The Dell board mounts in a very different way than a standard micro-ATX board. The I/O plate on that model is also fixed to the case and nonstandard.

The front panel harness is one large single block, while the aftermarket board will have groups of 2-, 3- and 4-pin connectors, so you will need to cut, split and reterminate all the wires so you can attach them to an aftermarket board. For that, you'll need a set of terminators from an old scrapped case.

The OEM copy of XP is tied to the Dell BIOS. If you use it in a system with a non-Dell board, it'll need to be activated, and since Microsoft has disallowed online activation of XP, you'll need to call and explain your upgrade in order to obtain the activation key.

Dell Spare Parts 1-800-449-3355 ext 7269937

www.centrix-intl.com
www.impactcomputers.com


If you use a non-Dell board, you're in for some major case modifications and for a cal to Microsoft when you reinstall XP, as it will need activation by telephone.

why do i have to modify the case the motherboard should come with the plate for the back and for the OS why would it need authentication by phone. And i have another version of windows xp pro that i bought if i install that i shouldnt have to call microsoft