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Can a DELL Dimension desktop case be reused for a new BUILD?

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Can a DELL Dimension desktop case be reused for a new BUILD?

I can't afford a new desktop but I'd like to upgrade my computing power, OS, etc by reusing a Dimension 9100 case purchased 5-6 years ago.

Can anyone advise me whether the power supply cut-out, motherboard back panel cut-out, etc. would be industry standard so I can save buying a new plastic case.? The DELL cases are pretty sturdy so I thought they could make a good shell possibly for a low cost build.

I had heard that DELL used non-standard specs and components sizes but I don't know of this is actually true.

Any knowledgeable advice would be greatly appreciated.
THanks.

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varocketry said:
Can a DELL Dimension desktop case be reused for a new BUILD?

I can't afford a new desktop but I'd like to upgrade my computing power, OS, etc by reusing a Dimension 9100 case purchased 5-6 years ago.

Can anyone advise me whether the power supply cut-out, motherboard back panel cut-out, etc. would be industry standard so I can save buying a new plastic case.? The DELL cases are pretty sturdy so I thought they could make a good shell possibly for a low cost build.

I had heard that DELL used non-standard specs and components sizes but I don't know of this is actually true.

Any knowledgeable advice would be greatly appreciated.
THanks.


You can get a decent case for like 40 bucks. I'd say dump the Dell case. The hard drive cage is likely tool-less or worse, some weird Dell tool. It will have airflow designed for like word processing/web surfing in mind.

Spend 40 bucks, get a good case that is designed to accept upgrades.

I've building reading the budget build threads here and at PCMECH.
I'm thinking of an Asus board running AMD processor to keep the price down.

I thought I'd ask if it was at all possible though. cmcghee358 makes a good point as none of the DELL machines I've owned are set up for ventilation like some aftermarket cases I've seen recently.

But I just want to build a current processing machine that can run Win7 64, display current programs, and large LCD displays.
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Someone replied on the DELL forms with details why this can;t be done. Custom MOBO Specs (BTX), custom cable connectors, unusual non-published USB wiring specs, etc. It definitively answered my quesion.

So, Brennon where would you suggest I could sell a fully functioning 5-6 year old computer?

and figure on roughly $100 to $250 for a price range

I recently parted out a Dell laptop...got about $150 for the parts that sold

Parting out takes a little more time and effort...for maybe not as much cash

I was going to reuse my Dell Dimension case - but kind of as a joke.

Was thinking of putting in a new mobo, Quad AMD with 6-8gb of RAM and an SSD - when my friends make fun of my Old Computer, I'd have them boot it up and watch it fly!

When they'd ask me how it was so fast after all these years, I'd mumble something about "jumper settings", then tell them they could probably get one cheap on eBay! LOL!!
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