Case Replacement Question

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kingkyoo27

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Dec 21, 2017
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I am wondering if I could replace my vostro 260 case because it looks extremely plain and boring. If so please send me links on which ones you suggest. I understand that I might have to drill holes in the new case due to dell being weird! Thanks so much
My hopefully end product
I7 2600k
1050Ti
Motherboard is a 0gdg8y old motherboard ik. So please feel free to msg me any cheaper cases!
 
Solution
g-unit1111


Yes, you're probably also going to have to buy a cooler as well, since that cooler won't carry over to the new case. Here would be my suggestions:

Cooler: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA9PV3Y61170&cm_re=noctua_l9i-_-35-608-029-_-Product

As for case though that's pretty subjective. I would go for pretty much anything from NZXT, Corsair, Antec, Thermaltake, Fractal Design, and maybe a few Cooler Master ones. Avoid Raidmax and Apevia.
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I don't know - a lot of times most system vendors like Dell use proprietary components and a lot of the times they won't work outside of the case. It's possible but most of the time it usually isn't.
 
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I would normally agree with you but for the last few years Dell has been using more 'main stream' components/sizes/hardware in there machines.

The spec here shows it's a standard micro atx size, so do not see why it would not fit in most mATX cases.

http://www.findlaptopdriver.com/dell-vostro-260-specs/

I certainly would not advise using OEM equipment in aftermarket hardware but if he/her wants to, that's up to them.
 
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Yeah I had to go Google a picture of this system in question and it looks like the motherboard is a standard mATX PSU form factor, but that power supply that's included definitely is not. That's where I question whether or not the parts would work outside of the case. Some Dells do use standard ATX size power supplies but it looks like the 260S isn't one of them. The problem you would run into would be whether or not you would void your warranty by doing so. If the system is long out of warranty then by all means you can go ahead and try it.
 
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That's not the problem I'd be worried about - the fan included is similar to the Intel stock cooler. What I would be worried about is whether or not your warranty would be violated by going through with this.

So should i just leave the case as is or what?
Click to expand...

Eh... I would say it depends. The thing I would be concerned with is the warranty but if that's long expired I think you would be OK. The other thing I would check is to make sure that the PSU is a standard ATX power supply. Some Dells do use a half height PSU to save space, but if yours fits the full ATX form factor then you should be OK.
 
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I very much doubt he has any warranty left on the PC, it was released back in 2011.

Two issues will be cooler mounting and PSU mounting.

I am going to guess but I bet Dell didn't use a standard ATX PSU, they have a habit of using odd shapes or small PSU's like an SFF PSU but shaped odly.

Perhaps upgrade the PSU at the same time as the case, lots of manufactures do combo cases that come with PSU's (whihc will be standard ATX size)

With regards to the cooler mounting, again dell tend to mount the cpu cooler directly to the case instead of a back plate.
 
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If your motherboard is standard uATX form factor, it will work.
Some other budget uATX cases:
Zalman T5
Sharkoon S1000 or V1000
Chieftec Gaming Cube CI-01B-OP
 
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So i just pulled one of my Optiplex 790 (same socket as what he has) and is does measure out to 75mm on the mounting holes which is standard mounting holes for the LGA 1156/1155 socket. So using an aftermarket cooler wont be a problem.

The board in this computer is a Matx and uses standard ATX mounting locations for the screws, so moving it to a new case wont be a problem at all.

Dell has moved away from the proprietary PSU so any standard PSU that fits in the case will work on the computer.

So a recap
standard mounting holes for aftermarket cooler
standard MB mounting holes will fit new case
standard PSU wiring will accept aftermarket PSU

I think your a go for a new case.
 
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No the only reason why the cooler would be an issue would be if it was going to be replaced with a better one. But if it isn't the cooler that it comes with is similar to the Intel stock fan so I don't think any changes there would be warranted. The PSU mounting could be an issue if the PSU doesn't meet standard ATX form factors, but that would only be determined if the PSU was removed from the case.

So i just pulled one of my Optiplex 790 (same socket as what he has) and is does measure out to 75mm on the mounting holes which is standard mounting holes for the LGA 1156/1155 socket. So using an aftermarket cooler wont be a problem.
Click to expand...

What about the case wiring? I'm talking about the power LEDs and the on / off switch. Are those similar to what you find on standard ATX motherboards or does Dell use something proprietary? That's another issue I could potentially see here.
 
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If he gets a new case the cooler will have to be replaced. The stock dell cooler screws into standoff that are mounted on the motherboard tray. Once the board is moved to a new case there will be no way to mount the stock dell cooler.

As for the front power button you will have to trace the wires back to the board and figure out where they plug into.
 
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Oh, OK that makes sense now. I see where that could absolutely be a problem. But if it's standard mounting holes then you could get something like a Noctua NH-L9i and that would cover you.
 
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Yes, you're probably also going to have to buy a cooler as well, since that cooler won't carry over to the new case. Here would be my suggestions:

Cooler: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA9PV3Y61170&cm_re=noctua_l9i-_-35-608-029-_-Product

As for case though that's pretty subjective. I would go for pretty much anything from NZXT, Corsair, Antec, Thermaltake, Fractal Design, and maybe a few Cooler Master ones. Avoid Raidmax and Apevia.
 
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Solution


Good choice with the NZXT S340 :)

My friend had one for a while, great case with some great features for the price.

 
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