Transferring old components to a new case

OnlyUseMeFace · Jul 8, 2017

Looking to transfer the components from my Lenovo H30-50 to a bigger case, to fit my new CPU cooler in. Not sure on the type of motherboard it has though, or how to find out. I'm a complete novice when it comes to PC jargon, so go easy on me ^^

Khushwant_1 · Jul 8, 2017

you can see your configuration in my computer->system properties. then you can easily know everything about your computer. if you still need more information then just tell me your processor name(for eg. i5 4460), then i will give a link to where you can see your configuration.

mbilal2 · Jul 8, 2017

OnlyUseMeFace :

Hi there,

Download a software called CPU-z which you can find HERE.

Then click on the mainboard tab and it should give you the motherboard properties.

For now I looked up your model number and found the specs. What is the new cooler that you got? We need to make sure we pick a case that provides enough room for the fan to fit in. Any preference on what case you want?

OnlyUseMeFace · Jul 8, 2017

Khushwant_1 :

processor is an i7 4790, quad core. When I access the system information it says 'BaseBoard model- Unavailable' for some reason

OnlyUseMeFace · Jul 8, 2017

The cooler is a coolermaster Hyper 12 Evo, which is much bigger than will fit in the tiny slim case. As for types of cases, I'm not fussed, although I'm also not sure what types there are or what the differences would be

Khushwant_1 · Jul 8, 2017

Here are your are tech specs: https://www.shop.bt.com/products/lenovo-h30-50-intel-core-i7-4790-8gb-1tb-windows-8-1-90b8002buk-BBB9.html
Regarding cpu cooler, tell me which cpu cooler you have purchased or which case do you have in mind(selecting the case is better in my opinion) then i can give you the a list of good cpu cooler or cases accordingly.

OnlyUseMeFace · Jul 8, 2017

Khushwant_1 :

The cooler is a coolermaster Hyper 12 Evo, which is much bigger than will fit in the tiny slim case. As for types of cases, I'm not fussed, although I'm also not sure what types there are or what the differences would be

Khushwant_1 · Jul 8, 2017

i am giving a configuration link nearly identical to your pc.
you can see a number of cases and decide which one do you like as it is purely a matter of aesthetics
LINK : https://pcpartpicker.com/list/dnJwQV
here is another link to give you some idea about what your motherboard can support(in terms of ram, graphics card, usb ports, sata ports for hard drives, etc)
link to intel h81 motherboard specifications: http://ark.intel.com/products/75016/Intel-H81-Chipset

mbilal2 · Jul 8, 2017

You are looking for a mini-ITX case that can fit in an evo 212 which has a height of 148.5mm / 5.8 inch. Now the issue is most new cases have USB 3.0 ports at the front but your motherboard doesn't support it. Your front USB 3.0 ports will NOT work in some of the newer cases. That being said, you can still use the back USB ports just fine.

Try the Thermaltake Core V21. I would not recommend anything else since I'm not sure they can fit in a 212 Evo.
We can look for bigger micro ATX cases.

OnlyUseMeFace · Jul 8, 2017

Khushwant_1 :

Thank you for the help so far

My system spec says my motherboard is a Lenovo Sharkbay, is this compatible with any case? Or does it have to be a microATX?

Also would all of the components be transferrable to the new case? not sure if any are OEM or not, such as the motherboard or the original 8gb ram

OnlyUseMeFace · Jul 8, 2017

mbilal2 :

Amazing, thank you

So the issue is my outdated motherboard? if I were considering moving everything to a new case and including my 212 evo, would it make more sense to get a new motherboard so I can get a smaller case? Or shall I stick with the current setup, and get something like the V21 you recommended, which does seem a bit larger than my current slim little machine.

mbilal2 · Jul 8, 2017

OnlyUseMeFace :

Most ATX cases also support micro and mini. If you want a big case, look for one that supports all three. Be warned the case will be quite bigger than what you are used to. Also there is a chance the cables will be short and you won't be able to connect wires from your case to your mobo.

My personal suggestion to you would be get a smaller cooler unless you plan on upgrading your mobo, PSU, add a GPU, etc in the near future.

