Hi,

I need to know if the following power supply will fit into my dell
dimension 3100.  The dell was just purchased and I would like to
replace the power supply with a better one. But I want to make sure
the mounting holes will match up to my old one and if it is compatible
with the motherboard etc.

http://www.coolmaxusa.com/productDetailsPower.asp?item=CXI-500&details=features&subcategory=120mm&category=single



Thanks,
ralph1103

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Clarification of Question by ralph1103-ga on 17 Jan 2006 09:33 PST

Thanks for your comments!! I have also read in a forum that the newer
dimension 3100's may use a regular psu.  The power supply in the case
now is labelled as follows: Dell model # l230N-00. Dell P/N MC633 DC
230W.  Also under that is p/n-ps-5231-2ds-lf. I am wanting to run a
decent video card, soundblaster audigy 2, dvd burner, dvd rom/cdr-w. 2
hard drives, 2 gig of ram as well as using 3 usb ports and being
connected to a wired home network.  Thinking  I may need a better psu.
 This computer was actually won in a draw or I would never have
purchased it due to its apparent un-upgradeability.  Any further
comments would be appreciated...

I'd do a little research before I bought it or ask Dell.Their power
supplies look standard but actually are proprietary.Even if it fits it
may fry your computer.

http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/dellconverter.html
Your Dell Power Supply May Be Proprietary
Like many other pre-fabricated computer manufacturers, Dell has chosen
to go with many proprietary computer components instead of using
industry standard computer parts. When it is time for replacement or
upgrade of these components, they have to be purchased from Dell. In
Dell's case, one of the proprietary parts is one you might not expect:
your Dell power supply may look like a standard ATX power supply, but
in fact cannot be replaced with a standard ATX power supply. The
reason you need a proprietary Dell power supply is because Dell has
been using specially modified ATX motherboards with non-standard
pinout of the motherboard power connectors. This Dell to ATX adapter
converts between the non-standard pinout to the standard ATX pinout
and turns a standard ATX power supply into the equivalent of a Dell
power supply.