Upgrading motherboard and Processor

[halfbakedj14]

I have a dell xps 420 that works just fine but I wanted to give it some upgrades. I want to add a new processor(i7) and get a new motherboard that supports it. Will replacing my current motherboard and processor cause any problems? I figure I’ll have to reinstall the OS maybe, but will hooking up my hard drives, graphics card, etc… still work if I install a new motherboard and processor? This is my first time attempting something like this so I want to make sure it will work before i start buying parts.

 

[TekkyNASekky]

Here's a link on the subject:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/computer-hardware-solutions-how-to-choose-a-motherboard.html

 

[johnb35]

You will need to buy a new Operating System, as you won't be able to use the OS you got from Dell. You will also need to purchase a different case,as well as a new power supply,as the case wires most likely won't attach to the motherboard without serious modding.

 

[halfbakedj14]

I really can't keep the case my dell came in? Just wondering because it has a 9 in 1 media card reader and bluetooth interface built into the case and I really want those and to keep the original dell case if i can.

 

[AlienMenace]

Best to start from scratch, you would really need to change out the PS to operate that motherboard and I7 chip, and most likely new ram also.

 

[johnb35]

I really can't keep the case my dell came in? Just wondering because it has a 9 in 1 media card reader and bluetooth interface built into the case and I really want those and to keep the original dell case if i can.

I can almost guarantee you can't.

 

[linkin]

You could always remove those parts and stick them somewhere in your new case. Almost all of those things will most likely only held to the case with screws and connected to the mobo.