Is this a good system? Can I use it instead of a Dimension?

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"jim_tehma (e-mail isn't checked)" <jimtehma@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1111541692.789330.50710@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...
> PowerEdge SC420
> Pentium4 520, 2.8GHz, 1MB Cache, 800MHz FSB
> 256MB DDR2, 400MHz,1X256, Single Ranked DIMMs
> 40GB, Serial ATA, 1 inch, 7.2K RPM, Hard Drive
> Onboard NIC
> 48X, Compact Disk Drive
> Standard Windows Keyboard,Gray
> Logitech PS/2 2-button Mouse with Scroll
> $298 with free shipping
>
> for $10 more you can upgrade the 256MB 400MHz memory to 256MB 533MHz
> memory, it's 1 DIMM
> and for $10 more you can upgrade the HD from 40GB to 80GB SATA 7.2KRPM
> http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=0...
>
> I was looking for a Dimension system (maybe 4700) when I saw this.
> Any idea what sound and video do you get? Can I assume onboard stuff?
> They want $69 more for a Conexant modem but I prefer to add a USR from
> Newegg afterwards.
>
> Thanks, Jim
>


Jim,

The PE 400SC and (to a lesser extent) 420SC have been sort of coveted as a
"bare bones" system to be upgraded into desktop gaming systems.

Cons:

1) no monitor
2) needs RAM
3) needs CDRW (at a minimum)
4) no operating system
5) needs PCIe graphics card


Pros:

1) In theory, once all the goodies are added, you'll have a system that is
likely more gaming capable than a 4700.


Check out the 4700 deal here with a 17" LCD. Needs another stick of RAM, a
floppy (if you desire), and your USR modem:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;311030

Has your OS and everything but the RAM, video card, floppy and modem.


Stew

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

On 22 Mar 2005 17:34:52 -0800, jim_tehma (e-mail isn't checked) wrote:

> I was looking for a Dimension system (maybe 4700) when I saw this.
> Any idea what sound and video do you get? Can I assume onboard stuff?

From your link:

The PowerEdge SC420 is ideal for your first server & network.
Note: For server use only; CANNOT BE USED AS A DESKTOP.

Sounds to me like it's *not* going to stand in for a 4700.

--

-Jeff B.
zoomie at fastmail dot fm

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Yeff wrote:
> On 22 Mar 2005 17:34:52 -0800, jim_tehma (e-mail isn't checked) wrote:
>
>> I was looking for a Dimension system (maybe 4700) when I saw this.
>> Any idea what sound and video do you get? Can I assume onboard stuff?
>
> From your link:
>
> The PowerEdge SC420 is ideal for your first server & network.
> Note: For server use only; CANNOT BE USED AS A DESKTOP.
>
> Sounds to me like it's *not* going to stand in for a 4700.

I've been using an SC400 with similar specs as a desktop computer. In this
case there is no O/S, and that is why "for server use only." I would have
purchased something else if I did not have a valid O/S to install.

Ed

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

> 1) no monitor

I don't think I shall need one but in any case I could add an E773S (17
inch) for $135.

> 2) needs RAM

Probably that's good. Dell wants $120 for another 256MB stick.
I looked at crucial and while I couldn't find the 420, a 256MB stick of
533MHZ DDR2 was $60.
http://www.crucial.com/store/listmodule.asp?module=DDR2...

> 3) needs CDRW (at a minimum)

I should be able to find a cheap writer at newegg

> 4) no operating system

I'm thinking w2k from ebay.
[linux anyone on a poweredge?]

> 5) needs PCIe graphics card

any idea what it would cost? ~50 bucks?
For WWW, WP, DVDs, light stuff, no gaming.


The other thing I was thinking was the sound.
Does the poweredge have anything at all?
I looked but didn't saw anything.
I'm thinking a soundblaster live?

> Check out the 4700 deal here with a 17" LCD. Needs another stick of
RAM, a
floppy (if you desire), and your USR modem:

I assume you meant something like this
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us...
It's $649 with a $149 rebate. It would want ram, video, sound, modem
too.
It seems though the poweredge is more expandable?

Jim

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Can't you add a video card at your own?
I see two PCIe and three PCI slots at
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails...

Jim

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Was there any sound or you have to install a soundcard?
How about the video?

Thanks, Jim

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Jim,

Sounds like you've got a plan for the 400SC. Go for it. I'd verify whether
it needs a PCIe or AGP card before buying.

Stew


"jim_tehma (e-mail isn't checked)" <jimtehma@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1111630111.935753.62870@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>> 1) no monitor
>
> I don't think I shall need one but in any case I could add an E773S (17
> inch) for $135.
>
>> 2) needs RAM
>
> Probably that's good. Dell wants $120 for another 256MB stick.
> I looked at crucial and while I couldn't find the 420, a 256MB stick of
> 533MHZ DDR2 was $60.
> http://www.crucial.com/store/listmodule.asp?module=DDR2...
>
>> 3) needs CDRW (at a minimum)
>
> I should be able to find a cheap writer at newegg
>
>> 4) no operating system
>
> I'm thinking w2k from ebay.
> [linux anyone on a poweredge?]
>
>> 5) needs PCIe graphics card
>
> any idea what it would cost? ~50 bucks?
> For WWW, WP, DVDs, light stuff, no gaming.
>
>
> The other thing I was thinking was the sound.
> Does the poweredge have anything at all?
> I looked but didn't saw anything.
> I'm thinking a soundblaster live?
>
>> Check out the 4700 deal here with a 17" LCD. Needs another stick of
> RAM, a
> floppy (if you desire), and your USR modem:
>
> I assume you meant something like this
> http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us...
> It's $649 with a $149 rebate. It would want ram, video, sound, modem
> too.
> It seems though the poweredge is more expandable?
>
> Jim
>

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"jim_tehma (e-mail isn't checked)" <jimtehma@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1111630572.225328.218770@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> Can't you add a video card at your own?
> I see two PCIe and three PCI slots at
> http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails...

There is PCI. As for PCIe, note that the slots are x8 and x1. Some
people have reported that the SC420's x8 slot utilizes a connector
that can accept a x16 card IF a keying block is cut out of the
connector or a notch is cut into the x16 card edge.

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

jim_tehma (e-mail isn't checked) schrieb:
>>4) no operating system
>
> I'm thinking w2k from ebay.
> [linux anyone on a poweredge?]

Yep, me. At work, we have several Poweredges, almost all run Debian
Linux without problems (although it's not supported by Dell), among
these are old 6450 as well as brand new 750 and 1850.

Olaf

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

I assume Dell does this to discourage video card installation?

Thanks, Jim

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Found a helpful FAQ: http://aaltonen.us/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2058

Q: What expansion slots does the SC420 have?
A: Three PCI, one PCIe x1, and one PCIe x8. Note: The PCI slots do not
support 3.3-V expansion cards. Only 5-V PCI expansion cards are
supported.

Q: Does the SC420 have an AGP slot?
A: No.

Q: Does the SC420 come with onboard sound, like the 400SC did?
A: Sorry. No. You will have to install a sound card.

Jim