Question Using OEM Dell/HP parts?

[ibex333]

I am trying to create a "frankenstein" like build for testing purposes only. Instead of a case, I am planning to use a PVC frame or just a flat wood or metal surface and screw everythign on that.

My main question is, can you think of any reason why I wouldn't be able to use a motherboard from a pre-built Dell or HP? These motherboards are sold on ebay much cheaper than brands like Asus, Gigabyte etc. Obviously I will not be overclocking, so that is of no concern.

I am planning to do one of those builds where you can use a Xeon CPU in place of an LGA 775 or 1155 socket instead of a Core2Duo or an i5/i7

Is there anything that comes to mind that would prevent me from getting one of these motherboards to work?


Also, do you know of any manufacturers/brands, that make metal racks/frames of some sort for testing builds like that? I don't feel like making one myself unless I have to.

 

[C1]

You really are a glutton for punishment !

That stuff is proprietary.

If you want to play, then at least buy a whole working computer system then implement the innards in/on the PVC frame.

 

[ibex333]

I looked at those motherboards, it seems like they still have the pins for power, reset, etc. I should be able to short them to power on the whole thing, or I can just buy one of those power buttons they sell on ebay... Should "technically" work, no?

 

[C1]

Sounds like money to you is more important than time.

Proceed with great vigor.

 

[whm1974]

Why not just use standard parts instead of OEM Dell and HP?

 

[ibex333]

Why not just use standard parts instead of OEM Dell and HP?

OEM parts are extremely cheap.

 

[whm1974]

OEM parts are extremely cheap.

There are good reasons why they are cheap.

 

[ibex333]

*sigh* looks like there's only one way for me to find out...

 

[JWade]

I have used hp and dell motherboards for cheap system building. only thing you have to watch out for is on some dell motherboards they use a ribbon cable for the power, led's, etc. the pins are slightly closer than normal is all

 

[BoomerD]

CAN you do it? Probably...SHOULD you do it?

Keep in mind, the proprietary motherboards and such aren't always very high quality...and MIGHT be built to different specs than "normal" hardware.

 

[whm1974]

CAN you do it? Probably...SHOULD you do it?

Keep in mind, the proprietary motherboards and such aren't always very high quality...and MIGHT be built to different specs than "normal" hardware.

Good reason to avoid by itself?

 

[BoomerD]

Good reason to avoid by itself?

Not necessarily...IMO. It really depends on what the OP wants to do, how much time and money he's willing to throw at it. It COULD work just fine as is...or be a clusterf*ck.

 

[hoorah]

I modify a lot of Dell/HP/OEM systems, but thats because I pick them up for free from the electronics recycling dropoff.

Yes, you can do some core2-->xeon mods in OEM systems.

That said, most of the OEM systems I build have the case/PSU/motherboard married to each other - I don't swap motherboards and I don't swap cases, its too much work trying to get the oddball stuff to play with each other. I wouldn't use an OEM board for a 'test bench' setup. They are not the best when it comes to compatibility. Off-the-shelf components are much better for that kind of stuff.

Lots of OEM systems only have 2 memory slots instead of 4.