Dell Small Biz - Dimension 4500 <$400 after coupons and rebate *DEAD*

[GetReal]

Originally posted by: Jugernot
I've been looking for some jumpers or BIOS setting to control the CPU clock and can't find anything. I don't think you can overclock this thing.

Dell uses standard Intel MBs in their systems. The 4500 uses the D845E. As with all Intel P4 motherboards, the CPU and buss clock are autoselected by processor. At least the 4500 MB will accept the newer 533Mhz bus P4s so as the prices of these newer P4s fall you can upgrade.

Don't forget that if you decide to reformat the Dell XP preload and reiststall WinXP you will need to goto the Intel support site (link above) and download the SMS and USB 2.0 drivers as they are not included on the WinXP CD or the Dell drivers CD. Otherwise you will not have SMBus monitoring or USB 2.0 functionality.

 

[HarryK]

Originally posted by: GetReal

Originally posted by: Jugernot
I've been looking for some jumpers or BIOS setting to control the CPU clock and can't find anything. I don't think you can overclock this thing.

Dell uses standard Intel MBs in their systems. The 4500 uses the D845E

So regarding bassx88's question below:

Originally posted by: bassx88
I called them up today to ask if I could get a system without the built-in soundcard on the mobo because I already have a card I want to install, but you know what??? They won't do that unless I upgrade to their "Premium" soundcard option. Sounds like a load of crap to me. I know there won't be a problem adding the card anyway, but does anyone know if there is a way to deactivate the onboard sound or will both cards be processing the sound simultaneously?

The answer would be: "No matter whether you select their "Premium" sound card option OR the built-in soundcard option, you're still getting a MoBo with a built-in sound card. And, therefore, there must be a stable/easy way to deactivate the onboard sound.

 

[RossMAN]

Jugernot - Nice pics, I'll get my pics up and online eventually.

My 4500 is still sitting in the box.

They are VERY QUIET aren't they?

 

[AMEXplat]

Just rec'd my Dim.4500 but don't have time to power-up right now.

But I did open the cage out of curiosity to see the brands of some of the components:

128MB ram -- Micron Technologies (128MB, DDR, 266MHz, CL2.5)
40GB hd ----- Seagate Barracuda IV (extra $20 from base config)
40X CDRW -- Hitachi (extra $70)
NIC Pro 100- Intel (extra $40)
MX Vid card - NVidea (extra $20)
SB Live ------ Creat Lab (extra $30)
Fax modem- Conexant (extra $30)

Not sure if I should have spent the extra moolah on the CDRW when I can probably get superior burners (might not be a black retail kit) for same price but without Dell's warranty and tech support on that.

I'm also pondering if I should have upgraded the video to the Ti4200 64mb for a nominal $80 more and to the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound for $40 more.

Just looking for other ppl's perspective on my above thoughts, TIA.

 

[Jugernot]

Dell uses standard Intel MBs in their systems. The 4500 uses the D845E

My system does not have this board. Mine looks like a custom board for Dell. Only 4 PCI slots, different placement of connectors, etc.

Jugs

 

[iwearnosox]

If it's a 4500 then it's an intel D845PT. It's not like Dell went out and made a special board just for you.

Reboot your pc. If it's too fast for you press f2. If your computer posts:

PT84510A.86A.00zz.Pzz

Then it's a D845PT.

Intel's p4 Motherboard post codes just for sh!ts and giggles:

850GB
GB85010A.86A.00zz.Pzz

850MD
MD85010A.86A.00zz.Pzz

850MV
MV85010A.86A.00zz.Pzz

850EMD2
EMD285010A.86A.00zz.Pzz

850EMV2
EMV285010A.86A.00zz.Pzz

845BG
BG84510A.86A.00zz.Pzz

845PT
PT84510A.86A.00zz.Pzz

845WN
WN84510A.86A.00zz.Pzz

845HV
HV84510A.86A.00zz.Pzz

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: AMEXplat
Just rec'd my Dim.4500 but don't have time to power-up right now.

