Proprietary Cases and Motherboard Layouts

[Grandcheapskate]

Hi Guys,
About a year ago, someone gave me two Gateway ELP500C (Intel P4 processor) computers because they stopped working correctly. I was able to combine parts from the two to get one working machine and discovered one motherboard and CPU seem to have fried. So I was left with an extra case, CD drives, etc.

I figured this was a standard ATX case and I could place one of my extra ATX motherboards in there, but discovered Gateway must have used a propriteary case layout - regular ATX boards don't line up. As an aside, it seems the two eMachines I have use the same motherboard layout.

So my question concerns ATX type case layouts. Does anyone know if there are motherboards available which fit into Gateway and/or eMachine cases other than OEM? Or do I need to chuck the case, which would be a shame.

Thanks...Joe

 

[krebizfan]

I think that might be a BTX case and motherboard which is effectively a defunct form factor. Those BTX wind tunnel designs were loud and not needed with CPUs that kept power requirements to modest limits.

The Gateway and Dell weird ATX systems had standard mounting holes but swapped the pin positions on the motherboard power supply connector. Replace power supply; destroy motherboard. Reuse power supply; destroy new motherboard.

 

[Agent Orange]

Replace power supply; destroy motherboard. Reuse power supply; destroy new motherboard.

I was a victim and can second that, especially on the old Dell's.

 

[luvit]

..those bastards

 

[Grandcheapskate]

I think that might be a BTX case and motherboard which is effectively a defunct form factor. Those BTX wind tunnel designs were loud and not needed with CPUs that kept power requirements to modest limits.

The Gateway and Dell weird ATX systems had standard mounting holes but swapped the pin positions on the motherboard power supply connector. Replace power supply; destroy motherboard. Reuse power supply; destroy new motherboard.

No, it's not a BTX form factor as those were mirror images of standard ATX boards - the expansion slots were in the back left of the board as viewed from behind. I was unaware of the pin swap.

I always thought Compaq was the only company whose cases were proprietary but this has taught me otherwise. It's a shame because the case is in great shape.

Thanks...Joe

 

[Unknown_K]

Lots of old servers were non standard layouts as well (same with the power supplies), so if you find the motherboards they are useless without the case.