We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site feedback for updates.

Hardware Updates Website?

Does anyone know of a website, where I could enter my computer details (make and Model) and find out the size limits for hardware updates, as in how much RAM (and what type) I can fit, how large a secondary HDD I could add, etc.?
«13

Comments

  • trcooke
    trcooke Posts: 309 Forumite
    Crucial, the memory seller http://uk.crucial.com/gbr/en have a tool on their site for you to select the right type and amount of memory based on your computer model. I think they even provide instructions on how to replace the memory modules too.
    As for the HDD, as long as you can fit a secondary HDD then there is no limit on the capacity of it. You just need to be sure you buy a unit with the correct interface type, and correct physical size. Most computer manufacturers maintain manuals for download on their website, Dell for example do this.
  • Strider590
    Strider590 Posts: 11,874 Forumite
    If it's a cheap pre-built box from a high street retailer, then the chances are it'll have very limited scope for upgrading. Maybe 1 extra SATA socket on the mobo (for HDD), 2 full dimm slots for RAM, one or two extra power connectors, onboard graphics, onboard sound and not a lot you can really upgrade.
    “I may not agree with you, but I will defend to the death your right to make an a** of yourself.”

    <><><><><><><><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><> Don't forget to like and subscribe \/ \/ \/
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0 Newbie
    Eighth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Debt-free and Proud!
    edited 14 January 2015 pm31 3:36PM
    There's a spare SATA connection, so I'm thinking an extra HDD, not least because I'll be able to store my files on a separate drive.

    As far as RAM is concerned, I've had a look and both slots are in use, but, I'm thinking (or maybe hoping) I can replace the existing modules with bigger modules.

    ETA: Just tried the Crucial Scanner (my computer isn't listed on the pull down menu :huh: ), and it doesn't appear to be working.
  • Cisco001
    Cisco001 Posts: 4,076 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Download CPU-Z
    It shows you the motherboard model.
    Then google motherboard spec and it should tell you the limiation.

    And please make sure your PSU is powerful enough before you do any upgrade. also check out your pc case limitation before buying anything.
  • trcooke
    trcooke Posts: 309 Forumite
    If you do get the motherboard make and model, you can stick that into the Crucial site to find out your upgrade options.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0 Newbie
    Eighth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Debt-free and Proud!
    edited 14 January 2015 pm31 4:11PM
    Just had a Live Chat with Crucial.

    Gave him my Motherboard number, and it turns out I can fit 16GB of DDR3 RAM.

    Also, while looking for the MB number, I noticed that, as well as a spare plug on each of two SATA cables, there's two unused SATA sockets on the MB.

    Does that mean I could fit 6 extra SATA devices?
  • Big_Graeme
    Big_Graeme Posts: 3,220 Forumite
    Bedsit_Bob wrote: »
    Does that mean I could fit 5 extra SATA devices?

    No each SATA device needs its own socket, you can buy power doublers if you need more power.
  • Cisco001 wrote: »
    And please make sure your PSU is powerful enough before you do any upgrade.

    The PSU is 350W.
  • Big_Graeme wrote: »
    No each SATA device needs its own socket

    So why are there 2 plugs on each SATA cable :huh:
  • wongataa
    wongataa Posts: 2,674 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Bedsit_Bob wrote: »
    So why are there 2 plugs on each SATA cable :huh:
    One to plug into the motherboard and one to plug into the SATA device e.g hard disk.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.3K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 240.9K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.7K Life & Family
  • 254.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.