I want a new motherboard but have some questions.

[Kittlee]

I was looking at
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-062-AK&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2261
That motherboard after looking through the forums some for suggestions, my question is will my 500w PSU and 7850 GPU work fine with it and also, what's the purple/green thing? It looks like the slot I put my mouse and keyboard into but there appears to only be one slot, does that mean I'll have to replace either my keyboard or mouse with a USB one?

Also, I have 4 usb slots on the TOP of my computer that honestly don't seem like they're connected to the motherboard where they're places, are they? Do I need a special motherboard to be able to use the USB slots on top of my case?

http://support.acer.com/acerpanam/desktop/2011/acer/aspire/AspireM3970/AspireM3970sp2.shtml
That's the case of my computer, with tweaked insides but for my questions it's enough information I feel, I just want to know what I should or shouldn't have ready to be plugged in should I get this motherboard.

Thanks.

 

[GhislainG]

The USB ports should be connected to the motherboard. Are you saying that they don't work? Is the USB cable disconnected?

The AspireM3970 case is micro ATX; therefore you can't install an ATX motherboard. You'll need a micro ATX motherboard like http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-059-AK&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2261 You could also buy a less expensive Z77 micro ATX motherboard with less features as performance would basically be the same. You'll have to replace the keyboard or mouse unless you can find an old style motherboard that includes both PS2 ports.

Why do you want to replace the motherboard? You'll have to inspect the cables to determine if modifications are required to install the selected replacement motherboard.

 

[Kittlee]

No they work fine, I'm just wondering if they'll continue to work on a new motherboard because they seem totally out of the way and not near my motherboard currently. I guess my question is are they definitely connected to my motherboard somehow or is there a way that USB ports fine but not connected?

I don't know how to explain it, the motherboard is in the back and the bottom of my case and these 4 USB ports are at the top and the front of my case, are they still connected to the motherboard and if so, how? and will a new motherboard be able to connect to them as well?

If I buy a new motherboard I'll be buying a new case too, probably a Corsair 300 series so I suppose the USB thing doesn't matter but now I'm curious anyway.

I want to replace the motherboard because I want more slots as this computer only has one PCI slot and my graphics card is in it, I'd like to get a wireless card rather than the USB network adapter I'm currently using and possibly crossfire cards some time in the future.

 

[GhislainG]

If the inside of your comuter is http://icdn1.digitaltrends.com/image/acer-aspire-m3970-review-side-cover-open-625x583-c then you can clearly see the USB and audio cables connected at the bottom of the motherboard. The connectors probably are standard and they could be connected to a new motherboard. In the picture, we can also see the wireless card. If I understand, you removed it andinstalled your sound card in teh PCI slot? Can't you buy a PCI Express wireless controller?

If you want to Crossfire and/or more slots, then you have to buy an ATX case and motherboard.