Dis-assemble and re-assemble guide?

Coeus

Hi all!

Thanks for taking the time to read this! Recently bought a new laptop and as a consequence am going to (i) dis-assemble the family computer into components and (ii) upgrade my desktop using these components which will become the new family computer.

Can anyone point to guides on the best way to do this - think I can figure most of it out if the bits slot into place inside the machines but wouldn't mind doing some homework.

The machines are (i) Dell Dimension 3100 and (ii) Dell Dimension 9150 - to be upgraded. I would assume as they are fairly similar models most components can be used by each other?

Thanks in advance,

Coeus.

pcombo

I dont see the point in moving hardware from one pc to another. Just end up the same as it was the first time round.

Coeus

pcombo wrote: »

I dont see the point in moving hardware from one pc to another. Just end up the same as it was the first time round.

I think you misunderstand. All the useful components i.e. RAM, hard-drive, optical drive etc. will be ADDED to my desktop alongside all the existing hardware. I am not swapping the components, anything that is not useful will be destroyed.

John_Gray

Have you actually taken the side off the Dimension 9150 to see what bays are free and what's available in the way of connectors, both power and data?

Don't forget you will probably be limited to a total of four devices on the two buses, unless the 9150 is newer than I think.

From crucial.com/uk I observe that both Dimensions use the same memory, so you can move the 3100 memory to the 9150, free slots permitting.

amcluesent

Pretty limited in what you can do -

Memory upgrade if SIMM slots are free and compatible speed rating
Hard disk in 2nd bay could be used for quick backups
Maybe DVD-ROM so can could copy direct.

jbreckmckye

I would recommend finding individual guides on changing hard drives, adding RAM, etc.

Looking briefly at the Dell specs, what you have is a machine with

Spec

---

Dell 9150

---

Dell 3100
Chipset

---

Single P4

---

P4 with extended cache
RAM

---

1-4 channels of DDR2

---

1-4 channels of DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM
Integrated Graphics Controller

---

Intel 945?

---

Intel 915
Expansion

---

3x PCI / PCI-E (3 types) ---- 1 x PCI-E, 2 xPCI 2.3
Drive bays

---

2 x 1" drives

---

2 x 3.5" drives
Firewire

---

yes

---

no
Power Supply unit

---

350w

---

230w

So. You might be able to cannibalize RAM, which would make a dramatic impact if you've >=512Mb, but you'll need to consult your motherboard docs to see if it can handle the DDR2 and SDRAM simultaneously (my guess? It won't). You won't be able to swap hard drives, and the 3100 lacks power (in the sense of wattage), so might not be able to work with too many components (consult the stickers of equipment to see how much they need).

As for which machine to use, the 3100 has the better cache. The 9150 has a better Integrated Graphics Controller, but I can't see either machine being suitable for gaming. The 9150 is more expandable, but again, you're not likely to be adding graphics or sound cards, and you have a spare PCI-Express slot on the 3100 anyway.

jbreckmckye

amcluesent wrote: »

Pretty limited in what you can do -

Memory upgrade if SIMM slots are free and compatible speed rating
Hard disk in 2nd bay could be used for quick backups
Maybe DVD-ROM so can could copy direct.

The 3100's motherboard apparently supports hardware RAID mirroring.

spakkker

I think memory speeds incompatible -try and flog /gift it after a fresh install and wipe free space 3 or 7 passes.
Edit- mem may be ok, depends what's in.

Coeus

Hi all! Thanks for the fast replies. I will be 'upgrading' the 9150. Please check if I am correct in thinking:

1. The RAM can be cannibalised into the 9150 (two free slots in 9150)
2. The hard drive can be put into the spare bay (can I take this direct from the 3100 with all the information stored on it?)

I am going to scrap the CD/DVD drive in the 9150 as barely works as it is. Hence the 3100 CD/DVD drive will take its place (do I need to download drivers etc for this?)

JJ_Egan

1. The RAM can be cannibalised into the 9150 (two free slots in 9150)
Looks like its compatible .

2. The hard drive can be put into the spare bay (can I take this direct from the 3100 with all the information stored on it?)

Yes if its data only possible no if its the Windows drive as hardware will have changed .Hardware change and it may boot and only require the new drivers installing for motherboard etc and a fresh activation of windows via microsoft .

I am going to scrap the CD/DVD drive in the 9150 as barely works as it is. Hence the 3100 CD/DVD drive will take its place (do I need to download drivers etc for this?)

No need for drivers windows /bios will pick it up .


jje

Coeus

JJ_Egan wrote: »

1. The RAM can be cannibalised into the 9150 (two free slots in 9150)
Looks like its compatible .

2. The hard drive can be put into the spare bay (can I take this direct from the 3100 with all the information stored on it?)

Yes if its data only possible no if its the Windows drive as hardware will have changed .Hardware change and it may boot and only require the new drivers installing for motherboard etc and a fresh activation of windows via microsoft .

I am going to scrap the CD/DVD drive in the 9150 as barely works as it is. Hence the 3100 CD/DVD drive will take its place (do I need to download drivers etc for this?)

No need for drivers windows /bios will pick it up .


jje

LEGEND!

Thank you very much. Laptop won't arrive for a few days so have that much time to go through the insides of the computer (especially need to know how to link up the hard drives power cable - looks a tricky one).