Dell PIII 800 desktop w/o monitor for $435

[Nutcase99]

Woohooo! I just got 3 now I hope they come through

 

[ManSnake]

no agp slots??? nooooooooooooooooooo, i was gonna buy one!!:Q

 

[RossMAN]

psxjunky - You're welcome, I'm sure that you'd rather have 192MB PC100 SDRAM and pay less. Well I've got good news for you,



<< Memory

32 MB upgradeable to 512 MB SDRAM

100 MHz SDRAM DIMMs

Configurations include one of 32, 64, 128, 192, 256, 384, or 512 MB Non-ECC DIMM

2 DIMM sockets >>



Here a link to the Dell Dimension L series specifications and it says yes it uses standard PC100 SDRAM.

If you decide to cancel your current order, and don't mind placing a new order over the phone with a sales rep I can refer you and we'll both receive a free $25 gift certificate which can be used anywhere on the Internet which accepts Visa/MasterCard. So if you or anyone else is interested please drop me an e-mail and I'll give you the full details.

 

[rhong]

Hey guys, regarding the shipping:

Go to Fedex's website and sign up for a fedex account. You can use this account number when ordering to save on the shipping.

I actually had an account with them already. When I estimated the price for FedEx Express Saver Ground for a PC box (oops, I forgot to account for the Keyboard and mouse), it came out to only about 13 bucks or something. I estimate it'll run around 20 after all's done, but I'll let you guys know how I come out when they call me to confirm my order with the shipping charges.

 

[psxjunky]

Here is another idea (based on RossMan's suggestion) ... reduce the memory to 32 MB from the standard 64 MB and bring down the price another $50 ... effectively saving $130 (compared to what you'd pay to get JUST 128 MB total from Dell) ... then get two 128 MB KingSton ValueRams from Egghead.com for $70 each.

You pay $140 for 256MB RAM ... effectively about $4 more for what you'd pay Dell for 128 MB (don't forget that bringing down the price of the system by $130 also saves you about $6 in tax, so the total savings is about $136)

I have already ordered the Dell system with the RAM upgraded to 128 meg ... but I am going to call them tomorrow to change the configuration to include just 32 meg instead.

I already called KingSton technical support (1-800-435-0640 open 24/7) and verified that the 128 meg ValueRam will work fine in the Dell Dimension L system.

Thanks RossMan for confirming it again. Could you please send me (psxjunky@uswestmail.net) the details of saving another $25 ... I'll try to do it when I call them tomorrow. They are already closed for tonight.

 

[RossMAN]

rhong - Thank you for the suggestion of opening a FedEx account, wonder how much a Dell Dimension 4100 with 19&quot; monitor, keyboard and mouse would cost to ship via FedEx? Is it next business day?

Click here to open a FedEx shipping account

psxjunky - You've got mail! Since the Dimension L only has 2 DIMM sockets wouldn't the factory installed 32MB occupy the first socket leaving you with only one left?

 

[psxjunky]

RossMan : I just replied to your mail ... thanks for the info.

You are right about the problem with just 2 DIMM slots. I had thought about this and it makes more sense to me to replace Dell's 32 meg memory with one of the two 128 meg sticks. The 32 MB module can be e*bayed for whatever it is worth (should be at least 15-20 bucks).

rhong : a question for you ... I understand that FedEx will charge around $20 for actual shipping; but what about packaging ? Isn't FedEx going to charge extra for that ? Any idea how much that'd be ?

 

[RossMAN]

psxjunky - D'oh! I think I get it now, remove Dell's 32MB RAM and pop in two 128MB Kingston ValueRAM's, right?

That would save you a lot because if you lower the RAM to 32MB then update the price you'll notice that 256MB costs a whopping $270 when you can buy two 128MB Kingston's for just $138, hehe.
Just remember to have someone else order the second 128MB stick of RAM unless you can have two rebates for one household.

Great thinking, I like it. Just make sure to setup a FedEx account or you'll get ripped off on shipping.

 

[Floyd]

Rossman, hey chief, I suggested the FedEx thing earlier today in the other Dell thread, and naturally there have been no subsequent responses. I have amazing powers to kill a thread, I suppose.

Anyway, the only problem is that unless you already have a FedEx account, it's probably too little too late. When I signed up, they stated the account number and other materials would be delivered within 48 hours...no instant account number via email. My, my, the internet age has made us an impatient bunch. I want it now.

Best regards,
Floyd

 

[greg]

At $435, for a bare bones system this is a warm deal for someone who needs service, but keep in mind that one needs add a modem, RAM, possibly a real HD, then the deal gets very thin as the delivered price is quite high for an entry level system. One could easily assemble a system for the same price that isn't as constricted. Of ocurse I know that isn't the point with Dell systems...

