Qute ACR "I guess the small form factor makes it too small to add hard drives to make it a homemade NAS?"
Check out some youtube videos. The included HDD is in the rear half under the PSU. The optical drive could be removed to make room for a HDD there, but "might' need an OEM sled reused to attach to 5.25 to 3.5" adapter rails. You might have to drill 4 holes or make some basic bracket.
Similarly there is the floppy bay under the optical drive, which is the right width but could need a couple holes drilled to match floppy bay mount holes to a HDD's mounts.
You could run the OS off an SSD and velcro or duct tape that anywhere out of the way. However it may not have many SATA ports, would presumably have at least two for the current HDD and DVD, but you could need a PCIe SATA card for a 3rd or more drives.
Other option is toss a USB3 card in and run external HDDs in addition to the couple internal. You could use the externals as a redundant offline backup. There are backup programs out there were you could just have a hub with a power switch so when you turned it on, the backup software sees the added volumes and sync's it all.
Not a great device, but good enough for somebody who is not super into computers but wants something for email and basic surfing/office needs. Should be able to run finance software as long as you don't get crazy with it.
I have never been happy with HP computers. The last laptop I had was plagued with various issues (overheating, breaking hinges, ...) that many other people had too. HP never offered any practical solution. This model is totally obsolete even for a DIY NAS, HTPC, etc... or even browsing the internet (will be sluggish for sure).
I learned my lesson with refurbs. I've been burned twice with DOA goods from them. I shan't be burned a third time.
I'm typing on a refurbed laptop (HP) in opposite response to your experience. One, its not "" that did the testing... its the factory from which the manufacturer uses. Secondly, a refurb has to normally pass the factory test that is even more stringent than the "spot checking" test that systems coming off the assembly line new have to pass.
60 dollars for a computer may seem enticing, but I remember when i was younger trying to upgrade a refurb into something more future proof. It is helpful if you just want an internet viewing machine, not so much for productivity or gaming.
Was considering this for someone who needs just internet but it sounds like more of a hassle than it is worth. Thanks to those who commented!
If you just need internet this will be great. Those complaining were trying to upgrade video cards and building this PC into something it just cannot do.
Comments & Reviews (26)
I got one and it had 8gb(2x4) of ram and a 1TB hd.
Never had an issue with these cheap refurbs.
Check out some youtube videos. The included HDD is in the rear half under the PSU. The optical drive could be removed to make room for a HDD there, but "might' need an OEM sled reused to attach to 5.25 to 3.5" adapter rails. You might have to drill 4 holes or make some basic bracket.
Similarly there is the floppy bay under the optical drive, which is the right width but could need a couple holes drilled to match floppy bay mount holes to a HDD's mounts.
You could run the OS off an SSD and velcro or duct tape that anywhere out of the way. However it may not have many SATA ports, would presumably have at least two for the current HDD and DVD, but you could need a PCIe SATA card for a 3rd or more drives.
Other option is toss a USB3 card in and run external HDDs in addition to the couple internal. You could use the externals as a redundant offline backup. There are backup programs out there were you could just have a hub with a power switch so when you turned it on, the backup software sees the added volumes and sync's it all.
Given the OEM factor, even if you had a larger case, if might not be a safe bet to assume the motherboard would transplant out of this into it.
I have never been happy with HP computers. The last laptop I had was plagued with various issues (overheating, breaking hinges, ...) that many other people had too. HP never offered any practical solution. This model is totally obsolete even for a DIY NAS, HTPC, etc... or even browsing the internet (will be sluggish for sure).
I'm typing on a refurbed laptop (HP) in opposite response to your experience. One, its not "" that did the testing... its the factory from which the manufacturer uses. Secondly, a refurb has to normally pass the factory test that is even more stringent than the "spot checking" test that systems coming off the assembly line new have to pass.
If you just need internet this will be great. Those complaining were trying to upgrade video cards and building this PC into something it just cannot do.
Thank you!