Dell and a new Power Supply

prodystopian

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I have a Dell Dimension, which I bought about 3 years ago. I am planning to build a new PC soon, but have been upgrading individual components. I want to upgrade the video card soon but will likely need a new power supply to do so. I have heard that Dell's require a special power supply. My question is, if I get the Dell power supply, will it fight in another normal ATX case? Or should I wait and pick up a normal size PSU?
 

Wolfshadw

Titan
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I believe Dell stopped using proprietary components some time ago, but given your system is 3 years old, it may be one of those that did. PC Power and Cooling does make power supplies that are compliant with Dell systems. Take a look at the linked page and see if your system is listed there and what power supplies are available to you.

-Wolf sends
 
Dell stopped using non standard power supplies on most of it's consumer machines several years ago, if the Dell in question is an 8400 or 4700 the psu is standard size and has a standard ATX pinout, so would be able to be used in a non Dell box.
I hope I've answered this right, you're question goes in a couple of directions.
 


Yeah, it's kinda strange. My high(er) end Dimension 8400 needs one without a switch and my mid-end Dimension 4700 can take any standard unit. Strange how Dell works.
 
After rereading the OP, I editted my post, it seems as though he wants to use the Dell psu in his next rig.
I also have an 8400 and a 4700 along with a 9200. On the 9200 they change things up a bit and made the psu taller than normal, so it's pretty much useless in anything other than the box it's in.
 

prodystopian

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I meant to state this in the OP, but I see I forgot. The computer is an Dimension 8400 with a P4 3ghz. Yes my main concern is that if I buy a new PSU for the dell, will it fit in oth it and the new build I am making?
 
If you want a new psu to use for a future build you should plan on cutting the case back of the 8400 to accept a switch.
The PCP&C unit that was mentioned is a quality unit, but only provides 26 amps on the +12v rail, the stock Dell unit, as mentioned, can provide 28amps. I would think you might want to go for even more if you're going to spend the money.