Moving a DELL motherboard into a new case - problems?

Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

I've been considering transplanting my Dell-based computer into a new case for some time now, but I've put it on hold ever since coming to these forums and hearing what can go wrong. Apparently considerable... ehm.... difficulties can arrise when transferring a Dell to a new case.

Problem #1:

Google · Sponsor

FreeTheRock [banned] · Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2004 8:45 pm Post subject:

it all depends on the dell you have, if you have a big tower case one, then most likely it will fit in a new case but yuo are going to have to buy a new processor fan becasue all dells use ducting to blow air onto the processor its not a fan sitting directly on top of the heatsink.

Ham_fisT · Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2004 9:54 pm Post subject:

Yeah..I didn't have any problems with mounting, it was a standard Micro-ATX bolt pattern, and the PSU was not a problem.
from all I've heard, the Dell's made in the last few years are pretty much standard now, aside from the front panel attachments, reverse engineering them is not all that difficult, for the power switch and lights, anyway, but I didn't even try with the USB ports.
my advice is... keep it in the original case, there is really no need for better cooling, as you can't overclock it anyway. if you want a better looking PC...just start from scratch an build one in a case you find attractive. then give the Dell to your sister for a Solitare-Blaster

_________________
Yeah....... ok

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

They do it for one reason........money. If you want to upgrade your machine, they don't want you going to CompUSA to do it, they want you to come back to them, and the easiest way to do that is to ensure that you HAVE to come back to them........by making even just one thing non-standard. It's not as bad as it used to be. Only a few years ago, you couldn't even replace the floppy drive in a Compaq, Dell, or Gateway with a store-bought cheapie, they'd reversed 4 of the middle pins. So instead of spending $10 at your local discount shop, you had to spend $30 plus shipping from the company. And don't even ask about replacing a bad hard drive.
_________________
Big enough to scare you

Uthar Wynn 01 · TweakNOOB Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 25

I would keep it in the original case except fpr the fact that the heavy steel Dell case seems to be losing its structural integrity. The case will, when standing upright, be able to wobble back and forth and the plastic paneling is becoming all discombobulated. One of the sides on the clamshell case won't latch closed anymore, either. What's up with this? The case seems sturdy enough (its made of steel) but its coming all apart. And what's this about having to buy a new processor fan?

This project is pushing my modding skills to the limit, and none of my friends have any sort of advanced computer skills at all. Could anyone refer me to a guide that might help?

I'll post some pics with my digital camera so everyone is sure of what I'm dealing with here.

FreeTheRock [banned] · Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 1:08 am Post subject:

dell cools off the cpu's in their desktops by having a fan in the back of the case blowing in and they use a duct to have the air blow ontot he heatsink insteas of having a fan directly connected to the heatsink, you really can't do this in a custom case, so you would have to buy a new HS/F for your processor unless somehow you could make the duct fit your new case which im sure it wouldn't

2old2care · Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 11:23 am Post subject:

I'm not 100% sure FTR, but I think the 8250 has a fan and duct on the back that blows air OUT to cool the processor.
But you are correct in the fact that he will prolly need a new HSF.
Doing anything more than adding memory to a Dell sucks....and sometimes even that sucks

_________________
.
Liquid-Cooled Q9450 and an EeePC
.