Upgrading Dell Dimension 8300 *NEW*!

[Vinny the Booki]

I just registered at this forum because I was looking for a good board to learn more about computer related hardware topics and etc. :D

Anyway, onto the situation:

I just purchased a Dell computer through that deal (now expired) through www.slickdeals.net .

I got a fairly decent priced computer, and when it arrives (that is right, upgrading a brand new computer) I want to upgrade a few components.

My good friend has informed me that the way Dell configures their systems, it is impossible to OC' them. Not really a sweat right now, as I do not OC. Maybe later when I learn more stuff from this board, I can get a new case, mobo, and then give it a shot!

The Purchased System:

Case: Dell Dimension 8300

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 – 3.0 GHz with 800Mhz FSB

Memory: 256 MB SD-DDR PC-3200 400Mhz RAM

Hard Drive: 40 GB Ultra ATA/100 – 7,200 RPM

Video Card: 128 MB ATI Radeon 9800 Pro

Sound Card: Integrated 5.1 Channel Audio

Optical Drive: 48x Max Variable CD-ROM

Network Card: Integrated Intel® PRO 10/100 Ethernet

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home


Now, the upgrades I was thinking about:


Memory: Geil Gold Dragon 512 MB PC-3200 400Mhz RAM

Hard Drive: TWO 80 GB Ultra ATA/133 – 7,200 RPM

OR

120-160 GB Ultra ATA/133 – 7,200 RPM

Optical Drive Two: Lite-On 52X/32X/52X CD-RW drive

Sound Card: M-Audio Revolution 7.1


Questions:

What do you all think of the RAM? After purchasing the computer, I am somewhat on a budget here, and since I am not planning to OC' right away, I thought it would be a good buy. I do GAME...A LOT...so I was wondering if the jump to 1 GIG of RAM is really worth it (taking into account my system specs). Need your opinions here! :)

Same thing for the HD's...I need to find an awesome deal on a set or one big HD....was looking to Maxtor and Seagate...what do you all think?

The CD-RW looks just fine, and the Sound Card is perfect (running the digital out to my home reciever, to my home stereo setup :cool: )

Gimmie some opinions!

[Chris]

As the machine only has 256MB of RAM and you game a lot I would highly recommend you upgrade that first, games like Battlefield 1942 are really memory hungry, I would recommend another 256MB minimum more if you can afford it with a max of 1GB total memory any more than that is a waste of money for a workstation. As your not planning on overclocking/cant overclock easily, there is not much point in buying such high Quality RAM as Geil, you should be just fine with Crucial or something along those lines it will save you a fair bit of money and will work just as good!

If you need more hard drive space, I find Seagate Drives to be nice and quiet and perform nicely, although take into consideration Warranty when purchasing most drives now only have 1 Year but theres a few still about offering 3 Years still.

A lot of people on the forums recommend buying from www.newegg.com apparently they have good service and good prices.

If you need any more help or need help in picking specific items just as!

And by the way.....

WELCOME TO THE FORUMS

[funnyperson1]

If the Dell comes with a CDRW and not just a CDROM ( you didnt make it clear). Then I would just get another 256 stick of PC3200 from any brand and add another 80gb or more hdd.

[RedDeathDrinker]

Looking at your specs, you just need more memory, and more hard disk space. It's a Dell, so buying bleeding-edge DDR is a bit of a waste, Crucial, Corsair or Kingston PC3200 will be more than adequate. oops, on re-reading, Chris has already said this;)

Maybe a CD-drive update to a CD-RW/DVD combo. or a DVD-burner....

[NewbiePerson]

id say get more ram. and maybe consider a raptor drive, you can just use ur 40gb as storage space.
However, u would have to get a sata to ide converter for $20 more.
If you keep an eye on best buy or circuit city you can get like a 160gb drive for $99 after all rebates
or a 80gb for $50.
Also you can get an audigy or decent hercules card for $40 or so.
Even if you have cheap speakers you will notice a difference let alone if you have 4.1 or higher.
A raptor would compliment that system quite well though, with the extra memory.
Unless you get into video editing or something 76gb is more than enough space.

[Noodles]

They always short change you on RAM. Most people (not around here) salivate over the fastest processor not RAM. But you're gonna want at least 512 total to be in good shape.

[Vinny the Booki]

Thanks for the replies! :)

[Bleed]

my girl just bought this. the first thing I told her was to upgrade her ram to 512.

[fhanderson]

One of the Dells, either the 8300 or the 4600 has a problem with different latency RAM. It will default to 333 with mixed latency. You should check into this before you buy RAM.