Dell Dimension 4700 PCIe & Graphics Card

[RajunCajun]

Ordered a new 4700 system couple days ago and is in shipment. AFTER ordering it I've found that there are some issues when adding a 6600GT or X700. It appears that the BIOS has problems recognizing the cards. Seems they will run usually, but there are startup issues to deal with. Dell's forum and other web sites are full of people having these problems. As of today Dell is mum on the issue. I ordered mine without a card, just the onboard Intel 900 GMA so I could buy a new 6600GT, but not I regret not researching more (which I usually do).

Has anyone here had this problem? Dell will eventually fix the problem probably with a BIOS update, but till then I may be pooch screwed unless I return the system.

Any thoughts/experiences would be appreciated!

 

[mdahc]

I'd cancel and hold off until they actually fix the issue. God only knows when or if they'll issue a fix. Does anyone think that the 305W power supply on the 4700 might also be a problem? Don't most 6600 GT's require a minimum 350W PSU? That's what PNY recommends for theirs.

 

[RajunCajun]

It's pretty well knowledge that PS in Dell PCs are specified in MEAN value vs peak. My 2 year old 4500 has a 250W - running 2 HDs, 2 optical drives, memory banks full, Audigy 2, etc + FX5900 that requires the extra molex connector I've had NO problems. Besides, I'd doubt that Dell would put in a marginal PS on fully loaded systems - too many people would call in with problems.

Since the system has already shipped, I can't cancel the order, but I can send it back (at the cost of shipping ~$40-50).

The 8400 had problems early on with this, but a BIOS update apparantly fixed the problem.

Just testing the waters here to see if someone here has had this. Posted a similar question on Dell's forums, but no good responses yet.

Thanks for the input!

 

[mdahc]

Actually, if you call the rep you ordered from or their E-sales dept. if you ordered online, cancel the order, and refuse the shipment, you won't have to pay to ship it back. So, what is the mean output wattage of the 4700, and why doesn't Dell list it?

 

[RajunCajun]

The PS is rated at 305W on the 4700, and 350W on the 8400. It clearly stated when you click on the specifications of each machine.

 

[mdahc]

Yes, but that's maximum continuous output wattage. I thought you said they specify in MEAN value vs. peak. Does this mean that mean max output wattage is 305W for the 4700? That's always confused me.

 

[alphacompany]

i got a 4700 ...whats the difference between gf6800 and gf 6800 gto (both from dell)

 

[mistercoffee1]

As of 12/13/04, the new Bios (A05) has been added. This supposedly fixes the issues seen with the Video Cards (6600...).

 

[RajunCajun]

My new Dell arrived with the A05 bios. Ordered a Leadtek 6600GT, came in Friday and put it in puter. Booted and loaded fine without complaint. Installed drivers (66.32 I think!). Great 2d. Fired up Fry Cry and loaded Doom3 (came with card - heh). Everything great in Far Cry - then screen goes black, puter restarts on its own, lots of beeps going on (but I can't see crap except black screen so don't know wth XP was tellilng me). Did a cold restart and everything's just peachy. Reload Far Cry at same level as before. This last every bit of about 5-10 mins, and same stuff happens. NOT HAPPY!!!!

Moving on to Doom3, everything's fine for 15 mins, and it starts its little trick again!!!

OKKKKK! Checking gpu temps right after exiting game (before it's little trick) and temp is around 51c (that's fine). Tried newer drivers, check all settings. SAME THING!

But then the 3d screensaver (the floating ball in XP), and now there's artifact all over the ball! Go into Far Cry and same artifacts all over the screen. IT"S DONE!!! 2D has no problems and works great with the LCD.

Called and RMAd the card for replacement. Lady told me the card is getting hot (that was a no brainer!) I asked her what else I could do - the fan is running fine. She said the card is overheating and she would go ahead and issue an RMA. Other questions got just the same answer - card is overheating.

Is this a common problem with 6600GT? I plan on putting a PCI cooling system to blow air right at the card - many people report having no problems after doing this.

CONCERNED IN LOUISIANA!

 

[gpgofast]

I've got a Dell 400SC running a BFG6800oc. The 400SC has only a 250 watt power supply. I am running 2 7200 RPM HD's, 2 DVD drives, Audigy 2ZS sound card, 1GB ram, Pent2.8 and I have had ZERO problems. If you don't have a bad card, it sounds like it is a BIOS issue. I would think your PS is ok. GP

 

[gpgofast]

Also, if you still have the card, you could load Rivatuner(google it) which has a temperature logging feature so you can see what the core and ambient temp were doing while you play a game. GP