Dell Dimension 8400

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capreppy

[H]ard|DCer of the Month - April 2009
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Would like to upgrade my wife's computer, but trying to keep cost WAY DOWN. The cheaper the beter.

The Dell Dimension 8400 uses the Intel 925 chipset. It is LGA775.

It currently runs a P4 (3.4 HT). Is there a more modern CPU I can stick in here? Are there BIOs updates that can allow me to run a modern CPU?

If I can't run a more modern CPU, is there something about the Dell Case that would prevent me from using a different MoBo. Thinking a GA-P35-DS3L.

I currently have 2 x250GB (Sata 1) drives in there and space isn't an issue, so I'll keep those for now. I'll add more space later.

Will the 350W PSU be enough to run this? Or would I need to upgrade.
 
You won't be able to use the newer processors (Pentium Dual Core, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad) with the 925 chipset. As for replacing the motherboard, you need to check the case to see whether the spacings will allow you to put a new motherboard in.

However, you would probably have to replace the power supply. Not only because of the power output, but because Dell was notorious for using proprietary parts that minimized the possibility of future upgrades. (IIRC, the Dimension 8400 used a proprietary motherboard and power supply).

Which parts, besides the case and hard drives, were you going to transfer into the new system? How much (total) are you willing to spend on all of your upgrades?
 
capreppy said:
Would like to upgrade my wife's computer, but trying to keep cost WAY DOWN. The cheaper the beter.

The Dell Dimension 8400 uses the Intel 925 chipset. It is LGA775.

It currently runs a P4 (3.4 HT). Is there a more modern CPU I can stick in here? Are there BIOs updates that can allow me to run a modern CPU?
Click to expand...

Is the 3.4 too slow for her? Unfortunately, because of the chipset on the motherboard you're probably stuck at the single core Pentium 4 LGA775s, which go to 3.6, and if I remember correctly, 3.8 Ghz.

If I can't run a more modern CPU, is there something about the Dell Case that would prevent me from using a different MoBo. Thinking a GA-P35-DS3L.
Click to expand...

I believe it's still ATX so you could probably use ATX (check specs of the board you have now for dimensions), but the power supply on the dell will probably have to go or you will have to buy an adapter, since most Dell PSUs use a nonstandard pin layout.
 
P4 3.4ghz is till pretty good. What does your wife do on the PC? I would just install more RAM and upgrade the video if it's running on integrated video.
 
You are stuck with the P4 3.4GHz unless you get a new motherboard. You'll have to check and see if Dell used an ATX or BTX motherboard for your computer.

However, the 3.4GHz isn't that bad. My computer (in my sig) is only 3.0GHz, and with 2GB RAM and the HD 3850 AGP 512MB it's running all of my MMORPG's (e.g. Vanguard, Pirates of the Burning Sea) just fine. So it depends on what she wants to play as to what you need to do.
 
The system isn't that bad. I'm trying to find an excuse to upgrade :)

Plus it doesn't fold as well as I would like and would like to increase my PPD.

I've got 4GB of DDR2 800 from a previous upgrade to my system that I can use. I'll probably keep the Sata 1 HDDs & DVD Drives. I think it has a Radeon PCIE Video Card. Not exactly sure which one, but it would transfer over to the upgraded system.

About the only thing I would need to upgrade are the PSU, CPU, & MoBo. I would probably stick with the GA-P35-DS3L. It's a good solid board. Since my main system is using the GA-P35-DS3P, I'm already familiar with the line. I had heard sometime ago about the proprietary PSUs used in Dell computers.

What C2D would you recommend? Which C2D would OC the best giving me the best bang for the buck? I'm more familiar with the C2Q and haven't really followed much on the C2D line.

What would be the cheapest PSU to power the above rig? I'm not going to be worred about modularity on this rig, but I do want a PSU that will survive a couple of years of possible upgrades.


 
Hmmm...since you are decided on mobo (a good mobo, so it's all good), I'd say a Core 2 E4500 would be a good choice all around, it's ~$120 and should be a good-great overclocker. The biggest difference between the E4500 and newer 6000/8000 Core 2s are that it has 2 MB L2 cache (instead of 4+) and no Intel VT virtualization extensions. If you want to go even lower in price, sub-$100 Core 2s are the E2xxx line like the E2180, which should also be good overclockers. They have 1 MB L2 cache and no VT extensions.

Throw in a $50 PSU like Antec Earthwatts 430.
 
Thanks Bill!!

I think the E4500 would probably be my first choice. If wanted to OC, obviously I'm looking at a 3rd party HSF. I'm using the Tuniq 120 now for my main rig, but that's because it's a C2Q and it puts out a ton of heat. What would you recommend with an E4500? How high can I take it with the stock HSF?

 
Thanks all of you. I'll start taking a look at all of these and see where the budget is. Hopefully I can put this together shortly.

 
tiraides said:
However, you would probably have to replace the power supply. Not only because of the power output, but because Dell was notorious for using proprietary parts that minimized the possibility of future upgrades. (IIRC, the Dimension 8400 used a proprietary motherboard and power supply).
Click to expand...
The power supply is a standard ATX 12v v2.x model, in size and pinout. I had a (few) Dimension 8400 systems a couple of years ago.

The OP won't be able to replace the motherboard without a lot of work though. It sits in a tray with non-standard mounting holes and it's a little smaller than a full size ATX motherboard.

IMO it's not worth trying to upgrade the motherboard inside the case. With a new case, motherboard and CPU he can reuse the power supply (within reason... it's a "305W" model that is really closer to 420W if it were rated by another company), memory, cards and drives.
 
I was afraid of that, but I can get a cheap case for as little as 30 bucks shipped. I don't need anything fancy, but as long as airflow is decent, this should work.

 
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