Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Ram PC Systems computers, custom configurations, ISA, PCI and PCIe systems, shipping, warranty and technical support.
Ordering & Custom Systems
How long does it take to ship my computer order?
Most computer orders ship within 2–3 business days. If a part is unavailable or your order will be delayed, we will contact you. If you need a system expedited, please contact us and we’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule. See our System Build and Delivery Times page for more details.
Are other options available beyond those listed on the product page?
Yes. We can often customize systems beyond the options shown on the product page. Contact us at 800-462-1510 or sales@rampcsystems.com to discuss your requirements.
Are the computers listed on the website the only systems you build?
No. In addition to the systems listed on our website, we can build custom configurations for specialized applications, including backplane systems with a large number of PCI or ISA expansion slots. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Do you ship outside the United States?
Yes. We ship systems to customers throughout the United States and internationally. If you are outside the USA, contact us for shipping availability and charges to your location.
Can you build a system for an older operating system such as Windows XP or Windows 7?
Yes. We can build systems for older operating systems such as Windows XP and Windows 7. Several of the systems on our website support legacy operating systems.
Because these operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft, compatibility depends on the specific motherboard and other hardware being used. If you have a legacy operating system requirement, let us know before ordering so we can help determine which system configurations may be appropriate.
Legacy Hardware & Compatibility
Are your ISA and multi PCI slot computers new systems?
Yes. Our ISA and multi PCI slot computers are built as new systems using new components. These configurations use specialized industrial motherboards that continue to provide legacy expansion slots that are generally no longer available in mainstream desktop computers.
Can you build a replacement computer for an older or discontinued PC?
Yes. We often build new computer systems for customers who need to replace an older or discontinued PC while continuing to use existing expansion cards, equipment or legacy software.
Depending on your requirements, we can build systems with ISA slots, PCI slots or modern PCIe slots, along with operating systems and hardware appropriate for many legacy applications.
Because compatibility can depend on the specific expansion card, drivers, operating system and software, we recommend that you contact us before ordering if you are replacing a specialized or older system. Send us as much information as possible about the existing computer, cards and software, and we will help determine which of our systems may be appropriate.
Can I use my existing ISA or PCI card in a new computer?
Yes. In many cases, that is exactly what our systems are designed for. We build new ISA slot computers and PCI slot computers so customers can continue using existing expansion cards that are no longer supported by most modern PCs.
Compatibility can still depend on the specific card, drivers, operating system and application software, so we cannot guarantee that every card will work in every configuration. If you are unsure, contact us with the manufacturer, model number, specifications and a photo of the card, and we will provide whatever compatibility guidance we can.
Are your computers designed for a specific type of hardware?
No. Our systems are used with many different types of hardware and applications, including manufacturing equipment, communications systems, medical equipment, engineering and test equipment, and other specialized applications.
Compatibility depends on the specific expansion card, operating system, drivers, software and system requirements. We are happy to answer compatibility questions based on the information available to us, but we cannot guarantee compatibility with third-party hardware or software.
Are there any known compatibility issues with your ISA, PCI or PCIe systems?
Our customers use a wide variety of ISA, PCI and PCIe devices with our systems, and instances where a card has not worked have been very rare.
However, compatibility can depend on the individual card, drivers, operating system and application software. Because we do not manufacture or support third-party expansion cards or software, we cannot guarantee compatibility with every device or application.
If you have questions about a particular card or configuration, contact us and we will provide whatever compatibility information we can.
What is the difference between ISA, PCI and PCIe slots?
ISA, PCI and PCIe are different generations of computer expansion-slot technology.
ISA is the oldest and is primarily found today in specialized legacy and industrial computers.
PCI replaced ISA and was widely used for many years, but it has also largely disappeared from modern consumer computers.
PCIe (PCI Express) is the current expansion-slot standard used by modern computers.
These slot types are not interchangeable. An ISA card requires an ISA slot, and a conventional PCI card cannot be installed in a PCIe slot.
Can I send you information about my existing expansion card before I order?
Yes. You can send us information about your existing ISA, PCI or PCIe expansion card before ordering, including the manufacturer, model number, specifications, pictures and any driver or operating system requirements you have.
We’ll review the information and provide whatever compatibility guidance we can. Contact us for more information.
Do your systems use proprietary parts?
No. Our systems are built using industry-standard, non-proprietary components whenever possible. This makes them easier to service, upgrade and replace than systems that rely heavily on manufacturer-specific parts.
Because some legacy and industrial configurations require specialized motherboards or other components, certain parts may be less common than those used in standard consumer PCs.
How do I know whether my expansion card is ISA, PCI or PCIe?
The easiest way is to look at the connector edge of the card and the type of slot it uses. ISA, PCI and PCIe cards have different connector shapes, lengths and keying.
If you are unsure, send us a clear picture of the card, especially the connector edge, along with the manufacturer and model number if available. We can usually help identify whether it is ISA, PCI or PCIe and point you toward the appropriate system type. You can also visit our blog post on Slot Types for more information.
Software & Support
Do you install trial software or bloatware?
No. We do not install trial software or unnecessary applications on our systems. If you order a computer with Windows installed, we install the operating system, required system drivers and available Windows updates.
If you order a system without an operating system, it is shipped with the drive ready for you to install your own operating system.
What level of technical support is included with my computer?
Ram PC Systems provides technical support for the computer systems we sell, including assistance with system hardware, drivers and basic operating system issues related to the computer itself.
We are happy to answer compatibility questions whenever possible, but we cannot provide technical support for third-party cards, equipment or software. Please see our Warranty page for complete warranty information.
Do you offer a warranty on your computers?
Yes, Ram PC Systems includes a 1-year warranty on our systems. For more details please see our Warranty & Return Policy page.
Company & Reseller Questions
Are Ram PC Systems computers white-box systems and do they have Ram PC branding on them?
Our computers are white-box systems. We do not place Ram PC Systems branding on the computer chassis or shipping box, which also makes our systems suitable for resellers and integrators who provide systems to their own customers.
Where are you located, and do you have a retail store?
Ram PC Systems is located in Plano, Texas, in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. We are an online business and do not operate a retail storefront.
Can you build multiple systems with the same configuration?
Yes. We can build multiple systems with the same configuration, and many of our customers order several identical computers at a time.
We are also happy to build a single system, so there is no minimum order quantity.
Do you sell to businesses, government agencies and educational institutions?
Yes. We sell computer systems to businesses, corporations, government agencies, universities, schools and other organizations. Universities are one of our largest customer segments.
We can also provide formal quotes for purchasing departments when needed.