Mujahid Posted May 16, 2003 Share Posted May 16, 2003 Hi folks, I have a Dell Dimension with a PIII 600MHz processor. I want to upgrade by replacing my motherboard with a P4 2gig or better processor. (Can't afford to replace entire system). I can't get a straight answer from Dell, because they want me to either buy a new system or a refurbished system from them, rather than upgrade my own. My question is this: Is it possible for me to buy a replacement motherboard with a better processor, or can I not do that due to some proprietary Dell hardware that I don't know about (for example, I don't know if my case is an ATX case, for starters, and don't know how to tell the difference anyway). Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated. No way I can afford to replace entire system right now, or build a barebones. But I might be able to get a couple hundred bucks passed the wife for a new motherboard. Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyWombat Posted May 16, 2003 Share Posted May 16, 2003 Mujahid, Here's the skinny from a previous Dimension owner... The deal on those PCs is the proprietary stunt Dell played with the Power connection to the Mobo (not bad mouthing Dell BTW - I dug my box). It's not a true ATX output. What you need is a converter so you can slap an ATX board in the case... <rummages through folders for a minute or two> You need something like this... http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/dellconverter.html Now it's not over... This little gizmo will get you past the power-to-mobo issue, but you still have to weigh the wattage... The Dimensions (some exceptions with the newer ones) were assembled with a somewhat lacking powers supply (200W)... As such, you may have to replace the generator in that system as well, especially if you are going to run some hungry components like big CPUs (2G+) in combo with top-choice sound and graphics boards... Just something to think about... However, you may be able to squeeze all those goodies on the existing power supply (that would be good), it's just something to be aware of... I hope this helps... Let me know if I can elaborate on anything...!!! Best of luck with the upgrade! Wombat [edit] I just checked, you probably will have to upgrade the power supply, as that link no londer contains the universal converter... still looking for a place that has it though...[/edit] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mujahid Posted May 16, 2003 Author Share Posted May 16, 2003 Thanks for all that info! I checked out the link and found the adapter you were talking about. I didn't know they pulled that stunt with the power supply. You're right, I think I will need to upgrade my power supply. I can't remember the wattage on it, but I think it's around 250. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyWombat Posted May 16, 2003 Share Posted May 16, 2003 No sweat, man...!!! Glad to help...!!! Wombat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
setsuko Posted May 17, 2003 Share Posted May 17, 2003 Finally, someone here who can describe technical issues, so I don't have to do it anymore! After all, you do it better than me, Wombat-man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyWombat Posted May 17, 2003 Share Posted May 17, 2003 Thank you my dear Set... We aim to please...!!! <retiring to corner, bowing and mumbling with reverence> ...humble and prostrate... ...humble and prostrate... Wombat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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