OnlyUseMeFace · Jul 8, 2017

I can always return the cooler since it only came today, do you have any recommendations for smaller coolers around the same price (£25-30), that might fit into my current PC? If so, that might prevent me from having to transfer at all, although it is still something I would like to do in the future and need to understand ^^

mbilal2 · Jul 8, 2017

OnlyUseMeFace :

Yes your motherboard is quite outdated but it is still not too bad. If you plan on upgrading, you are looking to spend at least 400$. If you plan on moving everything from your current setup and including the Evo 212, the V21 is perfect for you. I am quite confident about it. Everything else is quite a risk.

Khushwant_1 · Jul 8, 2017

AFAIK your motherboard is micro-atx so it should fit in almost any case(dont quote me on that)
thing you would need need to change is your power supply as it is small form factor psu which are not compatible with mid tower cases. if you are not planning to buy a graphics card then dont buy any psu more than 350w otherwise get around 450-500w depending upon your graphics card.
all other things are good to go.
link to good quality psu available (its not a link any online buying sites, it is a list of good quality psu available you can check prices around you locality and then buy accordingly): http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html
link to another forum with a situation similar to you: https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/comments/5agxb6/received_a_lenovo_brand_desktop_from_cousin_which/

mbilal2 · Jul 8, 2017

OK I did a little research and apparently Evo212 cooler causes issues to to the RAM modules being very close to the fan, giving off clearance issues.

Try these fans:
Cooler Master DP6-9EDSA-0L-GP
Cooler Master Vortex Plus
Thermaltake CLP0534
be quiet! - SHADOW ROCK LP 51.4 CFM CPU Cooler

Cheers

I second Khushwant_1 regarding the PSU.

mbilal2 · Jul 8, 2017

Khushwant_1 :

Are you sure it's a micro-ATX and not a mini-ITX? Specs guide said mini tower. http://imgur.com/a/YhoBK

Khushwant_1 · Jul 8, 2017

if you are not sure then measure the dimensions of your motherboard, this is the easiest way to determine whether it is micro atx or mini itx.
micro atx: 9.6*9.6 in (24.4*24.4 cm)
mini itx : 6.7*6.7 in (17*17 cm)
and i am pretty sure that it is a micro atx motherboard.
that thing you highlighted is size of the case and ntw mini tower cases do fit micro atx motherboard.

BFG-9000 · Jul 8, 2017

That's definitely not a Mini-ITX board. Those are so small they only have room for 1 expansion slot, while there's enough room on yours that Lenovo could've fit all 4 if they had wanted to. But as said it doesn't matter--any ATX case with movable standoffs will fit any standard ATX-based board.

If I was going to just improve the cooling, I'd just cut a hole in the side panel so the top of the tower cooler could stick out. The case would be useless anyway if you replaced it.

The main reason to change cases would be if you wanted to use a full height graphics card and standard ATX power supply to power it.

OnlyUseMeFace · Jul 8, 2017

So best case scenario if price were no object, I would get the V21 case and transfer over my i7 processor, 16gb of ram, 212 Evo, 2TB HDD and my H81 mobo, and upgrade to a gtx 1060 (if the motherboard can take it) and get a 500W psu to finish up? Would probably come to about £300-350 if I shopped smart.

Khushwant_1 · Jul 8, 2017

gtx 1060 is priced very high due to cryptocurrency mining, it now costs as much as a gtx 1070. same goes for rx 480 and rx 580. lol.
and for cases check out the pcpartpicker link i sent you the first time
P.S. dont buy the psu listed in that link.

mbilal2 · Jul 8, 2017

So best case scenario if price were no object, I would get the V21 case and transfer over my i7 processor, 16gb of ram, 212 Evo, 2TB HDD and my H81 mobo, and upgrade to a gtx 1060 (if the motherboard can take it) and get a 500W psu to finish up? Would probably come to about £300-350 if I shopped smart

So apparently it's not a mini-ITX motherboard and it won't fit in the v21.. This means you can buy an ATX case.
Here's a list of the *numerous* cases available. Get an ATX case and

transfer over my i7 processor, 16gb of ram, 212 Evo, 2TB HDD and my H81 mobo, and upgrade to a gtx 1060 (if the motherboard can take it) and get a 500W psu to finish up? Would probably come to about £300-350 if I shopped smart

sounds like a good plan.

OnlyUseMeFace · Jul 8, 2017

Khushwant_1 :

What graphics card would you recommend for around the same performance and pricing then?

Khushwant_1 · Jul 8, 2017

which country are you from ? this would help a lot.

OnlyUseMeFace · Jul 8, 2017

Khushwant_1 :

UK, England

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