Dell Dimension 4550 Motherboard

[DLzone]

I'm just curious what motherboard does the dell dimesnion 4550 that everyone has been gettin in on come with?

 

[Keego]

I can assume it's just some OEM of whatever they found cheapest that had onboard sound/usb 2.0

It could be anything really, it's quite generic. Onboard sound, USB 2.0, 2 memory slots, onboard NIC. Nothing special.

 

[Hulk]

Actually, I'm pretty sure it is an Intel branded board utilizing the newest PE chipset, which is one of the reasons a lot of people are jumping on the deal (myself included). This board is not the older 845E or G board you find in most low end systems, but the newest technology that uses a 333Mhz memory bus, assuming that you got at least the 2.4Ghz processor. Obviously there won't be any overclocking features but I'm hoping to be able to set the memory timings.

If anyone has more info please fill us in.

 

[dexvx]

Originally posted by: Keego
I can assume it's just some OEM of whatever they found cheapest that had onboard sound/usb 2.0

It could be anything really, it's quite generic. Onboard sound, USB 2.0, 2 memory slots, onboard NIC. Nothing special.

No.

Its based off a reference Intel i845pe (official hyperthreading and PC2700 support). On board Intel 10/100 NIC, 6 USB 2.0 ports, ADI onboard sound (dont know the specifics). Depends on what you define as "special", seeing all motherboards are more or less the same.

 

[Keego]

I jumped on it too btw

 

[Passions]

can u throw this mobo into an atx case? oh man that would be sweet.

 

[DLzone]

So it is an 845PE, Sweet ass Sweet.

 

[Derango]

Originally posted by: BOBBY RIBS
can u throw this mobo into an atx case? oh man that would be sweet.

No, at least not alone...dell flips the PSU connectors arround, so if you're going to throw it into a atx case, you'd need to throw the PSU in along with it.

 

[RanDum72]

Dell has always used Intel motherboards but they require special power supplies. You can actually buy an adapter for it so you can use regular ATX PSU's.

 

[DLzone]

Where can you get the adapters?

 

[hicksj2]

You guys have any suggestions on exactly what type of pc2700 memory to throw in this dimension 4550? Need to add some, just want it to work well with the 128mb that will come with the system. I think I read somewhere that it was samsung memory it came with but not sure. Thanks

 

[RanDum72]

Where can you get the adapters?

Link.
Go to OEM replacement and go to Dell. It should be the second item ($9.99).

 

[DLzone]

Ok, one more question, If I did want to throw this processor on a new motherboard. How hard is it going to be to get to the processor off the motherboard, from the picture on the dell site it looks like they have a very "interesting" cooling setup to say the least.

 

[McCarthy]

Ok, one more question, If I did want to throw this processor on a new motherboard. How hard is it going to be to get to the processor off the motherboard, from the picture on the dell site it looks like they have a very "interesting" cooling setup to say the least.

Got the one I bought as a gift today, sorta wish I'd bought two now. Very nice.

Ok, to remove the processor - grasp the external releases, swing the case open, swing the heatsink duct out of place, unlatch the hold down, pull out chip. About 30 seconds in total.

 

[DLzone]

Cool, thanks for answering the question.

 

[new2pc]

DELL 4550 has onboard sound, USB 2.0 etc,. but does not have integrated firewire or IEEE 1394.
This feature is available on Intel MB. Intel makes the MB for DELL. Why it does not have this feature?

 

[RanDum72]

Intel makes boards for Dell according to Dell's specifications. For example, you won't find Dell's proprietary power conenctors on a regular retail Intel mobo.

 

[dullard]

Dell only wants firewire on its workstation computers (to help justify their higher price). Since Dell is such a large customer, Intel custom makes them motherboards with just what Dell wants.

 

[new2pc]

I wish they had integrated IEEE 1394.
Any one noticed DELL configuration shows installation as an option (basic and peripheral)
I thought the basic installation is part of selling their product. Looks like it is make believe reduce price and add it back on as option.:disgust:

 

[dullard]

Originally posted by: new2pc
Any one noticed DELL configuration shows installation as an option (basic and peripheral)
I thought the basic installation is part of selling their product. Looks like it is make believe reduce price and add it back on as option.:disgust:

What are you talking about? I don't know of any major company that gives you free installation. Do you know what they mean by installation? That added optional charge is for them to send a Dell technician to your door with your computer and plug your monitor/keyboard/mouse into the back of the computer then tell you what icons are and how to send email. I doubt many people ever pay $100-$200 to do this. I certainly don't need to pay $100 to plug my monitor into my computer. Does IBM do this for free? No. Gateway - no. HP or Compaq - no. Alienware or other similar smaller companies - no. So what are you complaining about?

 

[new2pc]

Thanks for enlightening me. That's much better.
I had not seen this option before in the configuration selection prior to this and I thought they would send a boot disk if we didn't pick the basic installation.

 

[IgoByte]

Whatever it is, it doesn't seem to be the cheapest...I think they use OK boards...

 

[DLzone]

Originally posted by: hicksj2
You guys have any suggestions on exactly what type of pc2700 memory to throw in this dimension 4550? Need to add some, just want it to work well with the 128mb that will come with the system. I think I read somewhere that it was samsung memory it came with but not sure. Thanks

I got the same question, I went to the Dell boards and it seemed that these Dell MB's are picky about their ram (granted the boards are designed for people who can hardly opperate their tv remote let alone a computer). I was going to order 512 of samsung pc 2700, but am holding off right now, anyone tried to upgrade the ram and encounter any problems? Or know if these MB's are particular about their ram?

 

[Mani]

Intel does not always make Dell's boards. A number of systems do have Intel boards, particularly the dimension line boards, but high end workstations and optiplex boards are often designed in-house. Dell even has (and still does) OEM Asus boards as well.

The 4550 is likely an intel board with specific customizations.

 

[Flaredair]

Originally posted by: DLzone

Originally posted by: hicksj2
You guys have any suggestions on exactly what type of pc2700 memory to throw in this dimension 4550? Need to add some, just want it to work well with the 128mb that will come with the system. I think I read somewhere that it was samsung memory it came with but not sure. Thanks

I got the same question, I went to the Dell boards and it seemed that these Dell MB's are picky about their ram (granted the boards are designed for people who can hardly opperate their tv remote let alone a computer). I was going to order 512 of samsung pc 2700, but am holding off right now, anyone tried to upgrade the ram and encounter any problems? Or know if these MB's are particular about their ram?

Hey now, I've been using a 512mb stick of SamSung PC2700 on the Dell 4550 for about 2 weeks with no problems. The 128mb stick it came with really left alot to be desired but now this baby rocks.