DEAD: Dell Inspiron 530 for $239+ship (Pent E2180 + 2GB + 250GB + DVDRW)

[skywhr]

KINGSTON KHX6400D2LLK2/2G 2GB PC2-6400 (DDR2-800) DDR2 Memory Retail

1.8v

 

[skillyho]

That's perfect. Those OEM Dell boards don't allow vDimm adjustments so you need something that works at the same voltage of the stock modules.

 

[skillyho]

DP

 

[tcsenter]

Here's a 2GB RAM configuration that ships with Vista:

http://configure.us.dell.com/d...2&oc=DDPSDi2&x=12&y=11

Inspiron 530 with Intel G33-based motherboard
Intel E2180 Dual-Core
2GB DDR2-667
250GB SATA HDD
16x DVD Writer
Intel GMA 3100 integrated graphics
Available PCI-E x16 interface for graphics cards
Vista Home Basic SP1 (Home Premium $30 more)
Dell USB MS & KB
No speakers

$299.00 + $30.00 shipping

 

[skywhr]

crucial memory selector

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: kkrull

Originally posted by: ActiveX
It's a standard ATX power supply, easily to replace.

Are you sure? I am pretty sure Dell uses BTX powersupplies motherboards and cases.

They did in the past. The 530 is a standard micro ATX case using a standard ATX PSU.

Originally posted by: ActiveX
Case - $20
Motherboard - $25
Intel Pentium E2180 - $60
1GB DDR2 667MHz (expandable to 4x1GB) - $15
250GB SATA - $40
16x DVD+/-RW Drive - $30
Integ Audio/Video (Available PCIe x16) - $0
Dell USB Keyboard - $0
Dell Optical USB Mouse $0

What the heck are these prices? Don't make sense. The keyboard and mouse obviously cost something (and are worth something) and you can definately get a DVDRW for less. Also, the motherboard costs much more than that. I don't think $25 would even cover the cost of the G33 chipset from Intel, let alone the whole board and all.

Originally posted by: cyberia
How is this for a file/media server on a home network? I know it comes with a 300W power supply, but how much power does it actually use when idling or under a light load?

Idling it probably uses 70W or so.

Originally posted by: skywhr
Would the PSU in this thread work in the Dell case?

Yes.

Originally posted by: JWade
it is also ATX and not BTX

It is micro ATX.

Originally posted by: NautikaL 8
You don't need to upgrade the power supply unless you plan on adding a quad core processor with a high end graphics card. Dell's power supplies are of high quality.

Even a quadcore can be used with that PSU. Once you go to a video card that needs PCIe power though... time to swap PSUs.

Originally posted by: skywhr
Maybe a better question is what the best memory I can put in this?

The board will officially support up to DDR2-800 with 1.8v at CAS 5.

 

[skywhr]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: kkrull

Originally posted by: ActiveX
It's a standard ATX power supply, easily to replace.

Are you sure? I am pretty sure Dell uses BTX powersupplies motherboards and cases.

They did in the past. The 530 is a standard micro ATX case using a standard ATX PSU.

Originally posted by: ActiveX
Case - $20
Motherboard - $25
Intel Pentium E2180 - $60
1GB DDR2 667MHz (expandable to 4x1GB) - $15
250GB SATA - $40
16x DVD+/-RW Drive - $30
Integ Audio/Video (Available PCIe x16) - $0
Dell USB Keyboard - $0
Dell Optical USB Mouse $0

What the heck are these prices? Don't make sense. The keyboard and mouse obviously cost something (and are worth something) and you can definately get a DVDRW for less. Also, the motherboard costs much more than that. I don't think $25 would even cover the cost of the G33 chipset from Intel, let alone the whole board and all.

Originally posted by: cyberia
How is this for a file/media server on a home network? I know it comes with a 300W power supply, but how much power does it actually use when idling or under a light load?

Idling it probably uses 70W or so.

Originally posted by: skywhr
Would the PSU in this thread work in the Dell case?

Yes.

Originally posted by: JWade
it is also ATX and not BTX

It is micro ATX.

Originally posted by: NautikaL 8
You don't need to upgrade the power supply unless you plan on adding a quad core processor with a high end graphics card. Dell's power supplies are of high quality.

Even a quadcore can be used with that PSU. Once you go to a video card that needs PCIe power though... time to swap PSUs.

Originally posted by: skywhr
Maybe a better question is what the best memory I can put in this?

The board will officially support up to DDR2-800 with 1.8v at CAS 5.

:beer: for you, thanks

 

[sai2poke]

can i play poker on this ubunto operating system (i m not a high tech person) ?? Or could i reinstall my own XP operating system on this machine . Ty.

 

[skywhr]

Originally posted by: skywhr
vista and office installed and running smoothly

 

[bamacre]

Originally posted by: sai2poke
can i play poker on this ubunto operating system (i m not a high tech person) ?? Or could i reinstall my own XP operating system on this machine . Ty.

Dell does have XP drivers for this model...
http://support.dell.com/suppor...s=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=bt

 

[skywhr]

Originally posted by: bamacre

Originally posted by: sai2poke
can i play poker on this ubunto operating system (i m not a high tech person) ?? Or could i reinstall my own XP operating system on this machine . Ty.

