!DEAD?Dimension 2400 2.2ghz, 128MB, 40Gb, DVD &, CD-RW 2nd bay, $300 maybe $200 @ Dell Home w/free shipping@ Dell Home

[minidanas]

Can somebody tell me if the Windows XP on Dell's PCs comes pre-activated? I have an extra copy of XP pro and would like to use that, and sell the XP home that came with the PC.

I tried calling Dell's foreign customer service. To my question about whether the Windows XP on the machine has been activated, the lady with nice south-west-asian accent said that Dell's technology is the latest and that ... So I was like: "Ok - thank you - bye"

I can understand that this way Dell keeps costs down, but I'd rather pay a little more and have clear communication and resolution of problems. Remember, unlike us, most people and businesses are paying full price for Dell's overpriced computers.

 

[Auggie]

damn - this motherboard can't do 4.1 sound?

and I dont see/understand how to set the video settings - i have 640mb RAM, so i want to give the graphics stuff as much memory as possible - anybody know how?

guess it'll just be trial and error - heck, for 210+tax, it's just something fun to do

 

[Lanyap]

Originally posted by: minidanas
Can somebody tell me if the Windows XP on Dell's PCs comes pre-activated? I have an extra copy of XP pro and would like to use that, and sell the XP home that came with the PC.

I tried calling Dell's foreign customer service. To my question about whether the Windows XP on the machine has been activated, the lady with nice south-west-asian accent said that Dell's technology is the latest and that ... So I was like: "Ok - thank you - bye"

I can understand that this way Dell keeps costs down, but I'd rather pay a little more and have clear communication and resolution of problems. Remember, unlike us, most people and businesses are paying full price for Dell's overpriced computers.

No, it's not pre-activated. Windows activation is attempted during the first boot up. I have read mixed responses here on whether Dell's Windows XP will run on non-Dell PCs. Some people have said it does and some said it doesn't.

 

[Lanyap]

Originally posted by: Auggie
damn - this motherboard can't do 4.1 sound?

and I dont see/understand how to set the video settings - i have 640mb RAM, so i want to give the graphics stuff as much memory as possible - anybody know how?

guess it'll just be trial and error - heck, for 210+tax, it's just something fun to do

I have not found where the video memory can be adjusted. The BIOS shows you how much system memory has been allocated for video (64MB if you have 256MB RAM installed). Some said that the memory is allocated dynamically as needed. If you're reading email it may only use 4-8MB but if you run a 3D game it will use more. You might find something on the Intel website.

Here are some Intel links:

http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/intel845g/video_mem.htm

http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/intel845g/faq.htm

ftp://download.intel.com/support/graphics/intel845g/dvmt.pdf

http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/intel845g/

 

[Yo2]

Hm - I can toggle only between 1 and 8MB in Bios

 

[LotusNotesGuy]

Mine booted up 64mb video memory and i changed it to 128mb video memory though for my linux install thats probably way overkill, just an fyi for those with video bios issues.

 

[Bite]

Finally got mine with both rebates listed...tight deal

 

[Lanyap]

Originally posted by: Yo2
Hm - I can toggle only between 1 and 8MB in Bios

That's the pre-allocated video memory.


Q: How does one determine/choose pre-allocated memory size?
A: 512K setting: This choice is provided as a legacy setting only and should not be used.

1 MB setting: This choice allows most memory resources to go to the operating system while allowing the BIOS for all modes.

8 MB setting: This is the most likely choice, as this setting: 1) Allows a good balance between BIOS- and operating system-required memory resources for a typical 128 MB memory system; 2) Enables booting of Microsoft* operating systems in as much as 1600x1200x32 mode without the driver having to ask the operating system for more memory.

Both the 512K and 1 MB settings assume the system is booting using a Microsoft* operating system.

 

[Auggie]

the 32/64/128/256 options are for video memory Aperture size, the memory packet size processed. i'm not sure what the best settings are for it, but that option doesn't control the actual size of the RAM used (that you adjust under driver properties). just FYI.

