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Upgrading a Dell DImension 8400
Hey!
I am thinking of upgrading my Dell Dimension 8400, which I bought in the end of 2004, to extend its life time by some years (maybe two or three). The computer has not let me down so far, but it is beginning to show its quite old age. Currently I am not interested in getting a new computer, but my next desktop will probably be a self-made one. I have looked for some parts to upgrade, specifically the GPU (which is the standard ATI Radeon X300SE), HDD (original WD 160 GB 7200rpm) and RAM (now 2 x 512 MB PC2-3200 modules). I want to replace these components with the following parts, so I can run newer applications smoother and without any problems:
* Sapphire 100296HDMI Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16
* WD Caviar GP 2TB 64Mb cache (WD20EARS)
* 4 x 1 GB Crucial DDR2 PC5300 1GB CL5 non-buffered,1.8V,128Meg x 64, 240pin
The Dimension is running with a Pentium 4 530 HT 3,00 GHz CPU on an Intel i925X chipset. I need to know and clarify some things. Please take time to answer my questions. :emotion-1:
1) Would I need a new PSU for handling those new parts, or will the stock 350W PSU do the job? I believe that the modern parts (especially the GPU and HDD) are less power-demanding and more power-efficient (and I am not an ultimate gamer) than older ones, like those installed in my desktop right now. But I am not willing to take any risks, so a new PSU is considered. Also, will an additional case/card fan be necessary to cool down the Dell? If yes, what kind of fan (power slot, mount)? PCI slot or mounting directly on the chassis (like the one described in the service manual)?
2) Can I use a PSU of other brands, or I have to stick to Dell? I have heard about that the PSU in D8400 is standard ATX, but will it do with a 24 pin PSU? If yes, what kind of connections must I look after? I want to have a PSU with 500W +/-50W wattage power. I also don't want to do any modifications to the chassis, like creating holes in the back etc. Please give me links to some compatible PSUs.
3) Is it possible to use the WD 2TB HDD as the system drive, with Win 7 installed on a newly created partition? I am not sure because of the "Green" labeling and the rotary speed of 5400rpm. Will I notice any kind of performance degradation?
4) Will everything (the GPU, HDD, RAM and possibly fan) fit into my D8400 chassis without problems? I don't want to create a mess in my case, with no breathing space and wires hanging everywhere. :emotion-5:
I am aware of that the GPU and 4 GB RAM will not be fully utilised by my computer due to old technology, mainly motherboard restrictions and the outdated processor, but this upgrade will hopefully turn things up to a new dimension. I am using Win 7 HP, and the Dell is performing well, although the Aero functionality and some other Win 7 goodies are not showing properly. I am ready to spend some bucks on upgrading this old D8400, it will give me a chance to learn more about the different parts inside the computer. At the same it is quite funny to do things myself. :emotion-2:
I am thankful for any input/advices. Thanks in advance!
Sandip S.
RoHe
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February 2nd, 2011 11:00
Complete instructions to add/replace parts in the 8400 are here. Suggest you read carefully them before you start. :emotion-5:
The 8400 has 4 SATA connectors on the motherboard. You will have to connect the new drive to SATA0 if you want it to be the boot hard drive. You should have a free power connector from the PSU. You'll have to attach a pair of green plastic rails (spares are mounted inside the case) to the new drive so it will fit in a drive bay.
If you intend to keep the old drive as a secondary drive, leave it unplugged while you install Windows, drivers and software on the new drive. Once the system is running, you can connect the old drive to SATA1 on the motherboard. Then enable the SATA1 port in BIOS setup so the system wiill see this drive.
Keep in mind that 32-bit Windows will only be able to use ~3.0 - 3.5 GB of the 4 GB of RAM. You'll have to decide if 4x1GB is worth the expense vs 2x1GB+2x500MB (3 GB) of RAM. I have 3 GB of crucial RAM in my 8400.
Follow instructions here to install Win 7 on the new drive
Ron
rdunnill
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February 2nd, 2011 10:00
You don't need a new power supply and all the parts you've chosen will fit and work.
'Nuff said. :)
Genius-Boy
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February 2nd, 2011 11:00
Are you sure? I don't want to be exposed to the bad smell coming from a well-fried MOBO or GPU. :) There is not going to be any compability issues, isn't? I have just received the WD HDD, but surprisingly no cables were included in the box. I don't see any vacant cables inside the computer, so the only choice is to buy a SATA cable and a power cable. Btw, where should I connect the power cable from the HDD? I don't see any power connectors on the motherboard, so I guess I have to connect it directly to the PSU. Is there any vacant connectors inside the stock D8400 PSU?
Sorry for all these questions, but I am noob when it comes to PSU. :emotion-1:
speedstep
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February 2nd, 2011 12:00
A new psu should not be required.
If you get a new PSU then you will have to hack a hole in the rear of the case with right angle tin snips or nibbler tool.
Many PFC supplies are DOA in GX280/Dimension 2400.
I've used antec True PowerII 550W and True Power Trio in the past and they worked fine.
ANTEC EARTHWATTS will not ever work in these systems.
Genius-Boy
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February 2nd, 2011 12:00
Many thanks for a well-explaining answer, Rohe! Many confusions are finally clarified. I will take a look at the PSU and see if there's any vacant power connector. But is a new PSU required? I am not 100% confident yet. :emotion-4:
GB
rdunnill
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February 2nd, 2011 12:00
I used a 4670 in a home theater PC with a 275-watt power supply with no issues. Frthermore, the WD hard drive is an efficiency model and probably uses less power than the OEM hard drive. If you're really worried about power consumption, my suggestion is to use WD's free version of Acronis TrueImage to clone the original drive over to the new one and remove the original drive for safekeeping. That's a step that will cut your power usage significantly.
If your power supply doesn't have SATA connectors, you can use a Molex-to-SATA power adapter.
Higher wattage power supplies are available, but they are special models (without the rear power switch) that command premium prices.
Genius-Boy
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February 2nd, 2011 13:00
Okay, thanks for the clarification guys. So I am heading towards an online shop to get those parts and install them in my D8400. I will let the stock 350W PSU be inside, and if the upgrade cause stability problems I will follow your advice about taking backup of the entire drive and just operating with the new one. I will come back to this forum if I end up with some problem.
Btw, do I need an additional case fan for this upgrade? I think something like this one will fit into my D8400 if it's required, or what? Or is it just a source of uneccessary noise? Some better alternatives?
RoHe
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February 2nd, 2011 18:00
Dell did make an optional extra case fan specifically for the D8400. Don't know if it's still available or the price. You might contact Dell Spare Parts to inquire. Have your Service Tag handy.
The one you picked could be suitable.But do you have an empty PCI slot and will it block any adjacent slot(s)? Do you have an unused 4-pin connector on your PSU to power it?
BTW: If you look at the power connectors here, the PSU in the 8400 has #P10 which is a 6-pin connector for PCI-e video cards that need more power than the slot can provide. Don't know if the video card you want has that connector, but it might come in handy.
Ron
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