It's a Dell

[kopema]

I'm getting a new computer. Normally I like to put my own together, but I'm getting one through my employer this time and it has to be a Dell. I've never had one before, but I've heard they can sometimes be hard to upgrade.

I picked out one with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 8800GT video card and four gig of RAM. This should be all I need for at least a year or two, but I want something I can upgrade later if I need to. Does anybody know where to look to find the exact specifications of the guts of any Dell model? 'Cause I can't find stuff like motherboard chipset, power supply information, etc. on the ordering page.

 

[DSF]

You might start with which model Dell you're looking at buying.

 

[bacillus]

double check that you'll be getting a 64 bit OS as afaik dell only does oem 32bit.

 

[JustaGeek]

If you want to have access to exact specifications with the MB model etc, and future "upgradeability", go for the HP - their service database is exceptional.

I haven't seen an option for the 8800GT on their website though...


SORRY - just noticed that it MUST be Dell.

Never mind then...

 

[kopema]

Originally posted by: JustaGeek
I haven't seen an option for the 8800GT on [HP's] website though...

On the Dell site, it seemed like only the higher-end models have the option of 8800GT. That makes me assume that the other ones can't handle it - I figure why else wouldn't they at least give that option? That makes me suspect that most of Dell's models don't have a lot of "elbow room" for expansion.

I don't know what kind of "service database" Dell has, but I'll try to look for it.

 

[JustaGeek]

Actually, I just wanted to make a point, "for the record".

Look at my old Pavilion s250n, purchased about 4 years ago.

These are the specs. and these are the specifications of the motherboard.

I am thoroughly impressed with HP. And unless you are getting your Dell for free, it might be worth considering a basic Quad-core model like M9040N for $1049, and upgrading the Video Card to 8800GT for $250, even if you need to buy a new PSU.
It doesn't come with Vist 64, but you can find all the specs here

BTW, the 32-bit Vista will be more than sufficient for another 2-3 years, on this machine with 3GB of RAM.

Even if it ends up costing you a few hundred bucks more...

 

[Slowlearner]

I have been buying Dell, 5-7 systems a year, for work for the last five years mainly becuase the prices are reasonable, excellent credit terms and reliability. HP is just as good but less generous with prices or credit.

The base Dell systems - Dimension/Vostro/Optiplex etc, - are NOT gaming machines. The XPS line is aimed at the enthusiast/gamer. So long as you are looking at the XPS line and non-slim cases e.g. XPS 420 - you should be fine with future upgrades, and adequate power - Dell systems normally have PSs that are just adequate for what you ordered.

The complete systems manual is available online and there are excellent forums to help if you have specific questions.

 

[JWade]

I have a XPS 410, I've upgraded it to a q6600, have a 7950 in it, dual DVD drives, only one hard drive though, no power issues with its stock power supply. I've seen teh xps 420's, I would recommend getting one of those