Inspiron 3847, motherboard question

Standard microATX form factor.  I don’t think the case would fit an ATX motherboard.   Note the hdd cage prevents long gpu install.  It is possible to remove the hdd cage by using some brute force on rivets.

If you install a non-Dell motherboard in this case, you'll probably have to map out the wiring to the front panel.

Dell typically uses customized connections from their motherboards to front panels in different PC models and they don't publish that info...

I wasn't expecting that. So I could get a pci 4, DDR4 micro ATX motherboard and just replace my Haswell board?I have a 500 watt PSU with a bunch of connectors .Will I need a different PSU?I already managed to fit a 2 fan GPU in this case.I can upgrade my rx 570 GPU down the road and keep the size about the same as it is now. I'm no

site won't let me post. Would it be difficult to adapt the 3 sets of twisted pairs of wiring going to the front of my 3847 to a newer motherboard?Cooling is not a problem as I game with the side removed. I've been trying to post here for days.

If you're going to the trouble to get a new motherboard, etc, why not just get a new case too so you know what will fit and work?  Read this about Inspiron 3847 PSU.

You'd have to know how the front panel connectors are wired to adapt the case for a different motherboard.

Since the goal is to get PCI-e 4.0 support, the 4th Gen CPU in your Inspiron 3847 isn't going to work. According to Intel, you need at least an 11th Gen CPU, so put a CPU on your "to buy" list. And if you replace the motherboard, you'll need to purchase a new Microsoft Windows license, since the one you have now is tied to the Dell motherboard.

Sounding like you need a whole new PC, either another pre-built or a custom build...

Possibly something wrong with your forum account? Suggest you send a PM through the forum to @DELL-Chris M and explain the problem, including any error messages you get when trying to post...

Yes if a micro ATX MB can fit in this case I would put a i5 12400,DDR4 and a good GPU.This case can take a  PSU up to at least  850 watts.That will be enough for any GPU I upgrade to.  Then I'm hoping to upgrade the i5 to something better also in the future.My aftermarket EVGA 500 watt PSU works fine with the Dell motherboard.I will only ever need space for a 2 fan GPU.Site is working for me now.

    The question is how difficult would it be to use the Dell on/off HD activity and the other USB components.A different forum mentioned possible mounting problems so that's not good.If it would be a super technical I think someone will tell me.

I don't know how the front panel connectors are wired so I can't answer the question.

There are 8 mounting screws for the Inspiron 3847 motherboard so you can compare those locations with mounting holes in a new board.

The instructions say to remove the screws and just "Lift the system board out of the chassis." So it seems fairly straightforward, assuming the new board has holes in same places.

BTW: Something else to consider...you may need a new heat sink with CPU fan because the "captive screw" mount on the Dell heat sink may not be compatible with a new motherboard.

I spent yesterday studying my dell switch,and aftermarket motherboards.There is no universal way to switch them on. The aftermarket cases info is no help.All the motherboards have different ways to switch on the PC.I can find aftermarket motherboards with my screw layout so that helps. Even if I get an aftermarket case and Motherboard it'll still be a nightmare trying to get the PC to work.

There are sites like this and this that can help you pick compatible components including a case.

But it may just be easier for you to buy a pre-built with PCI-e 4 support. 

BTW: PCI-e 5 is in the works, and will be 2x faster than PCI-e 4. So users will always be playing catch up. Just pick something that meets your current needs and budget...