Modding a Dell...

[DaSniper079]

So, Im going to be modding my old Dell...

Do heatsinks install on Dells? I heard a lot of things about Dell and compatibilty issues, but Im planning on getting a socket 478 heatsink for the Dimension 4600. It should go on, right?

Also, could you overclock a Dell? Is there any program that will do it, becuase Im pretty sure you cant do it in the BIOS.

Thanks in advance. :)

[sackynut]

Re: Modding a Dell...

well as for modding, there are lots of types of modding. for exmaple, just putting in lights should be fine, but messing with the case may be a little harder. though its possible. yes, a socket 478 heatsink should fit on (thats assuming the CPU is 478 as well). just make sure it aint too big

as for OCing, you cant do it in the BIOS from start. I heard somewhere there is a bios you can download and flash if you get lucky finding it, but you need to find it for the mobo, so find the mobo, and then look for a bios. if you cant, there MAY BE a program through windows you may be able to download, search it on google though im not sure.

[DaSniper079]

Re: Modding a Dell...

Well, Im painting and cutting the case, installing mesh on the side, installing lights, and sleeving the PSU.

As for overclocking the CPU, will programs such as ASUS probe work?

[BadToad]

Re: Modding a Dell...

Just wondering why you want to mod your Dell case? For just a tad more money, you could buy an aftermarket case and mobo and just canabolize your Dell.

[DaSniper079]

Re: Modding a Dell...

Its sitting around... not being used, so Im just gonna mod it.

I have extra cold cathodes, LED fans, spray paint and some mesh lying around, why not put it to good use?

[BadToad]

Re: Modding a Dell...

Well that's a different story! Mod-away! And have fun, be crazy with it! It's not like you can lower it's value! <snort>:p

[Brick Hit House]

Re: Modding a Dell...

I modded an old Dell for a friend. Be warned that it may have a strange psu connection- meaning a new mobo if you want to beef up the power supply to deal with the increased heat generated when you oc it

[DaSniper079]

Re: Modding a Dell...

Well, Im gonna put in a different PSU...

gonna see what happens, the project should be done by Monday, but IDK.

[sackynut]

Re: Modding a Dell...

Asus probe probably wont work, as its designed for only ASUS mobo's. also some windows programs dont work as well as BIOS OCing. for exmaple the albatron software "dr. pro" allows you too, in the OS, but you cant get pat 225FSB, but in the BIOS you can get up to like 450, anyything 225 in the OS version crashes at startup =(.

look for a better software (if there IS ANY).

watchout for the PSU too, make sure its compatabile.

[DaSniper079]

Re: Modding a Dell...

Asus probe probably wont work, as its designed for only ASUS mobo's. also some windows programs dont work as well as BIOS OCing. for exmaple the albatron software "dr. pro" allows you too, in the OS, but you cant get pat 225FSB, but in the BIOS you can get up to like 450, anyything 225 in the OS version crashes at startup =(.

look for a better software (if there IS ANY).

watchout for the PSU too, make sure its compatabile.

How would it not be compatible

You mean like 24-pin/20-pin, or the voltage on the rails, or whether its a micro-ATX case or just an ATX case or what?

[LoD]

Re: Modding a Dell...

Dont bother modding the dell unless you're having overheating problem, or want to improve the system by making is quieter/silent.

[Stormy{CAN}]

Re: Modding a Dell...

How would it not be compatible

You mean like 24-pin/20-pin, or the voltage on the rails, or whether its a micro-ATX case or just an ATX case or what?

what he means is that Dell has a bad habit of using proprietary psu's. What that means is that it may look like a normal atx psu, but Dell has a bad habit of changing the wiring in the 20 pin connector (and having it altered on the motherboard). That's why you can find places that sell things like this,

http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/std/sku=dellconverter

so that you can use a standard psu in a Dell.

[DaSniper079]

Re: Modding a Dell...

what he means is that Dell has a bad habit of using proprietary psu's. What that means is that it may look like a normal atx psu, but Dell has a bad habit of changing the wiring in the 20 pin connector (and having it altered on the motherboard). That's why you can find places that sell things like this,

http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/std/sku=dellconverter

so that you can use a standard psu in a Dell.

Wow, thanks for that.

Dont bother modding the dell unless you're having overheating problem, or want to improve the system by making is quieter/silent.

Like I said, its not the computer I am currently using. Its sitting around in the closet, collecting dust. If I have all the parts and supplies to mod it, why not?

[LoD]

Re: Modding a Dell...

Like I said, its not the computer I am currently using. Its sitting around in the closet, collecting dust. If I have all the parts and supplies to mod it, why not?

Because money doesnt grow on trees. If your looking for practical computer experience, just remove the current heatsink, and reapply it. :)

When I used to use Dells a few years ago, I upgraded the heatsink just because it was something fun to do, but in retrospect all I got out of the experience was the actual experience of playing around and learning... you can probably do the same for the price of some exra thermal grease.

[truckstop]

Re: Modding a Dell...

:laugh: hmmmm i hate dells i have alian so i love it, good luck with your dell