Is it possible to relocate the motherboard into a different case?
Is it possible to relocate the motherboard into a different case?
I'm considering upgrading to an RTX 4080 or 4090, but my existing build uses an Antec 1100 case with only 330mm clearance for the GPU. If I stay in the same case, options are quite restricted for the 4080—MSI Ventus at 322mm, a Founders edition at 304mm, or maybe a PNY Verto XLR8 at 331.2mm (any thoughts on fitting the PNY into a 330mm spec?). Finding these at reasonable prices might be difficult.
Instead, I’m thinking of purchasing a new case that won’t limit GPU specifications. But I’m not very handy with hardware, and I already have a Deepcool Assassin III CPU cooler installed. Removing it, cleaning the thermal paste, and reapplying it in a new motherboard feels intimidating.
Could anyone advise if, if handled carefully and keeping the Deepcool upright, I could move my current motherboard to a different case without taking out the cooler, the CPU, or the SSD mounted inside? If this seems risky, I might prefer sticking with my current Antec case and buying one of the three cards mentioned, even though the PNY and MSI Verto are affordable. Thanks for your input.
Hopefully you'll manage it.
But it depends on each situation. You might face some issues that aren't easy to fix.
You need to have a backup plan if your main idea fails.
You also have to adjust the power supply, which will probably be tricky.
Have you installed the DeepCool cooler yourself? If you're comfortable with it, removing and reapplying it shouldn't be too hard. Q-tips, alcohol, and remounting are things I'm not very familiar with. The DeepCool mounting system is a bit unclear... it could be confusing.
CPU is an Intel 12th gen 12700K (or KF—overclocked but no changes made).
Cooler used: Deepcool Assassin III.
Motherboard: Aorus Z690 Pro.
RAM: 16gb x 2 Kingston 6000 DDR5.
SSD: Samsung Pro 980 2tb;
GPU: Asus Dual 3060ti OC v2 LHR.
Power supply: Gigabyte Supernova G2 850w gold.
Chassis: Antec 1100 (version 2—includes 2 120mm fans on top and a 120mm fan at the back).
Lafong appreciates your feedback. I hired someone to install the Deepcool and CPU, but honestly, with my experience, I’d rather not do it again. I’m wondering why you think I’d need to relocate the PSU. My current card is designed for two slots, and even if it were four, there would still be about three inches of space above the PSU now—though the heat stack, which is already a bit of an issue, could become worse. Maybe you’re suggesting I move the PSU into a different case? I’m more at ease with that than dealing with thermal paste or trying to reinstall the Deepcool Assassin.
Personally, the Deepcool Assassin idea was likely my way of showing off (or maybe just showing off my pride). Without overclocking, the CoolerMaster Evo 212 with an adator bracket for LGA 1700 boards would probably work just fine. Still, it doesn’t help with my fear of thermal paste.
When you say I should be able to handle it, I assume you mean that if I’m careful and manage to move the motherboard with the Deepcool attached to a new case, then yes. I’m also considering that even if the last millimeter is tricky, a friend using a Dremel might be able to shape it out, though ensuring smooth airflow over the board could still be challenging.
If I really need a bigger case for the deep cool, a very long GPU, and plenty of airflow—Lian Li? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks a lot.
Yeah, you'd need to relocate the power supply when switching cases. Since I don't rely on video cards, I probably can't assist with this specific problem. It seems like moving everything together could cause complications—you might end up stuck in a situation where getting it back into the original case is difficult or impossible. You'd likely have to work outside the case or seek external assistance. Not ideal.
How do you feel about making decisions based on assumptions rather than certainty? That makes sense, given how risky it can be.
Do you need someone with outside expertise to help you through this situation?
If you're really worried, I'm hesitant to encourage you to try anything without more information. There are many cautionary tales about failed cooler removals and paste-related issues.