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Author Topic: modifying/expanding an older dell  (Read 3698 times)

Offline noah03ark

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modifying/expanding an older dell
« on: April 18, 2008, 07:38:47 PM »
im soon inheriting a 2004 dell 8400 something-or-other..thinking about doing some modifications to soft and hardware

as for software i want to wipe windows clean: recommendations on how to do so without ridding of the OS or like reinstalling?

im going to install linux, so i got another question on that answered...

as for internal mods..i know no specs so i dont think im going to be upgrading or replacing any parts

one possibility is a new case...should i do this? im leaning strongly towards yes..wehn i get some money

finally is there somewhere where i can purchase one of those kickass LCD things for an expansion bay? you know the one that has all my system info displayed and whatnot? if so thanks


thanks in advance :D

im happy...i get to finish my moms new pc tomorrow, order the new keyboard, and get paid the remaining... :D
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Offline psp339

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Re: modifying/expanding an older dell
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2008, 07:58:35 PM »
I don't think you can replace a case with a dell...
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Offline PspKicks316

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Re: modifying/expanding an older dell
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2008, 08:01:45 PM »
For wiping windows clean, the best thing I can say is uninstall everything unneeded and then boot into safe mode and delete unnecessary files and remaining program files/folders. Best bet is to wipe the HDD clean and reinstall. It made my laptop sooo much faster.

As for installing linux, what's your questions? I'll be able to answer pretty much all of them I'm sure.

Quote from: psp339 on April 18, 2008, 07:58:35 PM
I don't think you can replace a case with a dell...

Yes you can, or at least I think you can. As long as they use and ATX mobo style you're fine, just buy a new ATX case (most mobos and cases use this form)
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Offline MattZani

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Re: modifying/expanding an older dell
« Reply #3 on: April 19, 2008, 02:32:25 AM »
Dell do not Use a standard Mobo Platform, if you replace the case you will need a new mobo, new PSU, new GPU.

Dell's parts are so different, its almost impossible to upgrade them other than CPU, Ram and Hdd

PSU, Mobo, GPU are all strange configurations.
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Offline noah03ark

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Re: modifying/expanding an older dell
« Reply #4 on: April 19, 2008, 09:01:02 AM »
oh well for case...anything on those LCD's?


even if its not compatible w/ the dell i could put one in the thing i just built
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Offline Onii

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Re: modifying/expanding an older dell
« Reply #5 on: April 26, 2008, 07:22:49 PM »
Actually, that computer is suprisingly upgrade-able. http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/SM/index.htm

If this is the one you're talking about then you can install alot of stuff to improve performance, but if you do you might need to upgrade the PSU aswell. It's a BTX 24pin psu from what I've read. As for you're LCD screen, I know what you're talkin about but they're not really worth it. I looked all over for one cause I wanted one also lol. Nothing really did what I wanted or had horror storys about its performance. If I come across anything half-decent I'll let ya know.
« Last Edit: April 26, 2008, 07:48:03 PM by Onii »
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Offline noah03ark

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Re: modifying/expanding an older dell
« Reply #6 on: April 27, 2008, 10:53:15 AM »
sweet baby bajeebus thats the exact same one  :fear:

yeah the dimension 8400

how did you know?!?!?!

i owe you one bud :D

btw, it seems like you're new, so welcome :D
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Offline Tec_

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Re: modifying/expanding an older dell
« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2008, 08:12:15 AM »
i think this is what your talking about for the LCD

one of their displays.
http://www.matrixorbital.com/

im currently using one for one of my projects
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Offline noah03ark

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Re: modifying/expanding an older dell
« Reply #8 on: April 28, 2008, 09:31:27 AM »
Quote from: tec_in_the_making on April 28, 2008, 08:12:15 AM
i think this is what your talking about for the LCD

one of their displays.
http://www.matrixorbital.com/

im currently using one for one of my projects
thats exactly it, thanks :D
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Offline GhoSt

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Re: modifying/expanding an older dell
« Reply #9 on: April 28, 2008, 10:55:19 PM »
if you don't wana spend money on a new case do what i did and disasemble the pc and spraypaint it then add some custom windows in the side and add leds/cathode. Thats what i did on a old pc i got for free and now it looks like a hardcore system. Yes put linux on!!!
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Offline loganbyers07

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Re: modifying/expanding an older dell
« Reply #10 on: May 05, 2008, 01:58:13 PM »
haha this is kind of off topic but the other day i had a "tech bowl" where i built a computer. I built it in 8 min and had it turned on... lol i won $150 bestbuy gift card
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Offline noah03ark

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Re: modifying/expanding an older dell
« Reply #11 on: May 05, 2008, 02:23:53 PM »
way, way, way off topic
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