How to put together an excellent Dell system on the cheap.

[pradeep1]

This is a quick How-To post with info. on putting together a very good and powerful computer that can be used for serious photo editing work. All this can be done for about $575, but will require some amount of computer skills in both assembly and with software installation.

Dell regularly has deals on machines on their website. Recently I was in the market for a server and saw that they have their 400SC server for $350 after mail-in rebate.

Reading about this, I found out that this 400SC machine is actually a quite high end product that can be easily made over to produce a high-end work station cheaply.

I found a really good FAQ about this machine here:

http://www.aaltonen.us/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8

So I ordered a Dell PowerEdge 400SC from here:

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

Choose Servers >PowerEdge >SC Value Servers >Recommended 400SC >Customize System

Here is what I got:

Processor: Pentium 4 2.8 GHz with Hyper Threading, 512K cache, 800 FSB
Memory: 128 MB PC3200 DDR400 RAM
Hard Disk: 40 GB Hitachi "Deathstar" 7200 RPM
Optical: Cheesy CDROM drive
Floppy: 1.44 MB
Video: 8 MB Cheap-ass video card
Keyboard: Really nice black Dell keyboard
Mouse: Standard black Dell mouse
Operating System: None

and I paid $480 with tax for this machine. I got a mail in rebate, so that is another $100 off. I opened up the machine and pulled out the 128 MB of RAM memory and the small 40GB hard drive. I then contacted Dell and returned both of those items. They gave me back $216 for those!

So here is the breakdown:

System price: $480
Mail in Rebate: -$100
Return: -$216

Total System Price so far: $164

Point to note, just a new P4 2.8 GHz with HyperThreading processor costs about that much on Newegg, so you are getting an excellent black case, very capable motherboard (made by Intel - with 800 FSB, 8X AGP, SATA, 6 USB 2.0, etc), and 1 year support for basically the price of a processor.

I then upgraded the machine with the following components from NewEgg:

1 Gigabyte (2 X 512) of Mushkin PC3200 DDR400 RAM in Dual Channel - $150.
NEC 2510A Dual Layer 8X DVD+/-R/RW Burners - $85
GENERIC MODEM (for faxing) - $ 7.50
SAMSUNG 120 GB 7.2K HDD (silent drive) - $90.00
SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9200 128 MB AGP 8X - $ 65.00
MISCELLANEOUS SHIPPING - $5.00

So that comes to:

$164 for machine + $403 for upgrades = $567.

Of course this does not include Operating System and monitor, etc., but most people have one lying around that they can use. I use Windows 2000 Professional and a 17" Sony Trinitron.

So this puppy with hyperthreading enabled and with 1GB of very fast RAM in dual channel sits silently in my office and offers blazing speed. I can convert RAW files with Breezebrowser in combined mode in about 4 seconds per picture. That's fast. Paintshop Pro, Photoshop, and most games fly on this machine. It's neat to be able to apply all sorts of effects on a picture and see everything instantly pop up. I would upgrade the video card to something higher if you require serious gaming power, though. One good thing about Hyperthreading is that you can be converting a bunch of RAW files in the background and still be able to use your machine at reasonable speeds. My previous 1GHz machine would choke when doing RAW conversions.

So this is an idea I hope others on this forum can use. The key to the deal is first of all finding a 400SC on the cheap (which is quite easy to do, since Dell always has sales on them) and then returning the two loser components (128 MB RAM and 40GB Hard Drive) and upgrading everything else. You take a low end server and convert it into a high end workstation.

Enjoy,

[dn7elson]

Any tricks on getting Dell to accept back the undesired components? You could have sent back the video card as well if it is not an integrated component of the motherboard.

[petiot]

My opinion (for what it'sworht) dont buy DELL, it is high perf but low quality stuff, and the customr service is poor.

[CyberDyneSystems]

<Topic moved and double post deleted>
:wink:

Awesome article though.. thanks for posting this!

"Dude! You got a dell for under $200.00"

[elfyrulz]

meh.. never like DELL.. 8) I build my own PC; much cheaper IMO.

