On Apr 3, 9:18 am, "pau...@efn.org" <pau...@efn.org> wrote:
> On Apr 3, 12:23 am, "Josh" <jzen...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > I have a Dell OptiPlex GX270 that I would like to cannibalize for
> > parts to build a new machine. I would appreciate any suggestions,
> > especially from firsthand experience, with regard to which Dell parts
> > are most likely to be reusable.
>
> > I'm guessing the PSU isn't the same size as a standard ATX unit, but I
> > would expect the optical drive, the floppy and the HDD to fit in a new
> > case without any problems.
>
> > The motherboard is Socket 478, as far as I can tell. At first, I
> > considered the idea of putting the old processor, a Pentium 4 3.00GHz,
> > into a different Socket 478 board. Would I be better off getting
> > something like an Athlon 64 and a newer board to match it? The RAM
> > modules probably wouldn't be compatible either way, so I'm not going
> > to fuss with that.
>
> > Any general tips for someone building from scratch for the first time
> > would be great too. I've done plenty of work inside my machines in
> > the past, but the idea of starting from an almost empty case is kind
> > of daunting.
>
> The GX270 is one of 4 models of optiplex that have bad capacitors.
> Dell is replacing them, even out of warranty. Contact Dell about
> getting a new motherboard. Even if you are not the original owner.
> Then your Optiplex will be almost good-as-new.

I'm trying to remember whether the motherboard has already been
replaced. I think it has. I know I encountered an issue with a bad
capacitor in one of my machines. It was probably the GX270.

>
> To answer your actual question: a p4 3.0ghz is still a decent
> processor. And if you're going to buy a new motherboard, you can still
> buy one with compatible Ram slots. You will probably need a new
> heatsink and fan. The hard drive is likely to be reusable. I'm less
> certain about the optical drives: if you have a full tower, then
> they're reusable in a new tower, if you have a Small form factor
> desktop, then no.

It's what Dell calls the "small mini-tower," which is the case design
that looks most like the ATX. That's why I figured the optical drives
would be reusable. As for the motherboard, I really need to take some
measurements. I have a suspicion it may be an odd size.