A guide to upgrading cpu cooler / heatsink and graphics card in Dimension E521

Finally!  An answer on how to fit these new GIANT graphics cards in older systems. I've been trying to fit my new evga gtx 260 in this thing for a week now. My only problem was getting a heatsink small enough to allow room for this monster. Ordered up the Noctua nh-u9b you used and it worked like a charm! Thanks for the info.

 J

Nice Job.

Thanks!

I was frustrated with the bulky original heatsink for a long time myself. I was thrilled to find a replacement that fits the E521, and I am happy that others are able to use the same setup which allows for further graphics card upgrades.

D.

I am really excited to hear about the replacement cooler. I am so tired of that aluminum heatsink. Thank You for sharing this with us. I have a few questions btw, Is it possible to connect the cooler fan directly with the PSU? My second question is: Do I need anything (except for the tools) out of the box to install the CPU cooler?

My rig: Dimension E521, Bios 1.1.11 AMD 64 X2 6000+ 125 W, Clocked to 3.2 Ghz 2 GB RAM, PC-6400 (which gives a nice performance boost over PC-4300) 2 HARD DRIVES, 160 GB + 500 GB RADEON HD 4870 Graphics card, Clocked to 800/1100 (4400) 620 W MODULAR PSU My E521 has been very reliable and it has served me well. With some case modifications and new components, I am able to run an overclocked 6000+ cpu and a 4870 graphics card in my system (a strip of the case needs to be removed in order to fit dual-slot cards, see photo). I found a great replacement cpu cooler for the E521: Noctua NH-U9B After playing Crysis (1680x1050, gamer setting, shaders/post-processing set to mainstream) the cpu temperature never exceeds 40 C (with fan). Without the cpu cooler fan running, the cpu temperature reaches 52 C. The Noctua is very effective, it fits nicely in the E521 due to its moderate size and installation is quite easy with some adjustments (see photo). Have a look at the accompanying pictures of my computer: http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8564/bv2hp7.jpg http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/7823/mb2pz5.jpg http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/4920/hs2hb5.jpg http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/9509/hsindy0.jpg http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/7572/ovfa5.jpg Best, Dell_Owner

Nice upgrade.    :emotion-11:

Bev.

Deleted due to, "Sorry, there was a problem with your last request!  Please try your request again..." forum error, causing multiple posts.

Deleted due to, "Sorry, there was a problem with your last request!  Please try your request again..." forum error, causing multiple posts.

Yes, absolutely you can connect the cooler fan directly to the PSU.

I basically used pliers, a cutter and a screwdriver for all my upgrades and modifications. Also, I needed 2 screws, 2 washers and 2 nuts to put the two mounting brackets together when installing the CPU cooler.

D. 

Thank you very much for kindly answering my question. I have already ordered the heatsink. :emotion-1:

great !

i already ordered the new heatsink.

just one question:

is it necessary to dismount the mainboard ?

greetings

christian

I'm also waiting for the noctua,

I have the same question. Is it necessary to install the mounting plate on the back of the mobo?

Im assuming it wont fit since the distance is larger that it normally would.

also the 2 screws and nuts to put the 2 plates together to be able to mount the cooler. Do they come with the cooler or have to buy separete? if so, what size screw?

Thanks

No, I did not use a mounting plate behind the mobo.

I got the 2 screws/washers/nuts from my local hardware store.

D.

No, you don't need to dismount the mainboard.

D.

I'm still waiting for that Noctua....

Looking at the pictures you posted where it shows the Noctua installed.  I don't know if I will be able to install a GTX 260 core 216. That thing is a monster!! and the screw to hold the cooler seems to be on the way.

I have some question about this setup. The  Vcardslot on the Dell E521 is supporting only PCI-1 express16x but the ATI HD4870card is supporting PCI-2, does this make any sense to use this high speed Vcard when your  PCI motherboard does not support the higher PCI 2 data???

reason why I'm asking this I want to do a Nvidia 9800GTX-1Gb upgrade, so I will facing the same Issue on my Dell Dim. E521 AMD4200+ system.