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Pricision Workstation 360
I am wanting more information on compatible CPUs, video cards, etc. I was not able to actually find any really useful information in the manual I downloaded. I did not see anything that stated what kind of memory (DDR pc2100 from the looks of it), what connectors for Hard Drives, what CPUs it will work with, what video cards have been tested to work (and which ones users have gotten to work), etc.
But I would also like to know if it is possible to place a regular non-Dell ATX/mini-ATX motherboard in the system? I have a core2duo motherboard, CPU and RAM that I wanted to see about putting in it instead of the stock set up in order to get a better computer going. I know the PSU will need to be upgraded soon but I am planning on it being a fairly basic system for the kids to do school work and internet based browser kids games.
osprey4
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January 12th, 2014 04:00
Hi Greywolf,
The Precision 360 is actually very similar to my old Dimension 4550 (now in the basement). I'm not sure how much you want to spend upgrading a system that at its best couldn't outperform that Core 2 Duo motherboard.
The drives are IDE, which are cheap enough on Ebay. The RAM is PC2700 or PC3200, also cheap on Ebay. The case and power supply are ATX but may not support that motherboard and will not have SATA power connectors for the hard drive and optical drive. If you need a new PSU, I would recommend just buying a case that fits your motherboard.
osprey4
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January 12th, 2014 09:00
Here is the service manual: ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_dell_precision_workstation/precision-360_Service%20Manual_en-us.pdf
greywolf79
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January 12th, 2014 09:00
@osprey - I understand that advice. This motherboard is a little older. It has 2 ide connections on it as well as 4 sata ports so it can use the old hard drive and optical drive. It also did not appear to require the extra power connection my newer board did. I am more concerned with it not having the correct mounting spots or the cpu fan cover thing not sitting over the new cpu location. Do you happen to have a link for a specs sgsheet that will show me the specs on the existing hardware?
greywolf79
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January 12th, 2014 11:00
I appreciate that link. That is one that does give some images and small details - but I was looking for more like this...
http://www.dell.com/downloads/emea/products/optix/optiplex_760_spec_sheet_en.pdf
This gives me details on which CPUs work (roughly), which types of drives, speeds of RAM, and which PSUs come with the designs... I was hoping for this type of detail on the Precision 360 (but I did not find this kind of detail on the Dimension 8400 either). I want to swap out the motherboard and CPU of the Precision 360 with a Abit IB9 motherboard and Intel dual core e2180 (and later a core2duo e6600) that I already have but have no case for.
I currently own from Dell - 1 x Inspiron 530 MT (Tower, not SFF/USFF), 1 x Optiplex 760 DT (Desktop, not tower or SFF/USFF), 1 x Dimension 8400 MT, and 1 x Precision MT. All of these were purchased second hand or given to me for the kids from friends. I have the Optiplex and Inspiron up and running and at least somewhat upgraded. I am not looking for the best computers, just the best performance from the existing computers - and maybe to modify some of them to be a little better (like changing out the motherboard in the oldest/weakest system).
osprey4
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January 12th, 2014 13:00
I looked but wasn't able to find a tech specs guide like that, but most of the specifications should be easy to search for.
rdunnill
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January 12th, 2014 14:00
Some Dells accept standard boards, but not that one. It's proprietary and has limited upgrade potential.
greywolf79
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January 14th, 2014 12:00
Is there a list of possible CPU upgrades to this system? I will have a P4 550/550j soon due to another upgrade and figure I can use that in this machine if it will accept it.
osprey4
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January 15th, 2014 04:00
There's a list HERE. Looks like you could take a Prescott, which are pretty cheap.
greywolf79
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January 15th, 2014 10:00
Thank you for the last link there Osprey. It shows these CPUs...