Power supply for 25.00. Sketchy, much?

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Originally Posted by JillyBean

Yeah I think this will be my best option. Seems like im going to have to take this case apart just to change the cooler lol. It will help in every way. The cost is not a big deal. What case and cooler now lol? And i know a case I order needs to be able to properly fit/mount my current mobo...

I do not hold you at all responsible, you're just trying to help and I totally appreciate it! You cant help this crazy Dell build. :D

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If you don't mind waiting, i want to do a bit more research on your motherboard to make sure its compatible with custom cases, Hopefully I'll have the information for you by tomorrow at the latest. There are some issues with using Dell board in other cases; i found one person who did it but used a XPS 8100 so it does look promising but just want to make sure before you spend your money this time.

In the mean time, try looking at some different cases on newegg, find some designs you like and such, since it comes down to your preferences; your motherboard is similar to a mATX so pretty much any case will be able to hold it.

Is there somewhere/some way I can look on my computer and it shows exactly what mobo is in there, like in device manager with other hardware details, or a dxdiag?

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Originally Posted by JillyBean

Is there somewhere/some way I can look on my computer and it shows exactly what mobo is in there, like in device manager with other hardware details, or a dxdiag?

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Its probably this one:

http://www.stuartconnections.com/300...oard-X231R.jpg

http://www.ascendtech.us/mmASC/Images/DP55M01.JPG

If this is not your motherboard let me know

I will check in a few hours when I get home and post as soon as I know. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Shura

NP, You could try one corner of your Intel push-pin cooler to see if it fits, don't force it in. The hole will probably be too small though if there is a backplate installed.

If its not to late to cancel then i would recommend something like the XIGMATEK Loki. On the test i linked to on the other page, it performances 4C better then the Zaio and also uses a 92mm fan; this design also allows you to upgrade just the fan to a higher quality one if you choose to do so at a later time.

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The only drawback to that particular HS is the TIM application, the popular pea method won't work with direct heatpipe HS. Jelly would have to make sure to use the horizontal line method with it and avoid AS5 with it at all costs.....that crap is hard enough to spread on flat base HS, it's a nightmare with direct heatpipe ones.

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Originally Posted by Shura

Its probably this one:

*mobo pics*

If this is not your motherboard let me know

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Ok back home and ready to report. First, I decided not to bother attempting to install the pushpin Intel because it just seems a better route altogether to just get a new case, which will allow a proper cooler, and be better all around. If I have to take the thing apart, I might as well make better improvements.

I do believe you have found my motherboard. Here's some pics I took and I think you should be able to view them full size by right clicking and opening in new window:

Inside side of case:
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...PCOpencase.jpg

Closer view of mobo:
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...rboardview.jpg

Back of case:
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...backofcase.jpg

I rotated and cropped them in photobucket but the changes aren't showing up here. Oh well >.<

Anyway, hopefully you can recommend case(s) and cooler(s) now. Will the case I get need to have the power supply mount on top because of the position of my graphics card, or will the whole thing just shift?

Many thanks! :)

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Originally Posted by JillyBean

Ok back home and ready to report. First, I decided not to bother attempting to install the pushpin Intel because it just seems a better route altogether to just get a new case, which will allow a proper cooler, and be better all around. If I have to take the thing apart, I might as well make better improvements.

I do believe you have found my motherboard. Here's some pics I took and I think you should be able to view them full size by right clicking and opening in new window:

I rotated and cropped them in photobucket but the changes aren't showing up here. Oh well >.<

Anyway, hopefully you can recommend case(s) and cooler(s) now. Will the case I get need to have the power supply mount on top because of the position of my graphics card, or will the whole thing just shift?

Many thanks! :)

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Ya it looks like the same one, the size is similar to a mATX board so should be able to fit in majority of the cases on the market. Cases come in all shapes, sizes and prices so what kind of parameters should i take into account? You can also look at some case designs on newegg and link the ones you like; i'll go over them and let you know whats good and if it suits your motherboard. This would also give me an idea on what your design preference is like so i can look for similar designs.

Now for CPU coolers, what kind of budget should i work around? now that your going with a direct mounted options, there are a lot to choose from and again them come in different sizes and price. I'll make sure ti pick out ones that will fit whichever case you end up going with so it really comes down to budget. Been looking at a few reviews at work but i'll be able to narrow it down once i know the above information.

Well if jelly is looking for a HQ heatsink that's quiet and not huge, and sticking to the mATX form. You can't go wrong with Thermalright's AXP-100.

http://www.amazon.com/AXP-100-Design.../dp/B00AKO0WCW

I have it in my "portable" gaming PC, does a great job cooling an 3570k.


Here's a review for it btw:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1347211/t...howed-up-today

There's obviously cheaper alternatives though like what's listed below in the item page's related items section.

Is mATX the same as mini-ATX? And if so, is there any other detail I need to look for in a case so that it works with what I have to put in it?

I assume then almost any of the "mid-tower" cases would work for me?

As for coolers I honestly have no idea where to start. Cost isn't a big deal but I would think around/under $100 for case and $50-$75 for cooler?

My main concern is that what I have plus the new cooler fits easily and simply into the case. So for me the simplest installation cooler that will fit with my mobo/new case. Also I am not picky about the aappearance of the case or cooler.

I'm at work now posting from home so unable to "shop" lol. I will be able to shop/post more later. Thanks :)

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Originally Posted by Dhalmel

Well if jelly is looking for a HQ heatsink that's quiet and not huge, and sticking to the mATX form. You can't go wrong with Thermalright's AXP-100.

http://www.amazon.com/AXP-100-Design.../dp/B00AKO0WCW

I have it in my "portable" gaming PC, does a great job cooling an 3570k.


Here's a review for it btw:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1347211/t...howed-up-today

There's obviously cheaper alternatives though like what's listed below in the item page's related items section.

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The performance for price ratio on that cooler is not worth it. Right now I'm thinking of recommending the Xigmatek Dark Knight II Night Hawk Edition costs $20 less then the AXP-100, is 9C cooler on idle and 18C cooler under load.

Thermalright AXP-100 Test Results

While it is a bit taller then the AXP-100, if she is also getting a new case then its not a big problem and compared to other air coolers in the similar performance range, its small.

Now that i know your price range, i'll start looking for cases.