I've got an old Tiny PC (UK) "Performance Value 1700" machine which I bought nearly 4 years ago, September 2001. It stopped working as the hard drive failed, so I ordered a new one to replace it. Since I have made that order, i've decided that I may as well upgrade the whole machine, as it's getting on a bit now. My question is, are these PCs upgradeable? Do they use standard components/motherboard etc, or non-standard parts? I ask this because i'd like to replace the motherboard. If this isn't possible, I was wondering how much memory is this PC likely to be able to take? It currently has 512MB, but I can't find my manual, so I have no idea - i'd like to add another 512MB if possible. I've had a search around online for information on this machine, or any manuals etc, but with no success. Can anyone give me any advice? Cheers

Propriatery PC's are hard to upgrade, mainly because they use miniPSU's which are non standard and quite often the case is designed around the motherboard for maximum cooling. http://www.computing.net/hardware/wwwboard/forum/36384.html

Upgrading a PC may not be worth it. Especially when it is that old. Here's why: A) Outdated Motherboard. This is the most critical problem for upgrading older CPU's. Your motherboard may not be able to support new hardware. B) Assuming you replace your motherboard, you need to replace your RAM. Newer motherboards that are extremely advanced have problems supporting older RAM at times. C) You will need to update your cards, like your sound card, video card, etc. If you wanna upgrade, chances are, you will want to upgrade these components as well. I can keep going, but I hope you see the point. Upgrading is not worth it, as you are practically replacing every part of your computer. Upgrading only comes when you want to upgrade 1 or 2 sections of your computer. When you want to replace your motherboard, problems come. You may as well go ahead and get a new computer. Hope this helps.

just about all you can upgrade in a proprietary system is the ram. it may or may not be compatible with high-density memory in which case you are maxed out. the only way to know for sure is to try it and see. Argue for your limitations and sure enough, they're yours. R. Bach

Thanks for all the replies. I was just wondering, although I can get one side of the case off, the other side has no screws! I need to be able to remove it in order to remove the old hard disk (which has 2 screws in the other side, and will only be accessible if I can remove that side panel of the case) Surely there's something I can do? Thanks again,