Has anyone successfully upgraded their dell mobo? (420->340/530)

[spoon805]

Hello,

I am currently running a 420 workstation and was wondering if it was possible to take a giant leap in upgrading. Is it possible to take a motherboard from a 340 or 530 (the newer p4 models) and fit it in the case?

I think the problems would be:

1) Form factor? Will it screw in or mount in properly? If modifications are required... how heavy are they? I'm generally have a knack from modifying anything from cars, home audio equipment, things around the house, etc.

2) Will the power supply be compatible?

3) Does dell supply these motherboards? And at reasonable prices?

Please, any thoughts would be helpful. Thank you.

 

[CaptnKirk]

Dell uses motherboards and power supplys that are proprietary to their product line. They count on you sending it back for an upgrade at high dollars, or buying a new computer from their BoxFactory. You can probably buy a new case with a power supply, motherboard, CPU, and heatsink for less than their retrofit update price.

Most of the other stuff, harddrives, CD-ROM, etc., will migrate into the new build-up. They also use a lot of built-ins like sound, NIC/LAN to minimize their cost while maximizing their profits. Dell makes a nice system, but it's usually about 6 months behind the technology - and you can scratch build for under 2/3rds their price.

 

[spoon805]

not good news... but nevertheless, thanks for the heads up

 

[Buz2b]

Just to provide support to what has already been mentioned, the MB/case/ps installation specs are different. The ps has a proprietary connector (different pinout, as does the MB), so they will not transfer to a non-Dell system. The same is true for the case. A non-Dell MB will not mount correctly (line up) in a Dell case and visa-versa. The good news is that virtually everything else will work just fine as long as you have the drivers for them, if needed. From what I understand, it might, but I emphasize might be possible to use (reuse) a Dell case. I've heard of some people that have with some minor "tweaking". Not sure if that is even a consideration in what you want to do but if so, I would recommend that you go to the "DellTalk" forum that they have. Lots of knowledgable users there that may be able to help out.
In answer to your other question, NO, Dell does not sell MB's at all for something like this. Heck, I don't think they sell them in any way, shape or form other than with a NEW SYSTEM. What a racket.

BTW, yes, I did the "Dell thing" a few years ago. I confess. Hey, it was a "really nice" P233 MHz system and it did help me in the "learning curve"; especially when I "hung out" at the DellTalk Forum. Lots of nice people that will help others there. Similar, but just barely, to the AT forums here.

 

[jackwhitter]

i think you can switch out boards if from their same precision line of motherboards. the form factor should be the same, as they haven't changed the cases much (if at all). the power supply will be fine as it is proprietary dell which connects fine to the dell motherboard. you should even be able to connect the front light panel directly to it (but don't quote me on it.) i'm not sure if you can get a board directly from dell without it being a replacement, but i know u can find some pretty cheaply on egay. i have a precision 210 i was thinking about doing this to for a while. just keep it in the precision line of computers and u should be OK. btw, their mid tower cases usually have a beefier power supply than the desktops.

 

[spoon805]

I looked at some skematic of the 340, and didn't find anymore good news. The mobo's are slide in, not screwed in. I believe that when you purchase one of the newer mobos (if it is possible to buy it), they either come scewed into or are somehow fused into the sliding loading tray. Oh well, this is too much work, and likely money.

Thanks for the help guys