What would it take to modify an old Dell case?

J

Jamin43

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I've got 2 old Dell PC's that I wouldn't mind putting a budget build in one of them - with a new MOBO - CPU - and a bunch of old parts from the old PC. Maybe turn it into a media PC - but I would want to spend as little as possible doing it. Probably a low wattage dual core cpu - with room to overclock - and recycle the DELL power supply, drives, HDD, etc. Maybe upgrade to OCZ 500 W PSU next time they go on sale for 25 bucks.

In order to put an ATX board in a Dell Case, what mods would I have to do? Here's what I can come up with - but would like feedback - opinions / suggestions from anybody who's done it already

* Drill and tap new holes to line up with ATX motherboard stands
* Drill some holes on side of case and tap them to get more airflow in the case ( Currently - both my DELL cases and attach a fan to move the air in there )

That's all I can think of - without having tried this yet. Any other suggestions of things I have missed - or should consider. Both the cases themselves are sturdy construction.

Thanks
 
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What model of dell's were they? Most likely you would need to make some major modifications as the case wires (usb, power, sound)that go to the motherboard are all proprietary, meaning they will only go on motherboard built for dell computers.
 
johnb35 said:
You will have problems with usb and case connections. I had the 4500 years ago.
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As long as I don't use the front panel though - I should be able to fit the motherboard inside the case ok? I could use an onboard audio - and USB's in the back of the case?

Or is there more to it?
 
Well, you have the power connections. You would have to modify the motherboard connection for the power button to fit the new motherboard. You would not have to use the front usb ports. Those cases are so ugly though. Standard cases don't cost that much, I would go that route instead of trying to modify things to make them fit.
 
johnb35 said:
Those cases are so ugly though. Standard cases don't cost that much, I would go that route instead of trying to modify things to make them fit.
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Probably would go that route. I just had 2 old PC's laying around - wondering if I could do anything with em. I'm not in any need to build anything - just thought ti'd be an interesting pet project - that I could try overclocking without messing with my daily user.

I saw a pretty hot deal on dual ATI 650 TV tuner card on Woot.com that triggered the project idea in the first place. But I really don't need it.
 
Jamin43 said:
Dimension 4500 and Dimension 2600
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Trash (or recycle) the 4500. Those things are ugly and a total pain in the ass to modify.

The 2600 is a mini-tower, all steel and would be a better bet if you want to attempt a case mod. An intake fan on the lower front side of the panel, an improvement of the PSU (get one that has a 120 fan) and the exhaust fan and it should be ok as long as you don't try to put a high heat mega-system in it.

Just remember the drive space is going to be limited and the installation will be tight for space.
 
schw32m said:
Trash (or recycle) the 4500. Those things are ugly and a total pain in the ass to modify.

The 2600 is a mini-tower, all steel and would be a better bet if you want to attempt a case mod. .
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Yeah - but it's a biyatch to get parts in and out of. I've only added RAM to it - b/c it was too tightly packed that I didn't feel like adding a HDD.

At least the 4500 had lots of room - and you could add/remove drives with quick lock slides.
 
You would need new power supplies anyway, and you can get cases with them already in it if you wanted to go that route, saves you some money. I would trash those dell cases no matter what.
 
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