Switching out motherboards in a DELL?

[LiquidAnimosity]

Like the Topic Summary says, I was wondering if you can replace the motherboard in a dell with an aftermarket one and keep all the peripherals. I'm pretty sure you can but is there anything special that I would have to do. I'm doing it in the first place to get an AGP slot, don't really care about pci-e 16x. I will probably be switching out my memory too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131462

this board seems like a pretty good budget board to do the swap with. Thanks for your opinions/suggestions.

 

[AnandThenMan]

Which Dell do you have? It might work but things to watch for:

- motherboard backplate might not fit into the case, Dell sometimes uses off-sized backplate openings.
- LED/switch panel header connector is probably a ribbon cable. You will have to cut it up to access the front panel stuff like power switch and LED's.
- Power supply *may* not be a standard unit, but most of the later Dell's use a standard connector(s) although the PS is probably weak in the power department.
- motherboard stand-offs in the case might be too short, making it impossible to install the mobo properly. Also, removing the stand-offs can be damn near impossible.

It all depends on your model of Dell. IMO it is not worth the trouble in most cases. (no pun intended)

 

[doc2345]

AnandThenMan is on the money........ Of course when you order your mobo, you could also order a case and move the Dell BS over.....

 

[LiquidAnimosity]

its the dell dimension 2400,,, its pretty new just that my brother wants a better video card and he only has pci slots. Almost all these problems would be alleviated if i also bought a case too?

 

[keeleysam]

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811117029