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Dell XPS 8500 Needs New Motherboard; Any Parts Salvageable?
Ok, it looks like my Dell XPS 8500 which is only 2.3 years old needs a new motherboard. I've been quoted $350 to fix it (90 days warranty) by Dell. I asked Dell how much it would cost to get back on warranty once I have it fixed and it's $200 per year. Not sure whether I'll go along with this. A local technician gave me his estimate and it's $250 parts and service which includes 90 day warranty.
Instead of taking the repair option, I'm thinking of salvaging the parts for my next computer purchase. My XPS 8500 has 12 gb ddr3 sdram [1,600mhz (2gb x2) + (4gb x2)] and a 2 TB hard drive and 1 TB hard drive (from my Studio XPS 8000 which also died after 2.5 years). Any other salvageable parts here?
Any Dell models that are compatible with these? 8000/8500 are no longer being sold. Dell sells XPS 8900 and 8900 SE which use DDR4 RAMs. I don't know of hard drive compatibility. Dell Outlet still sells XPS 8700 which is upgradable to Windows 10, which use ddr3 chips and are is presumably hard drive-compatible.
Doesn't have to be XPS. In fact, I would rather not buy another XPS because I've had such terrible luck with them. I'm thinking perhaps business models like OptiPlex which may have compatible RAM and hard drive expansion options. Does anyone know of direct me to configurations for such models? Thanks.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
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January 16th, 2016 09:00
Some confusion here. There is no such model as Studio XPS 8500. Amazon is listing it incorrectly. There is an XPS 8500.
The XPS 8500 and Vostro 470 use the same motherboards =
XT4TM = Motherboard NW73C, DPK for Windows 7
TXKR9 = Motherboard NW73C, DPK for Windows 8 Home
CTJCD = Motherboard NW73C, DPK for Windows 8 Pro
Dan-H
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January 14th, 2016 10:00
Lots of salvageable parts.
The least cost option would be to get an aftermarket ( non-Dell ) motherboard and sort out the front panel and connector issues with the XPS 8500 case, or transplant everything to a new case.
A good ivybridge motherboard for the i7 3770 is a GIGABYTE GA-B75M-D3H
The forum will block any links I try to add but search for what I put in bold italics.
The challenge is these MoBos are getting hard to find, but for about $100 shipped you should be able to find one.
There are many cases that will work in the $50 range that use standard front panel connectors.
You will need to sort out the Windows License. You might be able to call them, and get a one-time transfer to the the new motherboard due to the Motherboard failure. Google what to say when calling, otherwise you'll need to buy a new windoze license.
If you go for a new computer, you can sell your CPU on eBay. an i7 3770 will go for about $200.
shesagordie
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January 14th, 2016 12:00
TechGeek43
A Dell OEM XPS 8500 motherboard can be purchased for $229/243 from Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Studio-8500-NW73C-Motherboard/dp/B00QWBH5IG
And replace it yourself.
Other XPS 8500 motherboards, can be purchased from here:
http://www.aliexpress.com/popular/xps-8500-motherboard.html
Bev.
TechGeek43
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January 15th, 2016 13:00
That Amazon link says its' for Studio XPS 8500. Is that right? Mine is just XPS 8500. I also have Studio 8000, which is a different model.
In that Aliexpress link, I notice some XPS 8500s are being referred to as Vostro 470. Is that right? Mine is just Dell XPS 8500. Is Vostro an earlier model that's compatible with XPS 8500?
And why is there such price difference: Amazon is $243 and Aliexpress are $70-$95.
===========================================
shesagordie wrote the following post at 14 Jan 2016 2:18 PM:
A Dell OEM XPS 8500 motherboard can be purchased for $229/243 from Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Studio-8500-NW73C-Motherboard/dp/B00QWBH5IG
And replace it yourself. Other XPS 8500 motherboards, can be purchased from here:
http://www.aliexpress.com/popular/xps-8500-motherboard.html
TechGeek43
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January 15th, 2016 13:00
What about these Aliexpress motherboards for Dell XPS 8500 Vostro 470, which are under $100? I'm assuming these are earlier models?
www.aliexpress.com/.../xps-8500-motherboard.html
After I get a new motherboard, all it takes is just transferring the RAM chips and making connections with the power supply and hard drive? I want to make sure there is nothing more involved here like soldering. I'm reasonably proficient technically but have never done stuff like putting in a new motherboard myself. I have however replaced PSUs, RAM chips and hard drives. Thanks.
rdunnill
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January 16th, 2016 12:00
I suggest a new, used or refurbished XPS 8500 motherboard. You can get one on eBay for about $100, postpaid.
TechGeek43
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January 16th, 2016 13:00
Do i need any special skilll installing it. Any equipment I need?
Dan-H
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January 16th, 2016 13:00
you will need CPU thermal paste, watch videos on how to install.
You should use an anti-static wrist strap.
take a few pictures before you remove any connectors. everything. Make note of all the connectors where they attach. Write it down...
Other than that basic tools like a screw driver is all that is needed.
Be careful not to over tighten the Motherboard mount screws or they will spin the standoffs ( the mounts to the case).
If buying from eBay, look for one with a warranty for not being DOA. Just sayin.
speedstep
9 Legend
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47K Posts
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January 16th, 2016 14:00
Thermal Paste is basically the same sockets change. Too much is an issue more than too little.
Small amount no more than a pea sized lump is more than enough.
rdunnill
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January 16th, 2016 17:00
No special skills are needed.
Alex Wilbur
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April 19th, 2016 15:00
im not a tech geek im 13 and have no idea about computers all i know is i have a dell xps 8500 and my video card slot is *** so i need a new motherboard or something, and its an all stock pc
rdunnill
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April 19th, 2016 18:00
Get an XPS 8500 motherboard on eBay. It will bolt right in.
You can use an aftermarket motherboard, but you will also have to rejig the wiring.