Transplanting a Dell XPS 8100 motherboard into a new case?

[docpregodc]

I would like to have more room and better (any) airflow than my XPS 8100 provides. I'm perfectly happy with all of my components so I would just like to move it to a better case. I have the Antec Three Hundred in mind and am confident it would be a fairly easy transplant. I am having some confusion over the following:

1. Can I remove the motherboard with the processor and heatsink still installed so that I don't have to worry about messing them up?

2. The Antec case has front panel connections for power switch, reset switch, HD LED and power LED. I have no idea where these will connect on the Dell motherboard. Can anyone direct me to the correct pins to plug these into? At the least I would like power switch and HD LED but could even live without HD LED if necessary.

3. Is there an official document or service manual that explains these pin connections that I am seeking? Dell's service manual that they have posted is very general and does not include this info.

Thank you!

 

[MadScientist]

I need new glasses. I was looking at the Dimension 8100 not the Studio XPS 8100.

From the service manual the motherboard has a power button connector (FP1) that connects to the power button module on the case. I could not find a pinout for this connector. You could try checking the pins with a multimeter, but the power button module may be needed for this MB.

The MB looks like a standard ATX board but the I/O panel may not fit the Antec case.

I agree that it may not be worth the effort. If you need more cooling dremel out an opening for another fan.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/studio8100/en/sm/index.htm"]http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/studio8100/en/sm/index.htm[/URL]

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/studio8100/en/sm/power_bu.htm#wp1181021

 

[Rifter]

I tried this with my dads old dell, and the mobo was not ATX. It did not line up with any of the mobo mouning holes in a ATX case i had to drill and tap my own holes for the brass studs. I got it in there but it was way to much effort, and as mentioned you will need to find somewhere to mount the I/O panel. IMO its not even close to worth all the effort.

 

[nenforcer]

That looks like a current model XPS and even the XPS models from a few years ago had moved from proprietary BTX boards to standards based ATX ones.

The tech specs for the Dell Studio XPS 8100 don't specify but they say it supports video card upgrades without any Power Supply upgrade required even though its only 350 Watt.

You would more than likely be voiding any warranty from Dell by doing this. I'm not sure its worth it.

 

[docpregodc]

That looks like a current model XPS and even the XPS models from a few years ago had moved from proprietary BTX boards to standards based ATX ones.

The tech specs for the Dell Studio XPS 8100 don't specify but they say it supports video card upgrades without any Power Supply upgrade required even though its only 350 Watt.

You would more than likely be voiding any warranty from Dell by doing this. I'm not sure its worth it.

It is a micro atx board. I already upgraded the video card and the PSU to a 700 watt unit.

Hasn't anyone moved an XPS 8100 to a new case and figured out the pin assignments on the motherboard?

 

[ashanph]

Hi I would like to buy a casing for a DELL STUDIO XPS 8100. Are you intrested in setting yours.

Please let me know.

Thank you.

cmminds@hotmail.com

I would like to have more room and better (any) airflow than my XPS 8100 provides. I'm perfectly happy with all of my components so I would just like to move it to a better case. I have the Antec Three Hundred in mind and am confident it would be a fairly easy transplant. I am having some confusion over the following:

1. Can I remove the motherboard with the processor and heatsink still installed so that I don't have to worry about messing them up?

2. The Antec case has front panel connections for power switch, reset switch, HD LED and power LED. I have no idea where these will connect on the Dell motherboard. Can anyone direct me to the correct pins to plug these into? At the least I would like power switch and HD LED but could even live without HD LED if necessary.

3. Is there an official document or service manual that explains these pin connections that I am seeking? Dell's service manual that they have posted is very general and does not include this info.

Thank you!

 

[rtrg]

I would like to have more room and better (any) airflow than my XPS 8100 provides. I'm perfectly happy with all of my components so I would just like to move it to a better case. I have the Antec Three Hundred in mind and am confident it would be a fairly easy transplant. I am having some confusion over the following:

1. Can I remove the motherboard with the processor and heatsink still installed so that I don't have to worry about messing them up?

2. The Antec case has front panel connections for power switch, reset switch, HD LED and power LED. I have no idea where these will connect on the Dell motherboard. Can anyone direct me to the correct pins to plug these into? At the least I would like power switch and HD LED but could even live without HD LED if necessary.

3. Is there an official document or service manual that explains these pin connections that I am seeking? Dell's service manual that they have posted is very general and does not include this info.

Thank you!

For whatever this is worth, I have an affinity for the dimension and optiplex models of that vintage, 8100/gx400. I fix, set up, give away computers for those in need. Since DELL took the proprietary route, mix and matching is very difficult as you already know. I have used a number of simple, read cheap, mid tower cases with minimal interfering structure and they all need major mods to be usable. In the end I usually remove the rear panel entirely to make room for the in/out panel. I end up GLUING, yes GLUING wood or plastic blocks to the board and then gluing the board in place. I also have to mount the PSU in its usual location making my own bracket to fit the case design. Then another bracket for the fan minus shroud. Then a custom rear panel with cutouts, a gender extention so the VGA is more accessable, then the drives, connections and even modding the power board. I simply use the power switch wires ONLY and SOLDER them to the existing power switch. The reset button is not usable, nor are the leds on the front panel. The power board simply is insulated and HANGS on its own wires. If I did not screw up anything the system is still functional, if I am lucky. I have even made my own case out of wood or plastic 3/4 or 1" square bars. Outside dimension 18x18x8. Leaves enough room inside. Add an interior panel to mount the board to and the rest is easy! Different PSU/fan panels, different rear panel. Are you sure you still want to do this? I do it because I like a challenge and I am just plain stubborn.

 

[nitrous9200]

Holy thread bump Batman!

The OP was referring to the fairly new XPS 8100 (within the past 2-3 years), not the Dimension 8100 (which is a ten year old machine).