Windows 7: Building a computer

I toasted one of my computer so I figure I'll take the old 5 year old case and put a i3 CPU which I think is better than my E6550 Intel. I was going to build a i5 or i7 but I'm not sure about the case, if I should get a new one or not. If I should get a new case then I'll go with a i5. It's been 3 years since I built a computer so any tips would help. Thanks.

Well, the case itself isn't going to be the issue persay, it will be mostly the Motherboard you will be putting into the system and the Power Supply Unit that is in the case.

Ideally, you can swap out the Power Supply and still keep the case, but it is really the main board that will be your biggest problem with the case. If the case's back panel, for instance where your USBs, ethernet and what not, don't line up with the back panel or you can't remove the back panel, or worse yet, the orientation of the board is not matching up with your case... You are pretty much needing a new case in general.

The only other issue with your case would be how much room there is and what you plan on putting in the computer. If you are looking at a mini-tower or mid-tower, you will have minor to major space issues if you have to put in a large CPU heatsink cooler, possibly some air flow issues. That and it makes it a pain to do upgrades if you have a large hand with regards to memory and such.

Depending on what you plan on doing with the computer and also how quiet you want it to be, you may want to also mention 'how far' you want to go and what you would like.

There are lots of reasons to get a new case...but whether or not it's worth it...is up to you.

Often cases are purchased
1). To provide more space...perhaps for larger graphics cards, or more hard drive
2). To provide better cooling...if you are an overclocker...you might want better airflow and room for more case fans
3). To provide better looks. Either through windows, lights, black painted interior, better wiring and cable mgt options
4). To provide a quieter experience. I'm all about quiet computers these days, so insulation and quiet fans and power supplies are #1 priority

Those are just some of the reasons that I could come up with. When I build a new computer, I've always kept the old one running. so, it's always a new case for me. No iffs, ands or butts.

If you want a definitive answer, tell us what case you have now. If it was good enough for the home-built Core2Duo, it is probably good enough for the new build, but let us know to be sure.