Thread: Computer Help

Is it possible to take a stock computer apart and put it on a new case with new components like the motherboard and Gfx card but the same PSU,Optical drive, hard drive and ram?

If it's a desktop computer, yes. You'll have issues in a few areas though depending on what brand this 'stock' pc is. For example Dell uses non-standard motherboard mountings on their cases and motherboards making them wholly incompatible with anything that isn't another Dell mobo/case.

The optical drive and ram will work with pretty much anything.

The power supply's functionality in another set-up depends on a bunch of stuff. The mobo you're attaching it too needs the right fittings, if your video card takes additional power then your powersupply will need those cables. The psu also needs to have the right output to run your system.

So basically... yes all the parts are modular and removable and possible to put into another system... but it really depends on what you're switching and etc.

It's a Dell XPS 8300, it is a desktop computer. I'm going to buy a Nvidia Geforce Gtx 550 Ti, a new motherboard and a new case. Should I just buy a new PSU or keep the old one?
Here is my parts list actually:
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/nTpS
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/nTpS/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/nTpS/benchmarks/

Motherboard: Biostar H61MLB Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 550 Ti 2GB Video Card ($114.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Apevia X-Plorer2 Black/Red ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $239.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-11-16 19:55 EST-0500)

I believe you'll need a new psu if you get a new mobo. The reason being that dell has unique mountings on the case for their psu as well (usually at the top).

If you buy a new case and mobo you will need a new psu with that system. You may need a new processor as well. What are the specs of the current pc so I can tell you if the parts will be usable with the more recent stuff?

If possible just post what you're hoping to keep (part names etc) and what you intend to buy. From there I can suggest alternatives if you picked/have unusable parts.

I hoping to keep the Processor, the RAM, the optical drive and hard drive.

You should be fine in all regards except the psu. That mobo supports your processor, ram, videocard, case, and everything else.

Judging from your current video card and the one you'll be getting and the fact that dell put it together... you'll need a new psu. It probably doesn't have the proper mounts, wattage, OR cabling to attach to that card. Dell gives you just enough to make everything run.

If you wait till black friday new egg will probably have a crap ton of nice 800watt power supplies for sale cheap. That mobo is also sold out... but you can easily find another with the same specifications. Make sure it supports clock 1333 ddr3, socket lga 1155, is micro-atx, etc.

Thank you so much!!! I was originally just going to buy a gfx card but the case was too small an I realized there was no connector for the gfx. Thanks again!

My pleasure. Glad to help someone move into a custom computer instead of overpriced manufactured trash.

Should I be able to install windows 7 with the disc from the old computer or do i have to buy another?0

Originally Posted by geric5

Should I be able to install windows 7 with the disc from the old computer or do i have to buy another?0

Should be able to, long as you have the product code to use the disc for that point in installing when it ask's ya for it.

Originally Posted by geric5

Should I be able to install windows 7 with the disc from the old computer or do i have to buy another?0

Probably. I assume you have a serial and an install disk that doesn't have "dell" plastered on it?

I have the serial but the disc is the dell's drivers and updates. Oh and what motherboard do you recommend under 100?

Originally Posted by geric5

I have the serial but the disc is the dell's drivers and updates. Oh and what motherboard do you recommend under 100?

If you can't install with the Dell disk than 'download' the disc online and install using your own serial. I believe Microsoft won't provide you with a download link since the key was passed through Dell. Dell might though... either way I'd prepare another install disk just in case to save yourself time.

As for motherboards I give you this sexy board. At the moment it goes for $100 but has a $20 rebate. It has one PCI-E slot for 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. It also supports every dimm speed you can think of. Frankly, it does everything. You'll have plenty of room for upgrading and expanding functionality for quite awhile.

It also supports UEFI bios which saves everyone a great deal of time. It's a mouse compliant bios with an extensive repertoire of features (booting to flash drives, flashing through flash drives, overclocking utility, advanced fan controls, timing controls, etc).

Alright, I think I'm set now. Thanks Ganon!