Member Avatar for moderate_rock48

Is there a place that i can buy a HP socket 370 motherboard, and if so where? I know HP's have proprietary motherboards so there is no point in trying to replace it with a different brand.

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Short answer: OEM HP Socket 370 boards do turn up on the used-parts market, but "proprietary" usually refers to mechanical and connector differences rather than CPU or RAM pinouts. There are two practical routes: hunt an exact HP replacement on the used market (true drop-in), or move standard parts into a retail ATX motherboard/case and supply a standard ATX PSU.

Common compatibility points and quick checklist:

  • identify the HP chassis/motherboard part number (printed on the PCB) before buying a replacement.
  • confirm the exact CPU family/stepping (Socket 370 covers Coppermine and later Tualatin Pentium III/Celeron variants; later steppings sometimes need specific BIOS/VRM support).
  • check memory type and slot count (match SDR/DDR and speeds to the new board).
  • inspect the PSU: many HPs use a standard ATX 20-pin plug, but some OEMs used proprietary wiring—verify the connector.
  • note front-panel wiring and I/O shield differences; mounting hole patterns may not match a retail case.
  • back up any data on drives before starting.

Safe test/transplant workflow (bench-friendly): place the board on a nonconductive surface, fit only essential parts (CPU with cooler, one RAM stick, video if needed), connect a known-good ATX PSU and keyboard, power up and watch for POST/beeps and BIOS detection. Use basic ESD precautions and avoid improvising permanent mounts or leaving the board unsecured where it can short.

Practical recommendation: for most hobbyists the cleanest route is a simple retail ATX motherboard + case/PSU transplant; it avoids uncertain proprietary connectors and gives future upgrade paths. ’s transplant idea is sound for a long-term fix, while ’s hint to check used-parts sources is the right place to look if a true OEM board is required.

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Member Avatar for moderate_rock48

ok, since nobody seems to know, is the only reason the hp mobo proprietary because it doesnt fit the case? Could i just buy a different brand mobo same socket and just kinda hang it out the case? it might be "ghetto" but its ok, i just need to know if a different brand mobo will work with all the HP components i.e. psu, ram, processor, pci cards etc.

Member Avatar for ediehm

Try, ... i'm sure they've got what you want

Member Avatar for alc6379

ok, since nobody seems to know, is the only reason the hp mobo proprietary because it doesnt fit the case? Could i just buy a different brand mobo same socket and just kinda hang it out the case? it might be "ghetto" but its ok, i just need to know if a different brand mobo will work with all the HP components i.e. psu, ram, processor, pci cards etc.

If I were you, I'd just yank all of the usable parts out of the HP, buy a new case and mobo, and install it all in the new case. Cases are cheap, (you can get one for $30 with PSU if you're not choosy) and all of your old HP parts (with the exception of the heatsink on the processor) should work on a new motherboard.

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