BTW, PIII800e are down to the $203-210 level so the crap MB you get with a DELL system is really the only other thing you get and then the deal turns cold, especially with dirt cheap ram nowadays.

 

[rhong]

RossMAN - I'm not sure how much it'd cost, but what you'd need to do is estimate the size and weight of the package and input it into FedEx's Rate Finder and see what comes up as the estimated shipping charge. I chose to ship ground Express Saver, cuz I'm cheap.

psxjunky - FedEx provides free packaging, but not free packaging for CPU box sized items. Their FedEx's Rate Finder allows you to input the dimensions of your own packaging. Make a rough estimate on that. I surely hope Dell doesn't charge for their packaging.

Floyd - Didn't see your post on the other thread, but the idea came up when I was going through the ordering process and remembered my FedEx Acct number. I'm glad Dell has that up there, quite a nice option. I didn't sign up recently, so I didn't know that the account number wasn't immediate for new users. Oh well, it's a bargain for those who already have accounts, though.

Good luck all!

 

[MrBond]

Yow wow, this is a great deal. I'm damn short on cash, though. Adding 128mb of ram bumps the price high enough to use the business lease, but in the long run, I pay $768 for a $565 system. $200 in interest seems kinda high. I need a nice fat paycheck sometime here...Oh well, it will be my motivation to come to work.

Maybe I'll sell a kidney. Anyone know what the going rate for them is?

 

[breeze]

Sounds ok for a first time user/buyer ....tech support.
The power supply has a output wattage of 145watt ( I think I read it right)....is this enough for a P3 and a better vid card.The one 5.25 external bay is that after the cd-rom bay???Small photo on the web site...:-(

 

[DaveH]

Can one sign up for a fedex ground account without a lot of hassle? The web site says &quot;someone will contact you&quot; when you try to do this...

Also, I gather these account numbers are intended for businesses only?

 

[rhong]

I'm signed up for the regular Federal Express Account. With it, I can send packages via Federal Express and FedEx Ground (formerly RPS). If you don't include a Company Name during the signup process, it will consider it as a personal account.

I'm not as sure about the Federal Express Ground Account, but it looks like it's for businesses only.

 

[dafatha00]

just got mine!! too bad they lock the bios though

 

[NoWhErE]

Check the configuration Jumper position. Set it to &quot;service&quot; mode. Refer to pg 35 of your manual...

 

[BurningRome]

Hey-
I ordered one of these when the free shipping promo was on a few weeks ago, got a C566 Dimenson L for $419+8% CA tax- wish I had waited! What do you think of my chances of getting a &quot;rebate&quot; if I call Dell and complain?
Anyway, my 2 cents- it's expandability is kind of limited. As previously mentioned, no AGP but 4 PCI, the NIC is integrated on the MB and so doesn't use a slot. I didn't get a modem with it so it came with all 4 PCI's empty. That's OK unless you want to add a ton of stuff- but the other 2 things are more worrisome- only 2 DIMM slots, so buy dense SDRAM when you do. The other thing is the case - typical nice and sturdy Dell, easy side opening, and popping the front off. But the front is pretty much one solid piece with a hole at the top for the CDROM and floppy. There is only one 3.5in/thin slot free, for a internal Zip I guess. NO other 5.25&quot; bays! So if you're thinking of adding another CDR or DVD - think again! Only one 5.25&quot; bay to use, and it's occupied by the stock (LG) CDROM. Not so expandible. The HD (7.5G Quantum Fireball 4400rpm(?)) is mounted vertically on the inside front of the ..front.., so no room for more bays.
I think it's been said, the video is the Intel 810E chip, while the sound is some Creative chip, workable but not stellar by any means.

enjoy-
PK

 

[trikster2]

BurningRome!

Cool nickname.

Thanks for all the info on the system.

Question: How loud or quite is the unit? I'm replacing an old micron tower system (with 4 fans) that is simply too loud for the family room.

Sound is something I see reviewers seldom mention. Kinda confusing that it is ignored as P.C.s start to invade throughout our households.

Also: Are you sure you have an 810E and not a plain 810??? Dells documentation is not very clear (I think the 810E does 133Mhz FSB while the 810 is limited to 100Mhz, but I may be wrong).

To others calling this a &quot;warm deal&quot; it really depends on your requirements. If all you do is 3D gaming, then yeah this system sucks.

Simply amazed that this is a microATX (it is right?) with 4 free PCI slots. I'll be up and running when I get mine in a week or so; I'll install my Voodoo2 to give myself a little extra 3D accel, then over the next year I'll fill up the PCI slots with a Soundblaster Live, Voodoo 4500 PCI (or 5500), and maybe a SCSI if usb 2.0 doesn't kill it and a firewire or video capture board.

Even with the 800E's approaching $200 (intels roadmap has them selling for $189 in feb), I don't see how you could build a similar system for $432. Especially if you actually pay for the OS!

Windows Me Full install: $169 (price grabber).
800E PIII $207 (someone in this forum)
810E MATX with integrated LAN and Sound and 4PCI: $147
(pricegrabber, board is an Intel BOXCA810EAL. You can get a 3PCI 810E for as low as $86 with no LAN, but when you add lan you only get 2 free slots. Not good).
MATX case with 145W powersupply: $45 (probably a better case).

I'm up to $568 and haven't even included memory or hard drive (the ones with the dell aren't worth much) or the fact that the dell has 3 year waranty....

BTW: It's my requirement for small and quiet that kept me away from AMDs. Had a hard time finding a MATX MB and they seem to love power and cooling.

Anyway, I spend a lot of time reading computer reviews and looking at bargain sites, yet I found myself purchashing this Dell. It comes down to &quot;requirements&quot;. If you are in the market for a small computer for an area shared with other family members, and you do more with your computer than play 3D games, I can't imagine a better value.....

I'm now tempted to also get the $295 C566Mhz version and set it up as a linux server....

 

[RossMAN]

Sure am glad that I purchased the Dell Dimension 4100/866, lots of room for uprageability then again I paid $2,000 for my system instead of $600

I did want to upgrade, have both 12x DVD and Plextor 12/10/32 CD-RW (which I bought elsewhere), wanted the better chipset, 133 MHz RAM and most importantly the 32MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce2 GTS graphics card.

 

[glee719]

Go through Stockback and get another 2.5%.

G

 

[BurningRome]

Yup, the video chip says &quot;Intel FW82810E&quot; among other things, and the audio chip says &quot;Creative ES1373&quot;.
It's pretty quiet- such a subjective thing tho, but I think it's quiet. 2 fans, the powersupply and the chip fan, and it's cleverly (at least to me) set up with the (Swing Aside) PS air intake right above the CPU fan, to sort of &quot;duct&quot; the hot air from the CPU into the PS and out.
Oh yeah - someone else said this too I think, not sure if in this thread- the PS is a kinda wimpy 145W.

enjoy - PK

 

[Atrac]

Excellent recommendation to use FedEx shipping with your own account. That should make the shipping price drop from $85 to about $13. I called FedEx and found my old account number from 4 years ago (!). I just updated the CC # and I should be all set.

Someone mentioned that FedEx charges extra to box up a computer. Why wouldn't they just use the box that Dell provides the computer in ?!?!?

Also, is the Pentium III 800Mhz chip a Flip chip or a Slot-1? I'm assuming Flip chip, but you never know.

 

[Slippage]

Burningrome- Dell has a 30 day guarantee. call em up and they'll credit your CC the diff. I did this a few years ago when I picked up one.

 

[trikster2]

Since I just ordered one of these I've been researching the AGP vs PCI issue.

In my experience the only things that I am likely to upgrade are the video, memory and hard drive. It's clear that I can upgrade that memory and hard drive, but what about the video????

Unfortunately these systems do not have an AGP slot so upgrading the video will require a PCI video card.

Traditional wisdom preaches that AGP is a &quot;must have&quot; for serious graphics. While it is true that the AGP bus does kick PCI's but, the bus is not the bottle neck in most games. Even the fast AGP bus is too slow to effectively use a computers memory for textures; most proccessing these days takes place on the video card.

The above theory is demonstrated in a nice PCI/AGP comparison at:

http://firingsquad.gamers.com/hardware/v44500/

The review compares (among other things) the Voodoo 4500 AGP and PCI. In all gaming benchmarks, the AGP and PCI versions of the cards performed almost exacly the same:

&quot;Comparing the AGP and PCI versions of the card against each other, there really isn't much of a performance difference unless you are running a high-speed processor. Even then the performance difference is still fairly slight. &quot;

Unfortunately the lustre of AGP has lured most vendors into dropping PCI cards from their product lines. If you plan on upgrading the Dimension L series you are limited to PCI cards and that means you are limited to one vendor, 3DFx.

Now for an old man like myself this is not necessarily a bad thing. True Nvidia kicks 3DFx's but on every benchmark except those involving FSAA. However there are other considerations. I have a fairly large library of Glide games, games that would be useless on an NVidia or ATI graphics card. Also there are still games coming out today that play better on 3DFx hardware. A couple years ago 3DFx was king, and some of today's games, such as Deus Ex, are optimized for, and play better on 3DFx hardware.