Changing MOBO in Dell

[barlowtech]

I have a Dell computer that was damaged by a power surge that took out the Pwr supply and Mobo. This computer is out of warranty, so I want to replace the Mobo with an aftermarket one. I'm planning on replacing it with a unit with the same chipset, but there are a few things that I'm worried about.

#1 how can I tell if it is a microATX or ATX form factor

#2 Is there any "good" way to change the front power/led and USB connectors so that they will fit on a different board

#3 Does anyone know of any good/inexpensive Mobo's with integrated audio/video for the P4 (478)that they would recommend?. Dell's site says it has the Intel 845GL chipset. Should I stick with this exact chipset, or should I move to a "newer" one.

This computer is going to be used primarily for web surfing, word processing, and spread sheet applications.

Any advise of recommendations you could give, would be much appreciated.

~Wes

 

[o1die]

Newegg has an asrock 865gv board for $52 plus shipping that should work fine, with built in video. I also recommend you change cases. Newegg has a good selection. Rosewill and Just pc are low budget brands that will work fine, and save you the trouble of cutting and rewiring your Dell case connector. Ascendtech sells one Intel 865 board with the dell connector, but it may not fit your case. A quick search in yahoo yielded one 4300s dell motherboard going for about $25. Don't know your model number, but you might get lucky and locate one.

 

[Crashman]

Look at it VERY CAREFULLY! Most Dells are using proprietary motherboard form factors, a FEW of them are Micro ATX. Micro ATX cases will have 4 expansion slots on the back (ignore how many are on the board itself since some boards don't have all the slots). LOOK CAREFULLY at the port panel: Although the ports can be mixed around, make sure the port panel is exactly the same size as an ATX port panel, the proprietary boards have a longer port panel.

Easy way to modify some Dell front panel connectors is to remove the clip on the ribbon cable and replace that ribbon cable with leads from another case. If you can find an old junk case, you have your leads.

I'm not certain, but Dell might be using standard 9-pin connectors for the USB ports.

I'd go with an 865 series chipset board.

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