Interchanging parts

[doubledeca]

Since my Dell Dimension 2350 cannot be upgraded to play Ceasar 4 and similar games, I must build my own. Cannot afford a new one. Some questions for anyone who can answer.
1. Are the Dell drives (hard, floppy, CDRW) proprietary, or can I put them in a new case?
2. How does one know which mobo will support the drives?
3. Since my hard drive came with XP loaded, and if I am able to put it in a new case (new system) will the OS automatically function in the new system?
4. I assume that with Dell's non standard case, I probably couldn't find a new/different mobo to fit it--or could I?

Well, that's enough questions from this newbie. Thanks.
DD

 

[Nodsu]

The proprietary parts in your Dell may be: case, power supply, motherboard. Everything else is standard. Whether something fits your new system - you just have to look at the specifications of the old and new devices.