Stripping an Optiplex 7010 SFF for a bigger case

Question

Tigerdirect has these recertified and on sale http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=5982751&sku=41639194&SRCCODE=3WWEBEML2429&utm_source=EML&utm_medium=main&utm_campaign=3WWEBEML2429&ecm=%2BLWok8KDPSZ%2FojGOOfihv8NyJBXVVRcALHcFeimkOZFcGcHgqo88vBuGhsF4NAO8&elqTrackId=fc3d9e48084e409cb1232ef7a0d7d388&elq=3753c95899764940aa0667c3fb6fe098&elqaid=8498&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=7688 for 269 U.S.  which is 160.95 less than what the processor cost on Amazon. Would I be able to gut the motherboard, processor and ram and use it for a new build in a bigger case with a moder gpu?

bmcowboy · Answer

Hi @Stryfe2010 ,

I'm afraid not. The SFF motherboard is tailor-made for it's specific model, including Dell 4 LED front panel diagnostic warning light system. No 3rd party computer case fit for it. Also, you cannot ignore it or you will get warnings from motherboard if any necessary components not connected.

SSJBart2003 · Answer

Hello. For what it’s worth, I just did a complete swap of a 7020 SFF into an empty 790 DT(slimline desktop, not the MT) case. The purpose was to be able to use the x16 slot for my low profile dual slot gpu. The front usb and audio connector was too short and didn’t match up the front. However the power switch connector was the same so it works fine. SFF psu secures with only 1 screw but it is fine. The motherboard screwed in all but one place. I had to use the cpu heatsink screw bracket piece thing from the 790 DT motherboard so the cooler from the 7020 SFF would have something to screw into. The 7020 SFF had screw holes built into the bottom of the case, where the 790 DT didn’t. The system runs cooler and I can use the x16 slot. So far so good!

ubercat · Answer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puvZQ-jS0PI a video from 2018 for any X010 model

savvy2 · Answer

for sure the BIOS can not scan case volume nor steel or aluminum content or size that be pure magic and NASA. ( found cubic space wrong) LOL.

sorry it can't,do that.

Do not buy BTX motherboard, you will be unhappy, !

first off you need a case that has all ground screws from mobo to case fit up, or you will blow up the mobo with ESD or other type surges, Like lightning. for sure one can make custom base to fit any mobo made, if you know how to use tin snips and add NUTSERTS for the mounts. sure can, force anything to the other . (laborious!) My Deity why?

There are like what 5 formfactors per PC model and 25 models, check out the swaps there, ? permutations, Who does that? who would even try. endless job that.

the MOBO you move, will show errors like this moved. (wrong) F1 boot and lock up endless.

thermal sensors missing

wrong fans, RPM wrong, and not a real dell fans.

the tamper switch missing, (turn it off in bios)

the front Panel IO, missing, boom F1.

why not just buy good case (10000 exist) and then buy a matching ATX mobo and end all this bottom feeding stuff? (aka, as dumpster diving hacks) but sure makes good youtube fodder.

1000 and 1 ways to do it wrong the endless story and topic.

exoHD · Answer

@savvy2 I mean, for old cases, there is no point to make something new out of them. But dumpster diving for old MOBOs, CPU, and RAM is not pointless at all, especially if it's still all assembled together.

If not, then it's like collecting LEGO parts, you just keep on diving until you find parts that fit and are compatible with each together.

Old systems still work, and some work even better than what you expected. Most importantly it's free!

Optiplex Desktops

Stripping an Optiplex 7010 SFF for a bigger case

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