Pavilion p6820 motherboard unused circuits

[Babylone]

Hello. There are unused circuits in the motherboard of my Pavilion p6820 computer. Here are the most significant ones that I found.

https://i.ibb.co/mFFgt4q/DSC09229-min.jpg 

Diskette drive? If I had this, my productivity would increase by a huge margin!

https://i.ibb.co/pxrxpW6/DSC09231-min.jpg 

"COM2".. Serial port? Having this would free up an expansion slot in the computer!

https://i.ibb.co/BjFMH41/DSC09232-min.jpg 

There's a whole bunch of stuff here. "COM1". Another serial port?

What is "J2"? Is it for a parallel port? Having one would free up another expansion slot!

What's that 24-pin header between the VGA port and the USB ports?

So why were these circuits left unused? I'm guessing that there exists an higher-end version of the p6820 that uses the same motherboard, but makes use of these circuits. Is that the case?

[old_geekster]

@Babylone , welcome back to the Community.

Q: So why were these circuits left unused? I'm guessing that there exists an higher-end version of the p6820 that uses the same motherboard, but makes use of these circuits. Is that the case?

A: Yes, you did answer your own question!  HP uses their motherboards and other components in many different configurations.  This is how they determine their price points.  The more components/features you get, the more they cost.

Please click the "Yes" button if my reply was helpful and "Accept as Solution" if your problem is Solved!!

[Babylone]

Hello Old_geekster. So, do you know what other models feature this motherboard?

Anyway. This computer has brought me a lot of joy and sadness. What I've always loved about it is its reliability, its power supply, its multi-card reader and its powerful CPU. Also, ergonomics-wise, the peripherals that it came with are top-tier.

However, the lack of a diskette drive connector, serial port and parallel port have always been hindrances to me. So, I'm kind of thinking of getting another computer.

Can you tell me which computers that HP sells today have these features?

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

@Babylone, these features are very difficult to find on today's motherboards.  Few people, if any, even use CD/DVD's.  USB/HDMI have replaced the other two options that you need.  I wouldn't even know where to begin looking for a motherboard with them.

If you need a CD/DVD ROM, I suggest looking at an external USB drive.  I have used one for several years for installing older programs and games.  Lately, I have to admit, it has been sitting drawing dust.

I believe if you try USB/HDMI peripherals you will be surprised at the performance difference they will make in your tasks.

[Babylone]

Hello. Thank you for taking the time to answer me.

Robert, this link leads to the product specifications page of my computer. This isn't the information that I am looking for.

Some of the hardware that I work with lacks USB functionality. I use a parallel port for printers and a serial port to transfer data. I have added these ports to my computer with expansion cards, but if these ports were instead on the motherboard then I could use the expansion slots for other things.

I have a USB diskette drive but these things really don't cut it.

If these features are deprecated, then I'll have to look for a used computer that's as powerful, or more powerful than my p6820 and that has these capabilities.

[old_geekster]

You are very welcome, @Babylone!

If you want to continue using your older products, you will have to buy an older computer.  As I stated, it is nearly, if not, impossible to find the features that you want.

Good luck!