Need advice on build

[afonsecaus]

I have a Dell Dimension E510 with a failed motherboard.
I would like to build another computer with the remaining parts (HDD, DVD/RW, RAM, P4HT). Doing some research I found out that this computer uses a BTX motherboard, so if I would like to reuse the case I would need to buy another BTX mobo, which I think it's not easy to find.

So I think it's better to buy a new case, a new mobo (that supports Pentium 4 630 HT, which I assume it's still working) and reuse the memory (4 X 256MB), hard drive and optical drives.

Question is: it this worth it?
Or should I go for a new case, new mobo and new processor (Pentium Dual Core) since this will be a very light use computer (email and Internet browsing).
Thanks for your help...

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by afonsecaus I have a Dell Dimension E510 with a failed motherboard. I would like to build another computer with the remaining parts (HDD, DVD/RW, RAM, P4HT). Doing some research I found out that this computer uses a BTX motherboard, so if I would like to reuse the case I would need to buy another BTX mobo, which I think it's not easy to find. So I think it's better to buy a new case, a new mobo (that supports Pentium 4 630 HT, which I assume it's still working) and reuse the memory (4 X 256MB), hard drive and optical drives. Question is: it this worth it? Or should I go for a new case, new mobo and new processor (Pentium Dual Core) since this will be a very light use computer (email and Internet browsing). Thanks for your help...

The BTX form factor has pretty much bitten the dust and you'd probably be much better off just getting a new ATX case and ATX motherboard (and all related parts) rather than trying to reuse that DELL case.

As far as reusing the parts from the DELL in a new build, make sure that RAM isn't proprietary to DELL motherboards before you install them in a standard motherboard. You won't be able to reuse the DELL power supply either. The drives should transfer over okay, but if you want to reuse the operating system that came installed on the DELL it probably won't work. Better to wipe the hard drive and install a new operating system.

Cricket

[chuck4456]

Better to just plan a new build and recycle the E510.

[afonsecaus]

Originally Posted by chuck4456 Better to just plan a new build and recycle the E510.

Thanks a lot, E510 has died, long live the queen http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...=DXCWQJ1&s=dhs

[shadowpr]

You can probably build one for cheaper.

If that is something that would interest you, what would be your budget?

Would that include a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers?

What operating system?

[afonsecaus]

Originally Posted by shadowpr You can probably build one for cheaper. If that is something that would interest you, what would be your budget? Would that include a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers? What operating system?

• I already purchased the XPS 420. But I still would like to build a "second computer".
• Budget is kind of limited now (after transferring money to Dell for the XPS). I would say around $400.
• I have the hard drive (Western Digital Caviar 250GB), optical drive(s) are ATA??.
• This will be my first build so it is more a project for fun and to learn something very far from a gaming box, it will be an email and Internet surfing box (Google chrome??).
• I have an unused Windows XP Professional I would like to install in this new box.
• I would like to build a box I can later upgrade if it's necessary, I would like to start with Pentium Dual Core.
• I want to pick up this case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Case at MicroCenter http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0283272

Thanks...

[shadowpr]

For alow budget build like that, you can go with the following:

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131288
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115052
Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341012
Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129042

That comes to about $402 before shipping, and rebates.

[afonsecaus]

Thanks shadowpr...working on ordering the parts.... :-)