HP/Compaq Computers: Can they Be Upgraded?

[MegalosSkylaki]

A friend of mine wants to buy a basi store bought Computer and upgrade it with some spare parts I have no use for.

But I advised him that there may be problems.

Is the PSU a basic ATX PSU? or does HP/CP take a special type PSU, as I suspect?

The models he is looking at have expansion slots including AGP, hence is avoiding Dell.
Some external bays for DVD/RW etc.Also, memory slot is vacant.

I am suspicious of project as Store=box Companies don't like Upgrading, as I learned with Sony.

Opionions about the specific parts?

Ideas, other than build?

ThanX,
DOOOG

[PresterJohn]

how old is the computer?

since 2000, most hp & compaq machines use a standard PS...on their small-form factor & mini-tower models it may be a non-standard size but they are still ATX standard power supplies.

[pickel]

Cheaper to build, like a Duron or Athlon than fool with Compac/ HP...IMO

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...=B450-4112%20B

Just add a video card and Cd rom and Hd and you have a nicwe box for a cheap price.

[elroy]

My 1st choice would be to build from scratch, maybe using some parts you have on hand.
If you knew anything about the basic HP/Compaq machines you wouldn't even consider that route. Like pickel said www.tigerdirect.com has a lot of deals for barebone kits and cpu/board combos etc.

[John Prophet]

They either use standard supplies...for full size supplies..or they use micro atx...which is still "standard" but just the smalelr standard....usually on HP's it is a micro atx.

I sold a compaq 600z presario about a year ago..it seemed to be all standard and had an athlon and AGP slot...and a full size supply.

You can also get upgraded supplies now for micro atx stuff..like this one http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...103-448&depa=0 ...great for upgrading/repairing those pavillion/emachine/gateway comps

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The main thing nowadays is just to make sure you have an agp slot

[LeftCoast]

Originally posted by MegalosSkylaki
...The models he is looking at have expansion slots including AGP, hence is avoiding Dell...

Dell has had some killer deals on pretty well-loaded Dimension 4600s lately...like @$550-$600 after rebate including a 17 in Flat Panel. Dell is putting out some decent bang for the buck.

These guys are freaks about Dell deals (but also check Doc's Deals section here at Techimo):

www.gotapex.com