Dell and the Latest Chipset

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jase
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Jase

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They just started selling Dell 8400s with the newest 925x chipset and PCI express instead of AGP. Read about it here: http://www1.us.dell.com/content/top...2004/2004_06_21_rr_000?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

I'm considering getting one of these for music production, is it a mistake to get into new technology since I don't know if there could be bugs or compatibility issues? I was going have my own built, but it would end up costing the same as one of these.
 
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I would suggest getting one built, if only for the reason that Dell Computers are not easily customized for quiet fans and noise dampening. Of course, if you can put this in a different room, then that is of little consequence.

I made the mistake of buying a Dell because it was so cheap. While it's an awesome computer, I have to go to great lengths to lower the noise floor in the room I am working in.
 
I have a new Dell, Pentium 4, 3.2 Ghz with 1 GB DDR Dual Chanel Memory and a 120 GB HD.

I'm waiting on Echo to send my my hybrid replacement for my Mia MIDI card, but I haven't had any issues with my fan being loud... Unless I leave the PC idle for more than 20 minutes, it doesn't really even kick in... I hardly ever hear it.
 
i'd build a computer if you know how. (there are PLENTY of online how-to's that can teach you if you don't.) you can pick every component you need/want and not waste money on stuff you don't. plus, it's RIDICULOUS how much brand name computers cost in comparison to the cost of their components. if worse comes to worse, buy all the parts you need and take them to a computer store and get them put together. it'll still be about 1/2 the price of an equivalent dell.
 
That PCI express looks great.

I wonder though if it would let you run any more plugins. In a DAW the only thing using the PCI bus is the soundcard. It's the cpu that constrains how many tracks & real time effects you can mix
 
fivestar said:
i'd build a computer if you know how. (there are PLENTY of online how-to's that can teach you if you don't.) you can pick every component you need/want and not waste money on stuff you don't. plus, it's RIDICULOUS how much brand name computers cost in comparison to the cost of their components. if worse comes to worse, buy all the parts you need and take them to a computer store and get them put together. it'll still be about 1/2 the price of an equivalent dell.
I paid $945.00 for my Dell, which is about $200 more than all the components would've cost me to build it myself, but I also got a 1 year full replacement warranty with Dell, and I saved the many hours I would've spent building it myself...

It was worth the extra money IMO.
 
Yeah like I said earlier, for this new higher end dell, it's about the same as building my own, but without the new chipset.Probably more expensive if I get a mobo with the new chipset and Pentiums new processor. I was asking more about new technology vs established rather than custom built vs dell. However, right now I'm leaning towards getting a custom built, since dell seems extremely backed up on the new hardware. And I am concerned that It's too early to hear reviews on the new chips and processors and don't want to be a "beta tester" for dell's implementation of them.
 
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