Question : Problem: Changing mother, micro and memory in an IBM Aptiva

I got an IBM Aptiva with 32 MB RAM, 333 Celeron and whatever it comes with it, as a present. I have a motherboard Intel VC820, a PentiumIII 500MZ and 128 MB RIMM, plus a MP3 Sound Blaster, U.S. Robotics Modem and a 32MB Video thing I rescued from another PC. How can I replace the original IBM Aptiva components with these newer and better ones, and most important, can I do without having hardware incompatibilities? Thank you.

Herman.-

Answer : Problem: Changing mother, micro and memory in an IBM Aptiva

Slink is right that SOME manufacturers do purposely create a non-standard size case and MB, so that you will buy extra stuff from them. Unfortunately for them, it limits their ability to deliver inexpensive upgrades at purchase time. These folks include Dell.

Therefore, most machines can still take standard size PCI cards. SInce you also seem to want to swap the MB, I'd say to simply be careful and make sure that the ATX or MicroATX MB actually fits and that the power cables are all compatible before completing this project and applying the smoke test.

Slink has a reasonably good idea in just getting the new case - after all, what part of the Aptiva are you REALLY making any use of? On the other hand, if the PS is good and you LIKE the case style, it might very well support your MB choice... wish I had some direct experience with this machine, but I don't. Another advantage is that with just a few more $$ you end up with two machines instead of one.

If it were me, I'd keep this machine and add more memory, and put the MB in another case... but, I'd shop the case around.

Slink: Do you get a kickback from TD?    8 \