I have been told that parts for Dell computers must be ordered from dell and that generic parts will not work on these computers. Have I been given some wrong info? Since I want my OS to be XP and later maybe Vista, Dell seems to be the only way to go. I guess tho if one spends $2000 or $3000, or even $1,500 on a computer it would be wise to stay with origional parts. Information appreciated
Posted by David Chauvin on December 29, 2008 at 9:15 AM
Jackie,
Specifically which parts are you asking about? Hard drives, memory, graphics cards and many other generic parts can be added or replaced.
David
Posted by Robert Fisher on December 29, 2008 at 9:22 AM
That's the problem with Dell computers. While they price their products fairly competitively, upgrading isn't typically an option without going through Dell. You'll also void your warranty if you try to upgrade yourself (if the box is still in warranty). Upgrading is really where Dell makes its money. The cost to upgrade from a base machine is pretty expensive. More so than if you were to buy the parts and do it yourself. If you really want the flexibility of upgrading, having a custom made machine is the way to go. If you have XP on a current machine you can simply reinstall it on the new, custom made one.
Posted by John Mumaw on December 29, 2008 at 9:48 AM
Depends on what you want to upgrade.
I've owned two Dell computers in the past and have upgraded both machines right upon arrival, including hard drives, memory (RAM) and graphics cards. All upgrades used 'third party' hardware, which saved me much $$ over buying a similarly factory configured model.
Both Dell computers were refurbished models, which actually undergo greater scrutiny than new machines that roll off of the line. I never had any problems whatsoever with those machines over many years. You can save big $$ going that way and by using online coupons.
Posted by Steve Sieren on December 29, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I've done the memory myself and it's definitely the way to go! That's a 5 minute easy job w/out any experience either. Hard drives are a little bit harder because you have to format them but I'm sure that isn't that hard to do yourself either. Got any young nieces or nephews that know how to do it? There are a lot of companies that will come to your house and do it for you too. You have to learn what are reputable brands of memory and hard drives.
Posted by Darlene Almeda on December 29, 2008 at 1:21 PM
I had to have one of two fans replaced on my out-of-warranty XPS machine and the local computer shop replaced it with a generic part. When the machine boots up, I have to hit the F1 key to by-pass an error message since it is not a Dell part. Machine fan runs great, but the shop could not get the proprietary Dell part. It was an $11 fan. Go figure.
Posted by Mia McPherson on December 29, 2008 at 1:36 PM
The only thing I have had to order from Dell is the fans.
I've upgraded memory, hard drives, new usb ports, graphics cards, a wireless card and pretty much every thing except the motherboard, even while under warranty. I even checked with Dell when I bought my first one about adding an ethernet card and concerns about voiding my warranty, the tech said "no, we want you to be able to work on your own computers"
Gateway on the other hand had a plastic sticker that virtually said opening the case voided the warranty.
Never bought one of those because of that sticker.
I suggest that you RTFP in the warranty that came with your machine. A warranty for one machine build may be different for another build. Also, warranties change over time, so a warranty from 2005 may not be same as one from 2007 for the same model.
It was mentioned earlier that, 'we (Dell) want you to be able to work on your own comuters,' That's true. However, they want you purchase Dell parts, so you'll need to be careful installing non-OEM parts that could invalidate a warranty.
If, after reading the warranty you still have questions, give Dell a call. Dell's warranties are tied to the Dell Service Code number that is unique to each machine, so be sure to have the number handy when/if you call.
I have added memory, NICs, FireWire and USB, etc. to both my Dell machines. It's not hard to do, but you have to pay attention to detail. If you're not comfortable 'working under the hood', a reputable tech would be the way to go.
Hope it all works out for you!
-P
Posted by Jerry Greer on December 29, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Jackie,
If you buy the Dell business computers you want have this problem. I called the service line about adding firewire 800 to my Dell docking unit and they told me which one to order and told me to check the internet for it. I also had them help me out with my ExpressCard eSATA card for my Precision M4300 mobile workstation, same results. I'm really not sure where your friend got his info. Maybe back in the early days, early 90's.
