Hi
I have a Dell 8300 and I was thinking of putting it into a new case. What I
wanted to know was, can everything just be moved from case to another? For
example, is the PSU in a Dell the normal size? Could the connectors for USB
etc on the front of the case be reused? Would it be better to get a new PSU
or keep the existing one? Anything else I should look out for?
Thanks for all info,
PC
In general, yes it can be moved.
However, as another poster(s) have mentioned, you'll have to look at
items like the power supply, rear I/O shield. If the system uses a
rear I/O shield that's standard sized, removable, like this:
http://www.waterwheel.com/images/r0300037.jpg ,
NOT stamped into the rear wall of the chassis metal, then it's easy
enough to reuse it in the new case if necessary. I just went to
Dell's website and saw a picture of the case rear that "appears" as
though it does not have a removable I/O shield, but it's hard to tell
from the picture, that might be wrong. It does "look" like it has a
standard power supply (this is just from that one picture, you need to
measure yours to verify is it the same).
As for the power supply, this info is easily available, just measure
yours and compare them, both the dimensions and the rear (screw)
mounting to the case. Here's a guide:
http://www.pcpowerandcooling.com/products/power_supplies/dimensions/index.htm
If the Dell board has a standard 2 X 5 or 2 X 4 USB header(s) then
it's easy enough to match up the front USB plug from another case.
There's only two popular configurations, just match up the colors:
Red +5
Green Data +
White Data -
Black Ground
If the old or new case doesn't match this color scheme then more
investigation may be needed, but it's certainly doable "one way or the
other".
The case front-panel functions, LEDs, power switch, etc, are probably
all part of a single connector block in the Dell case, while they'll
be individual plugs in a new case. Consult your motherboard manual
for the pin locations and polarity for each function, or trace the
wires back, see which goes where.
Get a new power supply if you need one... unless the Dell PSU won't
work, or you expect it be insufficient capacity in the future, you
might as well reuse it. On the other hand, if you do think you'll
someday need a larger power supply for this system, you might as well
buy a case with the power supply bundled with, as it's usually a bit
cheaper.
You still haven't mentioned exactly what you hope to gain with a new
case.. you might be as well off modifying that one if you have the
tools and time to do it.
Dave
