Mail Archives: djgpp/1998/02/26/00:33:13
Alan Wilson wrote:
>
Why are you asking us this question? It doesn't exactly have anything
to do with DJGPP. The comp. hierarchy contains a whole section of
newsgroups devoted to PC hardware issues.
But since you took the trouble to ask, I might as well answer, as long
as you realize that I am not an official source. As with medicine,
always get a second opinion. :-)
> Is it difficult to install a new motherboard on an old PC? and is there
> anything else I would have to get besides that? Are there compatibility
> issues that I should be concerned about? Are there any websites that you
> know that could give me more information on this topic?
I've been through this, and the difficulty factor depends on a lot of
things. First, does your current computer from a proprietary
manufacturer, such as Dell, Compaq, Gateway 2000, or Packard Bell? If
so, it likely uses many customized proprietary components, particularly
its case and motherboard, which cannot be upgraded with generic parts.
If you pass the generic test, you are in reasonably good shape. You
should take your current computer case to a dealer to see what
size/shape of motherboard can fit in it. There has been some
development in case/power supply technology of late; you may want to
consider upgrading to an ATX case which provides improved power
management and more internal space, among other things. Cases are
relatively cheap, so unless you are very cash-strapped it's worth
considering to get a new one.
If your system is proprietary, then I wish you luck. You'll either have
to ship it off to an authorized dealer and pay whatever price they
demand, or replace the case, motherboard, and often video/sound/modem
cards with generic hardware.
Actually installing the new components requires some technical
proficiency, but can be done in a couple of hours even by an
inexperienced person. I put my new computer together from scratch with
new case, motherboard, CPU, hard drive, and salvaged components from two
other computers, and it was not difficult, merely taxing on the hands.
Be careful with those damned metal inserts that go in the expansion and
drive slots of new cases; they can scratch up your hands something
fierce. And try to get all the cables plugged in the right way.
Sometimes, you will find that your old hardware is incompatible with
your new system. This happened to me with one of my old hard drives,
and a CD-ROM drive. These things happen.
--
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| John M. Aldrich | "Sex should be friendly. Otherwise |
| aka Fighteer I | stick to mechanical toys; it's more |
| mailto:fighteer AT cs DOT com | sanitary." |
| http://www.cs.com/fighteer | - Lazarus Long |
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