I'm upgrading a friend's computer and it's a Dell. He's getting a new motherboard (MicroATX) so he can have an AGP slot but I don't know if the power supply connector is standard 20 pin ATX. I don't have the machine here so I can't check myself, and I've heard before they weren't standard, but then I heard they were. It's a Dell Dimension 2400, Celeron 2.4 gHz, Socket 478. Anyone know about these?
Dell Power Supply
- Thread starter Xyl3ne
- Start date
Those bottom-of-the-line DELL PCs are not designed for upgrade! You may not be able to boot with a new board. What do you expect from a $200 machine?
About the only thing that's reusable is the floppy drive, optical drive, and perhaps RAM.
About the only thing that's reusable is the floppy drive, optical drive, and perhaps RAM.
generally the difference in dell's PSU's is only the side of the unit that the power plug goes into.
so the PSU should still fit in the same case, but if you change the PSU you need to buy a unit that will fit the dell case. I know PC Power and Cooling carries Dell compatable PSU's.
other than that plug being on the wrong size they are pretty standard, and under rated. that means they are more powerful than average.
so the PSU should still fit in the same case, but if you change the PSU you need to buy a unit that will fit the dell case. I know PC Power and Cooling carries Dell compatable PSU's.
other than that plug being on the wrong size they are pretty standard, and under rated. that means they are more powerful than average.
All I need to know is if the power connector is standard and it'll work with NON-DELL motherboards.
In the Technical Overview section of the Dim2400 Manual It looks like it's a standard power connector.
You might find someone who has done this at Dell forums.
According to opinions there here are some possible problems with changing the motherboard:
~ The front panel connector connects through a propietary ribbon cable, you'll have to rig some way to hook it up to the new motherboard.
~ The motherboard mounting to the tray may be different than standard
~You could re-use the processor, but you'd have to get a new heatsink. The Dell heatsink only fits into a Dell motherboard retaining clip (this I've read for other DIMs).
~ The OEM XP is tied to Dells motherboard BIOS so you'll have to ask
MicroSoft to validate it which they have done for some and not for others
It might be easier to just get a new case, but that still leaves the question of OS validity.
I only read a few threads and didn't see a post from anyone who had actually attempted it - you may find more certain answers if you search more thoroughly.
You might find someone who has done this at Dell forums.
According to opinions there here are some possible problems with changing the motherboard:
~ The front panel connector connects through a propietary ribbon cable, you'll have to rig some way to hook it up to the new motherboard.
~ The motherboard mounting to the tray may be different than standard
~You could re-use the processor, but you'd have to get a new heatsink. The Dell heatsink only fits into a Dell motherboard retaining clip (this I've read for other DIMs).
~ The OEM XP is tied to Dells motherboard BIOS so you'll have to ask
MicroSoft to validate it which they have done for some and not for others
It might be easier to just get a new case, but that still leaves the question of OS validity.
I only read a few threads and didn't see a post from anyone who had actually attempted it - you may find more certain answers if you search more thoroughly.
Thanks for all the info. I'm just going to tell him he's screwed. He's better off building a whole new box minus CPU (though has a Celeron, eeek), memory, HDD, and optical drives.
Other options are:
Find a PCI video card that suits his needs.
OR
Centrix OEM Replacement Parts
DIM4600 board looks like it would fit the case, but he'd need a new CPU as it supports only 533/800 FSB.
DIM4550 board could use the Celeron but he may still need a new case and figure out a way to connect the front power button and lights.
Find a PCI video card that suits his needs.
OR
Centrix OEM Replacement Parts
DIM4600 board looks like it would fit the case, but he'd need a new CPU as it supports only 533/800 FSB.
DIM4550 board could use the Celeron but he may still need a new case and figure out a way to connect the front power button and lights.
i'd sell the cpu and pick up one of those sempron palermo (sp?) cpus+dfi board for sub$200 and run it open air to save money on a case
Do not do it! Dell cases and mobos are not standard! A regular mobo will not bolt up to the DELL case. They use a different mounting setup for their mobos.
TRUST ME I KNOW I HAVE A DELL- IF YOU GET A NEW MOBO YOU NEED A NEW CASE! OR VICE VERSA
So basically your buddy should start from scratch and never get another DELL! I know I never will (it was a christmas present)
TRUST ME I KNOW I HAVE A DELL- IF YOU GET A NEW MOBO YOU NEED A NEW CASE! OR VICE VERSA
So basically your buddy should start from scratch and never get another DELL! I know I never will (it was a christmas present)
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