Motherboard Swap - Dell????

[douglas55]

Ok, I have a Dell 4550 with a P4 2.53Ghz cpu and everything in a custom case. I would like to swap the mobo out for something like a DFI. First of all, is this possible with a Dell? Second, will I have to reformat because all I have is the CD that came with the system . If I know this will work I would like to buy some new dual channel ram and OC the cpu some. Oh ya, the cpu should be a socket 478 right?

[Tazzin]

I am sure it is possible.
The only components that are really "from" Dell are:
The case and mobo.

I am sure that all the other components in the system will
work in other boards/systems.

[douglas55]

Anyone know where I can find out what chipset I currently have so that I can match up my new mobo with the right chipset. That way hopefully I won't have to reformat.

Edit: Nvm i found the chipset I have...i845PE

[GameManK]

i've taken a hd i had with win 98 from my hp pavillion w/ k-6-2 550 and stuck in in my new system (new socket A mobo with athlon xp) and it worked fine, automatically installed all the drivers.

i reformatted anyways cuz i wanted a new system with xp, but it worked fine without reformatting.

out of curiousity, i did try putting in the hp recovery cd and of course with the different mobo it didnt work

hp didnt do it with mine (i later put the board in another computer), but i think i've heard something about dell making the holes in their cases differently placed so you can't change the motherboard...but i really don't know about that

if u want to find out what chipset you have and whatnot, open it up and look at the labels on the board and look it up online, you might be able to find some specific information

[elroy]

The general concensus around here is that you will not be able to use the Windows XP on your current hard drive on another motherboard. Often times it will work with a Win98 system but not a WinXP. You may find someone who has gotten it to work but in most cases it fails.

[douglas55]

The dells actually have a sliding tray but all the holes don't line up so you can't use all of them when putting it in another case. I was surprised it actually fit.


Anyone know the defference between a i845PE and a Intel 875P + ICH5R chipset? Are these the same or what.

[radon]

Originally posted by Tazzin
I am sure it is possible.
The only components that are really "from" Dell are:
The case and mobo.

I am sure that all the other components in the system will
work in other boards/systems.

I think that the power supplies are proprietory also.

[HeadBand]

Anyone know the defference between a i845PE and a Intel 875P + ICH5R chipset? Are these the same or what.

no they are both made by intel but are different chipsets also the ich5r is the southbridge which i think is the same on both of them but that won't matter if your trying to change mobos....besides that whole same chipset thing dosent work much

and yes i think most dells have a proprietary powersupply but there are adapters you can buy try searching the forum for the links

[ArcticFox]

Originally posted by radon


I think that the power supplies are proprietory also.

STOP!!! STOOOOOP! Don't EVER mate a Dell power supply with a standard mobo or vice versa. They are proprietary and they rewire the ATX connector, making them incompatible. Both have to be swapped. I don't know what would happen if you replaced the PS in a Dell, but I'm sure it's not pretty (or it wouldn't do anything if you are lucky).

[douglas55]

Right now the dell Mobo and Dell PS are in the Raidmax Case. I have a TT butterfly 480W that I can use with a new Mobo if i decide to swap them out.

The thing I'm worried about the most is having to reinstall windows. All I have is my WinXP CD that came with the system originally and I don't know if it will work with a new Mobo. Though it does give me an excuss to get XP Pro but i don't want to spend the 150 bucks on it. I would only like to spend around 200 bucks (150 for mobo and 50 for cooling)