Dead Computer, HELP!!

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by likwid

Dell uses a strange form factor motherboard most of the time, its likely you won't be able to put the new mobo in the old case.

Not that cases are expensive (mid tower at compusa is like $40)

That is right (though an older 4400 might be ATX) but one other thing to consider is that the start & rest buttons, LED lights, and PC speaker all use a non standard connector that will not fit the typical ATX motherboard. Sure you can cut and splice but also not worth the $50 for a decent case - probably best to get the case from whoever is putting the system together for you so that you know you have compatible components, like a smart powersupply that supports the proper power connector on the MB (also something that recently changed)

[macojoe]

well we shall see what we shall see??

I got the ram today and the motherboard will be here I say about 1 week.
They are putting the procceser, heat sink, and fan toghter, and testing the board. I will be putting all toghter when it gets here.
The Dell case is ATX, but I did not know about all the power wires??

This was going to be easy I thought?? I should have known!!

I will let you know what happens when I get it.

Thanks Guy's!!

[crash]

How did you make out with the board?

[macojoe]

Thanks for asking!!

The board will be here today from FedX and I will start the install tomorrow.

I have a old 500 mhz in thre basement that I have added my Hard Drive to and I have backing up all my data to CD's.

This way when I install the new board I will format the drive and start fresh with a new OS.

This will be my first build and I hope all goes well!!

I will post sccuess or failure or questions as I go along.

Thanks all!!

[macojoe]

well the good news is that the MB came today!!

The Bad news is that it will not fit my case

So now I have to find a case, I really wanted to use my case cause i like that it opens as a suit case and there are no screws to anything! Makes it so easy to work on!

Back to the drawing board!

[crash]

PM me if you want some specialized cases (side hobby) but tigerdirect.com, newegg.com, and http://www.xoxide.com/ have some pretty cool stuff. I also have the worlds ugliest computer case stuffed in a closet if you want it. It's new and will fit your board but its a cheapie. Price -free

[macojoe]

Thanks for the offer!! I have ordered a case from TigerDirect and it will be here thursday.
Nothing special, just a black case with a 425 W PS