Printer ink cartridges come in many models and types, which can make it confusing to know which ones are compatible with your printer. Two common cartridge models are the HP 902 and the 910. But can these two cartridges be used interchangeably? Let’s take a closer look.
An Overview of HP 902 and 910 Cartridges
HP 902 and HP 910 refer to two different model ranges of ink cartridges made by HP for use in various Deskjet and Officejet printers. Here is a quick overview of each:
- HP 902 – This refers to the standard capacity cartridge series. The 902 cartridges contain a moderate amount of ink and are suitable for home printing needs.
- HP 910 – The 910 series consists of high capacity cartridge models. 910 cartridges contain a higher ink volume compared to 902 and are geared more towards high volume business printing.
Both cartridge types use dye-based inks. The key difference lies in the amount of ink they hold. Now let’s look at their compatibility in more detail.
Ink Volume Comparison
One of the main factors determining cartridge compatibility is the ink volume. Generally, printers are designed and calibrated to work with a certain ink capacity. Using a significantly higher or lower capacity cartridge can cause issues.
Here is a comparison of ink volumes between the HP 902 and 910 cartridge series:
| Cartridge Type | Black Ink Volume | Color Ink Volume |
|---|---|---|
| HP 902 Standard | 8ml | 5ml |
| HP 902XL High Yield | 17ml | 15ml |
| HP 910XL Extra High Yield | 33ml | 29ml |
As you can see, the 910XL cartridges contain significantly more ink than the 902 cartridges. This large discrepancy in ink volume is the primary reason why the two cartridge types are not interchangeable in most printers.
Printer Compatibility
To understand cartridge compatibility, you need to look at what printers they are designed for. Here are some of the main HP printer models that work with 902 and 910 cartridges:
| Cartridge Type | Compatible Printer Models |
|---|---|
| HP 902 | Deskjet 1000, 2000, 3000, 3050 Officejet 4500, 4630, 4650 |
| HP 910 | Officejet 6500, 6500A, 6600, 6700, 6000, 6500 Wireless Officejet Pro 8500, 8000, 8500A, 8600, 8610, 8620, 8630 |
As you can see, the 902 and 910 cartridges are mostly designed for completely different HP printer models. The 902 is meant for home and small office Deskjet and Officejet units. The 910 caters more to higher volume business-oriented Officejet Pro printers.
There is very little crossover between printers that accept 902 cartridges and those designed for 910. This printer-specific design is another reason why the two cartridges are largely incompatible.
Exceptions Where 902 and 910 Cartridges Are Interchangeable
While 902 and 910 cartridges are mostly incompatible, there are some exceptions. In certain Officejet models like the Officejet 6500 and Officejet 6500 Wireless, both 902 and 910 cartridges will work. This is because these printers have the flexibility to work with different ink capacities.
However, even in these compatible printers, it is not advisable to interchange 902 and 910 cartridges. This is because the large difference in ink volume can negatively affect print quality and ink usage.
For example, putting a high capacity 910XL black cartridge paired with a standard 902 color cartridge may lead to imbalanced ink levels. The color ink would run out much faster, leaving wasted black ink in the 910XL cartridge.
So even though you may be able to technically use both cartridges in some printer models, for optimal performance it is better to use cartridges with similar ink capacities.
Tips for Using 902 and 910 Cartridges
Here are some tips to properly use 902 and 910 ink cartridges:
- Check printer manual – Confirm which cartridge models are recommended for your printer make and model.
- Don’t mix and match – Use the same cartridge type for both black and color slots.
- Check expiration dates – Don’t use expired OEM or remanufactured cartridges.
- Consider intended use – 902 for moderate home printing, 910 for high volume business use.
- Buy in pairs – Replace both black and color cartridges at the same time.
- Store correctly – Keep unused cartridges sealed in a cool, dry place.
HP 902 vs 910 Cartridges – Key Differences
To recap, here are the key differences between HP 902 and HP 910 ink cartridges:
| HP 902 | HP 910 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Volume | Moderate capacity | High capacity |
| Printer Types | Home/small office models | Business-class models |
| Compatible Printers | Deskjet, Officejet | Officejet Pro |
| Intended Use | Home and personal printing | High volume business printing |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the HP 902 and 910 are similar ink cartridges, they are designed for different printer models and are mostly not interchangeable. The large difference in ink capacity makes swapping them inadvisable in most cases. Always check printer compatibility to see which cartridge type is recommended. Use 902 cartridges for moderate home printing needs and 910 for high volume business printing for optimal performance.