[pradeep1]

<Topic moved and double post deleted>
:wink:

Awesome article though.. thanks for posting this!

"Dude! You got a dell for under $200.00"

Sorry about that. I just wanted to get some of my regular buddies here in on this deal before it disappears! 8)

[dn7elson]

My opinion (for what it'sworht) dont buy DELL, it is high perf but low quality stuff, and the customr service is poor.

You need to research the buy just like any other purchase. My system with Intel MB, WD HD is not what I would consider "low quality" stuff.

Why don't you indicate your system and in what ways it is better? Build-it-yourself systems don't come with customer service, so that won't be an issue.

[dn7elson]

meh.. never like DELL.. 8) I build my own PC; much cheaper IMO.

Given the example, you'd be hard pressed to do so. Even buying a stripped Dell gives you a base cost that is hard to beat. I usually buy the minimal HD, RAM and take the cash vs. upgrade on specials and then add RAM, HD, video and CD/DVD drives to get a custom system on a sound base.

[pradeep1]

meh.. never like DELL.. 8) I build my own PC; much cheaper IMO.

I am usually in that camp as well, but consider this:

A P4 2.8 GHz HT 512K 800 FSB CPU costs about $179.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-116-161&depa=0


The Intel 875PBZ motherboard with all those features is probably around $130.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-121-180&depa=0

I got both for $164. Plus I got a good quality and quiet case, decent power supply, and I am helping my company, since I am a Dell shareholder. :wink: Well....maybe not helping my company...hmmmm.....you figure would not be in the business of losing money by offering these deals, right?

[CyberDyneSystems]

No worries Pradeep.. :)

You know a good option (and I post this here so others may benifit) ...is to post the body of the message in one forum.. and then if you really feel compelled,.. post a LINK in another forum.. this way all the discussion can still be consolidated to a single thread...

It seems the complaint is that when we have multiple posts on one subject the confusion factor as to who said what in what thread is considerable :)

Thanks again for the post! This does look like a great bargain :)

I've been building PCs for years and I know that I can not sell an equivelent PC for less than Dell does at there normal pricing.. never mind this deal! :shock:

[pradeep1]

Any tricks on getting Dell to accept back the undesired components? You could have sent back the video card as well if it is not an integrated component of the motherboard.

The video card is not integrated, but it's such a POS that they I didn't try. Oh well, not a problem having a 8MB video card lying around. As for returns, just call up their customer care ask for an RMA for server components that you will not be needing. It is hit or miss. You may have to call back once or twice. They may offer a deal, like $40 credit if you keep the components, but if you say that they are really not needed since you are upgrading an existing server (which I was), then they will issue you a refund. I've seen amounts between $120-160 thrown around on some forums. I am getting back $216, so that is a bit of luck there.

Good Luck,

[elfyrulz]

I got both for $164. Plus I got a good quality and quiet case, decent power supply, and I am helping my company, since I am a Dell shareholder. :wink: Well....maybe not helping my company...hmmmm.....you figure would not be in the business of losing money by offering these deals, right?

DELL PC are Bios lock that means you cant change your PC FSB. also a DELL PC with 3Ghz isnt running full. DELL has their PC lock @ about 10 to 20Mhz less then what it does. nwayz my build PC (AMD Athlon 3000+ 333FSB OCed) was able to beat a P4 3Ghz 800FSB on Multimedia. price of my AMD CPU awhile back was $200 . intel P4 3Ghz was around $300-$400. PC lifespan last 4-5 years that means if you have a brand name PC your likely to buy another PC while a custom PC can easily upgrade ther hardware or just mess around with their Bios.

[dn7elson]

DELL PC are Bios lock that means you cant change your PC FSB.

So, your big beef is that you cannot overclock a Dell...well OK. But that is generally only the concern of gamers and not those looking for a reliable, consistent system. For business use, overclocking is an unwarranted risk.

BTW, my 3GHz Dell is running at...surprise, 3GHz multithreaded and not some underclocked factor.

