Gateway Parts

Can HP computers take any motherboards?

I'm on my third power supply in my HP Pavilion desktop. After installing the last one, the technician said that since my desktop was 8 years old, the motherboard could go at any time and if it does, that's the end of the computer. I asked why and he said it's because HP parts are specific and no other will work with HP computers. Is he correct or just trying to scare me into buying a new computer? Am I living on borrowed time with this motherboard?

Public Comments

1. An 8 year old computer is essentially junk. Time to bite the bullet and buy something modern
2. Yes you are living on borrowed time with the motherboard. Regardless of weather he is telling the truth or not is not important what is important is it would be more cost effective to buy a new computer. But if you do want a new motherboard you can use any kind because nothing in the computer is HP it is all another company that HP put together.
3. HP uses on-board components for almost everything in the computer, preventing you from upgrading it, unless you send it in (i think this is what your technician was talking about). It's pretty much pointless to replace the motherboard, because even if the components weren't on-board, it would be impossible to find a motherboard that's 8 years old and the same socket as your current CPU. Essentially, you'd have no choice but to replace the CPU andyway, which is much more expensive than a motherboard. Just buy a new computer for like $400 and pay someone $50 to build it for you. Never buy pre-built computers from companies like HP, Dell, etc cus they screw you in the end.
4. Since your computer is 8 yrs old, simply replacing the mobo would be a waste of money anyways. You might as well replace it all I really don't believe what he's saying here though since I upgraded several parts of my older HP. I changed the video card twice, and even changed the CPU from a Q6700 quad to a Q9650 quad. The only thing that would be HP specific here really is the operating system
5. No, my friend, the technician that told you about HP computers have specific parts was telling you the truth. Unfortunately, there are a few computer building companies that do this on purpose ... so that you're tied to them for replacements. I've worked on Packard Bell and Dell machines that are the same, though some of the newer models can take generic components. To be honest with you, it could prove cheaper for you to buy the parts and build a new computer than it would to replace your HP desktop motherboard. The problem you'd find with replacing your HP motherboard with another brand of motherboard is that they are often different in shape, and the holes where the board is screwed to the chassis of the case are in different places.