Should I part out my Dimension 9100 into a Compaq SR5214X

[axe360]

My hard drive needs replacing and I dont have the dough just yet for my Dell 9100, but I have a Compaq SR5214X . I have a decent video card HD RADEON 5570 in the Dell and 3 gigs of memory and was wondering if I could swap out the Power Supply, the video card and the memory, from the Dell computer, into the Compaq? I think the Compaq has a better processor then my old Dell which I bought in 2005. Any suggestions/advice would be most appreciated..

Just trying to make the best out of what I have until I have the extra money...

 

[Frank4d]

According to the specs, the Dimension 9100 has a 375 watt PSU, and the Compaq SR5214X has a 250 watt PSU. My guess is that the PSU from the Dell won't fit in the Compaq, because it is larger (but you can look to see if there is space).

The memory is compatible, so you can use memory from the Dell in the Compaq, up to 2GB max.

It looks like the Dell has a better motherboard (Compaq uses one made by ECS). What if you put the hard drive from the Compaq into the Dell and reinstall Windows on it?

 

[axe360]

That may be a gr8 idea, I have windows xp on the dell and vista on the compaq. I would rather have win 7 but I could live with vista for now. Thanks for the advice..

 

[Frank4d]

You would need a generic Microsoft Vista DVD though. You can't use a Compaq branded Vista DVD to install on the Dell, because it probably wouldn't work, and is illegal even if it did work.

 

[axe360]

Forgive me Frank but I cant just take the hard drive from the compaq with vista already on it and put it in my Dell?

 

[Frank4d]

More than likely it would not boot because the hardware is so different. Some people have good results by uninstalling the audio, graphics and networking drivers before moving the drive; but its iffy.

 

[axe360]

ahh I see.. Well, I guess my best bet would be to replace the hard drive in the Dell with a new one and put win7 on it. Thanks Frank for your kind advice... Peace