Moving Dell motherboard to a new case

[Patenter]

I'm outgrowing my Dell Workstation 340 mid-tower case and would like to move everything (sans 250W power supply) to a full tower case (e.g., a Cooler Master ATC-201-SX or something similar). Before I purchase a new case and better power supply, however, I need to make sure that my motherboard is an ATX mobo.

Does anyone know if the Dell mobo is std. ATX? If not, how can I measure/verify that it is an ATX mobo?

 

[odog]

more important then size and internal mounting, you should worry about the rear ATX on the back of the case and the power connector.. make sure the power is via a 20 pin ATX power plug and that all connectors are on a standard atc back panel... if the connector layout is not standard layout but standard size you can just remove the back panel from the case. if its not standard ATX size you can't move that board into a new case without some hefty modding.

 

[Buz2b]

Sorry, but the chances of being able to do this are slim. Dell uses proprietary connectors from the PS to the board and second, the board itself, while similar in size to ATX standards most likely will not fit in a "standard" ATX case. This is an age old problem with Dell and some other major mfg's. I don't believe there is a workaround either. About 4 years ago I used to "hang out" on the DellTalk Forum and this was discussed many times. The bottom line is you need a new MB, case and PS. The other components can be stripped out and used. The only small ray of hope I can offer is to go to the DellTalk Forum yourself and ask around for alternative ideas. But, don't hold your breath.

 

[tomrizzo]

That would be correct, I tried to upgrade my girlfriends Dell, and I couldn't move it to another case, or even change the p/s, it sucks.

 

[birddog]

THey have Dell systems where I work & I can tell you for sure that they are not a standard ATX. You are stuck with what you have unless you get yourself a new non-propriarity board.