Dell Dimension XPS H266 Case -- Can I use this to upgrade mobo & PS?

[PSUlion01]

subject says it all. I'd like to keep my current Dell case and basically gut it. Add like a P4 mobo and bigger power supply. Is this an ATX form case? Most have told me to just buy a new case but I'm trying to keep costs down.

Any help would be appreciated...

Thx
Mike

 

[Banana]

Take measurements and compare to the mobos and power supplies you're interested in. How many PCI slots does your case have? If it's six, then it would probably take most ATX mobos, but do take measurements just in case.

 

[PSUlion01]

good call... for some reason I think it only has 5 slots... need to double-check tonight...

 

[mudboy]

The front panel connectors on Dell cases are proprietary/modular. I'm not sure how out of date this is, but it might help.

You DEFINITELY can't use a Dell power supply with a regular motherboard and vice-versa, so if you want to replace the mobo, replace the PS....but at that point, you might as well get something like this and not worry about the Dell case.

Just my $.02

Pete

 

[PSUlion01]

Pete,

Thanks for the link. Good to know about the front panel LEDs. What was the price of that case you linked for me? If I plan on buying a new case I'll try to get something a bit more stylish though. How do I determine what size PS to get? 300w? 350w? 400w??

Thanks again,
Mike

 

[Banana]

Pete was referring to NewEgg's Antec SLK1600. Coincidentally, I bought the Antec SLK2600AMB for the same price at Amazon two weeks ago. I love it! (Note that Amazon has the name and color wrong--the case is dark metallic grey)

For more pictures of the Antec SLK2600AMB, go to this NewEgg link: Pictures of 2600.

As for the power supply, it'll depend on what components you're going to use.

 

[chocoruacal]

Originally posted by: 1YellowPeril
Pete was referring to NewEgg's Antec SLK1600. Coincidentally, I bought the Antec SLK2600AMB for the same price at Amazon two weeks ago. I love it! (Note that Amazon has the name and color wrong--the case is dark metallic grey)

For more pictures of the Antec SLK2600AMB, go to this NewEgg link: Pictures of 2600.

As for the power supply, it'll depend on what components you're going to use.

The 2600 is a nice case. If you need more drive space, check out the 3700. I've got 2 and like them a lot...removable drive bays...rubber hard drive mounts...120mm fan clips...front drive cover, etc.

 

[PSUlion01]

Originally posted by: 1YellowPeril
Pete was referring to NewEgg's Antec SLK1600. Coincidentally, I bought the Antec SLK2600AMB for the same price at Amazon two weeks ago. I love it! (Note that Amazon has the name and color wrong--the case is dark metallic grey)

For more pictures of the Antec SLK2600AMB, go to this NewEgg link: Pictures of 2600.

As for the power supply, it'll depend on what components you're going to use.

Ok once I decide on the components (nothing crazy, one HD, maybe 2 down the road, AMD/Intel 2.4ghz or so, floppy, 2 cd drives max (cdr/dvd), vid card). Like I said, nothing crazy. Will the components say how much power is needed? how do i tally everything up and decide on the PS?

 

[BG4533]

Most components do not just come out and say how much power they need. You can research each component at the manufacturers website or review site and find out how much power you need on each of the 3.3v, 5v, and 12v rail and use that to decide on a PSU. I don't think many people really do this though. For a system like you suggested, I would say a quality 300W PSU as the absolute minimum. A 350W or greater would give you more room for future upgrades and the PSU would likely last longer.

Brian

 

[AtomicAlien]

Have none of you looked? The Dimension XPS has no space for a traditional powersupply unless you do some heavy case modding.