Upgrading store bought computers

V

vieya

Member
So my sister has a dell hybrid is there any chance I can upgrade the parts?
-This one will need a graphics card since it doesn't actually have one use
Mobile Intel 965 Express Chipset
probably won't be playing blu-ray disc since it barely can handle dvds.
-Probably a new processor, it comes with intel core 2 duo
-More memory, since it comes with 3gb memory

I recently also got a Acer Aspire M3400 I was thinking in the future maybe upgrading some parts as well, will it be possible?
-I was thinking of getting the AMD phenom IIx4/6 to replace the Athlon IIx2 215 dual-core that is comes with (although I read here it doesn't make much of a difference between Anthlon and Phenom although, I'm honestly not too sure)
-Maybe a bit more memory(comes with 4gb), and a better graphics card (ATI RADEON HD 4250 Intergrated.
 
I Believe the dell studio hybrids are practically laptops crammed into a tiny desktop. I think it is a no-go there. BUT if you upgrade your Acer, you will need to see if it has a proprietary PSU. If it does, it is probably a no-go.
 
You could possibly upgrade the video card on the Dell but that depends on the power supply. Most of the time, prebuilts come with really low wattage power supplies and doesn't allow you enough room to upgrade. Do you know what size your power supply is? There should be a sticker on the power supply telling you the details.

I wouldn't worry about upgrading the ram since that is already a decent amount although that shouldn't be too much of a problem if you do decide to upgrade. Just make sure you get the same kind, DDR, DDR2 or whatever it has now.
 
The Acer uses all standard ATX parts, as far as I can tell. You can upgrade anything on it.

From what I can see, the case doesn't even use a proprietary connection for the front lights and buttons, which is surprising. (this is good for you)
 
hopefully that's the case because then that's good news about the acer for me :)

bad news for my sister and her dell hybrid.

I haven't taken it apart

but the back says

V: 19.5V which I assume is the voltage on the power supply(or maybe I've mistaken)
and A: 3.34A

if it's just the power supply and not that it doesn't have enough room

then I could probably get a higher power supply? (or is that not possible either?)
 
It looks like you can upgrade the PSU. double check to make sure.
If you want better graphics, Upgrade the PSU first. What resolution do you game at?
 
wait for which one? for the dell studio hybrid? if so then at 1680x1050 I believe which is the full screen resolution.

Sigh I've looked online seems like I can't upgrade the stupid dell studio hybrid :(
 
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For the Acer it's the same resolution. I don't know about the power supply I haven't checked. But I would think it should be upgradeable since it's not in a cramped up space.
 
The Acer's PSU is about at its limit when you get that machine. Adding a gpu definitely warrants an upgrade.
 
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