The problem is that there's a big gap in one PSU "standard" – the positioning of the outlet for the power cord. These cases can be deliberately designed to make it impossible to fit all possible PSUs, probably to entice you to purchase parts from HP. (Last time I needed to replace one, I actually had to loosen the screw next to the outlet so I could just slip the edge of the case a little underneath it.) All I can suggest is that you buy from a store with a good return policy.

The other concern is that it's not a very roomy case and you might have cooling issues with a big double slot graphics card.

If size is not a concern I can recommend the XW4600 workstations. They are built tough, have lots of breathing room, and are super easy to pick up for cheap/free

I do not foresee any issues with minor sheet metal fitting of PSU, that's why I have a nibbler tool but it looks standard as opposed to some of the later models that have a different shape PSU.

The airflow looks fine to me. Almost the entirety of the front panel looks to be an air intake and the graphics card has plenty of room above it, it is inverted BTX style. Front intake fan for CPU, PSU fan, rear case fan and graphics card (exhausts to rear) keep the air moving. If the BIOS is similar to later models you can change the cooling profile for base fan speed.

*EDIT*

Case size is an issue, no giant Dell or HP workstations will fit.

i have the exact machine in the posted picture and have used that case with a few different power supplies. I have never had a problem with this case, so in my opinion it is a great case. It is very solid and I love the retro look - it looks like a much older design than its age would suggest. This is what influenced me to use this case with a few different builds now. I don't think you will run in to a problem with it, hope this helps.

Tommaso

Yea these recycled / refurbished OEM machines are great foundations for retro gaming PCs.

They usually have a Business licence, and I believe that entitles you to downgrade to XP Pro and activate it. Never done this though.

I kinda vomit in my mouth when it comes to oem desktops from this period especially the BTX standard systems, very limited upgrade options and poor choices in design is the root of it.
You could look into mid towers that used more generic parts so you will have the option of swapping out the cancerous oem power supply and upgrading as you please plus these systems often turn up for cheap or even free. Just be ready to do some cleaning 😉

Haha, well all he needs to upgrade is the GPU and he should be set.

Parts are cheap and available. The only thing I need to have is a spare motherboard so BTX is a non-issue to me on this system. I am trying to hunt one down now in the best cosmetic condition. The problem I have with most cases is the location of the front panel USB and audio are in horrible locations. I like the look of this system also.

Better Image of case. It is not the same form factor as the DC7800/7900, it is smaller.

Been trying to talk to some ebay sellers but they don't want to talk to you when you ask them to pick out a 'good one' cosmetically and pack it nicely so it arrives in great condition. Still looking....

Check locally for surplus from businesses and schools. I know my school district is going to be unloading those by the truckload soon, and they are a tiny district. All that era stuff is getting replaced by Sandy-Haswell refurb/off lease stuff.

I wouldnt hesitate to get a HP dc5800. Theese machines are very reliable and silent. Getting spare parts is also not difficult and as others have mentioned they are cheap. If your worried just get two and you are pretty safe. Its only the motherboard and PSU that are different from the norm.

I have a DC5800 on order, fingers crossed on its condition. Hopefully looks good.

I love business class HP's. They are easy to work on, feature rich, and look good. I just set this one up for a guest pc at work.

Well, i got an old HP D530 CMT months ago for 15 € and upgraded it

it originally came with:
2.8 Ghz P4 Northwood (FSB 533 without HT)
256 MB RAM DDR 333
no videocard (Intel IGP)
40 GB Maxtor HDD
Windows XP

Now it has:
Pentium 4 HT 3.2 Ghz (Northwood)
2 GB RAM DDR400
Geforce 4 MX (might upgrade in a future)
80 GB Seagate
Windows XP

The propietary 240 watt PSU is a limiting factor when it comes to upgrades, especially videocard

Thanks for comments.

Well, it arrived today. It looks in pretty decent shape but they did a poor job packing it and it received a dent in shipment. I'll live... The front panel plastic all looks good though and I think it will cleanup nicely. I like the size of it and the layout looks good.

The spare motherboard I ordered should be in within a few days.

I have ordered an Intel E8600 (3.33-GHz) CPU for it just to max it out, I finally saw one at a decent price.

I plan to install 4GB of Crucial DDR800 that I already have on hand.

The X-Fi SB0880 arrived as well and I am ordering an extension cable to plug the front panel audio from the case into the X-Fi's front panel connector. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?It … N82E16812201025

I think I will use a SeaSonic G Series SSR-550RM 550W PSU which receives good reviews, not crazy expensive and is made by favorite maker of PSUs. This should power the single GTX 285 easily and just in case I decide to install a Q9650 CPU later to dual boot Windows 7. The case doesn't look like it will need any modification to install the PSU. Once installed I will report back.

I even ordered a XP case badge sticker to replace the Vista badge sticker... hehe. If the case were in printine condition (it isn't) I would order a new XP COA for it.

I am about to look at options for new case fans to replace the originals. I haven't tested the originals yet but those fan bearings don't last forever.

I am holding off ordering any hard drives for it until I get a chance to test everything and get it up and running. I will use whatever I have on hand in the meantime.

This may be my favorite OEM system for XP thus far. I really like the layout, the looks and what it has to offer. Front panel audio and USB are in a perfect location, installing a double slot PCIe graphics card and a PCIe sound card still give you one empty slot between the two, thermal design looks good with push/pull air induction (most HP's similar to this use same type design), plenty of room for any size double slot graphics card, and did I mention I like it?

I think you selected a great case for a build. I am very happy with mine and I love the look. I was wondering, where did you purchase the XP sticker to replace the Vista sticker? I need to get one for mine to finish it off. One more question, are you using the stock MB with this build? I did and it seems to be stable and fast. I do want to still get a high Mhz Wolfdale processor for it, but I will have to wait until I am finished my 386 build. Post some pics when it arrives.

Tommaso

Ebay there is a seller who still sells "designed for Windows XP" stickers

Tommaso,

I got this from ebay.

I got the case cleaned up and waiting on some parts. I like it, scored around a 14,500 on 3DMark06 on default settings. The E8600 will bump that score up a few percent. I'll get some pics of it soon. I can't wait to get the extension cable so my front panel audio will be the X-Fi, instead of onboard, for my headphones. I managed to slap a XP COA on it and removed the Vista case badge but left the Vista COA. I like this case a lot.

The SeaSonic G Series SSR-550RM 550W PSU arrived today... It was DOA... I am at a loss for words... I have never seen that with a SeaSonic.