I need some help. I have an older (slightly upgraded) dell dimension 4300. I need to get a new motherboard with SATA ports because my current one does not have them. I don't need a new processor since the one I am using (P4) is working just fine for me. So how do I know which motherboard to buy so that my current processor will work in the new one? Quick response would be appreciated. Thanks, Stadly
It need's to support a 400Mhz 478 pin Pentium 4.Your 4300 motherboard has i845 chipset and supports PC133 memory.If you upgrade to a latter model dell motherboard you may need new DDR memory.
do you think you could find a cheap one for me on either newegg or tigerdirect that would work for me. something cheap. all i need are the SATA ports.
You could always buy this and now you you dont need a new mobo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16816132006 This only supports sata 150, but does support raid. If you need sata 3.0, then they have those too!
If you go with a non dell motherboard your front panel wiring will not plug in the motherboard without modifications.Also im not sure a non dell motherboard will even screw in to the case.If your motherboard is mounted to a tray than I no it wont work. The controller card Ozzy suggested would be the best option if your current board is good.