I will be building a new PC soon. Can I salvage these parts from my current one?

Joeman592 · Jun 20, 2014

I currently have a Dell XPS 8300 which I bought a few years back because it fit my uses at the time, and over time I have upgraded some parts to better suit my needs. I'm going to buy a new case and motherboard and I am wondering what parts I can use from my prebuilt dell and upgrade later. I will obviosuly use the parts I have already upgraded.

The parts in question are:

Intel i7 2600 - I want to use this, but I don't know if it is removable. Otherwise compatible with new mobo. The biggest thing is if I can remove it or not.

4x2GB RAM - from Dell. I will try to use these as they are compatible with the mobo I want.

I want to upgrade these but not at the moment. I hope I can use these both for now as they work fine.

The full parts list after I build the PC will be:

NZXT Phantom 630 (Black) - Will buy
Asus P8Z77-V - Will buy
Intel i7 2600 - Will try to salvage
4x2GB RAM - Will try to salvage (this one I'm pretty sure about)
Corsair CX750 - Will definitely salvage because it is a replacement
Geforce GTX 770 - Will definitely salvage because it is a replacement
Dell HDD - Will salvage
Standard optical drive - I don't see why this can't be salvaged
Blu-Ray drive - Will definitely salvage because it is a replacement

What do you think?

rhysiam · Jun 20, 2014

So if I understand you correctly, all you actually want to change is the case? You don't really gain anything by upgrading the Motherboard unless you're wanting to add a second video card or something?
Plus, with a Mobo change, you'll need a new copy of Windows.

If it's the case you're most interested in changing, according to this thread here: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/341842-28-will-dell-8300-transplant-case
you can actually transplant the entire machine into a new case. Initially in the thread people were dubious, but it looks like a bunch of people tried it out and posted diagrams and photos of their success. Worth checking out anyway as it could get you want you want (if it's the case you want) while saving you a new copy of Windows, a motherboard and a full a OS reinstall.

Joeman592 · Jun 20, 2014

rhysiam :

So if I understand you correctly, all you actually want to change is the case? You don't really gain anything by upgrading the Motherboard unless you're wanting to add a second video card or something?
Plus, with a Mobo change, you'll need a new copy of Windows.

If it's the case you're most interested in changing, according to this thread here: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/341842-28-will-dell-8300-transplant-case
you can actually transplant the entire machine into a new case. Initially in the thread people were dubious, but it looks like a bunch of people tried it out and posted diagrams and photos of their success. Worth checking out anyway as it could get you want you want (if it's the case you want) while saving you a new copy of Windows, a motherboard and a full a OS reinstall.

Thank you. Out of curiosity, why does the OS need reinstalling? I thought it was all on the HDD.

Ijack · Jun 20, 2014

The OS is stored on the HDD, but its licence is linked to the motherboard. With a normal retail installation of Windows this would mean the OS needed to be reactivated but OEM versions of Windows (7 and earlier) are licenced only for use with the original motherboard. So you would need a new retail copy of Windows.

As already stated, there is little point in changing just the motherboard unless it provides facilities that the original one doesn't. USB 3 ports would be one example, but in this case it would be cheaper to buy an expansion card.

rhysiam · Jun 20, 2014

It is on the HDD, but when you install the OS it configures a whole set of drivers to interact with your system. If you just up and switch the motherboard, those drivers won't work and things go bad. I've read a few posts of people who managed to boot into safe mode and painstakingly find the right drivers, but it's not advisable.
In terms of purchasing a new copy of Windows, the OEM copy which is distributed with prebuilt machines like Dells is licensed for that computer only, which basically means it's tied to the motherboard. If you attempt to run that copy of windows, or use the key to install windows no a computer with a different motherboard you'll be in breach of your licence agreement and will have an illegitimate copy of windows. Windows usually recognises this and throws up all the warnings.

snowctrl · Jun 20, 2014

More t the point, pluggin t HD loaded wit Windows into t new system simply won't work ie it's unlikely to load, as Windows installs itself with reference to the hardware it finds itself on

Joeman592 · Jun 20, 2014

Ijack :

I have windows 8.1 installed instead of the stock windows 7. Does this mean all I need to do is reactivate it? And the mobo in question comes with PCI-Express 3.0 and my current only has 2.0. The GTX 770 is supposed to use 3.0 but is currently in a 2.0 because of backwards compatibility. Also this motherboard is supposed to boot fast while mine takes a few minutes to start booting up, beep a few times, then proceed to boot up. I have run diagnostics and have no clue what could be causing the beep code (IIRC the Dell website said it might mean mobo failure) so I think it would be good to get a new motherboard.