 

[Auggie]

the only thing bad about this deal is that my parents and girlfriend are mad that i didn't tell them about it

my computer's running awesomly! not a speed demon, but it just feels solid and its very responsive and has all the power i'll need for a while.

 

[The_Dude8]

since the video card is intergrated, is there a way i could disable the onboard video card, and install a AIW 8500 in the dell 2400? thanks

 

[YoYoBabyYo]

do i just submit one rebate form for both of my $100 rebates?

 

[HoosierDadE]

Originally posted by: The_Dude8
since the video card is intergrated, is there a way i could disable the onboard video card, and install a AIW 8500 in the dell 2400? thanks

Yes, but no AGP slot so you would have to use a PCI video card.

 

[HoosierDadE]

That's what the instructions on the form say.

 

[minidanas]

Originally posted by: Auggie
the only thing bad about this deal is that my parents and girlfriend are mad that i didn't tell them about it

If you knew they would want cheap computers, why didn't you tell them?
As for me, I wish I could order 2 of these, but the rebates are "1 per person, 1 per address", and I don't have another address.

Edit: Dell rebate form doesn't say anything like "1 per person, 1 per address", so turns out, I could order as many as I wanted?
But I'm still sure I read about that limit somewhere at Dell's website

 

[Fant]

I believe someone already did the research and came out with up to 3 systems were allowed with all their rebates per person.

 

[Greg03]

Both rebates will be honored:

See this



Both good

Use one rebate form

 

[ConnCarl]

My 2400 came today...both rebates listed on the packing slip. Woohoo!

 

[ttlntl]

Got mine yesterday. Sent the rebates out this morning.
Do I need to call AOL to cancel their service even I do NOT use it (this 6 mths thing is included in the deal). I am trying to avoid surprises from AOL.

 

[Scorpi0]

I got my 2400 on Tuesday. I'm thinking about changing the motherboard with a non-dell micro-atx board w/ AGP slot. Would it be alright? Any m/b suggestions?

 

[Fant]

If you're gonna change the motherboard out why did you bother with this deal in the first place?

 

[Scorpi0]

If you're gonna change the motherboard out why did you bother with this deal in the first place?

I'm thinking about a m/b around $50 nothing too fancy. Which would bring the final cost ~ $250, still the best deal. I already have a decent AGP video card that I want to use.

 

[Fant]

Isnt the dell system a custom case thats designed for its own motherboard?

 

[duhh]

Originally posted by: Fant
Isnt the dell system a custom case thats designed for its own motherboard?

most dell MBs are not atx standard....
Dell power supplies seem to varry from model to model if they are standard or not ... the 400sc's of late are, but i dunno about these 2400s

 

[pxc]

Originally posted by: Fant
Isnt the dell system a custom case thats designed for its own motherboard?

The case will fit a standard microATX motherboard. The PSU will also work with a standard ATX motherboard, too.

I can't wait to hear the ignorance that will tell me I'm wrong. I've done it. All Dimensions for almost 3 years have used standard ATX PSUs (except the newer 4600C which uses a nonstandard sized ATX motherboard and PSU in the SFF case).

The 2400 and 2350 (and 4600) have the same layout internally. I stripped a 2350 and used an Asus A7N266-VM in it with the stock PSU. The case has standard ATX mounting points. I moved the 2350 motherboard to a standard ATX case and that also worked with a standard ATX PSU. That worked great because the CPU position allowed stock cooling to be used (I used a Volcano 6Cu+ heatsink minus fan under the green duct using the exhaust fan). The 2350/2400 and 4600 are all standard sized microATX motherboards and can be replaced if you want to.

The larger cases like the 4550 and 8300/400SC will also fit a microATX motherboard. The 4550/8300/400SC have one more slot than a microATX board, but fitting a smaller microATX board isn't a problem.
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duhh, this will hopefully inform you better than what you think you know right now. Why in the world would you post a reply when you obviously don't know what you're talking about?