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Compaq mother boards

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by raydaniels 1 view

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Why is it so hard to get info on Compaq mother boards? I have an old computer that some one changed boards in. They used a Compaq board and Compaq tells the only way they can identify it is by the serial number on the back of the computer the numbers on the board mean nothing to them.I don't have this problem with any other board why Compaq.

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by thechas

The problem is not unique to Compaq motherboards.

Most "OEM" motherboards are only supported by the original PC manufacture, not the motherboard mfg.

Part of most OEM contracts is a limit of liability and support. The motherboard mfg agrees tonot provide information to end users, and gives the PC mfg a lower price because they do not need the staff to provide tech support.

In Compaq's case, (and many other mfgs) they may build the same basic model with 3 or more different motherboards. In order to provide support to their customers, Compaq requires the use of the system model number.
Their database is structured around the system model number, so with it, they can get every detail of the specific system.

Compaq has NO interest in providing support (and no profit) to the used PC market.

Personally, I avoid any used motherboard that I cannot readily identify as a commercial motherboard from a known mfg.

At the cost of new Socket A motherboards and CPU's, there is just no reason to spend 2 or 3 hours trying to resuscitate a PC with an old, slow, unknown motherboard.

Chas

by guruofdos

Ff you hit F10 as the computer boots, you will get into the Compaq diagnostics program (SoftROM) which should be stored on a hidden sector on the hard disk. This will give you the model number and other information on the mobo. Failing that, take a digital photo of the board and email it to me and I'll identify it for you.

by guruofdos

I solved Ray's problem via e-mail but I'm posting here in case it helps anyone else.

Compaq, IBM and Packard Bell, to name just three are notorius for using 'OEM' boards, but recycled parts often make their way into home-brew systems. All the support sites seem to insist on needing the machines model number before they will hand over any data. Great if you have an original machine, but not so cool if you have the parts from one.

I worked for PC World in the UK up until recently and had access to information not generally available to 'Joe Public', regarding machines from such manufacturers. I have a pretty good database of PB, Compaq and IBM parts and can generally identify parts from these machines, especially pre-Nov 2000 as I usedto work on them every day. If anyone else has recycled parts and needs to identify an original model from which the part was taken, I can often help! I'd appreciate as much info as you have (labels, serial or part numbers, etc) and a digital pictureor two will be an added bonus. I can't guarantee a match, but I'll give it my best shot!

Mike

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