http://213.219.40.69/19040209.htm:"DURING THE WEEK we've run a number of stories about the upgradability, or otherwise of Dell PCs.
The company has now provided us with its official position on this in the form of the following statement:"
"EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Dell does not make generic ATX boxes - this is well known throughout the industry. Customers that would be affected by this are up graders, and the reality is that only a very small percentage of users will actually attempt this type of upgrade. We have made many improvements to the original ATX standard to meet the growing needs of customers over time. Companies like Intel are helping to drive an industry standard specification surrounding this.
Dell is catering for its customers needs by using components that keep prices low so the majority who do not upgrade get a better price. We made changes to better the product not to simply reduce costs, but to improve quality and reliability levels as well as to help meet regulatory requirements in certain instances..."
“… Additionally, Dell's motherboards have custom form factors to optimise for the best cooling solutions, emissions control, and for quick and easy serviceability…”
The rest is well worth reading. They say current motherboards use standard power supply connectors, but have non-standard motherboard form factors.
I am no longer recommending Dell to customers who are contemplating purchasing a computer via mail order of through the Internet. Larry
