Dell Dimension Upgrade

[cotswoldcs]

I have a Dell Dimension 4600 (2.66Ghz, 512Mb RAM, on-board graphics) that I want to upgrade. Mainly used for gaming, Internet, basic apps, etc.

Adding 2 x 256Mb PC2700 memory taking the computer to 1Gb seems worthwhile. I have checked that there are two slots free and according to a link from Google the Dell has PC2700.

First question is should I go for PC3200 instead of PC2700 just in case I decide to buy a new machine later???

Second question, how far can I go with the graphics card. Will the Dell take a 6800 based card???? It only has an AGP slot and I think only a 250W PSU? (Can anyone confirm this?)

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[cotswoldcs]

I'm tempted by this XFX 6800XT card from Ebuyer


not sure about the memory. I thought the 4600 (2.66Ghz) was running at 333Mhz and that PC2700 RAM was the best type but if I go for PC3200 whilst it may only work at PC2700 it should work OK? However, someone told me that memory timing issues can be a problem with Dell machines. He recommended I stick with Kingston or Micron memory.

Any comments on this?

[herulach]

2x512mb crucial value should do you fine, pc3200 is actually cheaper in a lot of places than pc2700, so you may as well get it yes

[dave87]

Go with Crucial Geil or Kingston, theyll be perfect for what you need. Buy 1x512mb instead of 2x256, cause that'll leave you another slot for another 512 should the need ever arise. PC3200 would be perfectly fine with your other ram, shouldn't be a problem. Graphics card wise just go for the best you can afford. I bought a 6800 then unlocked it to gt standards, saving myself around £70. I'll dig the link out if you want.
Just a word of warning, Ebuyer aren't the best in terms of customer service, and I think now you've got more than 25 posts you can get free delivery off scan, making them more competitive, and plus the fact if there are any problems, theyre right on here and they always do the best they can to help

Dave

[kalniel]

512mb ram isn't actually all that limiting as long as you don't do too much at once.

You will however get something like a 2000% improvment if you buy an AGP graphics card.

That dell will certainly take a 6800 (just make sure to get the AGP one), and don't worry about the PSU, dell rate theirs differently - it's 250W continuous rather than peak. You won't run into problems unless you use SLI (which you can't) and have a ton of hard drives etc all going at once. My last system was a dell dimension 4100.

[schmunk]

He recommended I stick with Kingston or Micron memory.

Crucial is a brand name of Micron.

[cotswoldcs]

Thanks everyone for your help.

I do use Scan but on this ocassion I'm going with eBuyer. Scan do not have a great selection of AGP 6800 cards and few are currently in stock. The 6800XT from ebuyer is also under £100 + VAT.