Solved Case is too small, is this a problem?

[Mythical]

Hello everyone, I am new here. So please, don't be mad if I don't put this thread in the correct area.

I recently aqcuired a card from a friend. He recently had purchased a newer Graphic card and had given me his old Graphic/Video(unsure which) card. I made absolutely sure the connecters were correct and that my PSU would handle it.

However, there was a slight problem when it was finally here and I was ready to plug it in. I started to insert it in the correct slot, but I found my case was too small! The only way I can think of that wouldn't require me to purchase a whole new case would be for me to cut this small piece of iron that is on the back of my computer. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if it is wise to do so.

Please, can anyone tell me if it is a good idea to do so or should I attempt to purchase a larger case in the future?

If you would like me to take a picture of the case, I can do so. Just ask! c:

 

[205tim]

A pic of the case, and where it is that you would cut would be great. Moding a case is not uncommon, I would say go for it, pending pics though.

 

[sk0t0s]

if you purchased a video card for example like this:



it is usually have an extra plate for smaller casing like this:



EDIT: ask your friend maybe he kept the small one somewhere

 

[Mythical]

Unfortunately, as you are about to see, the slot is just too close to my case for it to matter whether I have one of those or not. But thank you for the info anyway timbog.

Here are the pictures I promised.

Here is what the situation looks like.

http://i.imgur.com/aX2DZ.jpg

Here is how close the slot is to my case.

http://i.imgur.com/Is7Fg.jpg

And here is how far I can insert the card before the case starts to be a butt and be too small.

http://i.imgur.com/1HxMH.jpg

Please tell me if I need to take more pictures.

 

[sk0t0s]

Please use the Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Seven Forums

Note: The site you use to upload pictures is blocked from where I am working.

 

[Mythical]

Oh I'm sorry, here, let me try again.

They're in the same order, I think.

 

[sk0t0s]

Are you sure your video card is compatible with your mobo?

EDIT:

If it is compatible, then you need that Small Metal Holder and replace the big one on your video card.

That should solve your problem.

 

[Mythical]

I believe it is compatible..

Here is the card type.

Radeon x1600 xt 256MB.

Also, if you can find out, what is the recommended power supply for such a card? Thanks.

Also, there is another problem, the metal bit doesn't have any holes for the monitor inputs.

 

[sk0t0s]

I believe it is compatible..

Here is the card type.

Radeon x1600 xt 256MB.

Also, if you can find out, what is the recommended power supply for such a card? Thanks.

Also, there is another problem, the metal bit doesn't have any holes for the monitor inputs.

As far as i know 350watts is fine. The metal holder should have slot for monitor. If you dont have that small metal holder I think Its better to change your casing.

 

[Mythical]

Well darn, it seems my PSU is lacking anyway. I'm pretty sure 300watts is too low, haha.

I kind of don't understand what you mean by a slot for the monitor. Do you mean someplace else or do you mean the metal bit that covers that hole normally?

 

[sk0t0s]

Well darn, it seems my PSU is lacking anyway. I'm pretty sure 300watts is too low, haha.

I kind of don't understand what you mean by a slot for the monitor. Do you mean someplace else or do you mean the metal bit that covers that hole normally?

I mean that metal holder should have hole like this:




If you dont have that small metal holder to replace the long metal in your video card you have to try to look for it in some computer shops or you have to replace your casing.

 

[Mythical]

Oh, but, I can't do that since the slot for the card is so close to the case. Even if I could put the card in, it'd still be too small.

That's why I took this picture.

 

[sk0t0s]

You don't have a problem between your mobo and the video card since your mobo Supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards. It's better to replace your casing since you dont have that small metal holder to replace the long one in your video card. I think thats the only way to solve your problem

 

[Mythical]

Darn!

Oh well, thank you for trying timbog!

 

[bobkn]

Well darn, it seems my PSU is lacking anyway. I'm pretty sure 300watts is too low, haha.

I kind of don't understand what you mean by a slot for the monitor. Do you mean someplace else or do you mean the metal bit that covers that hole normally?

Your snapshots confuse me, but it appears that the PC may only accept low-profile graphics cards.

I just measured a spare full-sized slot cover: it's about 4 3/4" (120mm) tall. A low-profile barcket is about 3 3/16" (80 mm). What size is the one from your PC?

If you need low profile, some are available:

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Video Cards & Video Devices, Desktop Graphics Cards, DirectX 10, Low Profile, Low Profile Ready, DirectX 10.1, Direct...

(ships only to the US and Canada).

The better ones want a power supply larger than 300W, though.

If your monitor requires a VGA style connection (DB-15 connector), there are adapters (cheap ones) from DVI to VGA. (There are a variety of DVI outputs in existence, but it's very unlikely that the X1600 has any that don't support an analog output.)

The X1600 has "legacy" status at AMD. That means that support for it is limited.

ATI Catalyst

Even if the X1600 fit, it may not be a good choice for an upgrade.

 

[TomBrooklyn]

Don't cut the back of the computer. You need the back to remain intact. You might cut the other end, towards the front, if it's just a matter of removing some of the hard drive cage.

Are your hard drives out of the way, where the long card won't interfere with them?

 

[archer]

I will suggest you to go for a new case. Modding the case might result in some other issue. you can try coolermaster. Eite 430 is good buy.

 

[Zepher]

Well darn, it seems my PSU is lacking anyway. I'm pretty sure 300watts is too low, haha.

I kind of don't understand what you mean by a slot for the monitor. Do you mean someplace else or do you mean the metal bit that covers that hole normally?

I mean that metal holder should have hole like this:

View attachment 212668


If you dont have that small metal holder to replace the long metal in your video card you have to try to look for it in some computer shops or you have to replace your casing.

The card he has is a full size pci-e and there is no low profile bracket for it since the 2 dvi connectors are soldered to the board.
Swapping cases is your only option if you want to use that card.