Dell building, clock rate questions

[goaliepride]

I'm configuring a Dell http://www.passwird.com/redirect.php?linkID=9017.

With quad core as well as the full graphics card upgrade, no monitor.

The CPU is on a 1066FSB, the memory is at 667FSB, is this a problem? Instinct says yes, what I remember from the last time I made a computer (4 years ago) says yes. So I'm curious.

Also is this worth it? ( know, relative, just looking for opinions). Does the graphics card warrant the upgrade or could I find another that's better for under $250?

Any help is always appreciated, thanks guys!

 

[mikeyp410]

Do you game? If so go for the card, if not then don't bother. I would go for 800mhz memory too.

 

[yomamafor1]

You won't see substantial improvement between 667mhz RAM and 800mhz. However, it will be better to get 800Mhz, since I'm sure the upgrade won't cost that much.

In the case that it costs more than 50 bucks, go with 667mhz, and buy a new set of 800Mhz RAM. Dell's RAMs are usually proven unreliable (in my case).

 

[WR2]

The CPU is on a 1066FSB, the memory is at 667FSB, is this a problem?
Instinct says yes, what I remember from the last time I made a computer
(4 years ago) says yes. So I'm curious.

It's not a problem.
And if you're looking at the E4400 I think the FSB is actually 800Mhz. But 800 or 1066 the FSB is "quad pumped".
800 FSB actually runs at 200Mhz (200 x 4 = 800)
1066 FSB actually runs at 266.5 Mhz (266.5 x 4 = 1066)
The DDR2 667 is "double data rate" so its actually using a frequency of 333.5Mhz.
What that means is that the 1066 FSB system is running a FSB/RAM ratio of 4:5. The 800 FSB system would be runniing a FSB/RAM ratio of 3:5. This is quite common and something the computer configures automatically. While its not the ideal 1:1 FSB/RAM ratio its
just a very minor performance hit. It is not something you should be concerned about.

For right around $250 you can get a 8800GTS which is much more powerful than the 8600GTS
XFX 8800GTS 320MB $249 after rebate.

 

[WR2]

Whoops..... Quad Core - not the E4400 so its definately 1066 FSB.
I'd recommend not getting Dells $200 8600GTS and get an aftermarket 8800GTS like the one linked above.
Check the THG video charts and play around with the charts to get an idea of the difference between the two cards:
THG Video Charts 8800GTS vs 8600GTS comparison

 

[goaliepride]

Sorry forgot to mention, the computer is for my girlfriend, who does extensive video and MASSIVE photo editing (actual physical size banners)

 

[zenmaster]

Doubtful that the PC's PSU could handle the 8800GTS.

Their XPS PCs likely have a PSU that coul marginally handle it, but not the others.

The DDR2-667 is more than fine.
Faster RAM is needed to OC well, but the BIOS will prohibit OCing so you will not be doing that anyway.

 

[goaliepride]

GREAT post WR2, amazingly helpful in clearing that up for me.


hmmm, bummer about the PSU, What do you guys think I'd need to handle that system with the 8800GTS?

And would you think a 8800GTS would be helpful over the 8600GTS for a graphic designer? Seems so, but I figured I'd ask. It's a hard push to convince her to pay $250 out of pocket instead of just adding a couple bucks a month with dell financing

 

[WR2]

Cruise on over to the Dell Support forums.
You'll find that 9200 owners are running 8800GTS with the stock Dell 375W PSU without problems. The usual requirement for 8800GTS is around 400W, but the Dell units seem to have no problem with the 8800GTS cards.

For a graphics designer no, no real benefit getting 8800GTS over a 8600GTS.
Even the low end 8300 and the 8600GT cards should cover basic graphics.
It's only gaming that you'd want the extra GPU power of the 8800GTS.
IMO the 8600GTS would be OK for 1280x1024 17" & 19" LCD monitors.
For 19" widescreen 1440x900 and 20" higher monitors the 8800GTS is the better card for gaming.

 

[goaliepride]

no gaming at all on this computer, just photoshop mostly, with a 4-5 times yearly video edit.

Ya think 8600GT or the 8300? I'm leaning towards the 8600GT just because of Aero and the newer visual elements of Vista, mixed with just being able to use this computer longer for whatever future video requirements come out.

 

[WR2]

I think you'd be totally safe going with the 8300. It should run Aero Glass without any problems. Worst case scenario is that you'd find the 8300 won't meet your requirements and you'll need to upgrade the video card yourself. By then you'll have a pretty good idea what you think you need and you'd be able to choose any video card you want. Dell wants $100 for a 8600GT upgrade and you'd be able to pick up an aftermarket 8600GT for the same price. By Christmas you should see 8600GTs for well under $100.

 

[mikeyp410]

If she does all that editing why not get the Quad? That would make the most sense and be the most productive CPU for her.