Computer hardware compatability?
i use the dell for my computer and the compaq i let my bros use to browse the internet.
my dell uses low priority graphics card because thats the only compatible do to its size and the motherboard will only support low priority
what i want from the compaq into my dell : motherboard, Interated ATI Radeon Express 200, and the power supply. I'm keeping everything else that is with the dell like the intel duel core processor, HDD, etc...
what i want into my compaq from the dell: motherboard, graphics card (not sure exactly what it is, it came with the pc) and the power supply. I want to keep in the 3200 AMD Sempron Processor, the HDD, etc...
the reason for all this is to be able to buy a new graphics card for my dell soon that is not low priority.
1.You have to know what processors a motherboard will support. If it's an old Compaq computer, chances are the motherboard inside it won't support (Use) that Intel Dual Core.
(Intel Dual Core or Intel Core2 Duo. Doesn't matter either way. Why? The Northbridge chip of the Northbridge/Southbridge chipset, controls what processors can be used.
Newer motherboards like the one in that Dell have a Northbridge chip that will support Dual Core)
Old graphics card? How old? What is it?
A dedicated graphics card, should outperform an Integrated Graphics Chip. Granted, it depends on how old the technology is for the graphics card, but if this one is installed in a computer with an Intel Dual Core cpu (Processor), it should kick the ATI Radeon Express 200
Integrated Graphics Chip to the curb!
Lastly, when you change motherboards, and processors all at once in a computer, there is an Operating System change also.
What I'm referring to, is that when a Microsoft O/S is installed on a computer, it assigns 'codecs' to major hardware components of a computer.
The ones you need to be concerned with here, are the mobo (Motherboard) and cpu (Processor)
Windows assigns codecs (Essentially like a serial number. It matches THAT hardware part) to the processor, harddrive, and motherboard. More specifically the BIOS program and version, that's burned into the BIOS chip, on the mobo.
If you change any two major components (Sometimes just the mobo itself) Windows 'sees' this, and wants to be activated again. You should get an Activation pop-up window. You click on it, and on the next screen it will give you options on how to activate. I call Microsoft.
It's a toll-free number, and the people are friendly.
The reason for all this, is to deter theft of their software (O/S) They pay software developers in their company to make the O/S, and you pay them. Pretty sure, you don't want to see people running around putting thousands of copies on computers, and they haven't paid for it. If you paid for Win Vista, you paid sum bucks. Want people to have it for free, while you pay for it? S'up to you.
If you email me the Compaq name and model number, I'll look up it's specs, and motherboard, and email them back to you, (With links you just click on), plus tell you whether the Ol' Switcheroo will work.
Or, you can use CPU-Z or Belarc Advisor, and use your own deductive reasoning.
(Click on my Chickster avatar, and then on Email Chickster)
Edit: MY Bad! Duh! Was trying to get to the Activation thing, and went right over the fact, that we're talking about an AMD cpu, and an INTELcpu!! They will NOT interchange! lol!
If all you want to do is put a regular Graphics card into your Dell, I would suggest getting a new case that has more room.
This will allow you to replace the low profile card in the dell.
I'm not sure what form factor your Motherboard in the dell is, its either ATX, or micro ATX. find out and buy a mid tower case that can hold it.
All you would be doing is switching over all the guts of the Dell into a new case to allow for new graphics.
Another option you might have is using the case from the Compaq, if it is a standard mid tower or larger.
You could basically move all components from dell into compaq case.
Also, online it says you only have a 250 watt power supply with your Dell, make sure you have enough power to your new graphics card, you will probably end up replacing it.
Good luck!
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