Advice...Dell Precision 390 specs?

db.alex.va · 2007-06-26T13:54:51+00:00

I'm working up a quote for a new Dell Precision 390, and have a fewgeneral questions. I'm using SW 2007 and have recently (by default)been appointed "SW expert" in my research lab. I'm still ramping upmy learning curve but it's apparent my 5-year old 2.5GHz P4 with 1GBRAM just isn't going to cut it. Projects will likely be on the 500part/assembly scale, and we'll be looking to do some simple Animatorand COSMOS stuff down the line. I have the go ahead to price out anew system (within reason). That said, here's what I've selected thusfar:Intel=C2=AE Core=E2=84=A2 2 Duo E6600 2.40GHz/1066MHz/4MB L2/Dual-core/VT2GB, 667MHz, DDR2 SDRAM Memory, ECC250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s with NCQ and 8MB DataBurst Cache128MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX550Dell 20 inch UltraSharp=E2=84=A2 2007FP WidescreenAs for a HD, 250 GB is plenty of room, but should I stick with SATA,or go with SAS? Graphics cards...The price jump to go up to a 256MBcard is pretty steep (see below). How much improvement will that getme?768MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX 4600, Dual DVI or Dual VGA or DVI +VGA [add $1,429]256MB PCIe x16 nVidia Quadro FX3500, Dual Monitor DVI or VGA Capable[add $754]256MB PCIe x16 ATI Fire GL V7200, Dual Monitor DVI or VGA Capable [add$429]The above config is priced at $1749. Which seems like a good deal tome. If you had another $250 or so to put into the system, what wouldyou upgrade? Processor, graphics, or HD? I do plan on upgrading to4GB RAM through third-party (much cheaper, 2 x 1GB from crucial isunder $100), so I've got that covered. Is there something else I'mmissing?Thanks.-Dave

Jun 26, 2007 23 Replies

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neilscad 19 years ago

I'd be enclined to go with a 256mb card if its going to run on Vista paticularly on a 24" screen. The 1500 has quite a bit stronger texture performance too than a 550. ..I guess everyone would choose something slightly different :o)

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