OK.. a little background. I've been using computers since the days when a P2 333 was a hot rod, spent TONS of money on a couple voodoo cards and thought it was the s**t . Eventually got a little frustrated by the expense and kind of gave up. Got back into this whole thing a while back but am now faced with a problem. And here we go...... I bought a Dell... don't say it, but I did. I do, however have some ok gear in it. An ATI Radeon 9800 pro, 1g, and a P4 3g. Here is my problem. I got a new case, stuffed all my goodies in, including a bunch of fans and lights, a really cool Thermaltake heat pipe cpu cooler yadyada.... but, since I'm new to modding computers, I did'nt realize that I needed more power to run all this stuff. My Dell came with a 250w psu, and I know that's not big enough. I have done some research, and from what I understand Dell uses propritary wiring for their psu and mobo connection. I need a bigger psu but am not sure if I need to replace my mobo as well. Of course, Dell has been of no assistance with this. So if anyone knows if this is correct or not, I would really appreciate the help. I'm hoping youi guys can help. Thanks again.... Z

Take a look at the main ATX connector on the motherboard. Is it a 20 or 24 pin (2 rows of 10 or 12)? Also, does it have a separate 4 pin connector elsewhere on the board as well (2x2)? If so, it should work with any power supply. If not, you may need to buy a new mobo.

Welcome to Pimp Rig , you'll like it here!

Seeing that you plan to enter the modding world, it would be a shame to have to show off your Dell PS and MB. You'll have an easier time just getting a normal PS (at least 400W) and a good MB. They look, and more importantly, perform better. You should start by checking the main review link at the top and the member reviews section in the forum.

With your Thermaltake heatpipe cooler, consider overclocking (weigh risks and benefits first, no pressure here) and Folding@Home (http://team.pcapex.com/) for a good cause and Team 596.

Thanks for the advice guys.. as far as the overclocking thing goes, already thinking about it.. but I need to get this psu issue settled.... The ATX connector has 2 rows of 10 and a seperate 4 pin connector. Now maybe I've been getting bad information, but what I have been told is that Dell uses a standard ATX connector but arranges their wiring differently. It may be possible that this was something that they had done in the past, and don't anymore, but my concern was frying a new psu and my mobo. I think your advice as far as a new mobo and psu is the best way to go, but I had to check... don't want to blow $$$ on something I don't yet need..... My mobo seems ok.. enough slots and plenty of room for ram.... well anyhooo.. tahnks again guys and if I can help on the "construction" side of anything, let me know, I can fab almost anything, as long as it's metal, aluminum, steel or plastic.......... Z