Dell does have XP drivers for this model...
http://support.dell.com/suppor...s=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=bt

yes

 

[Dooling37]

Originally posted by: bamacre

Intel Pentium E2180
1GB DDR2 667MHz (expandable to 4x1GB)
250GB SATA
16x DVD+/-RW Drive
Integ Audio/Video (Available PCIe x16)
Dell USB Keyboard
Dell Optical USB Mouse

$259 + $30 ship

What do you all think about this setup as a test system for playing with Virtual Machines. I (obviously) don't know much about the realistic specs needed for VM setups. This wouldn't be for anything terribly important or resource-intensive -- just test/educational purposes.
I'd keep Ubuntu (or install another Nix distro) as host OS, and would like to have ~2 VMs running at all times -- likely Win2k3Srv and another Nix. Likely run a few services on each OS, and an occasional scan & packet sniffer (maybe even Snort).

First off, is the Intel Pentium dual-core processor E2180 (1MB, 2.00GHz, 800FSB) sufficient for this? Obviously I'd need more than the default 1GB SDRAM -- is 2GB enough, or should I go with 4? Upgrade straight from Dell, or order separately?

Thanks much for any assistance...

 

[Dooling37]

Originally posted by: Dooling37

Originally posted by: bamacre

Intel Pentium E2180
1GB DDR2 667MHz (expandable to 4x1GB)
250GB SATA
16x DVD+/-RW Drive
Integ Audio/Video (Available PCIe x16)
Dell USB Keyboard
Dell Optical USB Mouse

$259 + $30 ship

What do you all think about this setup as a test system for playing with Virtual Machines.
...
First off, is the Intel Pentium dual-core processor E2180 (1MB, 2.00GHz, 800FSB) sufficient for this?

Nevermind.. think I answered my own question with a bit of research, coming across this list of HVM-compatible processors:
http://wiki.xensource.com/xenw..._Compatible_Processors

The Intel Pentium E2180 is not listed, so I don't think this setup would work.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: Dooling37

Originally posted by: Dooling37

Originally posted by: bamacre

Intel Pentium E2180
1GB DDR2 667MHz (expandable to 4x1GB)
250GB SATA
16x DVD+/-RW Drive
Integ Audio/Video (Available PCIe x16)
Dell USB Keyboard
Dell Optical USB Mouse

$259 + $30 ship

What do you all think about this setup as a test system for playing with Virtual Machines.
...
First off, is the Intel Pentium dual-core processor E2180 (1MB, 2.00GHz, 800FSB) sufficient for this?

Nevermind.. think I answered my own question with a bit of research, coming across this list of HVM-compatible processors:
http://wiki.xensource.com/xenw..._Compatible_Processors

The Intel Pentium E2180 is not listed, so I don't think this setup would work.

VMWare Server (free) should work just fine on this setup. The key with VMs is RAM. You'll want at least 2 GB of RAM and potentially 4 GB if you're running multiple VMs. I'd buy my RAM from a third party rather than from Dell directly.

 

[mooseracing]

Originally posted by: dakels


The Dell PSU's aren't too bad for what it is intended for. You'd be surprised how much load those little rinky dink PSU's can handle. My spare 4600 only had problems when I added a 3rd HD to it on top putting it WAY out of power spec..

Most people don't understand they only need 250-300 watts

We have a compaq workstation that is setup for server work, 4HD's, P4, 4 sticks of ram, vid card, SCSI card, modem, Esata card, and a SATA raid card, all working off a 400 watt PS 24/7 for the past 3yrs.

It is in a cool enviro which helps the most.

 

[skywhr]

the new psu was so I can run a higher end video card

 

[tvdang7]

anyone want to buy a 530 with e2160 2 gigs of ram 320 gb hardrive + the 19inchwide? i just bought it from a dude on craigslist for a decent price so i wanna sell it.

 

[fiveolddogs]

What kind of video card can be added to this system without upgrading the PSU?

Also, does this support dual monitors using the integrated video?

Thanks.

 

[tvdang7]

no dual monitors and a card with out a power connector required will work so 3650 3450

 

[Pabster]

Originally posted by: JWade
without upgrading the power supply (because of no pci-e power connector) the higherst you can go i believe is a 7600GS or 8600GT. there are sata power to molex adapter, then you need to get molex to pci-e adapter.

Nah, I've ran 9600GT and 8800GT with no problem on the standard 530 power supplies.

 

[tvdang7]

i dont even see a molex on my 530? where is urs?

 

[Chiropteran]

My Inspiron 530 power supply has a 6pic connector, I used an 8800GT just fine with the Dell power supply.

However, it's possible that Dell ships a different power supply depending on the CPU, my Inspiron came with a Q6600 so it would make sense for it to have a strong power supply than one with an E2160.

 

[skywhr]

This board is pci express 16 but not 2.0 right?

 

[bamacre]

The Inspiron 530 comes with one of two different power supplies. Order one with a Q6600 and you get the beefier PSU.

 

[HardWired]

Lots of good info here on this good cheap box. Nice find OP.

I read the whole thread and I didn't see it asked but what is the highest CPU one could go to on this if getting the lowest end offered, that being the E2180. I understand jumping up to the bigger CPU/fsb option is going to get a faster stock FSB mobo (and are they always Foxcon?), but what is the fastest FSB/CPU supported when buying it with the E2180 config?

Also, anyone here ever do the bsel pin mod on this chip? Is it worth it? Piece of cake? Do tell...