Start a Conversation

Unsolved

This post is more than 5 years old

5595

October 15th, 2009 12:00

Upgrades options for Dell OptilPlex GX280 SFF

Hi all!!

So i just got this 2nd hand Dell GX280 SFF(small form factor) and would like to upgrade a couple of parts. I would like to know if the follow parts will fit and which type & amount of Ram will be better to install.


1# Ram -
Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 400 (PC2 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR400D2N3K2/2G - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134181

I saw a post stating that since my FSB is 800mhz I should stick with DDR2 PC3200 400Mhz Ram so it will match with my FSB. Now the only problem with that is DDR2 PC3200 only comes in max 1gb sticks and my unit only has 2 slots so 2gb of ram max.


Is it better to use DDR2 533MHz, PC2-4200 ram since it comes in 2gb per stick so I can upgrade to 4gb??

I want to know which will work well with my gx280.


#2 - Hard drive
Will this fit in my system?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136317

Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive


#3 - Video Card
I want to run dual screen to a 19" Dell monitor via DVI and to a 32" sony LCD via HDMI. Is that possible?

I was thinking about this card here.
GIGABYTE GV-R435OC-512I Radeon HD 4350 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Low Profile Ready Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125251


#4 Dvd Drive
I want a dvd burner but not sure which one to get.

thanks for this help.

9 Posts

October 16th, 2009 12:00

Bump

4 Operator

 • 

9.3K Posts

October 16th, 2009 15:00

The GX280 SFF specs are available here.

 

With DDR memory, memory can easily slow down if/when needed. So I would go with the cheaper option (but stay with a reliable brand), as Optiplex doesn't overclock (to squeeze out more performance) and this system is of such a date that if you are after performance you bought the wrong system anyway.

 

As for the disk you can see in the specs that it has room for 1 x 1 inch drive (this means 1 inch high, which automatically means it's a 3.5" drive. I don't believe Intel's SATA controllers ever really had a max disk size that they'd support, so most likely 1TB should work just fine. You may find that new drives are SATA2, but this is perfectly downwards compatible. Some drives may mention in their manual that some chipsets may require forcing the speed down to SATA1 speeds, but from what I remember, the Intel chipsets didn't have that, so I'd first try the drive as is, and if you're having detection issues, then consider the jumper to cap the speed at SATA1.

9 Posts

October 27th, 2009 21:00

Will this Video card work with my GX280? I have one at work with low profile bracket.

 

http://www.icecat.biz/en/p/XFX/PV-T44A-PANG/GeForce%206200%20128MB%20DDR%20TV%20DVI.htm

 

thanks

 

6 Professor

 • 

8.8K Posts

October 27th, 2009 22:00

The 6200 is a very dated GPU. I would recommend a 4550, which is available passively cooled and has low power consumption.

9 Posts

October 28th, 2009 01:00

only reason i ask is because i have one of these i can pull from a GX270 after we get our laptops at work. 

No Events found!

Top