But I did open the cage out of curiosity to see the brands of some of the components:

128MB ram -- Micron Technologies
40GB hd ----- Seagate Barracuda IV (extra $20 from base config)
40X CDRW -- Hitachi (extra $70)
NIC Pro 100- Intel (extra $40)
MX Vid card - NVidea (extra $20)
SB Live ------ Creat Lab (extra $30)
Fax modem- Conexant (extra $30)

Not sure if I should have spent the extra moolah on the CDRW when I can probably get superior burners (might not be a black retail kit) for same price but without Dell's warranty and tech support on that.

I'm also pondering if I should have upgraded the video to the Ti4200 64mb for a nominal $80 more and to the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound for $40 more.

Just looking for other ppl's perspective on my above thoughts, TIA.

First of all thank you for sharing with us the manufacturer/model of your components.

Here's what I think about your components:
RAM - I also ordered 128MB RAM because I picked up 256MB PC2100 DDRAM for $30.
Hard Drive - I also ordered the 40GB 7200RPM because I'm not a pr0n, MP3, games, warez freak so 40GB is enough for me. Seagate makes good HD's.
CD-RW - I downgraded to the 24x which only saved me $20, I didn't order the CD-ROM because I didn't want to hassle with trying to get the CD-RW faceplate just the right color.
NIC - I didn't get a NIC saving me $20 because I have a $10 Netgear FA310TX from Best Buy (expired a few months ago), one of THE BEST NICs out there and easily compatible with all Windows OS's.
MX Video - I got the same thing, wondering if I should have paid the extra $80 for the Ti4200 seems like a decent deal.
SB Live - I didn't get this because onboard integrated sound is ok with me, I use my speakers maybe 5% of the time, rarely.
Modem - I didn't get this because I picked up an internal 56k winmodem for free after rebate from Staples B&M a few weeks ago.

Turn the PC on, you'll be amazed at how fast and QUIET it is.

 

[broadwayblue]

Originally posted by: AMEXplat
Just rec'd my Dim.4500 but don't have time to power-up right now.

But I did open the cage out of curiosity to see the brands of some of the components:

128MB ram -- Micron Technologies
40GB hd ----- Seagate Barracuda IV (extra $20 from base config)
40X CDRW -- Hitachi (extra $70)
NIC Pro 100- Intel (extra $40)
MX Vid card - NVidea (extra $20)
SB Live ------ Creat Lab (extra $30)
Fax modem- Conexant (extra $30)

Not sure if I should have spent the extra moolah on the CDRW when I can probably get superior burners (might not be a black retail kit) for same price but without Dell's warranty and tech support on that.

I'm also pondering if I should have upgraded the video to the Ti4200 64mb for a nominal $80 more and to the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz sound for $40 more.

Just looking for other ppl's perspective on my above thoughts, TIA.

i went for the 4200. i'm thinking about getting a santa cruz but it's just that it's been out for so long i feel turtle beach has to be due for a new model. i didn't go for the intel pro 100 though (i've got it on my older pc) and i'm wondering if there's much of a difference between the two. what am i missing with the cheaper nic? i also got the dvd drive and the 40gb hd. this is my first post at anandtech on my new 4500!

 

[Jugernot]

jimmyhaha, This is regarding your comment about a frypan with two drives. It actually looks like it's no so bad... there is room for TWO extra drives below the factory installed drive. So there is a space between the drives. I don't know if it's enough for your taste, but I would say it's probably enough for most.

Jugs

 

[Jugernot]

nm

 

[Jugernot]

Sorry iwearnosox, but this is NOT a D845PT. This is a variation of the Intel D845EPT2.

The D845PT doesn't have the 845E chipset, nor USB 2.0 support.

 

[broadwayblue]

just wondering...how do you tell if you have a p4 1.8 or a p4 1.8a? what's the difference?

 

[AMEXplat]

Tx-a-bunch to the midnite owls: RossMAN & broadwayblue

I did re-edit my earlier spec list for RAM criteria.

I feel kind of dumb ordering a modem for $30 that I'll seldom use (only when ethernet connection goes down). I don't know squat about the 40X CD-RW Hitachi drive. And I was told that Intel NIC are worth the extra money - I still don't know and am skeptical if I'd notice any difference.

-Jugernot-
Yes you're right that there is room for 2 other hard drives. But I was only given 2 extra green rails (instead of 4?) for future add-on's. Is this what you got?

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: broadwayblue
just wondering...how do you tell if you have a p4 1.8 or a p4 1.8a? what's the difference?

