Converting SFF into Tower with some upgrades?

[TaqiChauhan]

I have an old Dell 960 Small Form Factor system. Current Specs:
Intel Q6600@2.4GHz, 4GB Ram and old Nvidia 210 graphics card! For more specs CLICK HERE!
I don't have much money to buy a new one so I want to upgrade it!!!
Here are my question I want help with...
Can I convert SFF to Tower? by changing casing and then putting all components into new one?
Can I change PSU? current psu is 235W which is not enough for good graphics card!
By the way here's my idea.... I will change casing, put all components into new one, then change PSU, replace Harddisk (with new one, currently 250GB), put new graphics card (currently I am thinking to put a GTX 750) !!!!

P.S: yes it is an old system, I know.... I belong to a cheap country! -_-
Yes I have money but I want to buy gtx 750 ($150 here), replace PSU, New Harddisk and more ram... (approx. $200 budget)! so no money to buy new one....
Will be happy if you help me! Thanks!

 

[clutchc]

Yes, it's possible if Dell used proprietary connections between motherboard and case, which I doubt. Chances are, connections between front panel case devises and the board won't match up.
Since you'll be buying everything except the motherboard, it will be wiser to budget in an inexpensive retail board with a 775 socket.

 

[tsnor]

Try this:

1. Keep the current SFF case and PSU
2. Get a LOW PROFILE gtx750ti video card. It will fit in your case. It draws a max of 60w.
3. Keep your current PSU - It actually has enough power for your CPU and for the GTX750 since you can't OC the q6600. Note to be a standard PCI slot Dell reserves 75W - a GTX750ti only needs 60.

Total cost around $150US.

Here are examples of low profile gtx750ti cards. I have not used any of them. I have installed low profile cards in SFF HPs cases without problems. http://www.amazon.com/MSI-Computer-Graphics-Cards-N750TI-2GD5TLP/dp/B00SOXMPJY/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1457390276&sr=1-1&keywords=gtx750+low+profile or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125680&cm_re=GIGABYTE_GeForce_GTX_750Ti_2GB_LOW_PROFILE-_-14-125-680-_-Product

 

[clutchc]

Unfortunately, due to the position of the PCIex16 slot and the fact that the motherboard design is BTX instead of ATX, you will be limited to a single slot card. http://stuartconnections.com/products/Computers/Systems/Desktops/Dell/Optiplex/960/SFF/DSC00742ws.jpg (width of card extends upward in picture instead of downward)

There are no single slot GTX 750 Ti cards available today to my knowledge.

 

[TaqiChauhan]

Yes, it's possible if Dell used proprietary connections between motherboard and case, which I doubt. Chances are, connections between front panel case devises and the board won't match up.
Since you'll be buying everything except the motherboard, it will be wiser to budget in an inexpensive retail board with a 775 socket.

any mobo which support lga 775 socket and my cpu is enough? I mean should I buy it?
or can't I just put everything on this PC to a new tower case, then change PSU? which is supported and then put graphics card?

 

[tsnor]

Unfortunately, due to the position of the PCIex16 slot and the fact that the motherboard design is BTX instead of ATX, you will be limited to a single slot card. http://stuartconnections.com/products/Computers/Systems/Desktops/Dell/Optiplex/960/SFF/DSC00742ws.jpg (width of card extends upward in picture instead of downward)

There are no single slot GTX 750 Ti cards available today to my knowledge.

I am really glad you knew this. my bad, sorry for bad advice.

 

[clutchc]

Unfortunately, due to the position of the PCIex16 slot and the fact that the motherboard design is BTX instead of ATX, you will be limited to a single slot card. http://stuartconnections.com/products/Computers/Systems/Desktops/Dell/Optiplex/960/SFF/DSC00742ws.jpg (width of card extends upward in picture instead of downward)

There are no single slot GTX 750 Ti cards available today to my knowledge.

I am really glad you knew this. my bad, sorry for bad advice.

Don't feel bad. That crazy design Dell used takes everyone by surprise the first time they see it.

 

[Barty1884]

Just throwing this out there - as I've seen a few SFF from Dell & HP doing the same thing.

Coolers are frequently secured directly to mounting holes on the case of these SFF, so there's no backplate. That may cause some issues when moving to a larger tower - I'm sure there are ways around it (including simply acquiring a backplate), but it's something to keep in mind.

There are also frequently proprietary PSU connectors on the motherboard, which make replacing the PSU extremely difficult (and of questionable worth).

I would suggest you attempt to source a used motherboard + CPU combo, that are standardized. Ultimately, you're proposing buying/replacing everything but the CPU/Mobo - if you can source something comparable for cheap enough, it'll save you some headaches (or at least potential headaches).

 

[clutchc]

Yes, it's possible if Dell used proprietary connections between motherboard and case, which I doubt. Chances are, connections between front panel case devises and the board won't match up.
Since you'll be buying everything except the motherboard, it will be wiser to budget in an inexpensive retail board with a 775 socket.

any mobo which support lga 775 socket and my cpu is enough? I mean should I buy it?
or can't I just put everything on this PC to a new tower case, then change PSU? which is supported and then put graphics card?

You can, but you'll be back to the problem of the new case's front panel wiring not matching up with the proprietary headers and their connections on the old m/b.
Buying a 775 socket board will be tricky since they haven't been produced for years. Might find one used, but be sure it accepts your CPU and whatever RAM you have now (DDR, DDR2, DDR3) What is yours?

 

[TaqiChauhan]

mine is ddr2