Sorry that you’re having such a hard time both with your machine and getting the answers you need. More often than not you get some good, capable, knowledgeable and geeky techie savvy people here that are happy to assist you and sometimes...the well runs dry and no one shows up for several days. I guess you caught a drought…LOL. Most people who may be able to handle small pute problems don’t feel comfortable enough to offer advice and would be afraid to read a few days later that following their advice you burnt your house down to the ground. So I’m glad some folks are finally popping in to offer help.

Being a Dell person myself for many years I know from talking to their techies that all of their peripherals have been tested to the hilt on their machines in order to cut down on incompatibility problems and issues. This keeps their tech servicing overhead down and most of their customers happy. But this doesn’t mean that outside company peripherals won’t work on their Dells. Obviously once you’ve taken this step upon yourself the warranty becomes null and void leaving you free to see the sparks fly.

My suggestion is to get on the phone with a Dell tech and discuss fully your intentions, needs and concerns and then come to a decision. I agree, building your own computer is an education and a great experience and more often than not you get a superior product for the buck with multi-compatibility. All you need is time…unless you’re willing to pay someone else for their services. Good luck and keep us posted. BTW…all disclaimers apply. 

8^D