Are IBM desktops upgradable?

H

Hemogoblin

New Member
Sorry for my ignorance but I have always heard from others that one reason to never buy an IBM comp is because you must use IBM parts to upgrade. First off, is that true?

I'm away at school and was given a free IBM desktop by a friend who just bought a new Dell. I have an excellent laptop (that I'm using now) but since I got this one free, I would rather use it and spare my laptop many endless nights of running non-stop.... That being said, the IBM is a Pentium 3, with roughly 660 MHz, 128 RAM and about 15 GB HD. It's running XP too with no worries.

I would like to just add an internal DVD burner(replacing the one CD ROM there now), as well as a USB 2.0 card. With regards to the USB card, would the IBM accept it? I can't see why not but wanted to ask just in case.

For the DVD burner, aside from the fact that it looks like I'll have to remove the face of the tower permanently to get it to fit, would it fit otherwise? I wouldn't need to buy an actual IBM drive would I? Hope not.

Thanks for your help :-)

Cheers,
Steve
 
Yeah you should be able to upgrade most basic hardware in that machine. RAM, Drives, etc. can be replaced with little or no problems. The USB card should be able to work as well.
 
First to answer your question with a yes and no where IBM and other proprietary systems are involved. There are a few things that could be done to increase capabiliity and performance to the lesser degree. If you are able to locate the recommended memory(PC100 or PC133 depend on board) you would probably max at 1gb with two 512mb simms. You could also find a faster cpu if the board will run with a faster model. A larger faster hard drive could also be installed if you had a Windows installation disk along with the cds needed for the main board, video, and sound.

Here's the fun part. With the current 128mb of memory you are just barely running XP to begin with. You won't get far adding a dvd burner when the software used for most writers requires at least 256mb of DDR not PC1XX memory in order to run. If the case has standard 5 1/4" bays which that should anyways you will get a drive in. Plextor, Sony, Nec, Memorex, Lite-On, Teac, etc. will go in by first getting in through the sides or rear to unsnap retainers if not removing fasteners holding the front face plate on. The one last item to mention of course is available parts for any upgrade to what? For memory IBM like Compaq, Packard Bell, Epson, and others often put their own labeling on memory so the dealer would special order by number and not by PC1XX type. Even with new parts for a boost don't expect that much at this late date. I did mention that you would have fun? At this late date you will have plenty of whatever. Like all IBMs before it don't expect much. You won't be able to do as much as you will probably want to with it. Save the money towards something that will. Did this help? Probably not.
 
Thanks for the posts guys, and yes, they did help. I'm going to get the USB card tomorrow and hopefully, it'll work with no issues. I do realize this computer is far outdated, and it would be a waste to add any extra $$$ into it, but on a students budget, it's the best I can get now. So that being said, I think I'll just put up with it. I have an external LG DVD burner back home, and I have an external HD here that has MORE than enough space. So, I guess I'll just grab the burner when I go home for Christmas break and use that. Thanks again for your help.

Cheers,
Steve
 
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