Recasing a Packard Bell M5772

[adt]

Hello,

I am looking to recase my Packard Bell M5772 as the current case is very small and packed and components are over heating (HDD's reach around 50C sometimes). I have to keep the side of the case open all the time and it's a pain cleaning it as it gets dusty very quickly. I am new to this and was wondering if it is possible to recase my components to a case with better ventilation.

If it is possible I have been looking at the Zalman Z9+ and Z11+ cases and was wondering if they are any good. I have a budget of about £50.

My current case + specs:

Packard Bell ixtreme M5722 Mainboard/Specs




Please let me know if you need any other information and thank you for reading.

 

[Terronium 12]

Either one of those would be great.

You could also consider a Carbide 300R.

 

[adt]

Either one of those would be great.

You could also consider a Carbide 300R.

Thank you for replying, I take it I can migrate my mobo into one of these cases with no problems?

I'm stuck between both and was wondering which one is better ventilation-wise

 

[bassfisher6522]

Yes...to answer your question on moving entire setup into another case. The only problem that might arise is connections from front panel of OEM case vs the front panel connections of after-market case. You may loose some depending on what the OEM case has. Other than that you should have no problems at all. Good luck and enjoy the new space.

 

[bassfisher6522]

While your at it....you might want to consider an after-market CPU cooler and don't forget some extra case fans.

 

[adt]

Yes...to answer your question on moving entire setup into another case. The only problem that might arise is connections from front panel of OEM case vs the front panel connections of after-market case. You may loose some depending on what the OEM case has. Other than that you should have no problems at all. Good luck and enjoy the new space.

While your at it....you might want to consider an after-market CPU cooler and don't forget some extra case fans.

Thank you, would there be any benefits of replacing the CPU cooler?

 

[adt]

Added a poll as I can't make up my mind on which case to go for

 

[Terronium 12]

Benefits? Yeah, better cooling and lower temps.

Seems both the Z9 and Z11 aren't the more air efficient, but they're great for the price.

 

[adt]

Benefits? Yeah, better cooling and lower temps.

Seems both the Z9 and Z11 aren't the more air efficient, but they're great for the price.

Well I know it's for better cooling But what I meant is like would it make a big difference or the stock cooler is good enough. On a budget at the moment so I need to watch how I spend my money

 

[bassfisher6522]

The stock cooler is good for now...and at a later for $50 you can get a real bang for your buck deal at Newegg and Tigerdirect...that is over here in the states.

 

[adt]

The stock cooler is good for now...and at a later for $50 you can get a real bang for your buck deal at Newegg and Tigerdirect...that is over here in the states.

I've ordered the Z11 now and I will see how it preforms. If the cooling is not as good then I will defiantly take your advice into consideration

 

[linnemeyerhere]

For a micro ATX form factor then set your mobo up in these beyond cool cases. Up the ante with top quality case fans and you have a form factor winner.

Newegg.com - Thermaltake ARMOR A30 VM70001W2Z Black SECC MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case

Thermaltake VF6000BWS LANBOX Lite Computer Case - MicroATX, Clear Side, 2x 5.25 Bays, 3x 3.5 Bays, 4x Fan Ports, High Gloss Black at TigerDirect

 

[adt]

For a micro ATX form factor then set your mobo up in these beyond cool cases. Up the ante with top quality case fans and you have a form factor winner.

Newegg.com - Thermaltake ARMOR A30 VM70001W2Z Black SECC MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case

Thermaltake VF6000BWS LANBOX Lite Computer Case - MicroATX, Clear Side, 2x 5.25 Bays, 3x 3.5 Bays, 4x Fan Ports, High Gloss Black at TigerDirect

Wouldn't these be a bit too small for my components?

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Not at all, it's just a smaller form factor designed with flexibility in mind. The other way to go is look to buy more case then you think you need as in a sweet mid-tower that takes this current mobo. That way when you're ready you can blow the mobo and CPU out and start to build a new rig in the same modern case. I like Corsair cases but there are tons to choose from.
Corsair CC-9011013-WW Carbide Series 500R Mid Tower Gaming Case - ATX, mATX, 4x Ext 5.25 Bays, 6x Int 3.5 Bays, 1x 200mm and 2x 120mm White LED Fans, 1x 120mm Fan, 2x USB 3.0 and 1x FireWire Ports at TigerDirect

 

[adt]

Not at all, it's just a smaller form factor designed with flexibility in mind. The other way to go is look to buy more case then you think you need as in a sweet mid-tower that takes this current mobo. That way when you're ready you can blow the mobo and CPU out and start to build a new rig in the same modern case. I like Corsair cases but there are tons to choose from.
Corsair CC-9011013-WW Carbide Series 500R Mid Tower Gaming Case - ATX, mATX, 4x Ext 5.25 Bays, 6x Int 3.5 Bays, 1x 200mm and 2x 120mm White LED Fans, 1x 120mm Fan, 2x USB 3.0 and 1x FireWire Ports at TigerDirect

Yeah that's what I was thinking too. If I get a mid tower I can upgrade my mobo and CPU when funds permit. That Corsair is quite nice but the only problem is that they are quite expensive (around £90 here in the UK) so I had to go with the z11 which seemed good in my eyes. Hopefully it won't disappoint me!

 

[linnemeyerhere]

There are so many great cases out there and they all seem to be learning from the other. Cooling options, cable management and mobo CPU retention plate access all being great advances, then you have hard drive cage options and GPU card size options and you have a wonderful mix to choose from. After that it becomes a choice of style, case materials and costing. Good luck, have fun and please take tons of pictures and post please here under "Show us your rig"

 

[Solarstarshines]

Well im gona throw my hat in there you want good cooling cheap case I have 2 of these and have done outstanding jobs and i have been able to cram alot into this mid case and still have great air flow Micro Center - Cooler Master Elite 371 Mid Tower ATX Computer Case RC-371-KKN1
Cooler Master Elite 371

 

[adt]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Before the case comes are there any precautions I should take while doing this?
I have never removed a motherboard out of a case before. I've also got myself an antistatic wrist band if that's any help.

 

[Britton30]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Before the case comes are there any precautions I should take while doing this?
I have never removed a motherboard out of a case before. I've also got myself an antistatic wrist band if that's any help.

Remove all external power and cables connected to the board. When you take out the mounting screws go slow and be careful not to drop the screwdriver or anything on the board. You can leave the CPU and cooler and your RAM in the board but remove and expansion cards first. Note the graphics card will have a latch you have to release before pulling it out.

Male sure you have the board stand offs in the proper position in the new case, check there are no extras, they will short the board. A mATX usually has six screws, maybe seven.

Don't lay the board on an anti static bag, the outside is conductive, use a plain piece of cardboard. With the board out it would be a great time to take the CPU fan off and clean the dust from the cooler fins.

I would make some fans intake to make positive pressure in the case to help keep dust out. One more intake than exhaust will do it. Dismount the fan and mount from the other side, fans blow out from the side that is not open. Some are marked with an arrow showing airflow direction and rotaion.

I saw your posts on Overclockers UK too.

 

[Solarstarshines]

Do everything above plus use a wooden table and if possible if you have hardwood or tiled floor be better to work on won't create electric shock but if you are on carpet surfaces use rubber shoes and make sure not to drag your feet the best way to kill any component by electric shock