LITTLEBLACKDOG.COM

Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 6:35 am Post subject: What do you get with a $399 Dell?

My parents old PC (AMD K2 450, 512MB, 40GB HD) that I built for them out spare parts I was done using 5 years ago finally gave up. It would BSOD during boot up, even in safe mode. Rather than pull my hair out trying to fix it for them over the phone, I recommended a new computer... I saw what looked to be a good deal on Ben's Bargains for a Dell. Here's the specs:

Dell Dimension C521
AMD64 4000+
2GB Ram
320GB HD
DVD+/- RW
Nvidia integrated video
Integrated audio
Integrated NIC
USB keyboard, USB optical mouse
MS Vista Home Prem
Free Shipping
Modem

I ordered the system on Saturday Morning, it was shipped on Tuesday, I received it via FedEx on Wednesday morning (two thumbs up on order / shipping time!)

Everything was neatly packaged. The system is compact and light. I popped the hood to look inside and here's what I found initially:

First, the system is a low profile, so adapter cards need to be half-height. Probably not a problem for my parents, since the system has pretty much everything they need out of the box.

1 PCI slot, occupied by the modem
1 PCIe 16x
1 PCIe 1x

Only 2 SATAII ports, each occupied (1 HD, 1 DV). No PATA interface at all. Unused floppy interface. I'm sort of surprised that there are only 2 SATA's and 0 PATA ports. I'm having them ship my their old (PATA) drive so's I can retreive the files off of it for them, but now I guess it won't be a simple as I had hoped it would be.

280 PS, which I suppose will be adequate. There are two unused power connectors, 1 of which is floppy-sized (since there isn't a floppy disk drive in the system...) and 1 standard molex.

4 memory slots, 2 of which are already occupied with the 2GB of RAM.

The system has 6 external USB ports (2 of which will be taken by keybd/mouse). I see an internal USB header, so 2 more external USB ports can probably be added in necessary.

No serial, parallel or PS/2 style keyboard/mouse ports.

I haven't turned it on yet... I'll post a follow-up if anyone gives a dam.

L8r

I did a similar thing back when my parents computer (the one I built for them) started to fail - I suggested they get a cheap Dell.

And to be honest, for what they use it for, it's perfect.