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Dimension 8200 processor and other upgrade questions
Hey everyone. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about my 8200. It's really really really time for an upgrade or a new computer for me. I have a 1.8 Ghz w/ 2 x 256 MB built in early '02 (Feb). I'm debating whether I should go with a new computer, possibly a desktop replacement laptop or just upgrade this one, or possibly build a new one with some salvaged parts (CD drive, HD, possibly graphics card). At the very least I want to upgrade the processor. 2.8 soudns nice. But how would I find out if I have the 850 or 850e(?) chipset? I don't really even know what that means. I have Sandra software, but I didn't see any information in that - maybe I'm not looking in the right place. Would it say on the mobo or something? And from what I've read it seems as if with the 850 I can upgrade to 2.8 w/ 400 MHz FSB, but with the 850e I can get a 3.06 w/ HT and 533 FSB. Since its Q1 of '02 its probably the older chipset, so would there be a huge difference between those two processors in performance?
Also, has anyone seen a big performance jump in upgrading ram beyond 512? 786 sounds pretty nice, but its not too cheap.
And I've never installed a processor before, but I've taken it out on my oldcomputer once and installed HDs, optical drives, ram, etc. so am I fit to do the install?
shesagordie
12 Elder
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46017 Posts
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Posted December 28th, 2005 18:00
awns729
The D-8200 has either a Dell OEM Intel 850 or 850e board. It would be an 850, if you have a sub-2.0 GHz processor or the system
pre-dates mid-May 2002 and a 850e for late model systems built after mid-May 2002.Bev.
Regarding the RAM upgrade, I will copy a post below that I originally placed on Sunday. I am not condoning this particular RAM or even condoning upgrading the 8200. (I think it always best to let the 8200 go as it exists, it's still a good machine to keep on hand as a second.) Regarding my RAMBUS info below, for sure, you would want to clear technical things with ejn, shesagordie, or herb366 before purchasing.
"I'm no expert on RAMBUS memory except to note that it is expensive. However, this item on sale at Geeks.com caught my eye. Geeks.com has about three sales each week, but I have never noticed RAMBUS modules in these sales before.
RIMM (184-Pin)
184-pin RIMM Memory
256 MB Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) for RIMM Socket- 800MHz - Non-ECC
256 MB Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)
High speed 800MHz RDRAM storage
184-pin edge connector (Gold Plated)
2.5-volt (+/-5%)
Serial Presence Detect (SPD) EPROM
Heat Spreader Shield
NON-ECC
RIMM Module OnlyPart #: 256RIMM800-N
Warranty: 30 Days
Condition: New
Packaging: Plain Packed
Ship Weight: 0.25 lb
Manufacturer:
MFG Part #:
Supported By: Geeks
Availability: In Stock And Ready To Ship!
Regular Price: $82.00
Clearance Price: $32.00
You Save: $50.00
Power Up Your Rambus Motherboard! The new Rambus module is a general purpose high-performance memory module suitable for use in a broad range of applications including computer memory, personal computers, workstations, and other applications where high bandwidth and and low latency are required. The use of Rambus Signaling Level (RSL) technology permits 800 MHz transfer rates while using conventional system and board design technologies. The RDRAM Memory Module requires a motherboard with the new RIMM slots (such as the Intel VC820 Motherboard) and not only beats the PC100 standard, but grinds it into the ground!"IMO, the D8200 is a good system but in a couple of months yours will be 4 years old and not worth expensive upgrades. The maximum speed CPU for you is 2.8GHz and will cost $185. 512MB (2 x 256MB) of RDram will cost $176 for a total of $361. You would see a significant performance boost over what you have now.
My D8200 is 1/2 year newer than yours and I have already decided that upgrades are not justifiable. I am planning to build new in Q3 2006. :smileyhappy: My D8200 will make a great second system. I'm not a gamer but I like demanding games with eye-candy on. With the latest round of highend games, I'm limited to medium settings. :smileysad:
_______________________________________________________________________
Dimension 8200 (July 2002)
3.06Ghz P4 w/HT 533fsb---------------------------------------768mb pc800 rdram
128mb BFG GeForce 6800oc (16 pipes enabled)--------Dell 250W PSU
Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS -------------------------------------Logitech Z-5300E 5.1 THX
P992 19" Flat Screen Monitor----------------------------------Floppy Drive
40X CD-RW--------------------------------------------------------80GB Ultra ATA HD
Intel 10/100M PCI Network Card--------------------------------USB 2.0 Hubwell at the time i got mine there was the option to get a 2.0GHz+ processor. i chose 1.8 to save a few hundred bucks so you're saying just all the systems that were build sub 2.0 they put the older chipset into up until mid-may? that stinks.
and i've heard that RD ram (yeah i knwo its hard to find and there are very few mobos that support it) is actually pretty decent and can perform as well as SD DDR?
shesagordie
12 Elder
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46017 Posts
231
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Posted December 29th, 2005 03:00
awns729 wrote:"well at the time i got mine there was the option to get a 2.0GHz+ processor. i chose 1.8 to save a few hundred bucks so you're saying just all the systems that were build sub 2.0 they put the older chipset into up until mid-may? that stinks"Yes, a lot of D-8200 owners, were also upset with this change in 2002.Bev.
ejn63
11 Legend
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87469 Posts
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Posted December 28th, 2005 18:00
Unless you have need for more RAM, it's not worth the cost to add it - the RAM is obsolete and can't be used on any newer systems.