The Dell D326T Power Supply is not like the other

I discussed lightly during the T1700 project that Dell build certain proprietary features into their computers, this is never an issue as they produce their identical machines in such vast numbers that spares will always be available.

The caveat is that using a Dell component in another build can often provide various hurdles to overcome.

Take the D326T power supply as an example, also known as the less sexy L255EM-00

The D326T is a solid beast, ATX sized power supply with one (quite short) 24 pin ATX motherboard connector, one 4 pin ATX CPU, one 4 pin FDD and four 15 pin SATA connectors. It supplies 255 Watts total and is rated as 80 Plus Silver.

But not one molex connector.

I did say it was ATX sized, but that is a little bit off, mainly as it is taller than a standard ATX power supply by an annoying amount. It will not fit (without modification) into a bog standard ATX case, and I mean a sort of standard case from five or ten years ago.

When compared to a standard older ATX power supply, the Dell unit on the left measures about the same width and length, but the height is noticeably deeper.

Actually one half inch deeper.

If you can live with the lower number of connectors, and the proprietary shorter length, then all is good. The power output is more than adequate for general computer use, and the 80 plus rating means it can consistantly perform.

The only problem is that it won't fit in most cases.