I have heard that Dell hardware is kinda selective and is only compatible with other Dell Hardware. I want to start building my own computers, but think maybe buying a new Dell and adding to it piece by piece is a good place to start before I build one from scratch. Do you agree? And is it possible to add other-party hardware like a GeForce video card to a Dell machine? Thanks a lot.
2007-08-17 06:12:58 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
It depends on the case / enclosure also.
Some models come in cases that may be to small to physically fit a large graphics card like an 8800
You also have to consider the motherboard used.
Some may only have 2 memory bays, which limits your choices for upgrading and also may have a limited maximum amount of ram it can use. it may also be limited as far as what CPUs in can be upgraded to.
I have also seen the power supply in some Dells cause a problem during replacement because the original is an odd size and aftermarket PSUs did not fit in the same space.
2007-08-17 06:27:49 · answer #1 · answered by val_tyr 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dell computer itself should run whatever you want to put it in, if it has the space and not some old computer. I got a Dell a 2-3 years back entry level and did not have a PCI x16 slot of whatever it is called that most Video now run on and well most game now a day I am unable to play with best settings. I could "fix" it but I do believe I would have to pull out the CPU,memory, motherbroad and video if not more stuff to just upgrade it to new technology .
If possible if you have the room or if even Dell offers it, pick a full tower. It will give you alot of room for play and air flow should be better. Dont forgot about the new graphic cards they are monsters in terms of sizes if you ever want to put one in or even two of them you need alot of room.
Now a day I run a Alienware, nice computer but if I ever need to get a new computer I may just build one myself as if you get good deals you could make a much better computer then you can buy from any place, in terms of price atleast. Course you need to understand what you are doing
What I would recommand is to either get a barebone computer that is bacisally a case, Power supply ,Motherboard and CPU I think and go from there.
Building one would not even be a bad idea as most if not all part of hardware will come with a manual and you could just read them and do what it says.
2007-08-17 06:56:44 · answer #2 · answered by morrisville75 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like you want to learn how to put a computer from scratch, not upgrade. Upgrading only requires buying a few components to make what you have a bit better or faster, (i.e video card, bigger hard drive, more memory, a dvd-rw) I can somewhat understand why you want a Dell, they already come built, and you can go to any computer store and buy a few upgrades, making you feel like you did some technical work, opening your mind to something new, but I would rather go to a local computer store and talk to a friendly person that can guide you into putting a whole computer together, that will make you feel a lot better, cause you are buying what you want, not what someone is selling to you. or just do an on-line search, How to put a computer together?
2007-08-17 06:24:07 · answer #3 · answered by ENRK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dells are easy to upgrade. I've been working with them for over 4 years in a corporate environment and have never had any problem adding 3rd party hardware. Those who have problems with Dells are few and far between - but they are the ones who speak the loudest.
2007-08-17 06:19:24 · answer #4 · answered by s10blazed96 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would take that newegg.com comment a bit further. Don't contact them to find out what's compatible with your Dell, use the parts they sell to build your own from scratch. It really is a pretty easy thing to do and you'll end up with better parts than the Dell for a better price.
2007-08-17 06:41:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, you can upgrade Dells pretty easily. There are a lot of ppl who hate Dell, but they have good equipment for the most part. I have never had a problem with upgrading HDDs, RAM, video cards, power supplies, or CD\DVD ROM drives.
Just make sure you identify the mother board and use online tools such as RAM memory compatibility sites.
2007-08-17 06:22:09 · answer #6 · answered by The_Overlord 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Short easy answer -- Yes.
I would just cut to the chase and contact www.newegg.com. This may seem like a shameless plug, but it isn't. They simply are knowledgeble, with be the lowest or so close to the lowest that you won't care, and do a volume comensurate with their reputation in the industry.
Call them. Tell then the make and model of the computer, and then what you want to upgarde. Even if you don't know what you want, they can help you run WINMSD.EXE to discover what you have, and then make suggestions based on strategic goals (faster, more file storage, etc.).
Good Luck.
2007-08-17 06:27:05 · answer #7 · answered by George W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's possible to upgrade. I have a Dell and I've upgraded it with a few parts, including a NVIDIA GeForce FX graphics card (from an ATI card), a Seagate Barracuda hard drive and a wireless keyboard and mouse.
2007-08-17 06:22:09 · answer #8 · answered by υεlυεt 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dell's desktop machines are built using commodity hardware. As long as what you buy matches the specifications of the computer, yes, it should work just fine. No specially branded parts required.
2007-08-17 06:19:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
about the only thing that is pretty much universal as far as Dell computers is the Hard drive. And even then, I've seen at least 2 or 3 differnet kinds of hard drives for desktop computers.
2007-08-17 06:19:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