Rehousing a Dell computer

[somebodyanybody]

I have a big 4 year old Dell Tower that I'd like to rehouse in a smaller, more practical case. I was told once by a local computer store employee that Dell, HP, Gateway, and most of the mass produced brands use proprietary motherboards and other components that make rehousing them difficult.

I'd like to use a case like this. Not necessarily this specific model, but something along those lines. What components would I be able to reuse from my existing computer and what new parts would I have to buy?

Here's a list of my PC's specs:
Pentium 4 3.0 ghz
1 gig DDR SD RAM
160 gig SATA HD
120 gig SATA HD
Samsung DVD+R
Sound Blaster Audigy soundcard
NVIDIA FX 5200

 

[B-Unit]

Yes and no. The big OEMs use proprietary motherboards most of the time, however those motherboards still conform to either ATX or BTX specifications. I have an old Dell from around that same time, and it has an ATX standard layout. Do a search online for your specific model of Dell and find out what standard the motherboard conforms to, then purchase an appropriate enclosure.

*Disclaimer* On occasion, there will be a completely proprietary motherboard that will only fit in a special case, but these are not the norm.

And also, some Dell's use a special powersupply that fits into a regular motherboard, however has different voltages than a standard ATX powersupply.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

I looked at the type of case you were interested in. It is a small form factor case. Generally speaking it is intended for use with small BTX motherboards. I've seen them at Fry's Electronics. There are other larger cube style cases made for micro and standard ATX motherboards. Of course, they are larger cubes.

Does your Dell computer have a very small BTX, micro MATX, standard ATX, or large EATX motherboard? As B-Unit suggested find out which size Dell motherboard you have, then look for a cube to match.

 

[somebodyanybody]

Based on the research I've done, I don't think its worth the effort of trying to fit the motherboard in another case. I think I would be better off buying a new motherboard and CPU and recycle the DVD+RW, sound card, hard drives and anything else that can be reused. Most of the cases I've looked at come with a motherboard and power supply preinstalled.

Taking into account the cost of this project it may be smarter to just get a Dell Studio Hybrid, Mac Mini, or similar small form factor computer instead.