Upgrading my 4400, its got a huge chassis and plenty of room for more HD's iv already got 2 different cd/dvd burners, 256 agp card 1 gig of ram, but i want a system that'll run s ata and pci express, any suggestions on a mother board if its possible?
2006-07-03 01:23:28 · 4 answers · asked by oneguy21 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
As far as I know, Dell does not use ATX standard parts. So, you would have to (if you can) replace the power supply when you get the new motherboard. If you did not, there is a very good chance you would end up frying the new motherboard with the Dell power supply. Also, if you do get a new motherboard, you will have to get a new Winodws XP CD because changing the motherboard will invalidate the copy of Winodws you currently have installed. For motherboards look here, http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,125195,00.asp for Power Supplies and Windows XP CDs look here, http://www.newegg.com/
My fear is that if you attempt to run the new motherboard off the included power supply, you will fry it. As I said, I do not think that Dell uses standard ATX power supplies.
That being said, if you have an older processor (Pentium 3 or even an older Pentium 4) chances are a new motherboard will not support them. So you may end up having to get a motherboard, processor, power supply AND a case. I wouldn't get another Intel processor, just FYI. I'd go with an AMD processor and motherboard.
So, basically they type of upgrading you are looking to do... you may as well scrap the system you have now and start over. Though, you may be able to salvage the memory (just buy a motherboard that is compatible with it), if you want the advantage of SATA hard drives, you will have to get a SATA hard drive. I do have a suggestion for motherboards but my suggestion to you is to just start over and build a new system.
This is an AMD Socket 939 motherboard, http://pcworld.pricegrabber.com/search_techspecs.php?masterid=10691929
Though it does not support dual PCIe x16 cards (it will run in x8 mode with dual cards) and only with nVidia boards. If you want an Intel board or something that supports ATi cards and Crossfire this is not the board for you. But, I always go for AMD and nVidia SLi motherboards. See, it just depends on what you want.
2006-07-03 01:28:08 · answer #1 · answered by conradj213 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If all you want to save is your case, I recommend scrapping the entire thing. The case allegedly is designed for your installed components. Even if you put in a new motherboard with the same footprint, you could very well get into cooling problems.
To save you time and frustration, I would talk with someone who builds computers for a living (not someone who just repairs on the side). The scope of your question is way too large to answer here. You will be much happier in a dialog with a smart guy.
I hope this helps.
2006-07-03 09:00:27 · answer #2 · answered by Titus W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course a motherboard can be replaced. The choice depends on what the CPU requires. If it is an older Pentium 3, it might not be able to put in a faster motherboard. If the motherboard will accept it, it might be wiser to upgrade your CPU.
2006-07-03 08:47:41 · answer #3 · answered by ringocox 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go here:
http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Category.asp?Category=20
Choose one of the catagories under the main "Motherboards" and keep choosing options after that, and you will find a motherboard suiting your needs
2006-07-03 08:27:08 · answer #4 · answered by Crazydog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