Building my first PC...

[omalleytrading]

Okay. After hanging around here on TechIMO for a while, I think I've gotten up the courage to try building my own PC -- sort of.

I've got a Dell Dimension 4100 800Mhz PIII right now. I'd like to upgrade that box to something more modern. Maybe an Athlon in the 2500+ range.

The question is, will I have a problem with the Dell case? I've heard rumors that there's something odd with the box -- something about using a non-standard motherboard or a non-standard power supply.

Can anyone out there definitively confirm or deny that? Preferably someone with first hand experience?

[agathodaimon]

Well, I can't EXACTLY confirm it, but I used to have a P2 266Mhz Dell machine that I was going to upgrade, but after messing with it for a while, I just decided to toss the case... It was useless. And after seeing just how LOW prices are for new cases even WITH a power supply, I just decided to buy a new one.
It of course takes longer to take everything out of the old case and install into the new case, but it was worth it not having to deal with trying to fit stuff into the Dell case. Also that way, everything was nice, clean and organized.


Don't know if that helped you or not... heh

[Bill in SD, CA]

From my experience I have found that most "name" brand boxes are proprieatary in nature. Meaning it is designed for their stuff and not for off the shelf upgrades. Minor upgrades like a new processor and memory are generally no problem. After that ......?

Bill

[omalleytrading]

That was my fear. Of course, cost is always an issue, and having to spend extra cash on a case (even if it's a relatively minor expense) is a bummer.

[JeremyPC]

Ya definitely gonna need a new box, you are going from a Pentium Mobo to an AMD, big change and I am pretty sure your PSU would be inadequate for the new one, Dell tends to use the bare ass minimum power for their comps.

[PoonDoggy]

Just remember, that you will be happier in the long run with a more generic case with future upgrades. It will pay for itself in having less headaches trying to find parts that will fit. I would recommend it.

[JPMiller]

The cheapest case and reliable power supply combo is ....
http://www.amamax.com/nikgblatxmic.html
http://store.yahoo.com/akidacomputer/acpowsup50du.html
you could go witha cheaper or less known generic PSU but you may regret it in long run...the power supply is more important than most people give credit for.

[agathodaimon]

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...82E16811154017

Nice case, did a build in one of them for my sister. The allied power supplies are great for the money too.

[omalleytrading]

30 minutes into the project, and I'm already over my head!

A millon different case / power supply cases...

Okay, how much power should I have? My guess is this PC will be mainly used for gaming. No USB printers or Scanners. One WebCam. Probably not much else.

What are the "top names" in power supplies?

[agathodaimon]

Antec & Enermax are the first ones that come to mind as being high quality, but you'll pay more...

Allied is a good reliable brand, although it's cheaper then the above two.

I would suggest a 350 or 400 watt power supply.