Posted by Brad Mangas on December 30, 2008 at 2:07 AM
Jackie, seems to be a varied opinion here. John M hit the truth button right on the head. I have owned a Dell for 4 years, (it's my backup PC). I have upgraded the memory, video card, hard drive, added a linksys wireless network card all NON-DELL parts with absolutely no problems or issues. The suggestion that a fan (not ordered from Dell will cause an error when booting up is ludicrous! Will not happen. Dell computers are made by manufactures that manufacture components for many other brands of PC's as well. And NO I don't work for Dell !
Take care.
Posted by Rob Haman on December 30, 2008 at 6:40 AM
For the new Dell T7400 unit I just ordered I asked about having a second USB card added from the factory, another easy add I but figured while they were putting it together... Anyway they told me they could not install the card but recommended purchasing and installing one myself - no attempt to sell me a Dell product.
On the other hand after designing the system and locking in the price they through in a printer and a USB PCI card.
Rob
Posted by Buck Ward on January 2, 2009 at 11:00 PM
I have had a number of Dell Computers. I've had no trouble upgrading them, or pirating parts from them. Recently I thought I needed needed to replace a motherboard. Cost over $200 from Dell. I found a compatible motherboard at a local computer shop for about $75. Finally managed to repair the problem with about $5-worth of off-the-shelf parts. Fans, coolers, and ducts look like they are special to Dell, but most other parts seem to be off-the-shelf.
Depending on the design of the computer, some are more expandable than others. Drives, PCI cards, video cards, and such can be added or replaced and don't need to be Dell.
When a computer gets long in the tooth, eventually you reach a point where it's just better to put it out to pasture and replace it with a new current-technology box.
Discussion
12 repliesSpecifically which parts are you asking about? Hard drives, memory, graphics cards and many other generic parts can be added or replaced.
David
I've owned two Dell computers in the past and have upgraded both machines right upon arrival, including hard drives, memory (RAM) and graphics cards. All upgrades used 'third party' hardware, which saved me much $$ over buying a similarly factory configured model.
Both Dell computers were refurbished models, which actually undergo greater scrutiny than new machines that roll off of the line. I never had any problems whatsoever with those machines over many years. You can save big $$ going that way and by using online coupons.
I've upgraded memory, hard drives, new usb ports, graphics cards, a wireless card and pretty much every thing except the motherboard, even while under warranty. I even checked with Dell when I bought my first one about adding an ethernet card and concerns about voiding my warranty, the tech said "no, we want you to be able to work on your own computers"
Gateway on the other hand had a plastic sticker that virtually said opening the case voided the warranty.
Never bought one of those because of that sticker.
I suggest that you RTFP in the warranty that came with your machine. A warranty for one machine build may be different for another build. Also, warranties change over time, so a warranty from 2005 may not be same as one from 2007 for the same model.
It was mentioned earlier that, 'we (Dell) want you to be able to work on your own comuters,' That's true. However, they want you purchase Dell parts, so you'll need to be careful installing non-OEM parts that could invalidate a warranty.
If, after reading the warranty you still have questions, give Dell a call. Dell's warranties are tied to the Dell Service Code number that is unique to each machine, so be sure to have the number handy when/if you call.
I have added memory, NICs, FireWire and USB, etc. to both my Dell machines. It's not hard to do, but you have to pay attention to detail. If you're not comfortable 'working under the hood', a reputable tech would be the way to go.
Hope it all works out for you!
-P
If you buy the Dell business computers you want have this problem. I called the service line about adding firewire 800 to my Dell docking unit and they told me which one to order and told me to check the internet for it. I also had them help me out with my ExpressCard eSATA card for my Precision M4300 mobile workstation, same results. I'm really not sure where your friend got his info. Maybe back in the early days, early 90's.
Take care.
On the other hand after designing the system and locking in the price they through in a printer and a USB PCI card.
Rob
Depending on the design of the computer, some are more expandable than others. Drives, PCI cards, video cards, and such can be added or replaced and don't need to be Dell.
When a computer gets long in the tooth, eventually you reach a point where it's just better to put it out to pasture and replace it with a new current-technology box.