Where can I get a better motherboard for my Dell?

Question

I have a Dell Dimension 1100 and I want to buy a new motherboard that will allow it to handle 4 gb of high density RAM. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
thanks

Answer 1

Gypsy girl....what exactly did that link provide?

The majority of Dell computers use proprietary parts, meaning they will only work with Dell. A new motherboard will likely not fit into your current case. The mounting holes will not line up, the power supply plugs will not match. Call Dell and ask them your options.

This is why I build my own PC's. I know exactly what's in it and I can easily upgrade.

Answer 2

the biggest problem with dell p.c,s is the problem with upgrading,you buy a dell p.c because they are cheap,but that is when all your problems start
can you hold your hand on your heart and say you have never had any problems with dell i.e warranty,after sales,upgrades...this is the sacrifice you make when buying a dell p.c
the problem is that they make their own products and everything is made the dell way,so other upgrades are hard to find
buying a new motherboard is probally the biggest upgrade you will ever have to do on a p.c,so if i were you i would sell your dell as it stands now,you should get a few hundred quid for it,tip-before you show it to someone who wants to buy it,update drivers and uninstall all programs you dont need ,if possible re-install windows and update drivers
with £200 and maybe another £150 you will have enough money to buy a motherboard with a 8gb ram max,a athlon 64 and a 80gb hard drive,you will need other bits but they can be bought quite cheap by shopping about
then again,i have allways said,dell must use a normal motherboard,otherwise it wouldnt be a p.c so what i would do is look inside the case,find the name and make of the board and search the internet for some technical info,such as compatible models,,i mean if your dell uses a athlon it can either be a socket a or a socket 939,then all you need to do is find a motherboard with them specs,try looking at http://www.dabs.com/,for some brilliant deals on motherboards and other accesories
if you manage to install 4gb of ram you will have a mean p.c,as i allways belive that ram is the best upgrade you can give to a p.c,you get things done quicker and it gets the best out of your processor
good luck

Answer 3

Wurm has almost got it right. The motherboard standoffs in the Dell (the screws, sometimes pins) that separate the motherboard from the metal in the case (to prevent it from shorting out) may not be able to be removed, at least, I have had no success when working with a Dell system. Also, the power supply and motherboard do not conform to ATX standards so if you put an ATX motherboard in there, the power supply would likely fry it (but the connector would fit), I've seen it happen. You would have to replace both the power supply and motherboard and make sure that the motherboard was sized to fit in the case and that the screw holes (or pin holes) line up with it. Buy yourself a nice case and ATX motherboard from Newegg, http://www.newegg.com/ and then buy whatever components you need, most likely a processor and memory, you can keep your hard drives and optical drives if you want but I would upgrade those as well, it's your choice but it is my recommendation that you do so.

Answer 4

i don't know about that model, but when I tried to upgrade my old Dell (I liked the case) I was told that Dell motherboards are not replaceable. They design them differently from mainstream motherboards and so these upgrade boards won't fit in Dell cases.

You can try the Dell forums they may be able to help...

Answer 5

why are you trying to get a new moterboard?

that will most definitely void any warranty you have, and if you got the dell knowing it could support only 2gb or less of memory, then why did you get t, there are better computers out there for the purpose (i am guessing gaming)

i would especially reccomend alienware- they are a little expensive, but you can get one and get rid of your dell

(i have nothing against dell, its just that i would think you would want a more powerful and durable computer)

Answer 6

heres a list of top boards for smallest prices, ENJOY~ the 1st is mother boards the 2nd is morherboards with cpu included ...

Answer 7

I suggest you go to Acer and buy an upgrade from them.

Answer 8

have you tried mother dell

Answer 9

>go to computer shop
>PC fair
>from internet
Wish you good luck.

Answer 10

http://mbm.livewiredev.com/comp/dell.html