UPDATE: Wrong Processor Shipped, Will it Matter?

So many of you responded to my initial thread at

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/har [...] 81196.html

that I want to provide an update.

The system with the switched processor is going back to Dell at their cost. I did not order a replacement because after reading all the posts (several by graphic designers - thanks!) and talking to my brother, I decided that I need to reconsider the specs. For example, I may need a slightly better video card and larger hard drive than I originally thought. I discovered last night that the Pentium D 9xx processor has suddenly appeared as an option on the Precision - it wasn't last week when I placed my order.

As a small business, we've had good experiences with Dell until this particular puchase. I've looked at some of the systems folks suggested (e.g. Falcon Northwest) but the prices are so much higher for comparable specs and just aren't affordable at this time. And others (e.g. Gateway) don't offer all the options we need. Building it myself or having someone do it for me aren't options here.

At this moment, I'm looking at:

* Pentium D 930, 3.0GHz/800MHz/2x2BM L2 Cache, dual-core (as opposed to the P D 820, 2.80GHz/800MHz/2x1MB L2 cache, Dual-core I ordered)

* 2GB, 667MHz, DDR2 SDRAM Memory, ECC (2 DIMMS) (brother is trying to convince me to go higher?!)

* C5 All SATA drives, RAID 1 - 250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s w/NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache for RAID for Boot and 2nd hard drives.

* Not sure about CD/DVD - just need to be able to read/write CDs

* 256MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX3450, Dual DVI or Dual VGA or DVI + VGA graphics card (as opposed to 128MB PCIe x16 ATI FireGL V3100, Dual Monitor VGA or DVI/VGA CapableDual I ordered)

So that's where I am. I still need to get a system asap, but am going to take a day or two to look at my choices again.

Thanks for all your responses!

If you are getting the Dell then stay with the 2GB

2GB, 667MHz, DDR2 SDRAM Memory, ECC (2 DIMMS) (brother is trying to convince me to go higher?!)

However, since you are at TGf you should be able to drop in better 2GB for less then what dell would charge you. I would get the DVD-RW/CD-RW because you never know when a client will need larger then 800MB on a disk and just say can I just get a DVD. You need to plan for the future having all that CPU power then getting a CD-RW is kind of weird. Most Windows OS are moving to DVD.

ATI is a sin.

In your case, I would probably look at a small reputable shop near your area. They may have a bit higher price, but in order to survive, they have to offer service. Maybe you can have something nice, at good price and with fast service.

VERY NICE, i dont think u will need more RAm maybe faster RAM, 800Mhz RAM

everythign else looks fine, still getting it for that price?

And you say in your signature that you're unbiased! Lying is also a sin

Yes, support the local shop. If a problem arise, then using no custom parts may have your computer fixed in the next hours or so, instead of day for Dell.

And you say in your signature that you're unbiased! Lying is also a sin

Word.

Okay, I was wrong about not having it built

I happened to find a local company that builds custom systems and just spent some time on the phone with the sales rep, who works with similar graphics programs, and does gaming as well. His recommendations were in line with what I'm considering, but he was actually able to explain specifics, unlike the sales rep I'm dealing with at Dell

We talked through all the components, and the ballpark price seemed to be about the same as Dell. He mentioned that they use an Intel board vs. Dell, who changes their boards so that you're forced to buy their parts at higher prices?

Being a small business myself, I'm partial to supporting one. Do you think it's better to buy a computer locally rather than from a big-box retailer like Dell? If you have the option to buy local and it is pricefully feasible, then you should most definitely buy local. The reason you should is because in order for a small business to survive, they must provide great service. That and you can talk in person, that always helps.