Yo folks.

As a gift I recieved a EVGA 680i LT about 6 - 8 months ago.
I was planning not to install it until I could replace my Pentium D 2.80 GHz processor. Well now I have in front of me a Intel Q6600, which I plan on replacing my current proc with.

Now for my dilema!

My case is a stock Dell XPS 400.
It looks large enough to fit anything that I've ever heard of, but people tell me dells are wierd like that. Everything is custom fit, that my 680i wont work. They havent seen MY case, they just know of dells.

I hve replaced the ram, psu and video card.
So far no issues.

Anyone know if Ill have a problem.


Also, for the record, Im pretty good with this stuff for a 15 year old.

If I tried to do all this on my own for the first time, what are my chances of success?

Ideas?

The only way to know for sure is to try the fit.

That said... I have been through it-- and I must agree with the majority. Off-the-Shelf makers like Dell often have custom mounting-points for the motherboard.
I tried what you are talking about-- and found out the hard way... it's probably not worth it. IF you get the mobo mounted (correctly) --something else will interfere with the CPU-cooler... or some other part-- and you will end up back at square one.

Buying a case-- is really not that expensive--most cases would have multiple mount layouts --whereas Dell knows where the mounts go-- so they only have one layout made. Cooling fan locations can also be an issue.
After-Market cases allow for multiple configurations. Dell does not.

There is also the Power-supply to consider-- a stock Dell PSU will not handle a lot of high-end gear. They are not built for it.

I would save your money a bit longer-- get yourself a decent case-with 120mm fans (without a Power supply -- most that come with the case are junk)

Mid-Tower Computer Cases, Mid Tower ATX Desktop Case, Mid ATX PC Cases at TigerDirect.com

and a good quality Power supply... it will save a lot of grief.

Newegg.com - 501 - 600W, $50 - $75, Power Supplies, Power Supplies, Computer Hardware

Im convinced.
A new case is in the works.

I've got a 650 watt psu allready, so thats not an issue.

Thanks!

Glad to help.
Marked as answered.

there are 650 watt power supplies and there are good power suppllies which do you own? a $30/$40 psu will be poop you need a>$100 psu with good reliabitlity ratings 80%+

If you do not have a "good" psu these are the ones to look at Newegg.com - 80 PLUS Certified, Power Supplies, Power Supplies, Computer Hardware please bare in mind a 500 watt good psu should cope with your system and be more trustworthy than a 650 pants one