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

[mileageman]

I am extremely upset that I missed out on this deal, is there any hope for me?

 

[AU Tiger]

I am running my 4500 with the 80GB WD Special Edition drive and 512MB of memory. It feels as fast as my AMD XP1800. I wouldn't try to run WinXP with only 128MB and upgraded before even turning on the computer.

 

[IgoByte]

I'm currently running the stock Dell 4500: P4 1.8Ghz, 128MB RAM, 20GB HDD, ATI POS video card, Win XP Home. It's MUCH slower than my dual Athlon MP1800 rig.

I'm currently awaiting the arrival of a 512MB PC2100 stick, and this puppy will have the following specs once I'm done:
P4 1.8Ghz, CD-Rom Drive, 512MB PC2100 DDR SDRAM, 20GB OS & APPS, WD1200JB Storage/Network, and another WD1200JB for back-up. I can't wait to see how that'll turn out.

 

[AU Tiger]

IgoByte - Just sell the 20GB on for sale trade forum as it would be slower than using one of the JBs for your C:\ drive.

 

[Snyder81]

Originally posted by: AU Tiger
IgoByte - Just sell the 20GB on for sale trade forum as it would be slower than using one of the JBs for your C:\ drive.

He's right. Dump the 20 GB drive and use the 120GB WD JB drive for your c:/. It will be MUCH faster. When I upgraded my Celeron 300@450 computer to the 120GB drive, it made a HUGE performance difference, much faster.

 

[V00DOO]

My Dell Dimension has WinXP Pro with: 7200 RPM 80GB Maxtor, 5400 RPM 120GB WD (for data backup), 512MB Crucial Memory, Geforce 3 TI 200, Soud Blaster Live, Pioneer A04 DVD-RW, and Liteon 24X burner. Dell is extreme quite compared to my Jet Engine Antec SX830 Case with 4 fans and 1 CPU blowing. I wonder if the dell PSU will suffice my power need with all the hardwares added. Should I replace it with my Enermax 431?

 

[Pothead]

I don't think you can replace the psu since the mobo Dell uses is proprietary. Not 100% but pretty sure. It's quieter only because the Antec fans are loud and no one really needs that many fans. The systems I build are as quiet as the Dells.

 

[IgoByte]

Originally posted by: AU Tiger
IgoByte - Just sell the 20GB on for sale trade forum as it would be slower than using one of the JBs for your C:\ drive.

Originally posted by: Snyder81

Originally posted by: AU Tiger
IgoByte - Just sell the 20GB on for sale trade forum as it would be slower than using one of the JBs for your C:\ drive.

He's right. Dump the 20 GB drive and use the 120GB WD JB drive for your c:/. It will be MUCH faster. When I upgraded my Celeron 300@450 computer to the 120GB drive, it made a HUGE performance difference, much faster.

Probably a good idea. Thanks!

 

[AMEXplat]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: jimmyhaha
sh!t..

looks like only a few ppl at F@twallet get the rebate form last round dell promotion back in April ?

linky

Ouch that bites, thanks for the info though. If you look at it from another perspective we'll have an extra $100 to spend around Christmas time when our $100 rebate checks finally arrive in our mailboxes

Remember to:
1) Print your $100 rebate NOW.
2) Save the .pdf rebate form to your hard drive in case you need it later (I'll bet you that in several weeks or months ATers will be posting, "remember that Dell 4500 $100 rebate? Does anyone have a copy of it?" - It never fails)
2) Follow ALL the rebate instructions carefully or it may be delayed and/or VOIDED and you won't get your $100.
3) Make copies of EVERYTHING esp your signed completed rebate form and the UPC and invoice papers.
4) Send it USPS certified mail with return receipt yes it costs around $4 but it's worth that considering the risk is $100.

- RossMAN -
This $100 MIR from Dell that ended on July 31st, simply asks for the signed rebate form and enclosed packing slip. But makes no mention of the UPC or invoice papers.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: AMEXplat

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: jimmyhaha
sh!t..

looks like only a few ppl at F@twallet get the rebate form last round dell promotion back in April ?

linky

Ouch that bites, thanks for the info though. If you look at it from another perspective we'll have an extra $100 to spend around Christmas time when our $100 rebate checks finally arrive in our mailboxes

Remember to:
1) Print your $100 rebate NOW.
2) Save the .pdf rebate form to your hard drive in case you need it later (I'll bet you that in several weeks or months ATers will be posting, "remember that Dell 4500 $100 rebate? Does anyone have a copy of it?" - It never fails)
2) Follow ALL the rebate instructions carefully or it may be delayed and/or VOIDED and you won't get your $100.
3) Make copies of EVERYTHING esp your signed completed rebate form and the UPC and invoice papers.
4) Send it USPS certified mail with return receipt yes it costs around $4 but it's worth that considering the risk is $100.

