Dell Motherboards

okee

I'm trying to fix a dell 4550 which seems to have a blown
motherboard, I can't find a board the same size on komplett
or other sites that would replace it due to the position of chip fan
thats attached to the case
I was just wondering if this is a policy of dell's to make their
own custom boards/cases that can't be replaced with off the shelf
hardware ?

oke

Töpher

I believe so.
If I remember correctly the I/O plate is actually un-removable (LOL) on their cases.

Stephen

Pretty much, yeah. Most Dell motherboards will not work with standard PSU's, so by that logic most Dell PSU's won't work with standard motherboards. It is possible to modify them - see google. Most Dell cases are not ATX compliant either, so you may not be able to properly fit a standard ATX motherboard into one without engaging in some cutting and hacking. They did make a few machines (apparently) that would work with standard parts, but mostly all you can upgrade on Dell machines is the CPU (within limits)/RAM/drives/PCI or AGP cards.

RicardoSmith

Actually Dell machines can take a standard ATX power supply you just have to rewire the connector on the end. It won't work other wise. The layout on pretty much all Dell, Compaq's, NEC's, HP's and a few other big builders computers are all customised, as are their cases. Have been for years. So you can't use off the shelf motherboards in their cases.

Theres some more info here http://www.roberthancock.com/dell/other.htm and here http://duhvoodooman.com/mitchedo/Dell/casemods.htm

You can order a replacement motherboard from Dell, or some other company, who I can't remember but there was a post about it a while back. Wasn't too expensive. 150 euro or something.

Venom

150 yoyo's for a dell mobo is alot considering there the bog standard type with no overclocking options.

ToxicPaddy

Originally posted by RicardoSmith
You can order a replacement motherboard from Dell, or some other company, who I can't remember but there was a post about it a while back. Wasn't too expensive. 150 euro or something.

Its Service Source Europe, they are a UK company that sell refurbished Dell parts for
older Dell systems that Dell no longer provide parts for..

http://www.servicesource.co.uk/

Tox

RicardoSmith

Originally posted by Venom
150 yoyo's for a dell mobo is alot considering there the bog standard type with no overclocking options.

Ditto with the Intel boards. But you're missing the point completely. The're made this way for stability and to minimise downtime, and to eliminate people fiddling with them. Which also enhances the stability, and reduces support calls. Theres only a tiny fraction of the computer users that overclock.

Theres a big difference between an Intel/Dell board and some low budget board like a ECS or Elite board. The Intel boards in particularly are usually the fastest at stock speeds. They are generally passively cooled with over large heatsinks etc.

Venom

I not missing the point at all. I understand the reasion there so mundane but I dont think its just to "help" Dells "support" people fix problems, but more to stop customers buying a cheeper pc and then overclocking it up to get performance. €150 is insanly overpriced for a bog standard motherboard which should really just cost the customer €50 quid.

Paulw

Simple solution then ... don't buy from Dell, but build the whole machine from scratch.

RicardoSmith

Originally posted by Venom
I not missing the point at all. I understand the reasion there so mundane but I dont think its just to "help" Dells "support" people fix problems, but more to stop customers buying a cheeper pc and then overclocking it up to get performance. €150 is insanly overpriced for a bog standard motherboard which should really just cost the customer €50 quid.

If you are equating a cheap Elite, ECS €50 board with a Dell or Intel board. Try buying an Intel board. Sorry but you are missing the point. Its like equating a Daewoo car with all the goodies against a Mercedes that has no extras at all.

Once you taking into account the support and software bundle then you'll find it very hard to buy and build a PC cheaper than you can buy off Dell. If you are suggesting thats its viable to overclock all the office PC's your off your trolley. Most places find it uneconomicial to do their own support, never mind started tinkering with them.

Your also assuming that performance is everyones no1 priority. When in fact its not.