Tips?: New Case vs Stock HP a810n Case

[KidDzAkemi]

Hello all,

Will someone help me come up with a solution? Is my HP a810n case sufficient to upgrade my motherboard, CPU, and memory, or will I come up better looking for a new case with more power and space? Cost is a factor, however if I'm going to do it, I rather it be once and most efficient.

I'm rebuilding my HP a810n (after a crash) and desire to upgrade from:

Stock Motherboard:
Asus K8S-LA (Salmon-GL6E),
Micro ATX (9.6" x 9.6"), Socket 754
Max Supported CPU: Athlon64 3700+, AMD Athlon64 3400+

to

Asus AMD type
Micro ATX, 24 Pin, Socket AM2
Supported CPU: Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64

because I'm ordering a new CPU (AMD Athlon 64 X2, AM2, 65W) that isn't compatible with the stock motherboard.

Note: I've already replaced the flawed stock HDD (Samsung SpinPoint P80 SP1604N 160GB) with an WD Caviar SE 320GB EIDE. Used HP Recovery Disks and the system is back running.

Thanks in advance for any assistance

 

[V3NOM]

why get a mATX board? if you're looking for a small form factor case i would guess one of those lian li micro atx cases... might be alittle on the expensive side though

 

[KidDzAkemi]

why get a mATX board? if you're looking for a small form factor case i would guess one of those lian li micro atx cases... might be alittle on the expensive side though

At first I was attempting to keep with a board that was compatible with the stock HP a810n case. If I need to move to a new case regardless of board-type, I'm far from an expert so I'm open to suggestions (especially if I can save money without sacrificing performance).

What combo (motherboard+tower case) would you recommend for this CPU:

- 2.80GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ Brisbane Dual-Core Processor, Socket AM2 65W
link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103235

Thank you for dropping in and helping.

 

[mi1ez]

I would recommend getting an AM2+ board as it will offer more upgradability.