Can I replace the motherboard in a dell precision 470?

[Mark_S]

I have an old dell precision 470 that I've been working on and I was thinking of putting in the second Xeon processor, but on the cpu section of the board I was advised that it would be better just to put in a new motherboard as the cost of a combo cpu board would only be about 120 or so. But I've never done this before and try as I might I have not been able to id the motherboard form in this dell. As I've searched though I've read that some dells may use proprietary boards and that others may not fit into the case. The service tag provided me a list of components
http://www.dell.com/support/troubleshooting/us/en/19/Servicetag/4l54f51?s=BIZ
but nothing identifying a form for the motherboard (Also the picture is wrong, it's flat top, not a tower).
Anyone know what kind of board I can fit in there?

 

[GunnTech]

well the link takes us to a laptop page and you can not buy a motherboard for a laptop on the open market. there are sites that will sell you a new or refurbished board, but to be able to go out and just "pick one up" is not possible. This is due to the multitude of manufacturers each with a different design and function in mind to separate them from all of the competition.

 

[Mark_S]

A laptop sight? So much for the reliability of dell service tags.

 

[GunnTech]

I take it that the machine is a lay down case?

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

Ok a little information for you the chipset that this system is using is the E7525 (designed for a graphics work station). Boards with this chipset are commonly ATX or E-ATX, but looking at pictures of the board I can't see the mounting points. http://www.ascendtech.us/dell-precision-470-motherboard-c9316_i_mb4delc9316.aspx So I am going to guess it could be replaced but I am not able to tell you of the board is ATX 12.5" x 9.5" or E-ATX 12.5" x 12.5 or some OEM standard for Dell.

 

[Mark_S]

Yea, a flat version of the 670 tower.

 

[Mark_S]

Maybe it would be worth it just to find the second processor kit then. It's for my brother and as long as it runs better than the pentium 4 he's working now he'll be happy.

 

[Mark_S]

It looks like there is a nice kit on on ebay and it increases the speed too.