BleepingComputer.com: Uatx V Atx

I have a potential client asking a question that I need to make sure I have all the information. The customer has a Compaq D530S-P2 which is a Compaq SFF(Small Form Factor) model D530 with Micro$oft Operating system and a Pentium processor. He has had the computer looked at by another computer shop and they told him its the motherboard and a replacement from HP will be 400 bucks. My questions are 1. uATX stands for Micro ATX? and 2. Are there any know proprietary components on an Compaq SFF computer? I told him to mention that you can find micro ATX motherboards for around 80.00 and to ask why his is so expensive. I have never worked on a SFF (Small Form Factor) and I don't have the privilege of looking at the computer.

Edit: bleepin grammer

Not an answer, but a reference: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/...3/c00059123.pdf

Louis

It looks like a standard computer only smaller. Doesn't explain the 400.00 price tag, unless its like the dealership everything cost more. There is also a good chance I don't have all the information and there is more wrong with the computer.

Well...I think it's prudent to realize that many businesses exist to provide a perceived service...but that service is just a means to getting cash in the bank .

Considering that there are forums and what I consider to be large numbers of knowledgeable personnel who can advise "customer' before they spend their cash...I have a hard time understanding why some business decisions are made.

Until I accept the fact that a number of them are made by persons without the best information...and who value expediency over quality quite often.

How else can one explain the existence of organizations like the Geek Squad ?

Anyway, good luck!

Louis

A motherboard from a computer manufacturer such as HP, Gateway, etc usually will cost around $400 (or more). We usually advise customers that it's not worth the repair if it's a proprietary component like that.

The biggest issue with SFF PC's (IME) has been finding 1/2 height cards that will fulfill the user's needs - so it depends on what's built into the mobo - and if all the screw holes and the backplate will align correctly. After that it's just a matter of seeing that everything will fit (a rubber mallet works wonders!

Micro-atx standards and dimensions
http://www.formfactors.org/developer%5Cspe...Cmatxspe1.2.pdf
Mark

Found this measurement from a uATX case: uatx dimensions(d*w*h) 16.5x7.0x14.0
http://www.amazon.com/MSI-Motherboard