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Let's Talk Motherboards!!
So I've got this old Dell Dimension E310 which has not been used for quite some time because of a melted motherboard! Basically, the computer is up in the attic collecting dust. So, why not use the case and build a Frankenstein? Question: How can I find the form factor of the original motherboard, is it Micro ATX, or just standard ATX, or did Dell even use this standard form back then, is it a Dell exclusive size for this case?
Thanks
Charles
RoHe
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January 20th, 2011 11:00
Don't know what form factor you need for that case, but the bigger issue is the front panel.
Dell typically uses a proprietary connector between the front panel and the motherboard. Wiring for that connector isn't public information. So unless you're able to trace the wiring, you may not be able to connect a new non-E310 motherboard to the power switch or any of the front ports, etc.
Ron
shesagordie
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January 20th, 2011 13:00
GUZZLR
Neither the Dimension e310//3100, motherboard, or case are ATX, they are BTX, best to install another Dell OEM e310 Micro BTX motherboard, as there are no retail BTX motherboards available that will fit into e310 case.
A refurbished e310/3100 motherboard can be purchased from HERE, also, you may find a cheaper Dell OEM e310 replacement motherboard on eBay.
Bev.
GUZZLR
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January 20th, 2011 15:00
OK, thanks for the answers. So much for having fun with Frankenstein. Then again, I can always use the CD & DVD drives.
shesagordie
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January 20th, 2011 15:00
GUZZLR
You can also, reuse the e310, 3.5", SATA hard drives, they are compatible with the newer desktop systems.
Bev.
TigreNoir
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March 5th, 2013 20:00
The E310 is standard ATX. Genuine Dell motherboard for Dimension 3100/ E310. Compatible part #: JC474, WJ770. Features: Socket LGA775, Intel 915GV, Hyper-Threading Technology Support, 2 Dual Channel DIMM Support for DDR2, 2 GB MAX system memory, 2 PCI Slots, 1 PCIe x 1, Integrated 10/100 Lan, Onboard Sound, 2 Serial ATA Hard Disk Connectors, 1 ATA-66/100/133 IDE Hard Disk Connector, One Floppy Connector, 4+2 USB 2.0 Ports. My suggestion is to Keep it as is, and replace the MB and the hard drive with at least a 500MB hdd so that you can run Win7. You are out of $100 if you shop the right places.
TigreNoir
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March 5th, 2013 20:00
Correction: that should be a 500GB hdd. My e310 came with a 80GB hdd and it would not handle Win7.
rdunnill
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March 5th, 2013 20:00
No, it's not. I believe it's a BTX, and more importantly, it has a proprietary front panel connector.
The good news is that it will run Windows 7 and probably Windows 8. I have a used one on order and will put the latter theory to the test; I'm especially interested in knowing if 4gb of memory will be recognized.
TigreNoir
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March 5th, 2013 20:00
The e310 has a max of 2GB of memory and the standard 80GB hdd will not run Win7 if you have 75% of the drive used.
rdunnill
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March 5th, 2013 21:00
If Windows 7 will install on a Dimension 2350, it will install on a Dimension 3100/E310.
I'm going to put the 2gb memory maximum theory to the test.The chipset will support up to 8gb.
TigreNoir
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March 5th, 2013 21:00
E-310 motherboard $25, CPU $30, Sata 500GB hdd $60, PSU 430W $42, Win7 $70 (full).
TigreNoir
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March 5th, 2013 21:00
For installation on a PC, Windows 7 requires 16GB of hard disk drive space for the 32-bit version or 20GB for the 64-bit version. Because the Dell Dimension E310 comes with an 80GB hard drive -- it has a rotational speed of 7,200 revolutions per minute -- the desktop PC has ample data storage space to permit installation of Win7. However, the 64GB left is no room for storage of multi-media or docs. So get a bigger hdd.
rdunnill
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March 6th, 2013 09:00
"The E310 is a simple black BTX minitower... ."