I've been a moron - need help to compensate for my stupidity.

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Barney Willis

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Jul 30, 2013
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Rightio people

So I wanted to upgrade my cpu, ram and mobo while keeping the case, HDD, PSU etc. The parts arrived today and it all went so well to begin with. CPU went on the mobo easily. Ram connected. Wonderful.

Sadly, I didnt realise that micro atx was not a uniform size. I thought that because my previous mobo (foxconn g31mx) was a mATX, that any new board of the same form factor would fit. The board I got is a square as opposed to a rectangle.

So this new board (MSI z77MA-G45) doesent fit. What would be the cheapest/easiest way out of this predicament? Should I remove the CPU/heatsink from the board and return it for a new board? Would this ah heck the thermal paste/does such a board even exist at this size? I am looking for a board which supports Nvidia SLI, is open to overclocking and has 4 ram slots.

Could I just buy a new case? Can anyone recommend a case they know to be compatible with this mobo? I am looking for cheapest thing possible here - already back £300 on the i5 3570k, the ram and the mobo :(



Thanks guys - any advice is much appreciated!
 
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Barney Willis

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The board is 2 inches longer than the last one. The metal frames that hold the HDD, disc drive and connect the front end ports is in the way of the mobo.
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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I see. Yes, that is due to the case being proprietary. The MB is std. But std simply means the hole pattern is the same. MB manufacturers can make their boards any size as long as they follow that hole pattern.

Your only hope to use that MB will be to upgrade to a new case. Depending on your choice, replacing the case would be cheaper than replacing the MB. Besides, finding an mATX MB that does SLI whose 2nd slot isn't X4 is difficult. The one you have now is one of the few that is suitable for dual cards. A 2nd card in a slot that is only X4 electrically, will not be a good performer.

And yes, if you remove the CPU, you should clean off and re-apply the TIM. Re-installing the cooler over the old TIM will introduce air pockets.
 
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Barney Willis

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So just to clarify - my current board (the z77MA-G45) is good for SLI and doesent suffer from an X4 slot? I have been referred to a Zalman z9 plus case which is apparently quite good. Seems large enough at least!
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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Well, according to your MB manual (pg. 1-5 I believe), it says:
Slots
2x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots
PCI_E1 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x16 speed
PCI_E3 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x8 speed

I've built with that Zalman case awhile back. It wasn't a bad case. Had sufficient room behind the MB tray for cable management, one thing I always look for no matter the price range of the case I am buying. Comes with more than enough fans. Proper Bottom mount PSU. 3 1/2" drive bays facing side to side as they should for best cable management.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811235027
 
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