PCA Forums

I have a Dell Dimension 8300 and a noise problem. I would like to install all the components in a new case with a new heat sink on the mobo. I have read numerous posts by people advising against this idea saying Dells parts including the motherboard and cabling are not standard. Has anyone here completed a transfer of any Dell 8300 to a new case? Can anyone weigh in on whether this is possible with mods and who might make those mods? Thanks.

what exactly is makin' all de noise ? might be easier to fix that than do a case swap..

First of all I think you're better off addressing the noise issue in the existing case. Dells happen to be very quiet computers. They use large low RPM fans which keeps the noise down. Your problem is either a bad fan, or a loose part.

Most Dells use a large diameter fan on the back of the case connected to a shroud or duct that blows air down on the CPU which generaly has a rather large heatsink on it. This works very well and is very quiet unless you replace the fan with a noisy one, or the bearings on the original fan go bad.

Dell mobos are not standard ATX mobos. The holes may or may not line up correctly for a standard case.

Most important issue is that the powersupply connector is NOT standard. NEVER install a standard PSU on a Dell. They sell adapter cables that allow you to connect a standard PSU to Dell.

Dells also use custom conenctors for the front panel switches and for the front USB ports.