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Dell Case Question

E

eulf

n00b
Joined
Mar 5, 2004
Messages
36
How compatible would a dell case be whilst putting a new MOBO in it?
A buddy has a Dell desktop tower and wants to upgrade but keep his case...
 
With all of the later dell cases I have worked with (mostly optiplexs | gxX), the case layout is very cramped. To put a new motherboard in one of them would be sort of challenging, especially since they come with whimpy custom sized powersupplys. In short, it really depends on the case his dell has. If its something like an XPS, it might just fit a new board, really hard to say.
 
I agree with ZMTToxics. It would depend on the case itself. If you could post some pictures of the case, mainly from the side and the back, it would be much easier to gauge.
 
Warning!

Dell Power Supplies are NOT compatible with Standard Motherboards!

Even tho they use the same plug as an ATX motherboard they have switched a couple wires in the plug and if you connect a Dell powersupply to a ATX motherboard it may kill the motherboard.

If the case is a mid to full tower it will probably work with a new motherboard, however you need to check the size of the new motherboard as some are alot bigger than others. But Please remembr to use a differant power supply than the one included in the case.
 
The Dells mobo isn't an ATX or full ATX then is it? Cause I have a dell adn wanna get rid of the case, so if i get a new power supply, it wont work with the dell mobo?
 
You can find an adapter that will convert from a standard ATX PSU to a Dell motherboard here.

My fiance is in a similar situation - needs to install a second HD in her tower, but there's no bracket, plus the 145 watt PSU wouldn't handle it. We finally found that adapter online, so hopefully in a day or two, her computer will have a 2nd HD, and be in a nice, new tower with a useful power supply.

For the record, while her 'ATX power' plug is different, the mounting spots on her motherboard line up correctly with standard mATX mounting points, so the transition to the new case is easier. Your mileage may vary.
 
You should also keep in mind that most of the newer Dell systems use the standard ATX pin-outs. If I'm not mistaken, the non-standard pin-out was discontinued in April 2002. Here is a link:

http://www.hardwareguys.com/dellwarn.html

From what I've read, all P4 Dells should use a regular ATX PSU. Anyone care to confirm this?
 
Diablo2K said:
Warning!

Dell Power Supplies are NOT compatible with Standard Motherboards!

Even tho they use the same plug as an ATX motherboard they have switched a couple wires in the plug and if you connect a Dell powersupply to a ATX motherboard it may kill the motherboard.

If the case is a mid to full tower it will probably work with a new motherboard, however you need to check the size of the new motherboard as some are alot bigger than others. But Please remembr to use a differant power supply than the one included in the case.
Click to expand...
But are Dells motherboards compatible with different power supplies? :confused:
 
I put a mATX motherboard in a Dell for fun. Since the backplate isn't removable you have to look for a board with the same layout, or you could bust out the dremel and make one work. Also the front panel/usb connectors are screwed up. They don't use regular pins like everyone else. you have to solder your own leads if you want to use the current button and activity led setup.

The case I used was one of the clamshell? cases, the ones that split apart. Dunno what the accual name is. Some of the newer really cheap Dells are standard mATX cases that you can do alot with, the older ones are a pain in the arse.
 
I have never had a Dell but they sound crap. Why would they switch the power supply connectors around, as this would just be more expensive (assuming they don't make their own mobos, which would also be expensive), and from what I can see, Dell doesn't like expense.
 
ShaolinDragon said:
I have never had a Dell but they sound crap. Why would they switch the power supply connectors around, as this would just be more expensive (assuming they don't make their own mobos, which would also be expensive), and from what I can see, Dell doesn't like expense.
Click to expand...
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=3301
They say it's all about performance and stability *shrugs*
 
Dell has propietary mobo's and PSU's made for it. The reason being is they made money off of people whose warrenty ran out and their mobo or PSU died, and they charged a shitload for the replacement. A friend had a dell psu fry out and bought a new one, something like 70 bucks for a 200 watt psu.
 
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