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Resolved Question

knock-outs near bottom of case. What could go there?

Nov 29, 2011 9:47AM PST

I'm asking a question I should know the answer to, but don't.

On the back of my PC case, near the bottom, are two knock-outs (3" x 1/2"). Components could go there, but what sort of components might those be? There are two holes on either end, which I suppose are used to attach them to the case.

Sorry for my ignorance. Please enlighten me. Thanks.

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Cycleman has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Sounds like a card slot.
Nov 29, 2011 9:48AM PST

Your basic old PC has slots for cards. You knock it out to open it up.

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I figured as much, but...
Nov 29, 2011 11:56AM PST

..what sort of card? Could it function like a typical PCI-e, as long as power and signal wires were connected?
The motherboard goes all the way to the bottom of the case, but there are no female PCI-e slots.

Can you provide a link to a card that might fit that card slot (e.g., an eSATA)?

Thanks.

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Sorry no. Why?
Nov 29, 2011 12:32PM PST

There must be over a million PCs. Not many would have the same slot behind these openings. This is what make and model number matter.
Bob

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I wish I could convey it more clearly..
Nov 29, 2011 12:47PM PST

Bob, the model is an HP h8-1160t. I'm not necessarily asking for a specific card to go there, just what that space might be used for. There are two screw-driver-breakaway metal covers, on the lowest part of the case. Behind those thin metal pieces is about 5 inches of unobstructed space. Obviously, something can be attached to the case, and connected to the mother board, so as to utilize this space (or, utilize those openings, to hold something in place).

I'm just wanting to know what sort of circuit card could be used to fill this (now) empty space.

Such a circuit card must be only 3 inches long/wide, whereas the typical PCI-e card is 4.5 inches.

Is there a name for a 3 inch card that doesn't conform to the typical 4.5 inch width?

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There are Low-Profile cards.
Nov 30, 2011 1:33AM PST

My answer is "Low-Profile".

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Excellent!
Nov 30, 2011 3:06AM PST

Bob, that's a big help. Thanks.

Alan

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Possible link
Nov 30, 2011 3:52AM PST

Using the HP model# you provided, here is the support webpage for additions/upgrades, etc.. You may notice the small and large slots, these are probably PCI and PCIe-1(small). The manual should better explain and this webpage and provide the info and/or other similar HP support.
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http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02871896.pdf