I have an e-machines T2742 that just recently died from a problem common to e-machines...power supply and mobo died. According to my own research, this is a common failing of e-machines computers. I don't want to buy another after market computer from Dell, Gateway, e-machines, or anyone else. I want to put one together myself. I wondered something...instead of buying a new case and parts, would it be possible to put a different motherboard and CPU in this machine, and recycle my HD, DVD-RW drive, 3.5 in floppy drive, etc.? Specifically, I would like to upgrade to a Biostar TA690G-AM2 AMD Socket AM2 MicroATX Motherboard... And I would like to use an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ 2.0GHz / 1MB Cache / 1000MHz FSB / Socket AM2 / Dual-Core (Windsor) / Processor with Fan. CAN I MAKE THIS SWAP? Or will there be problems with fit? Of course, I'll be upgrading to a larger power supply (adjustable fan with 400 watts or better). Here are the factory specs on my recently deceased e-machines T2742: Operating System: Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Home CPU: Intel® Celeron® 2.70GHz Processor 128KB L2 cache & 400MHz FSB Chipset: Intel® 845GV chipset Memory: 256MB DDR (PC 2100) Expandable to 1GB Hard Drive: 40GB HDD Optical Drive: DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive (48 × 24x16 × 48); 3.5" 1.44MB FDD Video: Intel® Extreme Graphics 3D 64MB Shared memory Sound: AC '97 Audio Network: Intel® PRO 10/100Mbps built-in Ethernet Modem: 56K ITU v.92-ready Fax/Modem Peripherals: Standard Multimedia Keyboard, 2-Button Wheel Mouse, Amplified Stereo Speakers Ports/Other: 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 on front), 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2, Audio-In & Out Dimensions: 7.25"W x 14.125"H x 16"D
you can use the existing parts but might want to get a new case as possible the existing case wiring is not currently compatible with new board. could also do that rewiring but depends on you as i've done a number of times on different brands of computers.
out of curiosity, what brand is the power supply in there? If that's a common issue I'd like to know who's at fault. Assuming the case is ATX size (measure your existing motherboard, since it's dead it doesn't matter if you touch it)
