Building desktop around salvaged laptop components
My Acer Travelmate broke down. Probably the powersuply, might be the motherboard that died.
But I managed to salvage some stuff, atleast I hope I did.
-CPU
-ram
-hd
-Optical drive
-wlancard
-cooler for the processor
I need a new computer. I'm a student and don't have to much cash, so I was wondering... How much of theese components can be used in a new build?
Ram: 2x1Gb SO-DIM from kingston.
CPU: LF80537 T5500. Intel core 2 duo mobile. I think it is socket M, although I first assumed it was a socket P.
Wlan: No idea.
(If I am wrong about socket M, please let me know. SL9SH (Intel Core 2 Duo Mobile T5500))
So assuming that the processor works, then first thing I need is a new motherboard. Been looking in to it a bit, and it seems to bee a lot of confusion with the P, M, 479 and 478 sockets. So if anyone would help me clarify this, I would be thankful.
I would also like to know if there is any way I can get a motherboard that also supports the SO-DIM ram. No biggie, but would be thankful.
Assuming I have a socket M processor, (or socket P for that matter) the options seems to be among the msi, via, aopen 170x170 mm mainboards.
example:
AOpen AO...M B ALL IN ONE - Compare Prices and Buy AOpen AO...M B ALL IN ONE at Shopping.com
Afaik. These cards usually has wlan, graphics and soundcards built in. And it seems they are usually low heat, low power, low noice.
So for the big questions.
Is this possible?
Will this computer be usable for any tasks at all?
If so, what would be fair to expect from it?
How much of the parts will be reusable for a new build?
What would be a vice choice of motherboard?
Ah.. One more thing. This is my first unassisted computer build.
Re: Building desktop around salvaged laptop components
The way I figure it, you'd be spending a few hundred bucks revamping that system into something usable. For that, you could get a new entry-level PC, or a netbook if you need portable. If I was you, I wouldn't spend money around parts that may or may not work, and aren't made for desktop spec to begin with. My $0.02
Re: Building desktop around salvaged laptop components
This computer came with a vista install fresh from the store.
It was to slow for me, so I dropped it for Ubuntu, wich worked like a charm. I am not going to run vista no matter what. Probably not windows 7 either. I am thinking small xp-partition and ubuntu or similar for everyday tasks/media station.
Considering that it worked like a charm on the acer travelmate, in wich the parts came from. I would like to try to use them for a new build. If possible.
Re: Building desktop around salvaged laptop components
The point that I'm making is that you don't know if the parts are in working order, and even if they were, they are not ATX architecture. Assuming they did work and you could hack together something, you would still need to spend enough money that you could potentially buy a replacement.
If you want to try it, go for it, but that's my advice for you. This is coming from somebody who runs 100% Linux and Unix, and my servers are all built from salvaged parts.
Re: Building desktop around salvaged laptop components
Ok I will have that advice in mind.
I recon all I really need to do this build is a motherboard and a psu.
IF my parts work... This card seems to be my best option so far, at about 150 $. Supporting both my ram and my processor.
AOpen i945GTt-VFA Core 2 Duo Mobile Mainboard NON-RoHS - eBay (item 360158242150 end time Jun-25-09 07:54:41 PDT)
I do believe this also includes psu. Not sure about that tough.
So for 150 - 200 $ What other setups am I looking at? For the whole shabang. : )
And thnx for the feedback btw. : )
Re: Building desktop around salvaged laptop components
If you do go with that setup and all of your parts do work, you will still need a chassis that is capable of housing your hardware and possibly a PSU. Also, you may need to replace the CPU cooler, since the airflow in laptops is designed in a very specific way. Without the same environment, you may need a more effective cooler with more direct cooling, e.g. a heatsink/fan combo. Also, keep in mind that changing the motherboard is changing a large portion of the hardware, so your compatibility level in your OS of choice may change.
As for buying a budget PC, you can get one used or new for around $200 without much searching. For example, try doing a google shopping search for "budget PC". I was able to find several complete tower PCs within your budget. For instance, my mom runs a micro-ATX form-factor budget HP, I believe it cost her around $200, and she runs Linux on it.
Re: Building desktop around salvaged laptop components
This will NOT work,And will be cheaper to just BUY a nice used PC for UNDER a $100.00 bucks. All I see here are head ache's and wasted money..
check out this place....http://www.gearxs.com/gearxs/
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