Question Regarding Upgrades

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Hi. First off, Dell is terrible.

Here's my current situation: I'm tired of my Dimension 4600, and I'm tired of the crappy graphics, so I went out and I bought myself a 256MB ATI 9600XT. I installed it correctly, and didn't work. I've come to the conclusion that it's due to either a lack of sufficient power from the power supply, or the motherboard's being a *****. So I've decided to gut my Dell and build fresh.

This brings up my question. I'm planning on purchasing a case, power supply, and a new motherboard. Now, in my searching for a motherboard to replace this socket 478 motherboard, I've encountered a great deal of diversity between various models. Now, here's my question: if I plan to keep my processor, and just replace the motherboard, do I have to find a new motherboard with matching chipsets and "bridges", or can I just buy a socket 478 motherboard and and a new case and PSU and drop in the processor and flip the switch?
(I realize it's a bit more complicated than that)

And lastly, if you can recommend any relatively cheap (under or around $80) socket 478 motherboards, I'd appreciate it.

Thank you in advance.
 
the basic problem with dells is that they use proprietary hardware. Many 3rd party items will not work right in a Dell.

Always build your own or buy a generic computer.
 
Which is why I'm gutting the Dell and buying a new case, mobo and power supply..

The only parts I'm keeping from the Dell are the hard drive, CDRW drive, the memory, and the processor..
 
Before we could recommend a board for you, we'd need to know more details on the CPU and ram you plan to re-use.

What CPU is it?
And the ram, what speed is it?
 
I can find something for you...I'll give it to you in my next post.

EDIT: A few of the system specs: (2.8GHz Pentium 4, 256MB, 40GB, CD-RW, Windows XP)

This is all I could find. I will edit again soon. I also think the RAM is in the PC 2100-2700 speed.

Ok, third edit...I found him a motherboard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813185070

I cannot guarantee compatibility with your video card or harddrive, but I'm fairly sure the memory will work.
 
The CPU is a P4 2.66 GHz, not sure what core. I used to have all those specs, but I think Dell only used one form of 2.66 processors, but if you need to know more, I'm sure I could dig it up from somewhere.

Originally, the computer came with 2 x 256MB DDR RAM, which I'm not sure about, but they might be PC3200. I bought another stick of 512MB PC3200 from Newegg. It's made by PQI I believe. The RAM works together right now. I'm using them, so I don't see why they wouldn't work together. The video card is AGP, and transplanting a video card can't be that difficult, which is why I'm mostly worried about the compatibility with the processor.

I was told that as long as the socket form matches (478) the CPU is compatible, because Dell isn't licensed to alter the CPU's themselves. This information could be wrong, so..
 
This motherboard is a little more than your budget, but it's a good board.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131484
If you can't swing it's price, then consider this(the first one is better though).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131527

For a case, I'm partial to antec, since they're of good quality, and also come with good power supplies.
Here're two good ones.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129155
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129012
 
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