Old ATX cases - worth keeping?

[NiHaoMike]

I managed to get a hold of a lot of junked computers recently. Many were in really bad condition, but a few almost look new. Of the good ones, are the cases (standard Antec ATX cases) worth keeping? In other words, could I put some new hardware into the old case and essentially end up with a new computer? The main problem I see is thermal, but I can easily cut holes for more fans to solve that problem. Or would there be a bigger problem like new components not fitting properly?

[flano]

It shouldn't be a problem. There are a few different versions of the ATX standard, with major change being power connectors on the power supply cable that connects to the main board. Newer main boards require more power pins. Antec tend to make pretty good cases.

Regards Mike

[requim]

If you don't plan on overclocking your cpu and you aren't planning on putting in multiple gpu's in your pc, then I wouldn't spend a second worrying about whether the case has enough airflow other than to make sure the fans are in working condition and that you use good thermal paste.

[Joshua]

Worried about cooling? Water cooling.

[ipman]

Two drilled holes on the back and one water-air heat exchanger on the back should solve the watercooling problem for every standard ATX case. Exception will make probably some mini-ITX or similar small cases.

[metalphreak]

All new cases these days are still the same ATX standard The standard hasn't changed much since the old AT standard (in terms of cases anyway).

Don't forget the old P4 dual core processors put out LOTS of heat, more so than many modern processors, so cooling should be an issue.