is it possible to switch out the MoBo in my Dell?

[govtcheez75]

I'm just wondering, since I've been itching to tinker with computers lately. I think it's a Intel Motherboard, which doesn't let you overclock. Not that the crappy P4 in there would overclock all that well anyways. But is it possible to switch out the Motherboard? I may get a new processor as well. I'm thinking of going Athlon, since they seem to be dropping in price nicely. I think going XP 2400+ would probably be a nice upgrade from my P4 1.7 Ghz. I would like to keep everything else that's on there though, like the RAM. Although it's only PC2100, I have 768 mb's of it, which cost me a pretty penny (since I bought them when memory wasn't so cheap 🙁 ) . If it is possible, any suggestions on good affordable motherboards that would be easy to install? I'm a newbie that want's to tinker. Also...Will I have any problems with the Windows XP that's on my HDD? Will I have to tinker with the Bios alot? Thanks for any help.

 

[mechBgon]

Many Dell motherboards are proprietary and use a different wiring pattern for the main ATX 20-pin power plug. Trying to use these alternately-wired power supplies with an industry-standard motherboard will result in a fried motherboard and possibly a fried power supply. You also face the task of wiring up the Dell case's buttons and LEDs to a non-Dell mobo with a different connector pinout. If it were me, I'd get a new high-quality case & power supply (I like the dark-charcoal-grey Antec Plus660AMG pretty well) and use that with your new mobo/CPU combo.

Hope that helps a little 🙂

 

[amdskip]

mechBgon has it right on. Truthfully you would be better off building a computer from scratch and selling the dell off.

 

[snidy1]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Many Dell motherboards are proprietary and use a different wiring pattern for the main ATX 20-pin power plug. Trying to use these alternately-wired power supplies with an industry-standard motherboard will result in a fried motherboard and possibly a fried power supply. You also face the task of wiring up the Dell case's buttons and LEDs to a non-Dell mobo with a different connector pinout. If it were me, I'd get a new high-quality case & power supply (I like the dark-charcoal-grey Antec Plus660AMG pretty well) and use that with your new mobo/CPU combo.

Hope that helps a little 🙂

Yep, you'll need to replace the PS and MB together

 

[govtcheez75]

Well, that sucks. I like the look of my Dell, and was hoping to reuse as many components as possible. I guess I should sell the Case, PSU, Mother board, and the processor, and keep everything else? Does anyone know what would be a good price to ask for if I was to sell these 4 components? It's a Dell Dimension 4400, with 1.7 Ghz P4 processor.

 

[snidy1]

$250

 

[bendixG15]

$250......I doubt it....could be wrong.
Don't think there is much of a market for a Dell case, PS and mobo.
What you need is a friend..... who needs a computer...
Good Luck

 

[snidy1]

Originally posted by: bendixG15
$250......I doubt it....could be wrong.
Don't think there is much of a market for a Dell case, PS and mobo.
What you need is a friend..... who needs a computer...
Good Luck

Some people will pay that if you put it in the paper, it's probably better if you sell it as a complete system though. I hope you learned your lesson. DON'T BUY PROPRIETARY SYSTEMS!