Wanta put a ASUS CUSL2 in my old Dell XPS D300, I got Q's

Noid

Platinum Member
Sep 20, 2000
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The ASUS board looks to have a little more depth (around a 1/2") ... Are the holes to mount motherboards standard? The ports look to be in the same place also ...

I guess my real question is ... Is it gonna fit with no additional mounting hardware or drilling in the case ?

I have the ATCX mini tower case. From what I've been told my only problem is with the Power supply cables.

Anyone got ideas?
 

ceraph

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Aug 4, 2000
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Generally, never try to put anything major in a Dell/Gateway/Compaq, etc. The first thing you're going to have problems with is size and dimensions, especially if its a mini case. I've always built my systems so I don't know what standard wattage power supply Dell uses, but the connectors must conform to standards, so they can't be your problem. The connector that connects the power supply to the motherboard must also be standard if its an ATX motherboard.

But, despite any way that you might actually get it work, you're better off getting a new case.

Cases aren't expensive -- my extended mid tower case that includes numerous fan slots and a removable motherboard tray cost 80 bucks 2 years ago. It's dropped a little since then. You can get a generic, plastic mid case for under 45 bucks.

As for your drives, etc in your Dell case, all of them will migrate to the new case without problem, since Dell has to conform to the standard sizes of all 5 1/4 and 3 1/2 drives.

Hope this helps, the CUSL2 is a great board -- just read up on some of the unresolved issues we're having with it beforehand.

--

ceraph
 

judgmentday1

Senior member
Dec 12, 1999
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I also have a Dell D300 computer that I have converted to a Celeron 500, but I want to buy a nice new tooless case to make a new computer. So far, I haven't found a nice one and cheap. I saw one for $300.00 made of Aluminiun, midtower, and tooless, but doesn't have nothing in it. I guess it is to much money for something that doesn't even have a 300watts power supply. I'm in the market for one with 4 bays, tooless design, power switch in the back (because I hate to remove the cable every time I add/remove hardware), 300watts and no more than $100.00. Do you guys know of a nice one with all these features? Thank you.
 

Noid

Platinum Member
Sep 20, 2000
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Hey Judge ... take a look at 3dcool.com ... almost same price with fans and PS ... (Dont know about that extra switch you want) I'm trying to find out the PS wattage I need now ... I also put an Inquiry here ... www.coolcases.com ... but you have to ask for Email catalog ... (I'm waiting on a reply from them)

cya round ... I'm doing the same thing you are !!!!

:D
 

soupcan

Member
Jan 20, 2000
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Bottom line (most likely) is that you will need to buy a new case (with power supply) for your new mobo.

When I was planning on upgrading a Dell XPS T500, I found out that Dell uses modified oem motherboard with proprietary power supply connectors and case connectors. Although it is a different model than yours, I think some of the problems will be the same.

One option was to have PC Power and Cooling modify a power supply to connect to the Dell oem motherboard. The problem there was that you would not be able to use that power supply with non-Dell mobos, e.g., if you wanted to upgrade in the future.

If you want to change your motherboard, the Dell power supply connectors (yes two) will not connect properly to your new mobo, unless you get a Dell motherboard. Also, the connectors from your Dell case (power switch, leds, etc.) will most likely not conform to the new mobo. As a result, you would need a new case and power supply for your new mobo.

When I first bought the Dell, I bought it because I thought it would be easily upgradable. Well, some things are easy to upgrade, like sound card, video card, etc., but more significant changes, like a new motherboard, meant additional purchases. In the end, I bought a new motherboard (s1854) and case (In-Win q500 with 300 watt ps) and used the hard drive, nic, sound card, floppy, etc. in the new pc.

If you do buy a new case, you will have a much more easily upgradable computer, which is nice. Good luck!