Upgradging a computer
Hey guys,

So i have this dell precision t1700 computer thats in a SSF case (one of the smallest) and is probably mini itx . It is pretty much a workstation PC, and i want to turn it into a gaming one. I was told that the cpu is pretty powerfull ( Intel E3 1226 v3) , and since it comes with 8 gb ram and a 500gb HHD, i thought that i can pretty much take out the graphics card and install a new one. So i went on searching cards etc, only to realize that even the ones that are low profile and very tiny cant fit into the case, as its made so that the Nvidia Quadro k420 (sucks i know) is SUPER close to the psu, and since the quadro has like 1.5cm height, it means that i cant upgradge to any bigger gpu . So i wanted to ask some questions :
1) Can i upgradge to a bigger case that supports mini itx, and buy a new PSU (this one sucks too) and a new GPU ?
2) I was told that Dell etc build industrial components, meaning that everything in my ssf case could as well be built just for this case etc, or that the dell mobo is different than the others. Is it true?
3) Would it be worth it upgradging pretty much the whole computer instead of buying a new one?

Thanks a lot.

(full system: http://prntscr.com/8c1yet )
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Показані коментарі 1624 із 24
Just noticed something. Take a look at this picture:
http://www.extremetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dell-precision-t1700-internal-view-600px.jpg

This is the mini tower version of the t1700, but notice the proprietary connection on the motherboard? Where there should be a 24 pin connector, there is a custom dell one instead. Now this may or may not apply to the SFF version of the t1700, but if it does it means that you cannot upgrade the PSU on this system. You would be stuck with the stock Dell one, which limits you to a GTX 750 or 750ti.

Personally I would look into another motherboard if this is the case, as you will be severly limited. Heres one that I always recommend for those on a budget:

https://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gab85hd3

If that is still too pricey, then there are these:
https://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-z87anfcexpressedition
https://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gah81d3

Of course, if it turns out your current motherboard does use normal connections rather than proprietary dell ones, then disregard what I've said above.
I will just go for a 750ti mate. Thing is, could i change the case to a flex/micro atx? Or does it still have to be this dell which is made for this motherboard? Thanks.

By the way, how can i find out if it has normal connections or not?
Автор останньої редакції: rotNdude; 4 верес. 2015 о 8:34
The tower version of the T1700 is a micro atx. However the sff version, I do not know. I cannot find any pictures of the motherboard outside the case.

I can tell you though, upgrading to a micro atx case would require a new PSU, as your sff PSU wouldn't fit. Since your PSU cannot be upgraded you will have a hard time moving everything over to a new case.
Well , how can i find out if it has normal connections and how hard would it be to move everything to a new case? I dont really care if its hard i just want it all moved :P
I have managed to locate an image of the motherboard. It looks like it does use Dells proprietary connection also.
http://cdn6.bigcommerce.com/s-hzplip3b/products/13327/images/66426/35738_DELL_4JGCK_T1__26655.1427146080.500.659.jpg?c=2

The connector I'm talking about can be seen in this picture below, it is the one circled in red.
http://en.community.dell.com/resized-image/__size/550x550/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/3514/3020mobo.jpg

Heres the standard non proprietary 24 pin connection found on a standard motherboard:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/wp-content/uploads/181_071.jpg

Now the problem is that regular PSUs use the regular 24 pin connection rather than the proprietary Dell one. When you upgrade your case, you will need a new PSU, as your current PSU is designed to fit the sff Dell case.

For your system personally, I would open it so you can see the motherboard and take a picture or something.

Another problem, is that the sff motherboard (first picture) appears to be similar to micro atx, but looks to be a bit wider than a typical micro atx board (though I might be wrong here). The screw holes may or may not line up with those of a regular micro atx case.

EDIT: In all honesty, I think you are better off keeping it in it's current case. The custom power supply dell uses says it all.

http://g02.s.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1pfBxHFXXXXXnXpXXq6xXFXXXl/Genuine-255W-Computer-Power-Supply-T4GWM-0T4GWM.jpg_350x350.jpg

ATX power supply
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/86/Power_Supply_ATX-450PNF.jpg

I think the only way of getting this whole system up and running in a new case, is to get another motherboard and putting your CPU in that. That dell uses so many custom parts for that case and motherboard you will have a hard time upgrading. Unfortunately, that may take you over budget.
Автор останньої редакції: Meurock460; 4 верес. 2015 о 8:42
Ive provided with pictures in page 1. Also, i was told that it may be a flex atx, which is around 22x19 cm, and my motherboard is pretty close to it. Anyways, ill just not touch it for now :).
Fair enough, I'm honestly not sure on the correct size of that motherboard, so I can't help you there. The PSU may or may not fit a flex atx case, again I honestly do not know and can't garantee anything.

Anyhow, there are low profile models of GTX 750 and GTX 750ti. Perhaps one of those might be more suited for you? They "should" be able to fit in your current case.
Автор останньої редакції: Meurock460; 4 верес. 2015 о 8:50
They cant fit cause the gpu card is ontop of the psu, and it has very little space. There should be a picture available that shows how little space there is left. Anyways, ill just try to upgradge mobo,case,gpu and psu. Thanks for your precious help! I would have bought an ATX case by now with gpu and psu if it wasnt for you . Thanks again :)
you can get a cheap 1150 board for around $50-60

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/motherboard/#sort=a8&s=24&N=4,16&xcx=0


modding the psu to work with the dell board one could work, but will be a pain


cheapest 750ti is $115-130
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-n750ti2gd5tlp

or an r9 270/x or r7 370 would be alot stronger for not much more
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-video-card-gvr927oc2gd


http://pcpartpicker.com/p/MsrCXL
Автор останньої редакції: _I_; 4 верес. 2015 о 10:33
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Опубліковано: 4 верес. 2015 о 2:36
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