Motherboard question 3

[cweathe]

I have a Sony VAIO RB52.
I like the case i have but would like to buy something bigger for the addition of more fans. My problem I am having is that I still have the factory motherboard and want to know if it will fit in a new case that supports ATX motherboards. I have upgraded pretty much everything in comp but never messed with motherboard.

I guess my question is what type of motherboard do I have and will it fit in an aftermarket case that supports ATX motherboards?
Thanks.....

 

[kjv1611]

More than likely, any case that supports ATX motherboards will support your mainboard. I believe that at least some of the Sony computers are built from Asus boards.

As far as compatibility, you basically just have to make sure it will fit. I can't see it a Sony desktop motherbaord being too big for practically any Mid or Full Tower case.

Otherwise, just make sure you can see where the front panel connectors are on the board - get a diagram from Sony's desktop support, or a manual that shows motherboard details if possible.

Here is as far as I got from your info given on Sony's website:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-find.pl?mdl=RB52&PRODTYPE=1

You'll need to specify. If there is no "M" on yours, then it must be the first one. See if their specs or user manual has any info on the mainboard.

You can also try searching eBay for any info on it, as people sell whole computers, parts, etc for computers all the time. I know there were at least some listings for your computer model.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[jlockley]

Download Belarc and run it. If all goes well, it will list your specific components including the mobo. Then you do a search on that for form factor. I couldn't find out much myself, but it sure looks like ATX.(Alternative low tech: Open case and see if the maker's name is stamped on the board).

I put Belarc here somewhere, but just google it. There's another application someone mentioned that does the same thing.

 

[Sleepsalot]

The other one is aida32 it can be found here.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download181.html

Wayne

Life is a big Roleplaying adventure.

 

[paparazi]

I cannot really see where aida32 and Belarc come into this? this is a physical thing, as in, will the components fit and connect?
Going on the several VAIO's I've worked on, they pretty much conform to international form factor standards so I can say you should have no problems mounting the motherboard in a standard ATX case. The problems, if any, will be in connecting the front panel headers, you may need to split block connectors (if Sony has used a grouped connecting block) to fit individual connectors to header pins.
It really shouldn't be too dificult working out pin outs because the motherboard should be screen printed with the information written on the PCB.
Look for a case with predominently 120mm mounts for fans, these potentially move more air and are quieter, also a case with a side CPU vent (P4 Standard) is advisable in order to get the coolest possible air to the CPU fan.


Martin

We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.

 

[kjv1611]

In case you're wondering along those lines, another program for finding your specific mobo specs, etc, is Everest:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html

But, I agree with Paparazi in that you shouldn't have to go that route. Also, I'd say that I seriously doubt that if you buy a case you'd have to change any pins - you SHOULD be able to just plug up the front headers to whatever specific locations they are marked on your mobo to go to. And if you can't get them all connected, it shouldn't matter either. So long as you can get the Power button working, in the least, you can have your pc up and running. The others are just for lights that show your HDD activity, whether your pc is on, etc. But 99% of the time you won't even pay attention to that stuff, anyway.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[kmcferrin]

But, I agree with Paparazi in that you shouldn't have to go that route. Also, I'd say that I seriously doubt that if you buy a case you'd have to change any pins - you SHOULD be able to just plug up the front headers to whatever specific locations they are marked on your mobo to go to. And if you can't get them all connected, it shouldn't matter either. So long as you can get the Power button working, in the least, you can have your pc up and running. The others are just for lights that show your HDD activity, whether your pc is on, etc. But 99% of the time you won't even pay attention to that stuff, anyway.

It depends on what case he gets. On some cases the connectors for the front panel are single piece connectors, on some they are individual pins. For example, the two-wire hard disk LED might be a single connector with two sockets on it, or it may be two individual connectors each with one socket. The latter is more flexible, but it can be a pain to deal with. The bigger issue is usually with USB headers. A lot of times there is a single connector for USB, but some cases have a separate connector for each wire going to each pin. It can get annoying connecting all those tiny pins, but it's not difficult.

 

[kjv1611]

True on the USB headers - those with individual ones can be pretty annoying.

cweathe,

If you're looking for a good case, I can tell you that based on the ones I've worked with, Antec seems to always build good cases. I've not seen one of theirs that I couldn't recommend. I've installed the Antec Sonata case, a couple older Antecs, and I'm in process (waiting on the processor) of a build for myself with an Antec Performance One P180b. They cool well, are extremely quiet, and every one that I've seen has the pins all set up where they are very easy to use.

From all the cases I've looked at online, as well as those I've installed, I think you'd be hard pressed to find one that has individual connectors for each pin. But you should be able to find enough pictures of each case to be able to tell whether the one you like has those individual connectors or just one main connector for each function.

You could look on

http://www.newegg.com

and

http://www.tigerdirect.com

for cases with lots of information, reviews, and pictures, and generally the best, or close to the best prices and service.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me

 

[cweathe]

Newegg is where i've been looking at the most. You all are provding some very helpful information that should make this an easy swap. Thanks you all for the post and if I dont screw it up i'll let you know what i got!!!
Thanks Again.

 

[kmcferrin]

From all the cases I've looked at online, as well as those I've installed, I think you'd be hard pressed to find one that has individual connectors for each pin.

Enermax cases are this way, at least the ones that I have (can't recall the model number offhand).