1.8a is the later generation nothwood with 512k cache. It's based on a copper .13 micron process which makes it cooler as well. If you bought a 4500 it's got a 1.8a.

 

[iwearnosox]

Originally posted by: Jugernot
Sorry iwearnosox, but this is NOT a D845PT. This is a variation of the Intel D845EPT2.

The D845PT doesn't have the 845E chipset, nor USB 2.0 support.

Huh. Actually I checked my facts and it shows the 4400 as the D845PT, my bad. Interesting, I didn't even know the 4500 had usb 2.0.

What's it's post code, does it have one?

 

[Jugernot]

AMEXplat, I had a set of rails on the side of case and also a set below my hard drive. So two sets... Plus a set for an additional 5.25" drive.

Can anyone confirm that the ram that comes in these systems is ECC? Mine is showing up as ECC, therefore I must buy ECC if I want to add a dimm.

The reason these systems are so quiet is because they use a thermostatically controlled fan. So the hotter it gets, the louder it gets... thought it'll still be quieter than my 7 fan monitor I'm using now.

Jugs

btw: Anyone ever used Mushkin PC2100 Basic ram? I was thinking about getting a 512meg stick of their basic DIMM. But then again, if I need ECC....

 

[Toro 45]

Jugernot,thanks for the pics it really is a sharp looking set up.I notice there is a 90mm exhaust fan shrouded to the cpu,is there a fan on the cpu as well?

Did you get a XP recovery disk with it as well?

Can anyone confirm that the ram that comes in these systems is ECC? Mine is showing up as ECC, therefore I must buy ECC if I want to add a dimm

If you can get a part number off the chip itself you can check it from the chip makers website

Can someone who bought this system with the G4 mx video card run a 3D Mark bench on it?

Toro

 

[Wolverine88]

Yepp, I got my system with my original quote (10% plus $100 coupon off plus $100 MIR). My final price will be $461. (I upgraded to Ti4200 video card). Be sure talk to Gregory Apel and his folks. They are very nice and courteous.

I had the same problem with everybody last Thursday. However, I printed out the quote in my shopping cart and they are willing to honor it. As a matter of fact, PC price drops too fast. I am pretty sure they will sell for that price in 1 month.

 

[hoov34]

The ram according to: http://4500specs.thewebdot.com/tech_specs/index.html

is NON-ECC

 

[GetReal]

Originally posted by: iwearnosox

Originally posted by: Jugernot
Sorry iwearnosox, but this is NOT a D845PT. This is a variation of the Intel D845EPT2.

The D845PT doesn't have the 845E chipset, nor USB 2.0 support.

Huh. Actually I checked my facts and it shows the 4400 as the D845PT, my bad. Interesting, I didn't even know the 4500 had usb 2.0.

What's it's post code, does it have one?

This should answer all questions about the Intel MB and memory. It is from the Intel Active Monitor program included with the Dell preload.

I N T E L (R) A C T I V E M O N I T O R

System Information Report
7/31/2002 10:26:00 AM

***************************************************************************
General Information
***************************************************************************
Product name DIM4500
Board model Genuine Intel(R) D845EPT2 system board
OS version Windows* XP version 5.1 build 2600
OS memory 129,840 KB RAM

***************************************************************************
Processor
***************************************************************************
Processor Genuine Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 processor
Processor speed 2.00A GHz
Bus speed 400 MHz
L1 cache Data Cache 8KB, Execution Trace Cache 12K Micro-ops
L2 cache Advanced Transfer Cache 512 KB
Form factor Socket 478
Stepping 4

***************************************************************************
System
***************************************************************************
Physical memory 128 MB RAM
Memory speed DDR 266
Memory type DDR, Synchronous
Form factor DIMM
ECC/Non-ECC Non-ECC
BIOS date 05/22/2002
BIOS size 512 KB
BIOS version A02

***************************************************************************
Sensors
***************************************************************************

***************************************************************************
End of Report
***************************************************************************

*Third-party brands and names are the property of their respective owners.

 

[HarryK]

Another question regarding upgrading the video card choices.

should I go for the Radeon VE over a Rage 128 Ultra 32meg?

