Dell newbie in search of a motherboard

[PsychoUnit]

Well it has come down to the time that I want to overclock my dell, but cannot, as the bios is locked. I am in search of a good motherboard but not too expensive, nothing over $200 please.

Right now I am on a Dimension 4700 Dell, the motherboard model no. is 0M3918. I would need a motherboard with the same dimensions so it can fit in the case, is that even possible?

Well I'm new at this so bare with me. The motherboard can support atleats 2 RAM slots, dual as well. Currently I am running dual channel: pcd2-3200 ddr2-sdram.

It has to have a PCI-e slot and a PCI slot. I am going to be running a Pentium 4 processor, so that would be required as well.

Do motherboards have same dimensions? Meaning, can I buy a new one and fit it into the case and screw it in into the same area as my old dell motherboard?

PS
I plan on running x1800xt on the motherboard, I don't need SLI either...just something basic that's all, something I can actually overclock the cpu with.

 

[OdiN]

You'll probably need a new case - the power supply in that dell may not be standard, just so you know. Also the front panel connections are probably not going to fit on the new motherboard so you couldn't use the power button. It really is best to get a new case. You can get decent ones w/ PSU for $50.

 

[PsychoUnit]

I see. I'm guessing different motherboards are different in dimension (WxH)? Do you know a place where I can get cases w/ PSUs for cheap?

 

[Nick5324]

Originally posted by: PsychoUnit
I see. I'm guessing different motherboards are different in dimension (WxH)? Do you know a place where I can get cases w/ PSUs for cheap?

No matter where you buy it, do NOT cheap out on the PSU. How about an Xclio or a Fortron 450.... I'm sure other ATers will know of PSU's that give you better bang for your buck though.

 

[PsychoUnit]

Damn....new psu, new case, new motherboard, new processor...I basically built a new pc rather than upgrading what I have...I don't want to do that.

Is there any way to check if my psu will work with other motherboards? What should I be looking for?

 

[jakesdad]

I looked up your machine on Dell's site. You can look at a webpage version of the service manual for the 4700. Heres the link...

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4700/sm/techov.htm#wp1043338

Looking at the PSU pinout diagram and comparing it to the manual for my Antec 480W PSU, they have the same pinouts. So at least some of Dells computers follow the ATX standard - or at least use a few off-the-shelf parts. The XPS and 600 series Precision Workstation line uses the slim-line PSU that also supposedly has a different pinout.

It also says your PSU is 305W. That might not be enough for many of todays mobos.

Something else to look at - the service diagram of the Dell MB looks like it is shorter than the standard ATX size. It looks to be 9.5" x 9.5" which is the Micro ATX size. The screw hole pattern also seems to follow that standard. That will limit your choices although most mobo manufacturers have a few models in that size (they just a have a ton more in the full ATX 9.5" x 12" format). Someone else may have to advise you beyond that.

Joel

 

[PsychoUnit]

Thanks Joel....you know what? I decided I'm going to build a new pc soon.

I'm going to side with AMD. I do have a small case, weak power supply, the fan isn't sufficient enough, I'm thinking water cooling (because I plan on overclocking). The dell motherboard has to go, it only supports 775 socket and the bios is locked, and the pentium 2.8 ghz won't be sufficient for my gaming needs.

The only thing I'm going to keep from this dell is my hard-drive. Thanks for the pointers.