Dell 8100 Chassis fan??

Hi all
I have an old Dell Dimension 8100 which I have upgraded several times over the years just to serve as my main internet PC.
Recently i started get error messages re the system fan not working on bootup.
After opening it up and tinkering for a while it turns out that yes one fan is faultering - namely the chasis fan.
I contacted Dell support and they told me they no longer stock the part but that I could contact a company called UPGRADE OPTIONS (here in the uk) for it.
So I gave them a call and yes they had one in stock - Dell part number 6985R.
But they wanted a total of £63 for it (that's almost $130)
I'm sorry, but for a basic fan I'm not paying that.
So I'm wondering if anyone can advise if it's possible to use something else?
The big issue here is that Dell's proprietary BS (never buying from them again!) means that the connecter is non standard.
It in fact has a 3 pin connector to the motherboard but not of thge regular type, and with a small catch on the side to secure it.
Would it be possible to exchange this with another 92mm fan (possibly a lot better quality one) and just cut and swap the connector?
Or will the Dell system not accept it?

Many thanks for any/all advice in advance.
Cheers all
Northwinds.

Don't see why not.
I've done the opposite, took a 3 pin 120mm fan from an older Dell, swapped the connector and used it to replace a busted 120 in another machine. Sounds like a leaf blower but it works.