I can't believe Dell did this!

[struggle4progress]

Poll question: I can't believe Dell did this!

I have an old Dimension 8200 with a nearly optimal processor for the model and about half as much RAM as the machine will support. So I wouldn't upgrade the processor but it would be nice to double the RAM

But it's RDRAM. There are four slots: none will hold more than a 512mb stick, and it must be installed in matched pairs. Did Dell install two 512 sticks and two continuity modules? Of course not: they installed four 256 sticks! So to upgrade to 2gb RAM I'd have to buy 4 sticks of 512 RDRAM. RDRAM's expensive stuff, and since I'd be pulling out half or all of the existing memory, I'd effecively be paying twice the list price for the memory increase: a full upgrade would cost about twice as much as I paid for a faster netbook with a bigger harddrive and 2gb RAM pre-installed

[hobbit709]

1. Cheaper to get a new computer

Than what RDRAM costs.

[Why Syzygy]

2. yikes!

http://www.cheapestrdram.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&sort=3a&keywords=Dell+Dimension+8200&x=9&y=3
2GB (4x512) PC800-40 RDRAM $689.95 $564.95

Is this your hobby machine?

[struggle4progress]

3. Yeah, that machine is just gonna have to live without any upgrades

I could get the 2gb under $400 but it's still not worth it. I wouldn't touch that particular upgrade above $100

[charlie]

5. What the hey?

What is that stuff? Transistors hand-soldered and signed by the CEO of Micron?

[struggle4progress]

7. It's an obsolete technology

[charlie]

9. Well, that's weird

They belong in a remainder bin at Fry's. Unless they're spec'ed for key NORAD equipment, those prices just ensure no one will buy them, which means... they'll wind up in a remainder bin at Fry's.

[Why Syzygy]

10. lol...

the machines were mfg'd in 2001. Of course they are OBSOLETE. It's just s4p's hobby box.

These are cheaper:

http://www.4allmemory.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.memorySearch&model_id=24927

[struggle4progress]

12. Somebody must be buyin em: Dell will supply 512mb modules at about $150 each

but to improve the machine I'd either need 2 or 4 modules. The "bargain" folk might knock the price down to around $200 for a 2x512 kit, and I can do somewhat better than that by diligent shopping. But I can't get below about $200 for a 4x512 upgrade, and it while would effectively increase my memory to 2gb, it would only be a 1gb increase. The machine is okay, and I can probably use it some as a learning sandbox, like my old T450, but it's just not worth that kind of money for the educational experience of opening the box and replacing a few memory modules

[charlie]

13. Aw gee, it's Rambus

I missed that. They couldn't get market traction for RDRAM even with monopoly subsidies and massive litigation. I can't remember encountering a single device that needed RDRAM memory, aside from game consoles, and it was never clear to me why those preferred it.

Still, I'm surprised they're selling ca 2000 modules at ca 2000 prices. It'd be a bigger surprise if they're making money doing it.

[hobbit709]

11. So's the CPU-Socket 423.

Try to find one of those now.

[Why Syzygy]

8. I don't do hardware

:blush:

[whistler162]

4. eBay is a source.

[struggle4progress]

6. Thanks. That hadn't crossed my mind for some reason. It's certainly worth a look.

I wish I wanted to downgrade the machine instead of upgrading it: that would be cheaper

[BlueJazz]

14. if you know how to use a screwdriver and have just a Tiny bit mechanical..

... aptitude, I'd change the mother board. (it's really not a big deal...can be done in 1/2 an hour)
This board is 90 bucks...add 2 gig of memory for 45 bucks and you've got a good little system. >>>>

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813153144

[struggle4progress]

15. That's an interesting suggestion.

The Atom's rather slower than what the machine currently has

Dunno. It might be worth asking myself how much I'm willing to spend if I decide to build a machine myself and what I'd want it to do. For some purposes, very fast accurate calculation matters

[charlie]

16. If you're in no rush

Stop by Goodwill or SA occasionally. A lot of them have gen-yoo-wine computer centers now, where decrepit heaps are refurbished and sold for cheap. Plus, boxes of who-knows-what for rummaging. You may be able to get parts for your Dell that way.

[struggle4progress]

17. I may try SA. Local Goodwill doesn't accept the stuff. I dropped off some surplus

a few days ago at a different charity that refurbishes for specific reuse

[hobbit709]

18. May not be that easy

Dell is proprietary about a lot of things. Front Panel connectors are not standard wiring pinout. Some Dell models used nonstandard Power Supply connections.

[struggle4progress]

19. Heard something about nonstandard fans, too

[hobbit709]

20. Yep, they like to use one fan

for both CPU and system cooling. This gives them a tendency to run a little warm I usually tell my customers that it's easier to build a new one from from scratch than try to upgrade a Dell case.