Use Old Gateway case ?

[randcool]

I have an old case from gateway that I would like to use to build a new computer.It's a nice case, heavy but big and roomy. I am new to modding but is there a way to replace the plastic faceplate so that I could use front usb and 1394 and just to get the gateway logo off of it.I think it's a mid or full size .Thanks for any help or ideas.

[neb1211]

How old is the gateway case?  Perhaps it would help if you took a picture of it so we could actually see what case it is since Gateway has changed cases several times.  If taking a picture is not a possiblity could you please include a few more details?  Is it a white case or silver case?  Is it the screwless design or are screws required to fasten everything down?

BTW: Welcome to the forums.

[randcool]

Thx-Its old 96 and it is beige. It is well put together and the internel parts were organized very well. I have a digital camera and will put a picture up.Thx for responding.  

[tomalakborg]

Well, you may be able to find a simliar case on ebay, or buy another faceplate to mod around with. I'd say just buy a cheap new case from newegg.... unless you have a real attachment to this beige thing.  

[neb1211]

I think I know which version of Gateway's case you are talking about.  The only way you will be able to get the Gateway logo off is to grind it off.  I believe that the face plate is just snapped on the rest of the case.  Remove both side panels and on both sides there should be a few clips that are holding the face panel in place.

[randcool]

NEB1211-Hey thx for the info, I have already taken the faceplate off and it's not a bad case for it's age, I dont care about the name I could paint or mod over it. I really just want to use it as a test bed to build a new computer;new mobo,cpu disk drive and optical drive.I saw an article on THG that gave instructions for building a $500 gaming computer. I would be interested in that and after reading your forums I thought I would ask what everyone thought.It's not fancy like cases today but based on Newegg feedback I am not sure if it's worth buying a cheap case. If nothing else it would be good experience to practice for the build that I want which is AMD dual core and 7800 sli card setup to kick ass online in COD (I'm addicted).I will let you know how it goes.

Rand

[neb1211]

I wouldn't use that case for a top of the line gaming rig.  Gateway cases typically don't have the best airflow with is a must if you are going to have top of the line components which general give off a lot more heat.  However, the case would probably work just fine for a budget gaming rig and will also save you some money.  You are right, a lot of the cheaper cases aren't the best things in the world.

The only problem you might have is finding a power supply that will work with the case.  I can't remember if Gateway was using proprietary power supplies at that time.  If it is a propretary power supply then most likely it is either smaller and bigger than a normal power supply so the case might require some modding to make a standard psu work.  

[randcool]

I thought about the PSU. I am not runnuing a high end gaming rig just one I saw on Tom's Hardware for $500. I really am interested in just getting some experience in building a system before I put high cost components at risk. I dont think it's proprietary though because it was made in '96.But it was a well made system, cables tied down and outof the way.The airflow looks as good as a compaq my kids have that was built in 01.The more I read and looked at the case the more I thought it would work, we'll see.I will let you know.THX