dell mobo in ATX

[Valkerie]

this may sound stupid, but has anyone ever put a dell motherboard an ATX successfully? don't bother saying if it's a bad idea, just explain

 

[peleejosh]

yes there are people who have done it, but it is a bad idea. First of all, some dell mobos use proprietary powers supplies. Also, the holes for the screws usually dont match up with the atx standard. And also, the mobo headers for the front panel arent standard, so you would have to basically cut the power button and reset and otherthings out of the front of the current dell and mount them on the new case.

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Originally posted by: peleejosh
yes there are people who have done it, but it is a bad idea. First of all, some dell mobos use proprietary powers supplies. Also, the holes for the screws usually dont match up with the atx standard. And also, the mobo headers for the front panel arent standard, so you would have to basically cut the power button and reset and otherthings out of the front of the current dell and mount them on the new case.

The biggest pain in the neck inconvenience is the switch wiring. Going the other direction is equally problematic. This is true for most of the "brand named" PC's such as Compaq/HP, IBM, etc. On the other hand, Gateway uses standard ATX motherboards, their power supplies are wired per ATX (although often sized oddly), and the wiring for the front panel is usually standard.

Dell has made some standardized PC's, and is currently merchandising one aimed at Gamers, that do contain hardware closer to "White Box Standard", so those are easier to upgrade, switch parts around in, etc. You would probably be well aware of having gotten one of those, if you had done so.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Kiwi
The biggest pain in the neck inconvenience is the switch wiring.

What he said.

One of my gaming buddies had a Dell Dimension, either 2400 or 3000. The motherboard was standard mATX except for the front panel wiring. He actually used it in a standard ATX case until he could afford a new board.