- RossMAN -
This $100 MIR from Dell that ended on July 31st, simply asks for the signed rebate form and enclosed packing slip. But makes no mention of the UPC or invoice papers.

Thanks, I didn't read the rebate form but my above suggestions applies to most rebates which require the UPC.

Do you know when this $100 rebate must be mailed by?

 

[Jugernot]

Btw guys, just to let you all know, I checked both of my machines and they both had 250watt Power supplies. I was kind of surprised as I'm used to seeing 200watt PS in a lot of manufacturered computer now. It's not a 400watt monster, but it should be good enough for anything you can stick in the stock case.

 

[Snyder81]

Another comment on these 4500's. They are SOOOO quiet. My old machine sounds like it's about to take off into orbit at times. The loudest part of this system is the Lite-On 16x DVD-ROM drive I added, and it's only loud for a second when it spins up, then everything is almost completly silent. I'm really looking forward to getting my ATI All-In-Wonder Radeon 7500 from Amazon and getting my home theater PC all tweaked.

 

[RossMAN]

Snyder81 - My 4500 is still in the box but my wife owns a 4300 and they are indeed VERY QUIET.

Do you know when the rebate must be mailed by?

 

[GetReal]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Snyder81 - My 4500 is still in the box but my wife owns a 4300 and they are indeed VERY QUIET.

Do you know when the rebate must be mailed by?

Not Snyder81 but here is your answer...

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

 

[RossMAN]

Thanks GetReal if I mail it around Sept 1 I should get my $100 around Christmas, cool!

 

[iwearnosox]

I just wanted to dispel the great dell power supply myth. It's a standard power supply, I just plopped an enermax 350w in my 4500 and it's running fine. There's no cutout for the power supply switch so you have to remove that from the PS, however.

 

[iwearnosox]

Another PS issue: the stock PS fan is hardwired "on." Putting in a PS with motherboard controlled fans doesn't seem to work.

 

[iwearnosox]

Anyone try flashing this MB with the original bios? =)

 

[AMEXplat]

Originally posted by: 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.

-RossMAN-
You mentioned that your Netgear NIC is one of the superior network cards. Are all 10/100 cards by the major OEM (3Com, Intel, etc) relatively the same in noticeable performance?

I bought the Intel Pro 100 based on a recommendation long time ago; now wondering if I should replace that NIC with the D-Link DFE-530TX+ for 5 bucks?!

 

[RossMAN]

AMEXplat - I honestly don't know that much about NIC cards but what makes me such a believer in the Netgear FA310TX is it's superior performance and regardless of which Windows OS I throw at it I never have to hassle with drivers, etc. Windows always auto-detects it and it works right off the bat, that's what really wows me about the NIC and why I love it so much.

I also bought a Linksys NIC from Best Buy for $10 after rebate and it works just fine in my wife's Dell Dimension 4300 with DSL broadband.

I just love Netgear NICs.

 

[IgoByte]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
AMEXplat - I honestly don't know that much about NIC cards but what makes me such a believer in the Netgear FA310TX is it's superior performance and regardless of which Windows OS I throw at it I never have to hassle with drivers, etc. Windows always auto-detects it and it works right off the bat, that's what really wows me about the NIC and why I love it so much.

I also bought a Linksys NIC from Best Buy for $10 after rebate and it works just fine in my wife's Dell Dimension 4300 with DSL broadband.

I just love Netgear NICs.

That particular netgear NIC is awesome. It's one of the least expeinsive around, it's the fastest I've used, and it's very painless overall. Love it!

 

[AU Tiger]

Intel makes a good NIC, I wouldn't spend money to replace it.

 

[Salvador]

Dead?

 

[amdmaxx]

Are those 533 MHZ bus?

 

[mscubsfan]

hi....question for all you out there with dell 4500 computers....I recently bought a santa cruz sound card to hook up to it and with altec lansing 5.1 speakers....however, I can only plug the main speaker output into the green dell slot (the one that came with the whole package). even after I set up the santa cruz, did all the testing (it said that the sound card, speakers, and everything checkedout fine!!!) I still do not get any sound when I put the green, yellow, and black inputs from the speakers into teh santa cruz....

I went to the control panel and speaker/volume settings and put everything on "santa cruz" (which it obviously deetects), but still no luck....is this 4500 just not compatible with any other sound card? that doesn't seem to make any sense, but I can't figure out what I need to do to get any sound via the sound card and any of the other speakers besides the main one....

if someone could help, I'd appreciate it a ton!!!!

thanks again