Dell Dimension 1100 Help

Is it worth trying to get another 1100 board, or should I buy a new board?

  • Get another 1100 board

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Buy another board

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Scrap the computer (Even though I don't want to)

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    0

NightEagle

Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Location
Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
I have had this computer for a long time, a Dell Dimension 1100, which was used as a basic browsing computer when I was younger. About 4.5 years ago, I took it apart so I could use it for parts. Now, I want to rebuild it into a better computer then it was back in 2006. Sadly, when I went to put it all back together and put the parts I have got back in, it would turn on and show a steady Amber light. I looked on the service guide on Dell's website and it said that a device was malfunctioning or not installed correctly. I then did various swaps of the RAM I had leftover, didn't do anything. I took some RAM from another computer, nothing. I even took the CMOS battery out and reinserted it, nothing. I replaced it with another, nothing again. I changed the default processor (Intel Celeron D 2.53GHZ) and replaced it with a Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz. The Pentium 4 got further then the Celeron, but it was still not working. If I plugged in any device, like the CD Drive or a HDD, the Amber light would start flashing constantly. My thought was the motherboard may have died, although the board was showing a green light on it. I'm currently looking at buying a new 1100 motherboard (I have one on my watch list on eBay). Would it even be worth it or should I buy a new Socket 478 motherboard? I don't really want to get rid of the computer, I do want to keep it original as possible.

Any help to fixing this problem would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
To be honest I think google is going to be your main source of information here as I think you'll struggle for parts. Simply because the hardware is getting so old that finding a stockist is probably gonna be at a computer fair or a specialist dealer. I know there are users who like to run old hardware simply for the kicks so all might not be lost.

I just did a quick search and you can still buy this stuff:
Intel Socket 478 Motherboard buy at PCUpgrade.co.uk
 
To be honest I think google is going to be your main source of information here as I think you'll struggle for parts. Simply because the hardware is getting so old that finding a stockist is probably gonna be at a computer fair or a specialist dealer. I know there are users who like to run old hardware simply for the kicks so all might not be lost.

I just did a quick search and you can still buy this stuff:
Intel Socket 478 Motherboard buy at PCUpgrade.co.uk

That sounds like a good idea.

Only problems are the size and price. I found a Dimension 1100 board on eBay for £17. I'll also have to get the heatsink parts for it as the ones I have are missing a few bits.

I could also use a similar Dimension board for it, like the 2400 although it might make it look a little messy.

EDIT: I also found this one, which includes an IO shield
 
At least that narrows down the search for needed hardware I guess. Good luck in your search and if we can help further then just ask.. :)

Oh and let us know how things turn out.
 
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