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Shadowtail
22 Posts
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79434
March 31st, 2011 10:00
Studio XPS 435MT Case change
Hi
I was wondering if it's possible to change my Dell Studio XPS 435MT case to a Antec 900/ Nine Hundred.
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/118268
I wonder if it possible to transfer everything to this. I know about computers and hardware but this is a first and some people have been doing it for a long while now. I haven't changed anything in my computer apart from the PSU to a 600w and the Graphics Card from an ATi 4600 to ATI 5850 1GB. If this case is no good could you recommend a case if you know of any.
Also while on topic; PCI Fans & Case Fans.
PCI Fans: I never heard of them till today but some people use them to keep their computer cool but is it be worth it?
Case Fans: Just in case it is not possible to change the case of my computer. That thing make a load of noise while gaming but I can't find any good ones. 92mm but CFM (think it is) I can only find ones of 50 or so. Can anyone recommend one if they have changed theirs or know of any.
Thanks for taking the time to read and for the help. :emotion-1:
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Hey dom99, I can't seem to figure out how to send a PM on these forums. Did you notice an improvement in cooling following your switch from the 435mt case? I'm thinking of getting a carbide 300r, but I'm most worried about transferring over the motherboard since I've never done that before. The 300r should definitely have the space for it, it's just that I'm worried about the I/O panel at the front and back of the 435mt and also about whether the motherboard will come off easily.
Hi Dan
Yes there was definitely an improvement in cooling, all cores now idle at about 32 degrees.
I was in exactly the same situation having never done any of it before and it was surprisingly simple.
Firstly the wires in the case are held in place by metal hooks which may need bending back (I used my fingers, you may want to take the gpu and hdd out before to make it easier).
Then just start taking it apart one piece at a time starting with graphics card, hard drive (once these two are gone its a lot easier to get your hands in), power supply, cd drive, it all comes out quite easily as long as the power supply cables have been taken out of the hooks. Then the motherboard unscrews and just lifts out with the ram, heatsink and CPU all still attached and just place it into your new case then reconnect everything from where it came.
The rear io a slight issue but nothing major, the 435mt rear io plate does not come off but you will find a metal mesh which I have used instead and just left it as that. The front io is easy too, I have a picture of the layout which I made because no one else seemed to have a clue. I found how it went just from trial and error really whilst panicking that I had messed it up lol.
It was a great little project which took about 6hours because I was being very careful with static electricity and watched some YouTube videos on people doing it to other computers.
I would say give it a go you won't regret it! Next on my list is an ssd!
A word of caution thought, the psu cables might not be long enough for your new case so a new psu might be recommended. Have you made any other changes to the original system?
Here is the thread with the pin layout diagram www.techpowerup.com/.../showthread.php
Shadowtail
22 Posts
2293
0
Posted March 14th, 2012 07:00
Hey. I haven't changed my yet but let me ask you about yours. I have 2 HDD's my case will they fit. Also what about the back did you manage to get everything from the there, 4 USBs as well as the Ethernet port? (the black bit in the back) For the front are you not using the memory card slots just the 4 USBs in the front with the mic and headphone jack.
Finally are you using all three fans with the case and my PSU 600w fits inside the Dell case would it fit in this case. I don't have the dimensions but I'll try and locate the box if you need the dimensions.
Sorry for all the questions.
Hi,
Not sure what you mean by will the hdds fit, two hdds will definitely fit in your new case easily.
Also I'm a little confused what you mean by the bits at the back but I think you mean the bits at the front.
When you pull down the flap on the front of the dell 435mt you have a 2.5" multi-card reader which just unscrews from inside the case and goes straight into the new case using a 2.5" to 3.5" bracket. With the Carbide 300r this shouldn't be a problem.
Next to the card reader there is a square with four USB ports on. You ignore this bit and leave it as the new case will have its own USB connections.
The psu you listed will fit fine into your new case and yes I am using 3 fans with a fan controller.
Get the carbide 300r this looks like a great case with brilliant reviews and it should be an easy swap over as you have already replaced the dell psu.
Shadowtail
22 Posts
795
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Posted March 14th, 2012 10:00
Oh. Thank you I'll take a look. What i ment about the back if the Dell 435mt there are 4 USB, a Ethernet port, a Optical out for Surround sound. Do they come out or are they on the motherboard and get transfered to the new case.

dom99
34 Posts
2293
0
Posted May 27th, 2011 19:00
Hi
Im about to do this aswel into a Coolermaster Storm Enforcer.
I have made the same changes as you ie new psu and gpu.
However I have never installed or changed a motherboard before. I was wondering if i am simply taking the motherboard out of the 435mt and putting it into a new case do i have to disconnect anything like the heatsink or can I simply leave it all intact?
Thanks