Also it has more PCI slots for later expansion if I would want to. My current mobo only has 3 and my GPU takes up 2 slots.

Another reason is because overclocking. Apparently the Asus P8Z77-V comes with easy overclocking abilities for noobs like me. All in all I feel like getting a new one is far better than keeping my current one.

EDIT: After reading the comments that came in while I was typing this, another question came to mind; Could I just repair the windows installation? Could I use the windows 8.1 refresh option? I just don't want to install windows 8, wait for the windows 8.1 update, install all programs, and copy all my files. I will if I have to I just want to know if there's anoth way.

Ijack · Jun 20, 2014

Actually, modern versions of Windows are very good at adapting to different hardware, particularly if the correct perparation is done. I have successfully moved Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 to completely different hardware on a number of occasions

The big problem with a pre-installed version of Windows is the activation issue.

Joeman592 · Jun 20, 2014

Ijack :

So you're saying I would be fine since I'm using a copy of 8.1 which was updated from a copy of 8 I picked up at Best Buy. Is there an easy way to uninstall the old drivers and reinstall the new ones? I think I read that windows has a tool for this.

Calnin · Jun 20, 2014

My experience with windows, both 7 and XP, I've never really had to change much transferring around hardware including the motherboard. The only problem were drivers and what not. It's all up to you to try it if you want. I have no experience with a pre-installed windows on a pre-built system though.

There isn't much of a difference in the 3.0 slot vs the 2.0 pcie slot as far as i know right now. Most graphics cards don't fully saturate it. Unless you're running something like a TitanZ or r9 295x2 or something massive, you should be fine with a 2.0 slot.

In regards to overclocking, i don't think your cpu can overclock because it's a non-k series chip. If you want to overclock, you'd probably want to replace the CPU with a k series chip, which you might as well go with a haswell-r chip or something.

Joeman592 · Jun 20, 2014

Calnin :

Thank you. The thing is, once I do upgrade my cpu, I will want a motherboard which supports overclocking. Also, I don't want to have to unplug everything and replace the mobo later on, I would like to just set that up with my new case.

Calnin · Jun 20, 2014

If that's the case, I'd just buy the cpu, motherboard, and case new later on, when you're ready to upgrade everything. Your i7 still is a good cpu and can handle everything just fine. It's probably easier that way also. Then you don't have to deal with moving everything in and out of the box.

Ijack · Jun 20, 2014

I'd agree with Cainin. Currently all you are really replacing is the case. Is it worth the expense? If you wait until you can afford to replace the important components then they will be cheaper, and better, than they are now. Unless having a different case is really important to you, save up and you'll get a better deal in the long run.

rhysiam · Jun 20, 2014

You can't overclock that 2600 (anything beyond 100mhz or so) unless it's a unlocked "K" version. I'd be surprised if an OEM like Dell shipped a K model CPU. So benefit switching out mobo on that account.

As others have said, a full 16 PCIe 2.0 lanes is more than enough for a single graphics card. No need to upgrade there.

Still, if you wanna change out the Mobo go for it, I'm just not convinced you'll see the benefits!

Joeman592 · Jun 20, 2014

Ok thank you everybody for your suggestions! I will probably wait a while to upgrade.

DHFF · Jun 20, 2014

Another thing to consider: If you are interested in overclocking then you will want to upgrade the cooler as well. no doubt the stock cooler that came with a Dell machine is rather lack luster. I would suggest the Cooler Master 212 EVO. its an excellent air cooler but it is HUGE so you will want to make sure your new case can support it. Typically cases that are about 8" wide should handle it. if the specs on the case list internal clearance then you want something with at least 160mm clearance.

I am glad to see you decided to wait and do it all at once. moving CPUs can be tricky if you are inexperienced. especially when dealing with something factory installed. I have seen more then case where the factory installed the Heat sink using adhesive instead of regular thermal paste. ie. it was super glued to the CPU so when the heat sink was removed... *POP* out came the CPU in all its ripping and tearing glory complete with bent pins.

Build new and transplant the pieces you upgraded, then E-bay the old machine

To moving windows: it should work but be prepared for the occasion where it does not. When I build new workstations at my job I try to clone windows over to the new station then type in the new activation code from a fresh copy of windows. when it works it is much faster then loading from scratch. However it only works 50% of the time. the other half of the time the new machine refuses to boot unless I re-install.

Joeman592 · Jun 20, 2014

DHFF :

Thank you for your opinion! How much do you think the original without an HDD would go for on Ebay? Even if it's not that much it could possibly cover a new processor, right? What about if the ram is taken out? Would it make more sense to sell it with the ram included and buy more for the new build?

