How should I go about this?

[georgedeslandes]

I have had the same computer for a good 5 years, during those 5 years I have just replaced odds and ends such as add new ram or a new Graphics card. I feel it is time however that I upgraded the motherboard and processor. My question is will I need to buy a new case to accomidate a new motherboard.
My current case is a DELL inspiron 531 (I know Dell suck or whatever)...
atm I have:
AMD 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5000+ 2.61 Ghz
And it says it is a 32 bit operating system if that makes any difference?

Other than that I cant provide much details because
1) its embarrassing
2) I dont really know what other info is needed.

Any advice would be good, the case atm is a standard sized DELL inspiron one. I would quite like to hang onto the case if possible because of sentimentality...

Also im thinking about getting a 3.2 ghz 4gig ram motherboard.

Any help would be awesome

[Rafax]

Knowing how much you have as budget and getting a pic of the case would help , is it a mid-tower or a full tower?

[georgedeslandes]

And budget of around £150 - 200 UK sorry

Type in Inspiron 531 into Google images. Its a silver tower. Im guessing mid ranged in size, was the 2nd image for me on google...sorry i havent posted enough

[Rafax]

Oky then , the case shouldnt be a problem , aslong as you get 4 screws in , its safe, and since there are standard motherboard sizes there shouldnt be a problem :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.739032
Its not the best ever , but hey its good considering you're budget.

[Yohassakura]

Well, I didn't check for the cheapest prices around, but if you could stretched your budget by £10 - sorted :P (Though you can drop the ram to just 4GB and save that £10 that way - You only have a 32bit system so you can't really use 4GB of that 8 anyways >_> ).

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...-448-AS&tool=5
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...=6&subcat=1671
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...=8&subcat=1517

This way, you also have potential to upgrade again, without changing your motherboard.

[Stevegasm]

It's been a while since I've done tech support (I used to work for an outsourcer that did Dell and HP), but the one thing you may need to take note of is where the pins to the front panel go. Those that go to the power button, HDD light, reset, and so on. If the stock motherboard has the labels, take note what wire went where, just in case it is not clear. You will also want to check how strong your power supply is as well. Chances are, it is bare minimum to keep your system running. Not to mention, the connection to the motherboard may not be compatible either (as was the case with my power supply I got with my system in 2005 to the one I got a year ago).

[Milkshake86]

Oky then , the case shouldnt be a problem , aslong as you get 4 screws in , its safe, and since there are standard motherboard sizes there shouldnt be a problem :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.739032
Its not the best ever , but hey its good considering you're budget.

DDR2 and you suggested a DDR3 mobo...wont work out for em.

Stiff budget but if you could crank out a few more dollars or euros

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.739176 cpu/mobo

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231180 Ram

This is not like the best thing ever but it will make you feel a whole lot faster mildly above $200 didnt do the math at all but 187+31 218ish?

[Rafax]

Oky just , ignore my build with combos from newegg, Yohassakura gives you the best bang for you're buck right now , but do check power supply, it is the heart of you're machine.

[Spammingarcaneblastishard]

i dont get why u say that embarrasing, i play wow on a really old iMac and i dont care (even though i wish i could get a better one)

[Destroyed]

the one thing i noticed with my old dell was that the back panel where you plug all the usb and cords in doesnt come off, so unless your new motherboard has an identical setup you will need a new case

[georgedeslandes]

Thanks alot for the help! Am thinking from what people are saying that it might just be worth waiting a couple month till Christmas and getting a new tower and power supply just to be on the safe side! But thanks a heap for the help, will save the info and stick with what you guys have told me...hope you all have a nice day ^^