Does Dell use proprietary motherboards?

[JohnnyBallGame]

Can anyone tell me if Dell uses proprietary motherboards? I'd like to update my mothers pc, and I'm not sure if a normal mb will fit into the case. Any input is appreciated!

 

[Tripleshot]

Yes. What would that have to do with changing the mobo out? Open the case and look to see that the mobo you select will fit and connect up.Is it a tower or desktop?

 

[Pastore]

Dell mother boards are not proprietary, and they use a standard ATX case. What IS different with Dells, is the power supply connector (where the power supply meets the motherboard). It is different than a normal power supply, so if you swap motherboards, you are also going to have to swap power supplies. I know this from experience...

 

[Tripleshot]

Beast1284

I disagree based partly on what you say about power connectors and that some mobos are 2 piece and have slideout trays,etc. It all depends on the dell system. That is why I recommend opening the case and looking around. he can also go to dells website and get the specs on the particular system,but for the sake of a just a case,I would buy a new case and mobo and then move the floppy,HDD,vid,sound,modem over and configure. Much easier and cost effective.

 

[Pastore]

Well, if he does look around, and finds that he has a normal ATX case (which I am sure he has), then he doesnt have to spend the extra cash on the new case. All that I am saying is that on my Dell Dimension XPS, I swapped the motherboard, and Dell's factory power supply would not connect to my motherboard, so I had to go out and buy a new power supply. I am just letting him know what my experience was when I swapped my motherboards.

 

[Nikepete]

Well, on my Dell Dimension XPS not only the power supply connector is non-standard but also the control interface of the case is connected to the mobo with a special ribbon cable and adaptor. Unless you're willing to spend a hell of the time to splice the ribbon cable and rebuilt all control connectors you'd be better off getting a new case as well.

 

[JohnnyBallGame]

Thanks for the input. The system I'm trying to upgrade is an XPSD233. It appears to be a normal ATX case, but I've heard that Dell takes steps to make upgrading difficult, so I wasn't sure. I haven't looked at the power supply. I'll check it out. Any suggestions on which motherboard to use with a celeron 600?

 

[Pastore]

Nikepete, special ribbon cable? I have never seen that, but oh well...

 

[randomlinh]

seem lotsa different things... on the desktops at school.. they had riser cards for PCI slots and what not...very proprietary.

 

[micron]

My Dimension XPS M200S had the "special" power supply and switches too.

 

[xpaf077]

Well from my experience, Dell, Nec ect. all have propriatary m/b'S. Specially if the connectors are different than standard atx p/s and m/b. Best to get a new case
w/power supply and switch everything. Also, if I'm not mistaken, sound and video are incorporated in the Dell's mother board.

 

[JohnnyBallGame]

I was at my mom's today and checked it out. In this instance it appears as though there is some kind of funky wiring harness on the power supply that plugs into the motherboard. Everything else appears normal, so if I switched out the ps I could probably reuse the box, though I doubt that I will (I'm going with a Duron for the upgrade, so I'm going to pick up a better box. Probably the enlight 7237). Thanks for the input!!