Buying New Parts for a Dell

**HMMcKamikaze** · June 16, 2006, 02:48 PM

I have a Dell Dimension Desktop 3000, and i want to buy a new motherboard and videocard. My current one only has a PCI slot, and no AGP or PCI-E slot, which is rather frustrating. The problem is that i dont know if i have a generic computer, or if Dell safeguarded themselves by making the setup strange so i cant change many parts. Does anyone know if its possible to change the motherboard?

I dont know much about buying individual parts, so any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

**Incinerate_IV** · June 16, 2006, 03:39 PM

I know Dell design their own motherboards, so if you want a new motherboard you would have to invest in a new case too.

**HMMcKamikaze** · June 16, 2006, 03:49 PM

And how much would a new case cost?

EDIT: Lets say that i want to buy a new Cpu thats atleast 2.6 Ghz, a new cheap but good mobo, a newer video card and a case. How much could u get that for? Under $500?

**Incinerate_IV** · June 16, 2006, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by HMMcKamikaze

And how much would a new case cost?

EDIT: Lets say that i want to buy a new Cpu thats atleast 2.6 Ghz, a new cheap but good mobo, a newer video card and a case. How much could u get that for? Under $500?

Yep, you can get it easily under $500.

By the way, get a PCI-E slot mobo.

**Gaius Baltar** · June 16, 2006, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by HMMcKamikaze

I have a Dell Dimension Desktop 3000, and i want to buy a new motherboard and videocard. My current one only has a PCI slot, and no AGP or PCI-E slot, which is rather frustrating. The problem is that i dont know if i have a generic computer, or if Dell safeguarded themselves by making the setup strange so i cant change many parts. Does anyone know if its possible to change the motherboard?

I dont know much about buying individual parts, so any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Sometimes you can find Dell components on EBAY. Prices are usually lower as well.

I did a quick search and saw a Dell Dimension 3000 barebones system with motherboard for 85$

**HMMcKamikaze** · June 16, 2006, 03:59 PM

So i could try and find a mobo for one of the better comps that has a AGP or PCI-E slot, and put it in my current computer or are even the Dell models formated differently?

**Pent uP Rage** · June 17, 2006, 10:17 PM

Best new part for a Dell? A BIG HAMMER!!!!!

Honestly though, by the time you've bought all the stuff you'd need to "upgrade" your Dell, you could nearly have a new system. Just rape the parts you can use out of the Dell and start fresh. Check the CPU too. Sometimes Dell has a nasty habit of soldering their CPU's onto the board. May not apply to you, but I HAVE seen it.

**Justinian** · June 17, 2006, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by HMMcKamikaze

I have a Dell Dimension Desktop 3000, and i want to buy a new motherboard and videocard. My current one only has a PCI slot, and no AGP or PCI-E slot, which is rather frustrating. The problem is that i dont know if i have a generic computer, or if Dell safeguarded themselves by making the setup strange so i cant change many parts. Does anyone know if its possible to change the motherboard?

I dont know much about buying individual parts, so any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Ugh. Sounds like you have the exact same problem I had. Dell ... Dell are *******s. You don't have an AGP/PCI-E slot because Dell are cheap bastards. And you don't have a generic computer, your setup will be very strange indeed. Dell does it on purpose to make it hard - nigh impossible - to upgrade your computer with anything but Dell parts.

Take a hammer to the damn Dell and buy an HP or something.

Yeah, I have an axe to grind with Dell.

Edit: Pent uP! Dude!

**Spork Wielding Spartans** · June 18, 2006, 12:33 AM

Another possible problem is that Dells made between '96 and 2000 had nonstandard power connectors that looked like standard ATX. I doubt your computer is six years old so it's probably not a problem.

**HMMcKamikaze** · June 18, 2006, 09:06 PM

But wouldnt getting a dell mobo from a 6700 or some other comp that has a pci-e slot work also?

**fatsheep** · June 18, 2006, 09:21 PM

Personally I'd just build a new computer, using some parts from the dell if you can. Dell really makes it hard for you to upgrade (on my old one there is a huge metal bracket in it to prevent you from upgrading!

). So yea I'd just go get a new a case and start over but that's just me.

**HMMcKamikaze** · June 19, 2006, 10:02 PM

Id rather spend the least amount of money possible because i only need this comp to last me two years.

As long as i can play most new games and even if only at low settings in a year or so, i dont mind.

So thats why i ask about finding another dell mobo with the right video card slot.