: 8800
Location: East Midlands
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:20 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Nobby, 
My oh is confident about removing and fitting stuff to the computer. It's the problem of buying the right tower with good enough fan and compatible bits that is the main concern as we only want to buy once and not make any mistakes.
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skiking
Senior Member
Joined: 13 Sep 2006
Posts: 3086
Location: Cheshire
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:40 pm Post subject: |
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| I can also recommend Microdirect and they are local to me . |
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nobby
Junior Member
Joined: 24 Jan 2008
Posts: 29
Location: Alsager, Stoke on Trent
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:41 pm Post subject: |
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Word of Caution
- STATIC is a computer KILLER - 
If your oh wants to build or upgrade themself, its well worth buying an anti static wrist strap (about £4), feel odd and look worse but better that, than a brand new Pc that is dead in the water.
Why not price up your parts and post the detail, it looks like there is plenty of very experienced and helpful techs on the forum.
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Bludall
Senior Member
Joined: 11 Apr 2007
Posts: 8800
Location: East Midlands
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 7:43 pm Post subject: |
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Got one already!!
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Hoovie
Devon DIYer
Joined: 27 Jul 2007
Posts: 8043
Location: East Devon
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| Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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Good advice from nobby re Anti-static - people can get to lazy with that kind of thing.
And as Nobby says, post up what you are looking for - any maybe what you are trying to build that needs so many drive bays (I used to think I needed loads of drive bays but a few years realised actually I didn't!)
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stevelusky
Senior Member
Joined: 03 Nov 2007
Posts: 116
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| Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:18 am Post subject: |
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I have built around 20 PC`s and upgraded many more, never used a "anti-static" wristband and never had a problem. Touching the metal chassis is enough to get rid of the static tbh.
Posting your spec is a good idea though or just post how much you want to spend and im sure you will get a few opinions on how to spend your cash 
Me personally, i use overclockers or ebuyer. |
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RichieP
UHM Super Moderator
Joined: 08 Sep 2005
Posts: 351
Location: Wolverhampton
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| Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 7:37 am Post subject: |
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Anti-static wrist straps are one of those things some people swaer by, others don't bother. I'm in the don't bother camp. Never used one and never had a problem. As long as you earth yourself first you're OK.
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