As for the size, NZXT says the phantom 630 is 245mm wide, which is 9.6 inches. It should be fine.

EDIT: Just checked Ebay. A Dell XPS 8300 is in the $400-$600 range and mine would probably be at the higher value. If I were to put it up I should probably do it with the HDD in it,so that would eliminate the motherboard problem we discussed earlier.

DHFF · Jun 20, 2014

Ah the Phanton 630, I missed that in your Original post. yes thats a great case, lots of cooling room.
as for reselling your old computer. I did a quick search for it and it looks like they are selling used on Amazon for $850 so use that as a base point. Taking out the hard drive and RAM, I would imagine might take about $200 off the price. It might also make it harder to move but it cant hurt to try. if you put it up for say $400 and it sells well there is your new CPU and some change.

for a new CPU you might look at the Xeon E3-1230V3. its very similar to the i7 and its only about $250. it just doesn't have integrated graphics.
the Core i5 is also a good selection. its about $185-$250 depending on the model but its an excellent chip and very good for games.

Joeman592 · Jun 20, 2014

DHFF :

Thank you for finding that! Is that specific cpu compatible with the motherboard I chose? Is there some sort of graph comparing each Xeon version to it's i7 counterpart? What version of the i7 would the Xeon E3-1230V3 compare to?

DHFF · Jun 20, 2014

to match your motherboards with CPUs you want to look at the socket. For Intel its usually going to be something like LGA ####. In your case the motherboard you picked is LGA1155, also known as the Ivy Bridge platform. This is the chip you want for that socket: Xeon E3-1230V2. Or any Intel CPU with the LGA1155 designation.
Just so you know the LGA1155 is yesteryear's platform. the currently platform is LGA1150 or Haswell, yes I know its a lower number but a newer design, thats intel for you.
If you want to stay open for future upgrades then you might think about getting a board that is LGA1150. If you dont plan to upgrade for the next 5 or 10 years then dont worry about it as no matter what platform you get will be obsolete by the time you upgrade.
If you are going with AMD chips then the platforms will usually be AM3+ . Just make sure the chip and motherboard both have the same platform and you will not have any problems.

As to which model the Xeon1230v2 matches up with? I believe it is comparable with the i7 2600, they are similar in frequency and specs. One important note: If you still have your heart set on overclocking then I actually DONT recommend the Xeon. its a server grade chip and does not overclock. If overclocking is part of your future plans then stick with the I5 or i7 chips and get one with a number ending in K.

Joeman592 · Jun 20, 2014

DHFF :

Maybe I'll just skip the overclocking and go with a good chip. I will search for a motherboard with an LGA1150. Thank you! Which Xeon would be comparable to the i7 4470? I've heard good stuff about that one.

EDIT: All of the Asus Z87 LGA1150s are yellow... Which would be the absolute best Xeon I could get with the LGA1155?

DHFF · Jun 20, 2014

I believe the E-31280v2 is the best chip currently available for the LGA1155. Though I have never used one myself so I cant speak to its performance. Specs wise its only a fraction faster in clock speed and its about triple the price of the 1230v2 so in all honestly I would stick with the 1230v2 if you are going to get an LGA1155 board.

Joeman592 · Jun 20, 2014

DHFF :

Ok. Are there any blue or black LGA1150 boards that you would recommend?

DHFF · Jun 20, 2014

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130695
Its an MSI Z87 board. MSI makes good stuff, in fact this board and the E3-1230V3 is the combo I have used for the last several Windows Servers I have built at work.

Edit: There is also this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130726
Its also the Z87 chipset but it has more expansion slots. which I remembered is one of the things you were looking for in your original post.
The primary color scheme is black and red.

Joeman592 · Jun 20, 2014

DHFF :

Thank you! It seems like a great board! Im love how they left a space after the PCI-e 3 slot so the GPU doesn't waste a slot. My only cocern is the fact that it doesn;t support SLI, but I don't think that will be an issue because I don't plan on buying a new GPU to SLI. I also like the blue color better than the Asus one and it's cheaper than that one. I'm pretty sure I'm going for this one now.

That said, what processor do you recommend now? Xeons, being so similar to i7's, are fine for gaming, right? There isn't much of a price difference between something like the Xeon E3-1245 V3 and the i7-4470k. Would it be worth it then to get the i7? Sorry for asking so much I want to be 100% sure before I purchase anything.

Edit: I like the other one too, I just don't like the red. My color scheme for the PC I'm trying to build is going to be black and blue, red kinda throws it off. Thanks for all the help, btw.

I will be building a new PC soon. Can I salvage these parts from my current one?

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