Are Dell PC parts unique?

Question

I want to order a Dell Inspiron 530 desktop before long. Are the parts unique to Dell PCs or are they universally used?

Answer 1

this is a tough one....typically, yes, they use proprietary parts....meaning that you cannot take a motherboard or power supply (or much else) out of the system and use it in another. However, they announced a few weeks ago that they were going to discontinue this practice. Whether or not they have already started using industry standard parts yet, I don't know.

Answer 2

Upgrading RAM - every PC needs the correct type of memory, but Dell isn't any more of a problem than any other brand. I have 4 Dells - 3 desktops and a laptop. The desktops all take generic disk drives, no problem - I've changed and swapped several DVD combo drives myself. Memory is always easy to find on eBay. The laptop does require a special DVD drive - a proprietary Dell removable type, but again I got a correct spare off eBay very easily as a backup for the future in case it gets borked. I have read that some Dell power supplies are special proprietary units, but again just go to eBay and buy one, or even buy a borked "spares/repair" box and strip out the power supply unit...

Answer 3

The current model of Dell Desktops is a mixture of standard and unique parts. The ones that should concern you are the system board and power supply.



Go to http://support.dell.com and look up the 530 model. You will find a simple to read and follow service guide for replacing the different parts. You should be able to get the system board and power supply models from there. Then simply "Google" the models for the specs.



The other parts (memory, drives, processor, etc) will be standard.

Answer 4

Dell is known to use unique parts in it's desktop computer systems

these days though, they're working to change that (most newer dell systems are using standard universal parts)

Answer 5

Dell has historically had proprietary parts. The good news is they sell so many they are easy to find, but expensive. {new} The newer Dells are more forgiving concerning the power supply, which will be your greatest concern..

Answer 6

the smps or power supply could be shaped different

other than that i see nothing more



and should it be non-standard, nothing much to worry about

quite a few retailers should be offering the part > either replacement or upgrade



processor, graphics, ram, hard drive, optical drive etc > nothing unique or proprietary possible

Answer 7

They are proprietary, yeah.