Dell PSU???

**nobodyzfoole** · May 10th, 2005, 05:15 PM

Howdy folks,
Quick question, I have a PSU from a dell optiplex GX1. Is it usable with a mobo other than a dell? I have need of a power supply for a project computer I'm building and this is the only one I have immediately available. I have heard that dell power supplies (older ones) couldn't be used with anything other than a dell board, but that they changed at some point. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
foole

**Ferrit** · May 11th, 2005, 08:53 AM

check the wiring to be sure it is color coded correct
Some of Dell's psu's were wired backwords for their systems
Hence the ground opposed with the power. So in a standard situation
POOF

**3fingersalute** · May 11th, 2005, 10:24 AM

Not to mention it probably won't physically fit in another case either.

Gotta love proprietary systems.

**Ferrit** · May 11th, 2005, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by 3fingersalute

Not to mention it probably won't physically fit in another case either.

Gotta love proprietary systems.

If they all went 'POOF"

I wouldnt be upset

**3fingersalute** · May 11th, 2005, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by Ferrit

If they all went 'POOF"

I wouldnt be upset

You and me both. Then the state contract would no longer be with Dell, and I wouldn't be supporting all Dell systems!!

**mtkinf** · May 11th, 2005, 03:29 PM

It depends entirely on the model. Not only that, but some of the information is conflicting. I have a client with a Dell 4600 and the PS died just after the warranty ran out. Dell said that a standard ATX PS would not work, but I found forum after forum on the net where a standard PS worked great. Turns out that a standard 300W ATX PS worked and fit perfectly in the case.

**slgrieb** · May 11th, 2005, 04:10 PM

You might take a look at PC Power and Cooling's Dell power supply selector at: http://www.pcpowercooling.com/produc...elector/14.htm Generally a look at the spec sheet tab makes it pretty clear whether the PS is Dell specific. Right now, their new web site seems to still be under construction, so not all features are complete.

**Ferrit** · May 11th, 2005, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by mtkinf

It depends entirely on the model. Not only that, but some of the information is conflicting. I have a client with a Dell 4600 and the PS died just after the warranty ran out. Dell said that a standard ATX PS would not work, but I found forum after forum on the net where a standard PS worked great. Turns out that a standard 300W ATX PS worked and fit perfectly in the case.

I usually figure anything like that told to me by dell is bs

**JeffO93** · May 16th, 2005, 12:10 PM

If you have a junker generic mobo around, you could hook it up for a good test. You can check the wires and colors, but even that could get proprietized and the wires might change some. Black is always ground, but the others might change. Dell wants everything different to lock you into their services.
I'm not against Dell; in fact I like Dell - applied for certain situations. For mass company distribution and 24-hour repairs, I like it.
I have an old GX110 on my bench that is almost identical to the old GX1. The PS looks very generic.

Good luck.