Help with changing PC tower case

[ryangarfield]

I have a Dell Dimension 2400 and am tired with the same old boring Dell tower case and would like to replace it with something more flashy. The inside of the pc is kinda weird though, everything is behind this green cover. Anyways would anyone be able to give me step by step instructions on how to take evrything out and is there anything special I should know about moviing the motherboard around? Anything special about the power supply in the new case that I buy that I should know? Any tips in picking out a good case?
Thanks

[TaoTeWingChun]

If you jot down the serial number for the machine, you can log onto the Dell support website and get all the systemic documentation for your machine, no problem. That will give you the details of how your machine is put together. Beware of Torx screws, BTW, no doubt you may nneed some torx bits/drivers of various sizes.

You'll want to measure out the system board for it's 3 dimensions as long as you've got the case open. Once you've gotten the system board dimensions you can go to any online retailer and see what cases fit that board. You may want to do yourself a favor and take the system board out just for a potential fit in some other generic type cases to ensure the fit (maybe to a local PC repair shop or some retailer).

As to power requirements, bigger is definitely better - see what you have now and consider what your new power requirements will be when you get *all* of the peripherals into the new case.

Other than that, you may find your choices are limited only by the dimensions/configuration of your system board.

Have fun!

Cheers!

TTWC

[TBoneit]

Most likely you will find that the Dell uses different size pins for the fron connectors than a generic case. USB and audio to the front of the new case will also be a pain in the neck. I've gone the other way due to a bad Mobo and it was a pain.

Myself I wouldn't do it. I only do that to make a lviving. Strangely enough E-Machines seem to be the easiest to change case or Mobo.

[TBoneit]

Just as a follow up on my E-Machine comment I just got one in the shop. AMD 2800+, The MSI motherboard is bad. At least one a month lately with bad Mobo.

[Soopafresh]

I second that. Dells are too proprietary to install into a 3rd party case. I understand what you mean about the boring looks, but I think you'll end up even less satisfied if you move it into a new case.

[draganong]

I second that. Dells are too proprietary to install into a 3rd party case.

Absolutely agree. Dell's guts are hell to move into a generic case. I would rather use the Dell as a second machine or sell it and build a PC the way I would want from scratch.

/dragan

[ROF]

The 2400 uses a proprietary front panel system. the pins are attached to the wires instead of on the motherboard where the slots are. There is also a 6 pin proprietary power connector from the powersupply and a funky yet functional looping 2 wire running from this to the front panel. You can replace the entire setup in a new case but make sure to look for one with a similiar front panel setup as your existing dell because you will need to have all wires connected in order to power up the board. You must also port over your dell powersupply which is also an odd configuration in that it's dimensions are different than a typical power supply. You will need to find a case that will support this "oblong brick".

[TBoneit]

If you do go ahead with this plan let us know how smoothly or not so smootly it went for others future reference.

Buy a Dell if the most you plan on is adding memory or maybe another drive and even adding a second hard drive can a pain in the low end Dells as they don't include the mounting h/w. If you are the kind of person that buys a computer and never opens teh case to change things, then a Dell is inexpensive and decent. If you are always changing things then build your own.

Best bet on your dell case swap. Buy a New motherboard for your processor and memory and plan on buying a CPU cooling fan. Then your case swap will go smoothly just not cheaply.

[greymalkin]

you'll also have to buy a new power supply...and if you have the low rise cards you'll have to buy new cards too :P

dude...you got a dell :P

You should really ask yourself if it's worth all the trouble just because you don't like the boring appearance? You could always paint it yellow..i hear that makes things go faster.

[TaoTeWingChun]

You could always paint it yellow..i hear that makes things go faster.

Dang, I love that line, greymalkin!!



Cheers!

TTWC

[Doramius]

Just set it on a wooden table without a case. It might help with cooling. As for looks, just sprawl other open electronics near by and it'll match the clutter perfectly. Works great as long as you don't have small hands that get into everything. Also makes it easy to change out PC components. :P

As jokingly as I'm saying it though, there's truth in it, and I know some people on this forum who actually run their PC this way. :/