Can I swap Gateway MB for AbitBx6rev2?

[SouthFla]

I've got a <1yr old Gateway PIII computer w/OEM intel 440bx mb (which is not overclockable), and I would like to replace the mb with an Abit Bx6 (or comparable)in order to o/c my PIII 500...would there be any problems in doing so? Will all of my hardware be compatible with a new mb? (ie power supply, hard drive, 128 ram, etc....)Thanks for any suggestions!

[Bleeding Edge]

Can't give a definitive answer but I can relate where you might fall across a stumbling block or two…

First of all, as long as the case conforms to the ATX standard, there should be no problem fitting the BX6.2. However, the are two issues you must verify. One is the power supply pins and the other is how the wires to the LEDs and power/reset switches are connected to the MB from front of the case.

Standard ATX supplies has one plastic block, housing 20 pins. I have found (while replacing a Dell OEM 440BX MB with a BX6.2) that the number of pins of the original power supply only had 19 pins! And a second plastic housing with 6 pins was used in addition. Now I have seen the better MBs and power supplies with the two connectors… but they all have the standard 20 pins with the additional 6. In any event, the BX6.2 doesn’t have the secondary power connector. (Note: Usually the secondary connection doesn’t need to be used unless the power supply that you have has this, then, it is recommended that it be used.)

You can easily verify if this is the same scenario with your Gateway, by pulling the connector off. If it is, you’ll also see there is a pin missing on the MB.

So…You may need a power supply.

Once again, typically and by standard, all the wires coming from front of the case to the motherboard are paired individually. Meaning there is a set of wires that end in tiny plastic headers (to connect to the motherboard) for the reset switch, the hard drive LED, etc… Now, Dell modified all the separate connectors into one mini ribbon cable with one connector (separate pins) for the MB. And to make things more complicated, it was attached to a mini circuit board at the front of the case. The resolution was to verify which wire belong to what LED or switch and rig up typical separate connectors for each.


It’s not complicated. It’s a hassle.

So after all, there is only two things I came across.

Hope it makes things easier for you.

edit~
About the compatibility with rest of your hardware. You should have no problems.

But you never can tell with Abit...


[This message has been edited by Bleeding Edge (edited 08-22-99).]

[SouthFla]

Thanks for your time and input! I'll definitely check out those two concerns b4 I get into it....Still trying to figure out what is the best mb for me...Thanks again!