New Motherboard installation.

[hollywoodhills7]

Hi guys. Thanks in advance for responses (and in the past).

I have purchased a new motherboard (Intel D865GRHLK) along with a P4 3.0 Ghz CPU. I'm not a neophyte but certainly not 'versed'.

I've searched for and read some threads on this site and others regarding the switchover and sequence of events I should take.

Originally I was going to change the board in the computer I'm using now (work), but I've decided this project may take me a while and don't want to experience downtime on my main PC's. Hence, I'm going to change it in another less-used PC at my disposal. I'm not in a particular hurry.

That PC is a Dell Dimension XPS T500 running on Windows 98SE. The only change to the PC that I've done that I can recall right now is installing a Yamaha burner and adding RAM.

Thanks for ANY comments whatsover. :) (comments on BIG DON'TS and DO's etc)

[david eaton]

A Dell is not really the best start for upgrading. Some models use proprietary parts, particularly for the power supply connections. The same plug & socket is used, but the pins carry different power rails. If you have one of them, then you are extremely likely to fry your new M/B and processor!

In addition, the power unit rating could be too low, and also lack the additional 4 way connection for P4 boards.

So, at the least, you need a new power supply. depending on what you are fitting in the way of drives etc, you should consider a 350 -400w unit from a GOOD maker.

Will the RAM from the Dell work in your new M/B? I can't help there, but it is worth checking.


Sorry to pour cold water on your ideas!

[Budfred]

I have to agree with david eaton, I think you are going to find you end up building the thing almost from scratch since most of the Dell won't be usable. We can give you suggestions for cases and power supplies if you decide to go that way...

[hollywoodhills7]

You're the pros (I know, with all the usual caveats); so I think I will build it from scratch.

Suggestions on how to, time estimation ? etc. PS I live near a Fry's if that means anything.

Thank again, M

[Budfred]

The builds I have done haven't taken long once I had the parts. The toughest parts are installing the heatsink on the CPU and getting the damn case connectors for LEDs and power and such hooked up properly... The last one I built took a couple of hours and that is with 2 optical drives, 3 hard drives, front USB ports and so on. It took a lot longer to set up the software than to build...

As for how, the best bet is to get your stuff together and come with specific questions. There are a bunch of tutorials available on the web to show you how to do it, including even a few video shows...