Adding/switching parts in a Dell Computer?

scaramanga_goldengun · 08-22-2006, 02:59 AM

I just bought a Dell Computer (Dimension E310), and I don't even know how to open the case. I want to open it because I want to put in a graphics card (when I buy one), switch the DVD-ROM drive with a DVDRW Drive (from my old computer), and add a floppy drive (from my old computer). None of the parts I'm adding are Dell parts. My question is, how do I open the case, and when is my warranty voided (and how)? By opening the case? Or by adding/replacing parts?

PC eye · 08-22-2006, 03:11 AM

Technically speaking when you open the case especially if you are new at this. The thing that obviously void a warranty is product tampering if you are a little clumsy when swapping the drives and bang up the case and the drive from the old case goofs?

On most cases the fasteners use a phillips head screwdirver if they were Dell or another complete system. On cases ordered separately for your own build you will open see thumb screw fasteners or a smaller amount of phillip head retainers there. You will note that the side covers have thin locking tabs that look like hooks. Be careful not to bend those or

!!! Your warranty now...

When both side covers are off you will then have access to the set of four phillip head screws that hold the newer dvd drive in with. Use the ones from the old case and keep the new ones along with the dvd rom drive in a good place so it stays in new condition. A drive swap is very basic as long as you don't scratch the case up or drop a loose screw and leave in there.

!!!

insaneazian · 08-22-2006, 03:11 AM

Well there should be screws in the back that attach the side panel to the frame of the case. There should be like 2 screws along the back left or right edge and then the side panel should pop right out.

scaramanga_goldengun · 08-22-2006, 03:51 AM

Thanks, I'll try to do it when I get time.

PC eye · 08-22-2006, 03:58 AM

The case fasteners of either type(phillips head - thumb screw) come out easy enough. The one thought of installing the dvd-r/rw writer from the old case without removing the one that came with it would give you an extra drive there. You would simply slave the old drive when installing it under the one included with the system.

For a 360 degree turn around look at the case at http://www.dell.com/content/products...n&s=dhs&~ck=mn there are only two fasteners seen at the rear of the case suggesting they are on top or the bottom. Once those are off the three part setups sees the top and side panels come off.

08-22-2006, 02:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
scaramanga_goldengun Bronze Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Umnamed island in China Age: 86 Posts: 75	Adding/switching parts in a Dell Computer? I just bought a Dell Computer (Dimension E310), and I don't even know how to open the case. I want to open it because I want to put in a graphics card (when I buy one), switch the DVD-ROM drive with a DVDRW Drive (from my old computer), and add a floppy drive (from my old computer). None of the parts I'm adding are Dell parts. My question is, how do I open the case, and when is my warranty voided (and how)? By opening the case? Or by adding/replacing parts?

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08-22-2006, 03:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 20,213	Technically speaking when you open the case especially if you are new at this. The thing that obviously void a warranty is product tampering if you are a little clumsy when swapping the drives and bang up the case and the drive from the old case goofs? On most cases the fasteners use a phillips head screwdirver if they were Dell or another complete system. On cases ordered separately for your own build you will open see thumb screw fasteners or a smaller amount of phillip head retainers there. You will note that the side covers have thin locking tabs that look like hooks. Be careful not to bend those or !!! Your warranty now... When both side covers are off you will then have access to the set of four phillip head screws that hold the newer dvd drive in with. Use the ones from the old case and keep the new ones along with the dvd rom drive in a good place so it stays in new condition. A drive swap is very basic as long as you don't scratch the case up or drop a loose screw and leave in there. !!!

08-22-2006, 03:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
insaneazian Silver Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 138	Well there should be screws in the back that attach the side panel to the frame of the case. There should be like 2 screws along the back left or right edge and then the side panel should pop right out.

08-22-2006, 03:51 AM	#4 (permalink)
scaramanga_goldengun Bronze Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Umnamed island in China Age: 86 Posts: 75	Thanks, I'll try to do it when I get time.

08-22-2006, 03:58 AM	#5 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 20,213	The case fasteners of either type(phillips head - thumb screw) come out easy enough. The one thought of installing the dvd-r/rw writer from the old case without removing the one that came with it would give you an extra drive there. You would simply slave the old drive when installing it under the one included with the system. For a 360 degree turn around look at the case at http://www.dell.com/content/products...n&s=dhs&~ck=mn there are only two fasteners seen at the rear of the case suggesting they are on top or the bottom. Once those are off the three part setups sees the top and side panels come off.