Can I change the case on my hp motherboard?

I have the discontinued, hp pavilion a1230n. I'm already tired of this plain looking, hp case. However, I still want to use the motherboard, and all the components that are inside. I was wondering if it was still possible to replace the case since the computer is like 5 years old.

Here are the specs of my hp model: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=c00471052

Here is a more detailed look of my motherboard: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00496280&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en

Here is a pic of the motherboard: http://www.tradetang.com/for-sale/H...8AE-LE-S-939-MOTHERBOARD/129593-1925667.html#

Any response will be appreciated, thanks.

 

Sure, there's no reason why you couldn't change cases, anything that accepts ATX motherboards will work just fine. Your machine is also ripe for a CPU upgrade to dual core and an external PCI-E graphics card if you wish to do so.

 

Perfect, I would love to upgrade the cpu. What draws me back is the fact that I don't know of a good site that is trustworthy to purchase the cpu (since it's probably old as well?) I also doubt that they have the latest available cpu at my local computer store (microcenter). If so, what is the latest cpu that I can use to upgrade this mothreboard?

 

Ya, it is old but they're still out there, main thing is that you're restricted to a Socket 939 as an AM2 socket CPU will not fit. At any rate, according to your motherboard specs, you can put in as high as an Athlon X2 4800+ and maybe higher but it will probably be clocked down to a 4800+, a question for an AMD guy.

I have an A8N series motherboard and you will first have to update your chipset drivers and then your BIOS to v6013 IIRC, it's all on their site. Just do a google search for 'socket 939 dual processors'. I did do a quick check of major suppliers like newegg and they don't even list a Socket 939 category at all. E-bay might be your only choice. Good luck.

 

I was thinking of getting either this case: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0312846

Or this one: http://reviews.cnet.com/cases/xion-ii-black-pearl/1707-3030_7-31894247.html

Which one do you guys think look ok?

The only thing that I'm curious about is the port for the power switch (the one where the POWER SW, RESET, ETC cables go to). I can't seem to find the manual for this motherboard in the HP site. Do you guys know an alternative way to connect the cables without the manual for this motherboard?

 

Is there anyone who can respond? I would appreciate any response, thanks.