New PC

[platinum]

I have had a dell (terrible, I know.) xps 700 for the past 4.5 years and I fear as though the motherboard / psu can't handle all the upgrades I've given it over time and are dying on me. Not to mention the limiting capabilities of the mobo.

The parts I have right now are...

Intel QX6800 2.93ghz Quad Core
Nvidia GTX 260
8 GB RAM (OCZ Gold)
XPS 700 320 GB HDD
WD Caviar Black 750 GB 7200 RPM HDD

My question is, what would be a good case/mobo/psu combo that would be compatible with all of the above? I want to eliminate any dell parts from my system. The XPS heatsink for CPU is pretty diesel, so I also need to know if i'd need a different cooler for the CPU.

Any help would be appreciated.

[pam123]

You don't have to do a build, you can buy a new power supply for the Dell (It's the power supply that will have the problem not the motherboard.).
If, on the other hand, a build is what you really want to do then below is a list for you.

If this is the processor you've got : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115021

You will need an LGA 775 motherboard.
What is your ram?
DDR 800 or what ?
If you intend to keep it that will determine what motherboard you buy.

Go here on Newegg, and select LGA 775 (that's the cpu socket) to see which board(s) you'll be able to use : http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCateg...l-Motherboards

I don't know if the Dell heatsink/fan will work on a board other than Dells so you may need to buy a new one of those as well (And don't forget a tube of Arctic Silver.).

Power Supply : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371015
This is a good one but it also gives you some idea of what you should be looking for.

You need an ATX case, mid-tower will do, as long as it's ATX your budget and personal taste are the only consideration.

Do you have a DVD-RW drive ?

Lastly, it is unlikely your Dell copy of Windows will install on your rebuild so you will need to buy another copy : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116754

[platinum]

yes my ram is ddr2 800 mhz. I don't know very much about motherboards but I do know that I want one that has good overclocking settings in the BIOS. i have a dvd RW drive but its the dell. i'm guessing i wont be able to transfer that over either?

I forgot to mention I have the two HDDs in dual boot with xp (dell version) and 7 (purchased version) so I guess I could just install the 7 on the new setup. But any help with a good motherboard that I won't be disappointed with would help a lot..

Thanks.

[Khalil]

Here is the motherboard you want http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-377-_-Product and don't wait too long they won't around much longer!

[glc]

To let you reuse the processor and ram, get an Asus P5Q Pro Turbo. If the Dell DVD-RW has a standard front bezel, you can reuse it. Get a case that you like the looks of, and the PSU that Pam suggested is a good one.

EDIT: ROFL - Khalil and I posted at the same time! I think we are reading each other's minds.

[pam123]

What the guys said.
My preference would be to back up all important data and do a fresh Win7 install.

[platinum]

alright I'm going to take your advice and get the mobo and psu suggested, and get an antec 1200 case in combo deal with the psu.