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Can I stick a new Motherboard in my old Dell case?

T

teutonicknight

Senior member
Well, I'm building a new computer when I suddenly realised that I could save a few dollars by reusing some old parts from my old Dell. Only I've heard some where that Dell uses unorthodox parts to their systems. I'm interestesting in getting a GA-8PE667. Will this Motherboard fit inside my old Dell case? The Dell is a Dimension XPS t600
 
Hello,
I tried to do that once but the Dell case had special LED/button connectors. I guess you can rig it up if you want to cut the Dell wires and splice them with regular ones to fit your mobo.
 
There may be some problem with the Power supply connector as well. Frankly, get a nice Antec or enlight case.
 
you'd have to replace the power supply and change the front plate connectors, but thats about it.
 
as implied (but not stated) above, the Dell power supply will fry your motherboard. Not kidding, the connector is ATX but the wiring is wrong.
 
It is a fact, as stated above, that Dell's power supplies are only compatible with Dell's motherboards. Put another board in there and you do risk frying it. Spend the 50 to 75 bucks and get yourself a new case/psu combo. Check out newegg.com for starters.
 
Somehow I just can't believe this whole "fried my new motherboard" story...maybe in some isolated circumstances it may have happened to some of you (maybe it wasn't even the fault of the PS) but I have personally replaced 4-5 motherboards in Dell cases without a problem...Call Dell...
 
Originally posted by: MisterMe
Somehow I just can't believe this whole "fried my new motherboard" story...maybe in some isolated circumstances it may have happened to some of you (maybe it wasn't even the fault of the PS) but I have personally replaced 4-5 motherboards in Dell cases without a problem...Call Dell...
Click to expand...

He's taking about using aftermarket motherboards, not oem replacements.
 
Do a search for ATX pinouts +Dell and you'll see. The plugs are the same. The wiring is not.

You can put in a standard ATX PS and continue to use the case if you really like it.
Things to look for then:

ATX backpanel positioning.
Expansion slots. Ex: The 4550 I got my mom doesn't have 7 expansion slots in the case, put a standard board in there and you'd have no way to use the ATX slot without cutting a hole in the back of the case. Might work with a Micro-ATX board, dunno, got it, looked at it, gave it to her. Wasn't my toy. Don't know what the XPS t600 case is like, just thought I'd point this out as something to look at.

LED/switch wiring is a nuicense, but wouldn't prevent you from reusing it.

Really I'd just buy a new case too, gotta get a PS anyway. Dells are nice for 'buy it, use it, toss it' and if the initial price is right like some of their recent deals it makes sense to forgo the upgrade path to get a nice system on the cheap. But they're not great upgraders.
 
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