Non-dell power supply in a Dell case? Also need power supply suggestions.

[DGath]

I'm upgrading my current Dell, P4 1.4ghz system to a 2.6c with an ABIT IS7 motherboard. Since I'm getting a new motherboard, I'll need a new case. Now will my existing Dell power supply work in a non-dell case? It's a Dimension 8100, so how can I found out how many watts I currently have? I'd like to know to be able to base that on how many watts I'll need for a new power supply. Is 350 enough or should I go 400 watts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Corporate Thug]

as long as it is an ATX psu it should work in other cases, there should be a sticker that tells you the watts. 350W should be enough but again, it is the quality of the PSU that counts. i would much rather use a 380W antec true power over a 550W generic

 

[rommelrommel]

I can't find a link to it right now, but most dell power supplies from recent years are propriatary and mixing a dell power supply or mobo with an aftermarket power supply or mobo will lead to dead components at best and fire at worst.

 

[rommelrommel]

D'oh, here it is:

http://www.upgradingandrepairingpcs.com/videos/transcripts/power_meltdown.asp

 

[DGath]

Wow.... Thanks for posting that link, glad I didn't go ahead and do what I was planning on doing and using that same power supply! :Q

 

[bozo1]

Dell has used standard ATX supplies for a couple of years now. Older Dells used the proprietary one.

 

[rommelrommel]

Just check the pins first. From what I've read it sounds like many still have the propriatary supplies.

 

[TTM77]

Is it possible to remove dell power supply from dell case and put it on a different case?

 

[Salvador]

Yes. If you want to upgrade your motherboard or power supply, you have to do both. Dell uses a proprietary power plug that only works with Dell systems. You could fry your motherboard by hooking up the Dell power supply to it because the pins are not lined up like a normal power supply plug in is. Guess they don't want you upgrading their systems.

Sal