I need to modify a dell case.

[fshanda]

I bought a Dell P166 system and want to upgrade the motherboard processor and powersupply. Its a Dell XPS P166s, I know the powersupply is proprietary and needs changing. My dilema is that the reset,hd light, speaker and power on connector is also proprietary. One connection on the board. I would like to split the cable and install new connectors that will connect to the new motherboard. I also want to avoid using the soldering iron.

Where can I find these types of connectors?

Fshanda http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[PassnThru]

Uh - new ATX cases can be had for not much more than a new power supply. Check into it - by the time you buy a new power supply and all the 'parts' for your mods then you have probably paid for a new case. I saw an Enlight case today with an AMD approved 300W power supply for $50. You can get a no name case even cheaper. Think about it anyway.

[fshanda]

I have a few cheap cases already. I like the Dell cases and I would like to see if it could be done. The MB connectors are the only things holding me up at the moment. I have a computer recycler next to my shop that will give me a good deal on the PSU. I am going to stop by a RadioShack today and see if they might have the connectors im looking for.

Fshanda http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[randy48]

What I have done in the past, is take the buttons/wires/connectors from an old case and put them in the case I built (using an old Intel type case). But, you may need to break down and do a little soldering!

If you do this...a word of CAUTION! Do not use a push-on/push-off type power button from an AT case! ATX boards use a "momentary" normally on switch (can be bought at Radio Shack for a buck or two...not real nice to look at!) The Dell case may already be using this type button if it is an ATX!

[Nick CPU]

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[This message has been edited by Nick CPU (edited 09-08-2001).]

[Nick CPU]

The problems I would see would be be:

1. Finding a power supply to fit
2. Finding a correct on/off button(which randy described)
3. make sure the motherboard lines up with the case. the AGP slot(if you have one) might be a problem)
4. Most Important- A lot of the connections on newer motherboards olny fit in an ATX case (USB connection, PS2, and other slots) I have a feeling you have a lot of work ahead of you.

[engracio]

fshanda,

I think I had the same box you bought except it cost me an arm and a leg when I bought it. That case (Palo Alto) is still one of my favorite cases. It had a one screw case cover. Great for tweaking and had an exhaust fan next to the cpu circa 1997/8. That was before everybody came out with one like Antec.

Anyway, before doing the modification double check the wiring. What I did was cut off the one piece wires which connects to the face plates. SOLDERED the wires ie hdd, power led, power switch and reset button to the little board which sit flush on the face plate. Meaning knowing where ea switch are located BEFORE CUTTING. I don't think that case has a slot for speakers so I never connected it. Do not like the idea of a magnet running loose inside the case. I think I put an Abit BE-6 mobo on that case. You would have to completely dis-assemble that box to get into the face plate. IE take out the hard drive, hard drive cage until you can take out the face plate. Good luck, a good case mod project if you have the time.

e

[fshanda]

It looks like an atx case. Its a p166 system with onboard sound and a pci graphics card. The back of the case is just like an atx case with ps2 mouse and keyboard connections. The power supply is propriatary with 2 power connectors, but looks like any standard power supply I have seen. The power connectors are not AT connectors. The one looks like an atx but there is also a second connector 1/2" away. I should be able to screw a new powersupply right in.

Engracio that sounds just like the case I have. The face plate has 6 tabs that can be pushed in and the faceplate just pops off. I have a Dell P700 and this old case is just about the same. Same hard drive rack and rear exhaust fan. Just no duct to the processor. The single panel screw is nice.

The power switch dosent look like the standard AT switch in one of my other system. Looks just like an atx setup just has the wires run as a ribbon to the board with one connector.

I bought this for $72.00. It has a 2 gig drive, 64mb ram, 6x cdrom, floppy, keyboard and mouse. I installed Win 98 on it with no problems. Its just slow. It will only crunch 3 points per day running ECCp109. I need more power!

Anybody have a few connectors laying around they could send my way?

Fshanda http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by fshanda (edited 09-08-2001).]

[Philip1952]

Tell you what fshanda. I just tore apart a desktop case. The power supply is good. But the fan makes noise. All the buttons worked good. If you want them hit me with an e-mail. I send them to you. I don't need them. The power supple is a Fortron 235w model. Model number is FSP235-60GT. It is ATX form factor.
You pay for the shipping.
e-mail= Philip1952@hotmail.com

[This message has been edited by Philip1952 (edited 09-08-2001).]

[fshanda]

Philip YGM http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[fshanda]

Anyone else have some parts they would like to donate. I need 2 more ATX power supplies and enough motherboard connectors ( hdd,reset,speaker,power,etc) for 2 more systems also. These are for an ATX setup.

Email me if you have some to get rid of.

Fshanda http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

All donations will be used in machines that are cracking ECCp109 for team Sysopt and are not for resale.

[engracio]

fshanda,

Still have the pentium 166mmx that was orphaned cuz of the upgrade?? http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif


e

[Philip1952]

I have another atx power supply. But it is only a 100w. Awfull small. But let me know. I don't have any of the buttons or any thing with this one.

[fshanda]

Engracio The board and processor is yours if you want it. Just give me a little time to make sure that what im going to attempt is going to work. The parts should be here in a few days thanks to Philip1952. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

If you are interisted in cheap systems like this, the recycler that I got it from gets these almost every day. Some are Gateway and IBM and Compaq systems. He was offering them to me for $75.00 including the keyboard and mouse. I installed Win98 on one with no problems and my boy is playing starcraft on it.

Thanks Philip but thats a little small for what I need.

Fshanda http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[Philip1952]

Well shoot don't get another empty spot on my shelf then. I figured it was to small. but I had to ask.

[ticktack]

I suggest you buy an new system since new gigahertz processor are so much cheaper & affordable which just doesn't justify you upgrading your old obsolete Pentium 166Mhz, no offence.

[fshanda]

None taken. I have a few things around to put into it already. Just doin it for the fun http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

I have 8 systems one is my main system and is plenty fast for what I need to do.

The next one for myself will be an AMD, as fast as I can afford http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Fshanda http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

My shelves are quite full also.