Gateway Parts

Can non-Dell computer parts be used in a Dell?

Some one told me that Non-Dell computer parts cannot be used in a Dell computer. Say, if you wanted more ram or a different hard drive, could you exchange those parts for non Dell ones? It seems very wrong, so I would greatly appreciate an answer! Thanks!

Public Comments

1. yes. a long time ago dell parts were all proprietary. not anymore. they use the same parts as everyone else now
2. The only parts you may have issues with are motherboards or power supplies (Depending on your model), Dell has a tendency to use custom versions of those items to either fit the chassis, or in my opinion screw the user if you need repairs. Other than those two items, I've swapped almost every part out of various Dells for third party parts. Just make sure you have the right specs (Speed, Size, and Interface) and you'll have no problems.
3. you can, they are talking rubbish, few if any of the component are made by dell, they are bought and assembled. if you wanted you can swap any components out, and put new ones in and it will work if those parts are compatible as in any pc system
4. Yes they can.
5. I have seen non-Dell hard disks to fail in Dell servers (by "failing" I mean not being recognized by the adapter they were connected to). This is most annoying since Dell does not manufacture disks, they just buy them from some manufacturer, then modify the firmware with a custom string which is then checked by the controller, so you can't use anything else.
6. I agree with shattered steel. just make sure that part is compatible with the system and it fits in the chassis.
7. That's nonsense. Any RAM, graphics cards, hard drives and other components can be used in Dells regardless of manufacturer,- as long as they're the right type for your system- i.e. proper speed of RAM, type of drive (SATA or IDE) and so on. However, there are SOME restrictions which apply to all major-brand machines (HP, Dell, Sony, Compaq etc) 1) While you can easily add a 2nd hard drive, replacing the main/system drive can be a hassle on newer brand-name computers. That's because the operating system recovery program is located on a hidden partition of the hard drive. If you replace that drive, the recovery partition goes with it. So you'd need to order a recovery CD from Dell in order to reinstall Windows. In the past Dell included the CD with every system sold, but now it's optional... Just having the recovery program on the hard disk lowers their costs and makes reinstalling easier for most users (they don't have to look for a CD that came with their computer months or years ago). But it also means if the drive ever fails and needs replacing, you've got to contact Dell to obtain a CD. 2) Your power supply choices may be restricted- it depends upon the specific model. All slimline/small form factor computers (from all manufacturers) use proprietary power supplies made specifically for that particular model's chassis. So you cannot upgrade or replace them with off-the-shelf power supplies from Newegg, Amazon etc- those won't physically fit. Years ago Dell also used proprietary BTX power supplies in their desktops, but has since abandoned the practice and now uses standard ATX power supplies. If you have an older Dell desktop like a Dimension 4700, you'll find that replacement power supplies are harder to find and more expensive. 3) Replacing the motherboard in a Dell with anything other than an identical replacement from Dell means you'll have to buy another copy of Windows. That's because Dell (just like all other name-brand computer manufacturers) come with factory-installed OEM versions of Windows. And those OEM versions of Windows are restricted to ONE specific motherboard- those are Microsoft's licensing terms. Full retail versions of Windows allow for motherboard upgrades, OEM versions do not. They are considered "tied" to the hardware they are purchased with, that's why Microsoft sells them for less. Any motherboard change requires booting from the original Windows CD to perform a repair install which re-detects your motherboard drivers. After this step Windows must be re-activated. But the restore programs/CDs provided by major manufacturers don't support this function, only retail versions of Windows do. And the OEM product key won't successfully re-activate is the motherboard identifier is different. Moreover, if you've replaced the Dell motherboard with something from Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, Foxconn etc the system recovery program won't even run because those programs check the BIOS at startup- if you motherboard isn't the original manufacturer's brand, the program won't run. So there are some restrictions, but you can install any brand of hard drive, memory, graphics card, sound card, video capture card, network card, DVD drive etc you want.