HP Compaq converting into Full Tower [Need Advice]

[100ry]

Hello fellow geeks!

 

Recently I purchased a HP Compaq PC that I was going to use as my new main and use my current computer as a second gaming PC for my buddies. When the computer arrived and I tried putting a GPU in it, obviously as you could probably tell, it couldn't fit. So that got me thinking, should I just return the computer back to the seller, or try to take the parts out and put them into a full sized case so I could use it as normal. If I do take the second route, would I all I need would be a case and PSU? It has a i7-3770, 8GB DDR3 RAM and I was going to try to install my EVGA GTX 1060 SC (Single Fan) in it.

[Kyle_N]

Just a case, probably. The motherboard and PSU might not be ATX size though. If the PSU is not ATX size, you should be fine with any other PSU, but I would check all the pinouts on the existing PSU just to be safe. Sometimes they are slightly different, usually not an issue though. If the motherboard isn't ATX, check if at least some of the screws fit.

[Crunchy Dragon]

Yeah that should go nicely as long as the motherboard isn't one of those weird form factors you sometimes see in OEM machines.

 

I'd recommend the Corsair CX 450 or 550M for a PSU.

 

Welcome to the forums!

[Eastman51]

Speaking from experience, I have transplanted a pre-built tower into a new case. However, the PC I used was an Asus mid-tower. I can't say for sure that you can do it; but, if the motherboard is in a standard form factor (Dell and HP have a reputation for proprietary boards, so idk) then you can definitely make a case swap. If you plan on gaming, or doing any other demanding workloads, I'd recommend that you consider a CPU cooler swap. This would be easy if you're already taking the board out, in which case the board should be standard enough for a cooler swap. A new case and PSU is definitely in order, and a CPU cooler is also optional. 

[Psittac]

Compaq has been notorious for not using standard form factors, at least that's how it was many years ago and I'd imagine it still is.

[Kyle_N]

HP (and Compaq, although that brand has been gone since early 10s) consumer-level PCs are always standard parts so it's very easy to transfer those. 

 

The commercial-level systems, which is what I'm assuming you have, are sometimes a bit different, but it's still usually following some standard - just not a common one. Of course that's not really much better though, if you can't find the parts. 

Definitely check the screwholes on the MB and see if they line up with ATX standards. Or if you get the model, HP is pretty good at posting MB info online. That should be the only thing you'd have to worry about. 

[Psittac]

Compaq has been around way longer than the early 10's