Hello. I have a dell dimension 8400. I've checked the compatible hardware for my upgrade, made the order, and it all comes in today. I've installed hardware many times before, the difference this time is I'm upgrading the following hardware all at once. harddrive RAM graphics card My plan is to install all the hardware at once. Meaning, i am planning on sticking the new RAM, graphics card, and harddrive in all at once, then plugging the computer back in and powering up. My question is this. Is there any issues with installing all the hardware at once- or- should I install each piece separately, then powering up, making sure the system recognizes the new hardware, then powering down and installing the next piece of hardware? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Welcome to HWF When you start building your computer, you can put in all the components at once. But if you would get any issues, like the computer failing to start, then you need to remove everything and test each component seperately for troubleshooting.
You will be fine doing it all at once. Just remember when you get the new HD to back up any data you wish to save. Also whats the video card you have in mind? Because a card like 7600+ will need an upgraded PSU. Also adding more ram needs more power, and adding a bigger HD as well. Remember most OEM PC's are underpowered as is, if you plan on getting a new ram, HD, video card, I owuld also get a new powersupply. Here are some good links to goo products I have found. Dell Dimension 8400 for Home (Pentium 4 3GHz, 512MB, 80GB) specs and Desktop specifications - CNET Reviews there's your specs So you have PCI-e, and DDR Ram(4 gigs max), and a 350 watt PSU (About 300 watt now) So heres RAM- Newegg.com - Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory Video Card- Newegg.com - XFX PVT98GYDLU GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards HD- Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives PSU- Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Power Supplies That is figuring you want parts to be higher-end. Let me know if you need more help.
