My motherboard is wierd either that or I am

Aarontheman · Apr 10, 2016

I recently took apart a friends emachines desktop and he gave me the parts. It has no labels on it and it seems impossible to connect it to my new Fractal Design core 1100 case. Anybody have an idea or do you need a photo? I have no manual to figure this out its like motherboard limbo

cdabc123 · Apr 10, 2016

photos and i can help

bigpinkdragon286 · Apr 10, 2016

Your Fractal Design case uses the Mini-ATX form factor. There is never a guarantee that a name-branded computer will use a standard form factor, or one that is compatible with off the shelf cases.

It still may be possible.

Do you have any markings on the motherboard that may indicate a make / model? Usually motherboards will have that information silk screened on them in while lettering.

Aarontheman · Apr 10, 2016

bigpinkdragon286 :

there are no labels on the motherboard at all and the motherboard fits. its just the case cables to the motherboard

Aarontheman · Apr 10, 2016

cdabc123 :

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6nqC8zFQdbuR3BaNzRMS3BST2M/view?usp=sharing

bigpinkdragon286 · Apr 10, 2016

The pic is a bit hard to make out, but it actually appears to be a mini-ATX formatted board. If it fits and the mount points line up with the mounting holes on the board, then it sounds like all you really need are extensions for your front panel connectors.

In the picture, you can see "V 1.2" in white, silk screened lettering. That's the version of the motherboard. In that same area you will likely find the model, but at this point, knowing the model may not help us further.

Front panel connector extensions

Aarontheman · Apr 10, 2016

bigpinkdragon286 :

under it, there is text saying 15-V42-0011200. Is that relevant?

bigpinkdragon286 · Apr 10, 2016

Pay close attention when mounting the motherboard that the case doesn't have any extra mount points that don't line up with the mounting holes on the motherboard. Metal mounting points are a potential short circuit hazard and can damage a motherboard if they don't line up with the holes.

Aarontheman · Apr 10, 2016

bigpinkdragon286 :

It fits with the whole case. same with my Dell motherboard.

bigpinkdragon286 · Apr 10, 2016

I'm going to guess that the white sticker next to V 1.2 says, "MCP73VT-PM," or something close? That would be the model of the motherboard. But, it sounds like you've already determined that the board will physically fit in your case.

Aarontheman · Apr 10, 2016

bigpinkdragon286 :

Fitting in the case is not the issue. I did not specify in my question. I meant the case cables. Like the audio, Usb, etc.

bigpinkdragon286 · Apr 10, 2016

I added a link to one of my replies above for some case connector extensions. See if that's what you're looking for.

You don't have to buy the ones I linked to, but it's at least an idea for what's available.

I just Googled, "computer case front panel extension" and that was the first, most relevant link I saw.

Aarontheman · Apr 10, 2016

bigpinkdragon286 :

Sorry, I still did not specify. I don't know where they go.

bigpinkdragon286 · Apr 10, 2016

https://www.scribd.com/doc/183510552/Manual-Ecs-Mcp73vt-Pm

Have a look at page 24 of that PDF. It's pretty standardized among motherboards. Should match yours as well.

Page 21 shows where on your motherboard the F-Panel pin-header is located. Generally speaking, it's in the lower right quadrant of the motherboard.

Edit: The negative lead will be the black one.

cdabc123 · Apr 10, 2016

i cant really tell because the pics are blurry. but the yellow connections look like usb. idk where audio is and their should be a set of pins with some labeling involving front io plate or reset, hdd light power light...

bigpinkdragon286 · Apr 10, 2016

If the pics are blurry, it's probably an issue with the device you're viewing the PDF on.

Make sure you're not trying to figure things out with the picture on page 21. That only shows where the pin-header connector is.

Page 24 has a line drawing that details the pin-header for the front panel connections specifically.

If at this point you're still having so much difficultly you can't get the manual sorted out, I would advise you might look into having somebody with more experience help you. While the chance is not great, you can affect permanent damage to your case front panel LEDs or motherboard if you connect a +5V source incorrectly.

If you have another computer that is properly configured, you may be able to remove a side panel and look at how the front panel connectors are attached to the motherboard for reference.

Aarontheman · Apr 10, 2016

bigpinkdragon286 :

If the pics are blurry, it's probably an issue with the device you're viewing the PDF on.

Make sure you're not trying to figure things out with the picture on page 21. That only shows where the pin-header connector is.

Page 24 has a line drawing that details the pin-header for the front panel connections specifically.

If at this point you're still having so much difficultly you can't get the manual sorted out, I would advise you might look into having somebody with more experience help you. While the chance is not great, you can affect permanent damage to your case front panel LEDs or motherboard if you connect a +5V source incorrectly.

If you have another computer that is properly configured, you may be able to remove a side panel and look at how the front panel connectors are attached to the motherboard for reference.

But does it tell you where they should go? or should I bring it to a place like canada computers and ask?

bigpinkdragon286 · Apr 10, 2016

To somebody who knows what they are doing, yes, the PDF manual I linked to tells them specifically where the connections go. The fact that it's following the established standards means that, anybody with experience should already have a good idea where things go, even without the manual.

If you're not feeling comfortable with the level of instruction provided by the PDF, which is just an electronic copy of the original manual for that motherboard, I would highly recommend getting somebody to look at it either with you, or for you. There's no good sense in burning up a component for the sake of ~10 minutes of somebody's time if it can be avoided. I would only consider proceeding when you don't know what you're doing acceptable, if all involved components are considered disposable.

We all had to learn somewhere though, so if you've never hooked up the front panel connections on a motherboard before, this is a great opportunity to learn how to do it correctly.

Aarontheman · Apr 13, 2016

bigpinkdragon286 :

Thanks so much! I got it working now because of you! that really means a lot to me!

bigpinkdragon286 · Apr 13, 2016

Nice!

My motherboard is wierd either that or I am

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