[Siara]

Recently my Dell XPS710 motherboard died (what a nuisance). From what I've read, the motherboards on this model computer tend to die after 2 years and... sure enough. Rather than replace the motherboard I want to build or buy a new computer.

If possible, I'd like to reuse some of the Dell hardware I already have.

I probably can reuse the SATA hard drive without difficulty. So the new computer can have a small drive or no drive.

Should I try to reuse: nVidia GeForce 8600GTS 256MB PCI-e Video Card?
It requires PCI-express x16 slot and adequate power supply. I'm not into gaming but I do a lot of graphics including 3D design and animation.

Is there any chance I can reuse the CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo processor E6320
(4MB L2 Cache,1.86GHz,1066 FSB)

If not, I would like new computer to have this much computing power or more. The most computer intensive apps I use are probably Lightwave #D (NewTek), and Adobe Premiere, which I run simultaneously.

I'm a 3D developer who doesn't know much about computers so any advice would be very, very appreciated.

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Hi and welcome,

It would be possible to re-use that processor, but it would be limiting the build to previously released hardware. I recommend updating to the most recent, considering your uses for the machine.

What sort of budget are you looking at for this "fix"?

Troy

[Troy]

Hi and welcome,

It would be possible to re-use that processor, but it would be limiting the build to previously released hardware. I recommend updating to the most recent, considering your uses for the machine.

What sort of budget are you looking at for this "fix"?

Troy