Proprietary cases anyone?
GregSBower
So I found this great deal on a never-used 486 Micronics mobo. But it
seems that this was an OEM product (for Micron probably) and it needs a
case that has holes for the two side-by-side PS/2-style connectors (mouse
and keyboard) that sit where the keyboard hole usually is. (Other than
that, it's you basic Baby AT; the screws line up and everything.) Micron
won't sell me a case, and nobody else seems to sell them. Should I -
a) find a used case that'll work, and if so, whose will? I saw on this NG
that someone was selling a 286 IBM PS/2 for $20. Could I scrap it's mobo
and keep the case? What're the issues?
b) find someone who actually sells these? A case supplier? And who makes
cases for Micron/Compaq/Dell/IBM et al? Would they sell direct?
c) just take a hacksaw to my old case and let loose?
I would appreciate any suggestions before the sparks fly.
Greg
Steven M. Scharf
GregSBower <gregs...@aol.com> wrote in article <19970523024...@ladder02.news.aol.com>...
You can either by the proper case (many case vendors now
have an oblong hole that accomodates either PS/2 x 2), or
AT KB only motherboards, or you can just drill a hole in an
older case.
There are some companies in Computer Shopper that specialize
in cases, and they could tell you which of their cases accomodate
your board. It is NOT a proprietary board. It is a standard
Baby AT board used by many OEMs.
Most motherboard makers do a 'dual layout' they stuff 2 PS/2 ports
for OEMs, 1 AT KB connector for retail.
ATX ends this problem.
Jorge Padron
> So I found this great deal on a never-used 486 Micronics mobo. But it
> seems that this was an OEM product (for Micron probably) and it needs a
> case that has holes for the two side-by-side PS/2-style connectors (mouse
> and keyboard) that sit where the keyboard hole usually is. (Other than
> that, it's you basic Baby AT; the screws line up and everything.) Micron
> won't sell me a case, and nobody else seems to sell them. Should I -
> a) find a used case that'll work, and if so, whose will? I saw on this NG
> that someone was selling a 286 IBM PS/2 for $20. Could I scrap it's mobo
> and keep the case? What're the issues?
> b) find someone who actually sells these? A case supplier? And who makes
> cases for Micron/Compaq/Dell/IBM et al? Would they sell direct?
> c) just take a hacksaw to my old case and let loose?
>
> I would appreciate any suggestions before the sparks fly.
> Greg
The original Micron/Dell cases were designed and manufactured by a company
called "The Palo Alto Group, Inc."
Palo Alto Group, Inc.
360 University Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94301
Phone 415-327-9444
The original Dell/Micron mid-tower was called model "ATMT" (AT Mid Tower).
I called them years ago and they didn't sell to the public -- However, they
referred me to a distributor called "Zebex Computers, Inc." in Fremont,
California (I don't have their phone number at hand), and they were able to
sell me one (which I still have -- great case!). BTW, I paid about $80 +
shipping in 1995.
I've heard recently that there is a better case "The Enlight 7230" -- I
have only seen it in pictures. It's supposed to be a real good case and it
follows the ATX? design specs.
Anyway, if you're able to purchase a *new* ATMT from a distributor, please
let me know, because I may be interested in getting one for me.
HTH,
--
Jorge Padron
Advanced IS Technologies
pad...@gate.net
Dane
Steven M. Scharf wrote:
>
> GregSBower <gregs...@aol.com> wrote in article <19970523024...@ladder02.news.aol.com>...
> > seems that this was an OEM product (for Micron probably) and it needs a
> > case that has holes for the two side-by-side PS/2-style connectors (mouse
> > and keyboard) that sit where the keyboard hole usually is. (Other than
> > that, it's you basic Baby AT; the screws line up and everything.) Micron
> > won't sell me a case, and nobody else seems to sell them. Should I -
> > a) find a used case that'll work, and if so, whose will? I saw on this NG
> > that someone was selling a 286 IBM PS/2 for $20. Could I scrap it's mobo
> > and keep the case? What're the issues?
> > b) find someone who actually sells these? A case supplier? And who makes
> > cases for Micron/Compaq/Dell/IBM et al? Would they sell direct?
> > c) just take a hacksaw to my old case and let loose?
> >
> > I would appreciate any suggestions before the sparks fly.
> > Greg
>
> have an oblong hole that accomodates either PS/2 x 2), or
> AT KB only motherboards, or you can just drill a hole in an
> older case.
>
> There are some companies in Computer Shopper that specialize
> in cases, and they could tell you which of their cases accomodate
> your board. It is NOT a proprietary board. It is a standard
> Baby AT board used by many OEMs.
>
> Most motherboard makers do a 'dual layout' they stuff 2 PS/2 ports
> for OEMs, 1 AT KB connector for retail.
>
> ATX ends this problem.
Try http://www.in-win.com/ino_q500.html
This case can be used with either an ATX or AT style motherboard
and has a hole that can accomodate either the round or oblong
connector (the metal pops out easily for the oblong hole).
I've picked up two of these cases and I think they are great.
Great air flow (up to two additional fans), 12 bays (6 internal
6 external), 250W supply. I paid around $88 for it. Check out
the site. In-Win makes very solid nice looking and extremely
functional cases.
--
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