Pc case

[Codie781227]

Does anyone know what new case would fit my Dell Optiplex 745 USFF pc? I got the computer for free, but I wouldn't mind a flashier case, but I do not want to buy one that wouldn't work. 

[MartinKweh]

Just now, Abyssal Radon said:

So with prebuilt computers, they rarely use standard size motherboards. So I would do some homework on that particular computer and figure out the motherboard size/standard it uses before you do anything. OEM's love to make it impossible to upgrade significant parts of the computer, thus more or less forcing their customers to buy a whole new computer. Granted, these companies assume that 90%+ of their customers don't know about custom computers or know information on the specific hardware they're using. 

A followup to this is even if you manage to find something that will make it fit, you will have to replace certain parts. 

 

1. the PSU -  as the psu cables will most likely be too short for the case, you might have to replace this (Good news, the PSU is ok to replace with a normal after market ones since it uses the 24pin as motherboard power)

 

2. The Cooler -  unless you plan to Jerry rig that cooler, its fine but you might have to replace it due to airflow issues (new case means the fans will have a different position )

 

3. New fans-  as the new case will most likely not come with fans, that will add to the total price you might need to replace that case.

 

4. Thermal paste - as you might have to remove the CPU cooler to move the system (will most likely come with the new cooler if you plan to replace it) .

 

5. Motherboard compatibility - This is the biggest problem you will face. The motherboard may not be a standard size, shape so it might not fit or not have the right stand off for that case. In this case, a replacement motherboard might be required. good thing is that motherboards of that age is quite cheap. though i would like you to buy a better PC at that point.