[Xeiros]

But that is generally only the concern of gamers and not those looking for a reliable, consistent system.


It's no less reliable than any stock running PC so long as you know what your doing. Overclocking a Pentium 4 from 2.8GHz to 3.0GHz is not going to show you any stability. If your RAM allows for it, you can probably do that jump without even touching the vCore settings.

As for a Dell vs Custom PC thing, I personally would always take a custom PC over the likes of Dell or any other brand for these reasons.

1.) You know whats in your computer. You know who makes the motherboard, what it's performance is, and what options it has if you decide you want to further your knowledge, and possibly dabble with overclocking. Same goes for the RAM and all the other major parts that determine the stability and longevity of your computers life.

2.) You know you have QUALITY parts, not some mass manufactured part sold to the lowest bidder. Dell uses power supplies made by a brand that has been known to have some very unstable voltage rails, which makes it somewhat of a hazard to the life of your PC.

3.) 9 out of 10 times, its going to be cheaper. The only real exception to the rule is usually if they are having one of their massive "Mail in Rebate" deals or you get a discount because you work there or have a family member/friend that can hook you up with a deal. The higher end the computer, the more you end up saving usually.

[pradeep1]

I generally fall in the "Build Myself" camp when it comes to this debate. I went for this because of the deal on the CPU/Motherboard more than anything else. Everything else are components that I personally selected and installed. The power supply used in my 400SC is stable and reports within 2% of what is expected. I might upgrade to a silent one with larger load capacity, since on this model at least, Dell has abandoned their proprietary power supply format and chosen the good old ATX form.

[pradeep1]

[quote=pradeep1]

DELL PC are Bios lock that means you cant change your PC FSB. also a DELL PC with 3Ghz isnt running full. DELL has their PC lock @ about 10 to 20Mhz less then what it does. nwayz my build PC (AMD Athlon 3000+ 333FSB OCed) was able to beat a P4 3Ghz 800FSB on Multimedia. price of my AMD CPU awhile back was $200 . intel P4 3Ghz was around $300-$400. PC lifespan last 4-5 years that means if you have a brand name PC your likely to buy another PC while a custom PC can easily upgrade ther hardware or just mess around with their Bios.

My P4 2.8 runs at 2.79 GHz, so I am not sure if that is some locking. Usually CPUs will run a fraction slower than their rated GHz. I've noticed that on all the computers I've owned all the way down the lowly 8088 that was something like what 4.7Mhz?

The 400SC case is very upgrade friendly and the Intel motherboard supports everything under the sun, so I am not giving up any future upgradeability.

The reason I posted this little how-to was to help other forum members who have a modicum amount of computer knowledge to semi-build themselves a good machine that will suppor their photography addiction. I'm a hardcore computer geek, so what many are saying on this thread is true, but this time, I would find it hard for you to come up with similar specs cheaper than this. One of the main things of this computer is that it is very quiet. Dells unique channeling of air from the CPU using a little plastic venting system makes my system run at 135 F at full load with very little noise. That was a big consideration, and the 400SC is almost inaudible in regular use. There are only two fans in the beast...one for the CPU and one for the power supply. It is a very elegant and effective design. Pair that with a fanless video card and a ultra-quiet Samsung hard drive, and you have the makings of a very peaceful computer. My previous desktop, a AMD 2100+ that I built myself was fast and nice, but it was noisy.

[ryuwulf]

i have 2 Dell PE 400SC. They are great workhorse machines.
I purchased both for around 300.

Definitely not a budget machine,


2.4 P4
1 gig pc 3200 mushkin
40 gig hitachi

120 gig seagate
120 gig seagate
raid 0

9800 AIW pro (capture card/tuner)

Audigy 2 zs

lite on 8x dvd +r -r


logitech cordless mx keyboard and mouse

winxp pro all the tweaks i can muster

only 20 processes running in the background including anti virus software.

[pradeep1]

I checked on my rebate status and actually got back $230, so that brings the my total system price to only $553. Pretty good. 8)