How can I verify mobo Form Factor

[chc]

Have a DELL Dimension P100t, ancient history. No longer boots, no POST, no video signal, no nothing. Tried new VGA card, new processor, pulled all cables etc, etc. Acts as if BIOS is clean slate. Anyway, Want to get new mobo for it, how can I verify form factor? Don't want to get a DELL mobo.

[MR COMPUTER]

Some of the older Dell desktop cases will take a standard AT board. Easiest way is to pull the board and compare it with another one http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Titan]

You can also tell by the type of power connector that the board has, AT=two seperate power supply plugs, ATX=one power supply plug.



[This message has been edited by Titan (edited 05-07-99).]

[MickMitani]

If your case is a slimline then the mobo uses a riser card (a small vertical card with horizontal slots for the regular expansion cards), and it will be too expensive to replace. Buy a new case and select your new mobo for that.

[chc]

Thanks to all for great info. Based on what you all said, it is an AT form factor board. This is a very helpful forum. Thanks again!

[steves]

WAIT - before you rush out and by an AT motherboard, be aware that the P100t's use a non-standard PSU connector. So you will need a new PSU as well.

Also the mouse and keyboard connectors (both PS/2 style) are squeezed into the space where the (DIN style) keyboard connector sits on an AT board. So you will probably need a DIN-PS2 keyboard converter (cheap) and may need to do some metalwork on the back of your case to allow it to fit. Also you might need to convert to a serial mouse if your new m/b doesn't come with a PS/2 mouse port.

(We have done this upgrade on 30 or so of these machines at work).

[MR COMPUTER]

I did 2 of the cases with the dual ps2 connectors squeezed together. I removed the thin metal plate with the dual holes.then,I cut a rectangular piece from an old stiff mouse pad I didn't like and cut a circular hole in the center for the standard kb connector, and glued the piece in place w/contact cement. Still looks good/functional 6 months later... http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif