Hot or Not: Revenge of the Dell 400SC P42.8C @ $378 AR

[alisajid]

Dell Small Business division has a $100 rebate on the 400SC w/ a free upgrade to 2.8C P4. Stripped of everything with just 128MB RAM, a P4 2.8C, 40GB IDE HDD, and not much else its $478 - $100 reabte = $378.

Not too shabby?

 

[novon]

I'm thinking of getting in on this, the mobo is suppose to be the same one in the 8300 with Serial ATA and AGP 8X

BTW, this comes with a Rage XL PCI video card right? What about sound (no sound?)

 

[pxc]

$279AR for a P4 2.26GHz (free upgrade from Celeron 2GHz) and the 80GB HD upgrade is $35 extra for any 400SC.

The 400SC is pretty nice because it has the i875P chipset with dual channel memory up to DDR400 and 400/533/800MHz FSB support. The AGP slot is "unsupported" by Dell, but it works fine. It also has gigabit ethernet built in and the clamshell tool-free case. If you don't need/want an OS, these 400SC deals are pretty nice.

I bought one of these 400SC systems with a P4 2.8GHz w/HT for the same price a couple of months ago. It's very quiet and well worth it.

 

[novon]

If you choose a non-SerialATA Hard Drive, will you still get the serial ATA onboard?

 

[pxc]

Originally posted by: novon
I'm thinking of getting in on this, the mobo is suppose to be the same one in the 8300 with Serial ATA and AGP 8X

BTW, this comes with a Rage XL PCI video card right? What about sound (no sound?)

The sound is just regular 2 channel, but with Intel's drivers it's possible to get 5.1 sound output by configuring the 3 jacks manually for different channels. Yeah, it comes with a cheapie RageXL PCI card standard and no upgrade options.

The board has an AGP8x slot and 2 serial ATA ports, plus the regular floppy and 2 parallel IDE connectors and 4 PCI slots. The case has 2 exposed 5.25" bays, a floppy and 3 3.5" bays (one occupied by the standard hard drive).

 

[novon]

Thanks, any recommendations on a RAM upgrade?

Will this newegg RAM work in it? Buffalo Technology 184 Pin 256MB DDR PC-3200

Basically, does it REQUIRE ECC ram?

 

[DonCrescas]

Works very well with this RAM. I used it in 2 400sc systems.

 

[Delbert]

Obligatory link to the 400SC FAQ.
Thanks to Oliver the admin there for a fine FAQ.

 

[Armoth]

Hmm...very tempting. I have a couple quick questions for someone who already has one: 1) Is there decent space inside this clamshell case for more hard drives or not? 2)And does it have to be ECC memory, or can you use regular RAM also as long as its all matched? 3) How quiet is this system with its default configuration? Thanks in advance.

 

[foosdaddy]

This machine is very very quiet. I have the 2.4 800 HT version with mostly default options, beside the additional ram and the DVD +/- RW I added. It is quite the sweet setup for the $. It is way quieter than my previous machine I built that was in an Antec case with a xp 1800 in it..lol. The guide Oliver has put together above is very very useful for drivers as well as other info.

I say go for it...

 

[novon]

Order detail - order placed 1/7/2004 5:26:37 PM

Free Upgrade to an Intel® P®4, 2.8GHz,800FSB at a 2.4 price Qty: 1 Unit Price: 598.00
Floppy Drive 3.5 in, 1.44MB, Floppy Drive
Mouse Logitec System Mouse, Gray
Hardware Support Services 1Yr,Parts + Onsite Labor (Next Business Day)
Operating System No Operating System, Microsoft
Memory 128MB DDR, ECC, 400MHz, 1X128MB
Monitor NO MONITOR OPTION
Keyboard Standard Windows Keyboard,Gray
Documentation Electronic Documentation, PowerEdge 400SC
Hard Drive Configurations C1, Motherboard IDE, Ascending Order, 1 Hard drive
1st Hard Drive 40GB 7.2K RPM IDE Hard Drive
Installation Support Services No Installation
Network Adapter Onboard NIC
CD ROM/DVD ROM 48X CD-ROM
Mail-In Rebate Offer $100 Mail-In Rebate #42306! Redeem after system purchase at www.dell.com
Purchase Intent Purchase is not intended for resale.


Sub-Total $598.00

Discount -$120.00

Shipping $19.00

Estimated Tax $43.76

Total Price $540.76

$440 After Rebate!

 

[Zorro]

Rossman
Should i pull the trigger???

 

[tmchow]

i'm waiting for a better deal..

 

[optimistic]

Originally posted by: Zorro
Rossman
Should i pull the trigger???

Who is this Rossman you seem to be calling out to? Is it some kind of spending deity?

Anyways, check this out P4 2.8, 512MB DDR, 160GB HDD, DVD+R/RW, WINXP $469 no rebate PCMALL
*I called them about the chipset, they didn't know. the AMD one is nforce2 though.

details

 

[cmetz]

optimistic, the HP deal is a good deal, HOWEVER, it has an older chipset (probably an 845 flavor) and a 10/100 interface. The Dell 400SC with a 875 chipset and CSA gigabit is a better choice for I/O heavy applications ("server" use) or at least requires expansion, while the HP with more stuff out of the box is probably a better choice for desktop use.

 

[optimistic]

There's also an nforce2 equivalent (XP2600) which is the one I'm recommending to my friend for $400.

edit: oh this a server deal? nvm then.

 

[ericlp]

Originally posted by: optimistic
There's also an nforce2 equivalent (XP2600) which is the one I'm recommending to my friend for $400.

edit: oh this a server deal? nvm then.

You should read the Posts before you start posting. This is a DELL deal. With a 1 year warranty parts service. Dell doesn't do AMD... Nothing against them but your never gonna get 800FSB or HT out of an XP...

I too was looking at this deal and noticed it ends today.... about another 3 or so hours left. I think they are comming out with 10 or 15% off coupons. And probably keep the free CPU upgrade and maybe double HD? We shall see. I guess I am holding out as well, as I have 2 of these already. 2.4 GHZ versions. I was thinking of getting some for a friend as they have expressed interest. Anyway.......... I have a DVD burner and CD/RW Burner in mine along with a 9700 pro. The only draw back is that the GPU creates so much heat it makes the fan RUN at near full speed. So I installed one of those CHEAP SLot fans it's nice and QUITE now. It basicly sucks all the hot air off the 9700 blows it out the back... I put a little POT on it to control the speed of this fan and it is now a quiet machine as it once was before installing it.

As far as RAM goes? I spent the extra bucks on Buffalo just to find out I could have saved some money and got them second day air and have the same perfromance as if I just went with crucial. Yeah you might be able to push the ram faster the Crucial but you can not over clock with these systems. So I sugest just getting some cheaper well known ddr 3200 RAM.

 

[deran]

Hi ericlp,

I also have the same config as you. I have an questions. Do you have any experience with the 9700pro running at 8x AGP? I do have the problem running at 8X AGP on my Dell 400sc and 4600. The PC will lockup when I run the 3DMark03 benchmark but will run fine at 4x AGP.
Any idea? Please advise. Thanks.

Originally posted by: ericlp

Originally posted by: optimistic
There's also an nforce2 equivalent (XP2600) which is the one I'm recommending to my friend for $400.

edit: oh this a server deal? nvm then.

You should read the Posts before you start posting. This is a DELL deal. With a 1 year warranty parts service. Dell doesn't do AMD... Nothing against them but your never gonna get 800FSB or HT out of an XP...

I too was looking at this deal and noticed it ends today.... about another 3 or so hours left. I think they are comming out with 10 or 15% off coupons. And probably keep the free CPU upgrade and maybe double HD? We shall see. I guess I am holding out as well, as I have 2 of these already. 2.4 GHZ versions. I was thinking of getting some for a friend as they have expressed interest. Anyway.......... I have a DVD burner and CD/RW Burner in mine along with a 9700 pro. The only draw back is that the GPU creates so much heat it makes the fan RUN at near full speed. So I installed one of those CHEAP SLot fans it's nice and QUITE now. It basicly sucks all the hot air off the 9700 blows it out the back... I put a little POT on it to control the speed of this fan and it is now a quiet machine as it once was before installing it.

As far as RAM goes? I spent the extra bucks on Buffalo just to find out I could have saved some money and got them second day air and have the same perfromance as if I just went with crucial. Yeah you might be able to push the ram faster the Crucial but you can not over clock with these systems. So I sugest just getting some cheaper well known ddr 3200 RAM.

 

[TheToOTaLL]

Originally posted by: optimistic

Originally posted by: Zorro
Rossman
Should i pull the trigger???

Who is this Rossman you seem to be calling out to? Is it some kind of spending deity? [/L]

*snickers* I got a kick out of that

Personally, Im waiting this time arounds. Last 2.8GHz box I bought last fall ended up being $513 after tax w/ $100 rebate.

 

[optimistic]

Originally posted by: ericlp
You should read the Posts before you start posting. This is a DELL deal. With a 1 year warranty parts service. Dell doesn't do AMD... Nothing against them but your never gonna get 800FSB or HT out of an XP...

Oh, sorry for providing you with a choice. Sometimes I forget some of us are not from America and are not used to "choices."

 

[ericlp]

Originally posted by: optimistic

Originally posted by: ericlp
You should read the Posts before you start posting. This is a DELL deal. With a 1 year warranty parts service. Dell doesn't do AMD... Nothing against them but your never gonna get 800FSB or HT out of an XP...

Oh, sorry for providing you with a choice. Sometimes I forget some of us are not from America and are not used to "choices."

Damn, you must of voted for bush. He gives lots of choices too empty ones like you do. Let's see your options... No Links..no nothing. Yeah this may be a server..... BUT no one well, not very many people use these for servers. Most people I know don't put 9800 Pro boards in servers...

Anyway... Lets see your link.... I want to see my options!

 

[ericlp]

Originally posted by: deran
Hi ericlp,

I also have the same config as you. I have an questions. Do you have any experience with the 9700pro running at 8x AGP? I do have the problem running at 8X AGP on my Dell 400sc and 4600. The PC will lockup when I run the 3DMark03 benchmark but will run fine at 4x AGP.
Any idea? Please advise. Thanks.


Well, I'd never trust 3DMark BenchMark to tell me what speed my vid card was running. A lot of times these things get stuff wrong. I use that CPU cooler programs and only a few programs detect stuff right...

Anyway. Mine is running at 8X. Dunno, you might not have set it up right? I went into display property.... Click Settings then click Advanced....

Under the SmartGart TAB Mine says Current AGP Speed 8X... Fast Write is ON.... What drivers are you using for your card? I'm using catalist Version 03.7... You can get it from ATI.

Also, what OS R U using? I'm on Win2K Pro. Also, you have to install the Intel drivers off the disk that came with your system. Hopefully you did that. And updates your Direct X drivers...

Go see what ATI drivers are telling you first.

Also check out this Link I did a search for you...



LINK

Let me know if you get it to work as I have a crappy ass g-force in my wifes system and it states 8X too. You most likely have a driver problem that is IF 3d Mark is detecting your hardware right. If you are certain that you have installed the OS and all the drivers corectly.... Lastly if all else failes Try removing the catalyst driver and reinstalling it.

Good Luck!


Still have problems ? PM me and I'll help you work it out...