Could i upgrade My Case

[TJL005]

I have a dell optiplex 740 and i was wondering if i keep everything but the case and get a bigger one allowing more room for a psu as i currently have the desktop version and theres very little room for a new PSU

 

[boosted1g]

No, you wont be able to.

For several years Dell liked to use a special circuit board that integrated the power button, audio ports and usb ports, that then used a proprietary connector and cable that went to a proprietary header on the motherboard.
The end result being that the case is not compatible with an aftermarket motherboard, and the motherboard is not compatible with an aftermarket case.

Not to mention the other issues like the power supply cables being cut to specific length and there not being a removable I/O plate at the back, and this is all assuming you have the full size 740 and not a slim model.

 

[thejanglytemblor]

yes, you can get a new case. however, be cautious. dell sometimes uses proprietary power supply cables. i would recommend testing your current power supply with a good power supply tester, to make sure all the voltage rails line up properly. research the 24 pin layout and use a multi-meter to make sure the voltages match up. if they do, go ahead and get a new ATX case, and a new power supply. also, don't buy a crappy $20 power supply off of eBay, it will blow up in your face. buy something from SeaSonic, or if you can't afford that, Corsair, Cooler Master, or EVGA.
EDIT: now i see that someone beat me to this, if the proprietary front panel and missing faceplate is a dealbreaker to you, you can always use a screwdriver to short the power on jumper, which will turn on the computer. not convenient, i know.

 

[boosted1g]

yes, you can get a new case. however, be cautious. dell sometimes uses proprietary power supply cables. i would recommend testing your current power supply with a good power supply tester, to make sure all the voltage rails line up properly. research the 24 pin layout and use a multi-meter to make sure the voltages match up. if they do, go ahead and get a new ATX case, and a new power supply. also, don't buy a crappy $20 power supply off of eBay, it will blow up in your face. buy something from SeaSonic, or if you can't afford that, Corsair, Cooler Master, or EVGA.

I have worked on many of these Dell PCs from that era and they are not compatible with standardized aftermarket cases and motherboards, some not even compatible with standard CPU coolers.

 

[SBMfromLA]

You could try... but there is no guarantee that the Dell motherboard would fit inside your new case. The holes might not line up and the rear ports might not align up. That's one of the drawbacks to using OEM computers.

Another solution would be to replace the PSU with one designed to fit your Dell Computer. Here is a 620W unit:
http://www.thirty-day.com/products?search=dell+optiplex+740

 

[TJL005]

You could try... but there is no guarantee that the Dell motherboard would fit inside your new case. The holes might not line up and the rear ports might not align up. That's one of the drawbacks to using OEM computers.

Another solution would be to replace the PSU with one designed to fit your Dell Computer. Here is a 620W unit:
http://www.thirty-day.com/products?search=dell+optiplex+740

I use the slim psu can you not get a better one?

 

[SBMfromLA]

You could try... but there is no guarantee that the Dell motherboard would fit inside your new case. The holes might not line up and the rear ports might not align up. That's one of the drawbacks to using OEM computers.

Another solution would be to replace the PSU with one designed to fit your Dell Computer. Here is a 620W unit:
http://www.thirty-day.com/products?search=dell+optiplex+740

I use the slim psu can you not get a better one?

That system runs Vista or XP... correct? May I ask what the PSU replacement is for? Did you install a newer graphics card that needs more power or is your current one giving you problems? I looked at the specs for your computer and I think I have another solution... You could consider looking on Craigslist to search for a used Dell Computer (if you like the Dell Brand) or any other brand. I'm sure you would be able to find a used system for a price... probably not much more than it would have cost you to buy another case and PSU. That's something to consider. The reason I mentioned getting a Used Dell computer is... you would be able to still use your Dell OEM Copy of Windows that you are currently using... and it will activate without any problems.

 

[TJL005]

[strike][/strike]

 

[TJL005]

You could try... but there is no guarantee that the Dell motherboard would fit inside your new case. The holes might not line up and the rear ports might not align up. That's one of the drawbacks to using OEM computers.

Another solution would be to replace the PSU with one designed to fit your Dell Computer. Here is a 620W unit:
http://www.thirty-day.com/products?search=dell+optiplex+740

I use the slim psu can you not get a better one?

That system runs Vista or XP... correct? May I ask what the PSU replacement is for? Did you install a newer graphics card that needs more power or is your current one giving you problems? I looked at the specs for your computer and I think I have another solution... You could consider looking on Craigslist to search for a used Dell Computer (if you like the Dell Brand) or any other brand. I'm sure you would be able to find a used system for a price... probably not much more than it would have cost you to buy another case and PSU. That's something to consider. The reason I mentioned getting a Used Dell computer is... you would be able to still use your Dell OEM Copy of Windows that you are currently using... and it will activate without any problems.

Its refurbished with windows 7 and i already upgraded the graphics card ,ram and cpu in the mail i just would like it to be able to use better things like a better graphics card because a the moment its only 280w