Replacing a Dell mobo?

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vonfeldt7

New Member
Is it possible to replace a Dell E521 motherboard with a "normal" motherboard (most likely and evga mobo? If it is possible...can I use the ram/CPU that came with the computer on a new motherboard?

Thanks for your help.
 
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Most likely? No.

Dell is one of the worst when it comes to using proprietary devices in their crap systems.

About the only thing you can do is contact Dell and ask about a replacement motherboard, which they will most likely charge you around $300 for.
 
Dell isn't nearly as propriatary is they once were, but I am quite sure their new systems are BTX where as most systems today are still ATX. I also don't think the I/O panel is removable. A new case wouldn't set you back much, and most everything else should work fine. Perhaps the only other thing I'd be worried about would be the heatsink. I know Dell tends to use pretty odd designs so it might not be quite standard; perhaps requiring special holes on the board or part of the case to mount it on.
 
Why don't you just take the essentials out like the CPU, graphics card, RAM, hard drive etc and just transplant them into a new case and a new motherboard.
Can't you just do that? I'm sure DELL uses standard CPU and Ram.
 
The CPU I am sure would work, the RAM is just another question.

Why did you buy a Dell if you wanted to change it around so much?
 
elitehacker said:
Why don't you just take the essentials out like the CPU, graphics card, RAM, hard drive etc and just transplant them into a new case and a new motherboard.
Can't you just do that? I'm sure DELL uses standard CPU and Ram.
Click to expand...

Yup, that'd probably be the best way. Take out the CPU, RAM, hard drive, DVD drive, video card and any other expansion cards and stick them in a new case with a new motherboard and powersupply.
 
INTELCRAZY said:
The CPU I am sure would work, the RAM is just another question.

Why did you buy a Dell if you wanted to change it around so much?
Click to expand...

because when I purchased this for $1100 six months ago, I didn't know nearly as much about computers as I do now. I did, however learn a lesson (never buy from Dell if you're going to upgrade lol). I've purchased a new psu, tv tuner card, and gfx card for this piece of crap...I really wish I would have listened to my friend and built my own.

As for purchasing a new case/mobo...no way, I'm not gonna spend any more money (plus I'd have to buy an OS)
 
vonfeldt7 said:
because when I purchased this for $1100 six months ago, I didn't know nearly as much about computers as I do now. I did, however learn a lesson (never buy from Dell if you're going to upgrade lol). I've purchased a new psu, tv tuner card, and gfx card for this piece of crap...I really wish I would have listened to my friend and built my own.

As for purchasing a new case/mobo...no way, I'm not gonna spend any more money (plus I'd have to buy an OS)
Click to expand...

Been there and done that, just several years ago...:P I just don't know about Dell's RAM, other than that you should be fine..
 
^^ alright...(i soo wish i would have built my own lol..)but i thought it would be too hard and didn't want to get something that wasn't compatible with everything else.
 
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