I haven't kept up with video cards. I know some of the differences between the 2 (like dual monitor support) but beyond that, anything good or bad to say about either card?
Thanks

 

[wreditor]

So, is the processor upgradeable on the 845EPT2 motherboard in the 4500?

 

[BigPotato]

if it's the last day of hte rebate...i have a question...
i did not get my order yet, but i ordered it last week.

will the rebate still be valid??!

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: BigPotato
if it's the last day of hte rebate...i have a question...
i did not get my order yet, but i ordered it last week.

will the rebate still be valid??!

Yes the rebate should still be valid as long as the order date shows between 7/25 - 7/31 which it should.

Here's what the rebate says:

MAIL-IN REBATES

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Dell Small Business System. Thank you for choosing Dell for your computing needs. If you have any questions related to this rebate promotion, please go online to www.dell.com/smallbizrebates.

TO RECEIVE YOUR MAIL-IN REBATE:
1. Purchase a qualifying Dell Dimension 8200, 4500, 4500S or 2200 desktop from the Dell Small Business Center with an order date between July 25, 2002 and July 31, 2002.

System:* Rebate:
Dimension 8200 $100
Dimension 4500 $100
Dimension 4500S $100
Dimension 2200 $100
* If you received a Free Memory Upgrade with the purchase of this system, you are not eligible for the mail-in rebate.

2. Complete this form. Sign the agreement below.

3. Mail this completed form, along with your system packing slip, to the address listed below.
Your packing slip is included in the box in which your new system ships. Your request must be
postmarked by September 13, 2002. Please allow 10-12 weeks for processing. If you have not received your rebate check after 12 weeks, you may go to www.rebatestatus.com, or call 1-866-205-0203. If you need another copy of this form, you can download and print it from www.dell.com/smallbizrebates or call 1-877-773-3355 to request that one be faxed to you.

Mail to:
Dimension Mail-In Rebate 7/25/02
Rebate Form # 34553
P.O. Box 52900
Phoenix, AZ 85072

Name _______________________________________________________________________
Name of Business______________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________
City _________________________________ State _______________ Zip Code _________
Telephone Number ____________________________________________________________

In signing and submitting this rebate form, you acknowledge and agree to the following Terms and Conditions:
Valid with U.S. Dell Small Business purchases only. Offer valid on new system purchases. Rebate limit 5 systems per customer. Offer valid on orders placed between July 25, 2002 and July 31, 2002. While supplies last and no substitutions or rain checks. Can be combined with any promotion on the BSD web site going on between July 25, 2002 and July 31, 2002. Not valid for products purchased through the Dell Home Sales or refurbished products through Dell Factory Outlet. If you received a Free Memory Upgrade with the purchase of this system, you are not eligible for the mail in rebate. Request form must be fully completed and must include the dated packing slip for purchase made direct from Dell for qualifying product purchased. Keep copies of all materials sent. Materials received become the property of Dell and will not be returned. One rebate per qualifying purchase. Dell is not responsible for lost, late, or misdirected mail. Request must be postmarked by September 13, 2002. Any claims postmarked after September 13, 2002 will not be processed. If terms and conditions are not met, rebate will not be sent. Please allow 10-12 weeks for receipt of check. Rebate checks are void if not cashed within 90 days of issuance and cannot be reissued. To qualify for this rebate you must be a legal U.S. resident 18 years of age or older. Only actual purchaser of the qualifying products may participate in this rebate program. Requests from groups or organizations will not be honored. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Availability and terms of offer may change without notice.

Signature ___________________________________________ Date __________________

Printed Name ________________________________________________________________

Please download, print and complete the $100 REBATE FORM today ... also save it to your hard drive as well ... before mailing everything to Dell remember to 1) make sure you followed the rebate instructions exactly, 2) make copies of EVERYTHING and 3) mail it via USPS with delivery confirmation or certified mail.

 

[Jugernot]

Toro 45, There is only one fan in this case (other than the PS fan) and it is that exhaust fan you mentioned. The shroud localizes the air enough to cool the CPU down, but it also pulls the heat from everything else pretty well too. It is thermostatically controlled, so when your case gets hot, the fan spins fans to compensate.

I'm glad you DDR isn't ECC, but I wonder why Sisoft Sandra is reporting it as such? Hmmm....

Jugs