Combining two computers - Is it possible?

[Mooclan]

**Bump** Would like more input

 

[Col_StaR]

A project like this is perhaps more advanced than people realize. Your parent had best have some fairly-advanced, more-than-average computer-building ability, because this isn't a simple desktop build.

First of all, let me requote MiC:

You can salvage parts, but you will need to buy parts, since those are all in one desktops which are basically laptops with a desktop design.

The HP AIO PCs' hardware is not exactly the same as a regular desktop's. You are dealing with two different form factors for computers, with desktops being the most common and most customizable option whilst AIO are specially-designed for common consumers and are not meant to be customized by the average user. As such, only some of the parts of the AIO are able to be salvaged for use within a desktop: the hard drive and optical drive are almost certainly able to be saved; the power supply may possibly able to be saved; the motherboard, RAM, CPU, and GPU are unlikely (or not worthwhile) to be saved. In addition, it is highly unlikely that any of the parts from your Antec PC would fit into the HP AIOs. AIOs are not standard, and working inside of one should require a user of strong familiarity with computer hardware. If all you're going to save is about $70 worth of hardware from the AIO, you might as well keep the AIO together and just save up $70 for new ones in a new desktop.

Your best bet would be to simply keep the AIOs for basic usage whilst look to upgrade your desktop, since that is the best platform to customize and upgrade from. I don't know about whether Antec is an Original Equipment Manufacturer, though. If they are, that means they make their own custom hardware (HP is an OEM), meaning it may not be compatible with other PC hardware components on the market, making it unupgradable. If they are not, then that PC is a solid base for an upgraded rig.

If you need further help, you'd need to provide more information about the desktop. The HP AIOs are pretty much a lost cause, in my opinion.

 

[Ordies]

You can get dual monitors, but Col stated already to combine PC's, it would be difficult.