Suitable Parts to Reuse a Faulty Dell XPS 8940 Desktop

Peter990 on 14/01/2025 - 13:17
Last edited 16/01/2025 - 21:05 by 1 other user

My Dell XPS 8940 desktop (i7-10700 processor and 3070 graphics card) went faulty yesterday and based on the investigation seems like it's either PSU or Motherboard.

Instead of replacing them, I have decided to use the existing processor, RAM, SSD, Graphics card from that faulty desktop and purchase a new PSU, motherboard and casing to build a new desktop. My budget is limited to $200 - $300 and this machine will be extensively used for gaming.

Looking for PSU, motherboard and casing recommendation.

Thanks in advance.

Computing Computer Dell Desktop Computer

Comments

  • Pelicannn on 14/01/2025 - 13:34
    +2

    $300 to buy a PSU, mobo and case?

    Yikes.

    Have a look here for case + PSU combo - some for sub $150

    Mobo - cheapest LGA1200 I can find without going dodgy or secondhand here

    • Bruceflix on 14/01/2025 - 13:36
      +2

      $300 to buy a PSU, mobo and case

      That's just a fire with extra steps

      • Pelicannn on 14/01/2025 - 14:01
        +3

        100%. Also who’s to say the 10700 won’t crap out next month now they’re stuck with an LGA1200 needing to buy a new CPU to fit that. Problem with that is, as parts become older they do get cheaper, but when they start getting REALLY old, they actually get much more expensive due to people needing that one part to keep their rig running plus they aren’t made anymore.

        OP recommend up the budget.

        Buy this and this for $500.

        You’re going to have a new CPU (that’s 20-30% faster anyway), new mobo, new PSU, new case and new CPU cooler that will all have warranty.

        • freefall101 on 14/01/2025 - 19:37
          +2

          OP will get $100-150 selling the 10700 too, it's still a pretty decent chip and a decent upgrade for anyone running an i3 of that generation.

          But you're spot on, every time I decide I have spare parts and I should build a machine it is never worth it. Bundles of clearance parts are so cheap from retailers they're always better, then just sell the parts off.

          Personally I'd spend a few extra bucks and grab this (if the 3070 fits). It costs more, but it looks cool!

  • altomic on 14/01/2025 - 14:10

    Several ebay sellers have used incomplete / barebones desktops without CPU, Ram, SSD.

    And inexpensive.

    Maybe worth a look?

  • Switchblade88 on 14/01/2025 - 17:11
    +2

    Why not start with a PSU and actually find out if the motherboard is working?

    If it's the motherboard that's dead it doesn't matter since you were going to replace the PSU anyway, and if it's just the PSU you don't have to replace anything else, and save your cash.

  • JIMB0 on 15/01/2025 - 05:18

    So the case is faulty as well?

  • OZB Al on 15/01/2025 - 09:29

    Dell charged me $275 to extend the warranty on mine, so I just got them to replace the motherboard.

    • Peter990 on 15/01/2025 - 10:55

      Warranty was extended for how many years?

      • OZB Al on 15/01/2025 - 19:40

        My two year warranty expired in March 2024. They "removed" the late fee for reinstating the support coverage and started the support from when I paid . I bought two more years for $275, but not fully two years as they wouldn't extend beyond June 10th, 2026 as that was the end of support life for the PC.
        In short it's worth contacting them to see what they offer.

  • Peter990 on 15/01/2025 - 10:40

    Thanks for all the inputs.

  • Peter990 on 16/01/2025 - 21:05
    +1

    Update: Did a bit more investigation and found the MB is faulty. Reached out to Dell to find out if I can extend the warranty and they said this product is not supported by Dell anymore. Looked around for a similar XPS desktop without Graphics card and negotiated the price to $250(without GPU, HDD and SSD). When it arrives, I will install existing 16GB RAM which will upgrade it to 32GB, reinstall the preexisting SSD, HDD and Graphics card. I already sold the i7-10700 processor, fan and casing(from faulty unit) for $260.

  • Kelvin on 17/01/2025 - 14:29

    Great plan, although I would suggest fixing your existing machine before selling of the excess parts…

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