Dell Dimension E520 MOBO, CPU

[anonprivate]

Hi,

I may need to change the motherboard and possibly the RAM modules.

If I need to change the motherboard must I use the same Dell board that is currently installed, or can I use any motherboard (socket: LGA 775, I believe - not seen yet) that is BTX compliant (I believe that the case is of BTX standard). The tower is quite old so I was thinking of installing the cheapest motherboard that I can find (possibly used or refurbished).

I was also thinking of the fan assembly system, The Dell has a large plastic housing that seems to connect to the motherboard. Would this connection present a problem if I use a board other that that designed for the Dell E520?

I was considering my processor as well. It is a Pentium D (dual core), 2.8 GHz. My question is: How close to this speed must the motherboard comply. For example, I have noticed that motherboards often have their description associated with a cpu speed.

Thanks

 

[maf1970]

Dell manufacture all their own hardware so it is simple to just replace like for like. You can, in most cases, substitute any motherboard and cpu that was used in the model you have. In some cases this can give you access to a wide range of choice in others it doesn't. The one thing you do need to check is that your psu will power the new board and cpu if not like for like.
Before looking at using off the shelf standard components you will need to make sure the m/board will fit the case and check to make sure the psu is of standard size in case it needs replacing.
Last point, since Dell OS is an OEM license then if you are replacing your m/board and cpu you will need to buy a new copy of the OS as the original OEM copy is tied to the hardware.

 

[anonprivate]

Dell manufacture all their own hardware so it is simple to just replace like for like. You can, in most cases, substitute any motherboard and cpu that was used in the model you have. In some cases this can give you access to a wide range of choice in others it doesn't. The one thing you do need to check is that your psu will power the new board and cpu if not like for like.
Before looking at using off the shelf standard components you will need to make sure the m/board will fit the case and check to make sure the psu is of standard size in case it needs replacing.
Last point, since Dell OS is an OEM license then if you are replacing your m/board and cpu you will need to buy a new copy of the OS as the original OEM copy is tied to the hardware.

Thanks for responding.

I can check the power unit, but would I know the power requirements of a motherboard? - on ebay they are not mentioned!

I believe the case is of BTX size, hence I would look for a BTX compatible motherboard. I was wondering about the fixing holes for screws and wonder if they will be compatible.

Also the fan assembly over the cpu will need to have compatible fixing holes in the motherboard. Would this be a problem?

If the OS is tied to the motherboard then if I buy a Dell motherboard or a non-Dell motherboard, then either way it will be a different board to the one I have - would I have an OS problem in both cases?

Thanks

 

[anonprivate]

A couple of other points that occur to me. If the OS (Vista) is already installed on the hard daisk, would any motherboard prevent operation? I may need to repair the OS at some stage.

When I first bought the pc(new), it did not work. A technician diagnosed a faulty motherboard and installed another, he did not install another Vista OS!

I have noted on e-bay that many people selling Dimension E520's have installed XP. Could this have anything to do with a motherboard replacement?

Best wishes.

 

[anonprivate]

I have had a look at my power supply. The output is 305W.

There is a lot of data printed on a sticker on the top of the psu.
I don't know what it means. For example:

Output: +5v----/22 A max
+5v (FP) ---/4A max
+12v FA ----/18A max

I think that I can assume that if my power supply can power the cpu, then it can power most standard motherboards.

Best wishes

 

[MarkE19]

If the OS is tied to the motherboard then.....

...if you replace the motherboard you need to buy a new copy of the OS. You are not allowed to install an OEM version of Windows onto a PC with a different motherboard.

The Dell engineer was able to use the same OS as there is a limited period where a faulty motherboard can be swapped for an exact like for like replacement under warranty and still use the same OS license. But you can not do this if upgrading the motherboard or replacing it after the warranty period. This is one reason why OEM software is cheaper than the full retail version.

Mark.

 

[anonprivate]

...if you replace the motherboard you need to buy a new copy of the OS. You are not allowed to install an OEM version of Windows onto a PC with a different motherboard.

The Dell engineer was able to use the same OS as there is a limited period where a faulty motherboard can be swapped for an exact like for like replacement under warranty and still use the same OS license. But you can not do this if upgrading the motherboard or replacing it after the warranty period. This is one reason why OEM software is cheaper than the full retail version.

Mark.

It seems that I have a choice, either buy a new Windows OS, or install one of the many free OS's that are not tied to any hardware restrictions.

Can you recommend a cheap motherboard (second hand or refurbished fine) that is compatible with a BTX case, Pentium D 915 processor (2.8GHz), socket LGA 775, chipset G965, power supply output 305W.

 

[MarkE19]

I wouldn't bother trying to upgrade the PC - just buy something like this which is a fair upgrade and you still have the old one to sell on to get the price even lower - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dell-Optipl...id=1366045960&sr=1-11&keywords=dell+computers

Mark.

 

[anonprivate]

I wouldn't bother trying to upgrade the PC - just buy something like this which is a fair upgrade and you still have the old one to sell on to get the price even lower - Dell Optiplex 755 Desktop PC - Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2-2.6 GHz - 2GB RAM - 1000 GB (1TB) HARD DRIVE - DVDROM/CDRW (Combo) - WINDOWS 7 PROFESSIONAL INSTALLED - A Very fast pc good for graphics , professional work and business: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Mark.

I was not thinking of upgrading, but of obtaining the cheapest compatible motherboard (probably refurbished or new).

 

[MarkE19]

I doubt you could replace the motherboard, CPU, RAM & Windows for less than the PC I linked to - remember you still have your old PC to sell on and recover some of the price of the new one. Do the parts replacement and you are unlikely to sell any of the old parts on for much money so I would expect it to end up costing more.

But the choice is your

Mark.

 

[anonprivate]

I will probably replace the motherboard (refurbished or used and the same make, ,model), keep the cpu and ram. If I need another OS I will use one of the free Linux OS's.

 

[anonprivate]

I am having difficulty in locating cheap refurbished motherboards that appear compatible. Need BTX form factor that supports Pentium D with either heat sink connector holes, or fan

UK user

 

[Habanos]

This is what a used motherboard will cost you:
Dell Dimension E520 Motherboard CN-OWG864 ** FREE DELIVERY** | eBay
That is the only motherboard you're going to find that will fit.

It's not cost effective. It's no cheaper than just buying a complete Dimension E520 system from eBay.