Dell Optiplex GX280 Upgrade Question

[mchc715]

Hello Fabian,

Since you have the SFF, you have 2 options. 160 W isn't suitable for any high power video card.

1) Someone mentioned on this thread about getting a slim server PSU and swap out the DELL OEM one. I think this idea blows unless you plan on reusing your server PSU once you Dell Mobo dies out.

2) Just change from a SFF to a ATX case so you can use a regular low-cost PSU. This requires ripping out the entire GX280 and manually attaching it to a ATX case (I just used metallic clips and duct tape). If you change the DELL PSU, you'll have to rip that out anyways, might as well be everything.

My video card is EVGA's Geforce GTX260 216 SSC Edition, with a Xion case /w a 500 PSU. I also changed the CPU from the 2.8ghz (P4 530?) to a 3.4ghz (P4 640).

Hi there!

Could someone point me in the right direction what kind of power supplies I can
build into one of the SFF GX280s? I have a hard time finding anything suitable, the
original power supply only has 160 Watt, and I'm not so sure if that is sufficient for
a graphic card like a HD4350 or a 8400GS.

Cheers,
Fabian

 

[UKMart]

I have a quick question about the GX280 SMT. I need to replace the hard drive. According to the Dell PDF, it says it supports up to a 250gb Sata HDD. I realize this is a 5 year old computer and maybe 250gb was the limit then.

Has anyone gone higher than 250gb?

I have a WD Caviar Black 640Gb primary and a WD Caviar Green 1 Tb seconadary and both working fine w/Vista Home Premium SP1

 

[seninha]

Yesterday I bought me asecond hand DellGX280.

System is going to be used for dowloads,storage (music,phtos and movies) ,and streaming (to both my Xboxes)

Due to the fact that system is going to run 24hrs a day I need to lower it's power consumption.
Right now with the standard 2.8Ghz CPU it does 65Watt when Idle and around 120W when doing some rar files.

First of all I would like to known exactlly what kind of CPU the 2.8 is? and what's the TDP of it.

I already saw on this list:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Pentium_4_microprocessors
the P 431 witch has a TDP of 65W.
Seems to me a good choice.

Only need to knwo if this one is lower then the one I already have, and of course if it will fit on the GX280

 

[joefriday]

^ Read the thread. 6x1 CPUs DON'T WORK. You more than likely have a Pentium 4 520. If you undervolt the cpu by modifying the pads on the bottom you can likely decrease vcore by .1 to .2 volts, which should save to around 20-30 watts I'd imagine. Go to intel.com and download the datasheet sheet for Pentium 4 processors on LGA 775. All the vcore settings are found in the document.

 

[seninha]

I tried to find out what the differents are between the 6x0 and 6x1 , but the only thing I found whas that one is built on 90 nm and the other on 65nm

Also voltage of the 6x1 seems to be 0.05 volt higher.

 

[maxxor3]

I have just bought a SFF version Dell GX280 on eBay.

I intend to use it mainly as a database server, I will therefore put as much memory on it as possible.
Knowing that the small form factor version can only take two memory modules, is it possible to use a 4 GB (2x2GB) kit? And if yes, will I be able to use a couple of DDR2-800 (PC2 6400) modules?

And something else, how many hard drives can I put into it?

Thank you in advance...

 

[maxxor3]

One more question, mainly for current Dell GX280 owners...

If the machine proves suitable for my needs, I will probable buy two or three more.
It is therefore useful to know, if anyone knows about:

1. Its power consumption (a rough estimation would be great) and
2. The noise levels of its fans.

If anyone has any clues, please reply

Thanx

 

[seninha]

I tested mine and when Idle it does around 60 65 watt.
When system is starting up it jumps up to 100-110 watt.
Didn't messure when system was working hard , but I gues it will do around 150Watt

Noise: for me its quiet enough

 

[maxxor3]

I tested mine and when Idle it does around 60 65 watt.
When system is starting up it jumps up to 100-110 watt.
Didn't messure when system was working hard , but I gues it will do around 150Watt

Noise: for me its quiet enough

Thank you for your answer!

As you own one, can you please also inform me about my previous questions about the maximum number of HDs and the types of RAM supported?

Thank you again

 

[seninha]

As far as I can remember you can only use one HDD.

RAM installed is:AENEON, DDR2 PC2-5300 (333MHz)

 

[gleke]

hey
I am new here.
my fahter just got a GX280.. I don't know which version right but it isn't the SFF version.

he has 1 gig ram, no video card, and processor 2.80 ghz
I want to upgrade him to 2 gig ddr2 an video card, I don't know wich one, the best that can be used in this kind of pc.. I think but I am not sure that he has a power suply of 240 watt...

I think the graphic card needs to be placed in those to places above the power suply but can I have 2 cards?? I would like to play E:TW.. so If their are other things that need to be changed, let me know
thanks for your help

 

[amdfangirl]

Can I warn you.

No.

 

[j5689]

If only this thread was around half a year ago. I bought a 661 and a 570J, neither of which worked in my tower and I couldn't return them to the site or sell them to anyone on eBay. Thanks to this thread though, now I know I can upgrade to a 650, of which I have already found some for 58$ if anyone is interested:

http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=599

 

[gleke]

but wich graphic card should I use best for my dell..
cause it looks like there isn't much place for it

 

[j5689]

but wich graphic card should I use best for my dell..
cause it looks like there isn't much place for it

I'm assuming you have the half-size case that sits horizontally.

This looks PERFECT for it:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187060

It got a 5/5 Star average and it comes with a low profile bracket and a DVI to VGA adapter so it fits perfectly in that case and it'll work with your existing monitor. AND it's a 9600GT, which is better than the fullsize 8600GT I have in my tower right now. AND it has an HDMI port on it , OMG.

If you've got a little more cash to blow, you could even get an 9800GT:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187061

You DEFINITELY can't get any better than that in low profile video cards as far as nVidia goes. One of the reviews even said this works on a 250W power supply.

The only other thing you need to buy is power converters, and you will need:

Two of these 4-pin molex splitters:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812119008

If I remember correctly(last time I looked inside a micro-ATX GX280 was 2 days ago, lol), there's only as many connectors on the power supply as there are connections, which makes sense since that case obviously wasn't built for expandability. So one of the two splitters will go between your CD-ROM drive and its Molex connectors so you will have another free molex connector. And you will put the other molex splitter on the end of that free molex connector, and that will connect to this next part

A 2x Molex to 6-pin PCI-e splitter:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200106

And you might want to buy this 6-pin extension cable as well to make sure the cable can reach the card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812706001




I hope this helps other Micro-ATX GX280 users as well.

 

[gleke]

I'm assuming you have the half-size case that sits horizontally.

This looks PERFECT for it:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187060

It got a 5/5 Star average and it comes with a low profile bracket and a DVI to VGA adapter so it fits perfectly in that case and it'll work with your existing monitor. AND it's a 9600GT, which is better than the fullsize 8600GT I have in my tower right now. AND it has an HDMI port on it , OMG.

If you've got a little more cash to blow, you could even get an 9800GT:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187061

You DEFINITELY can't get any better than that in low profile video cards as far as nVidia goes. One of the reviews even said this works on a 250W power supply.

The only other thing you need to buy is power converters, and you will need:

Two of these 4-pin molex splitters:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812119008

If I remember correctly(last time I looked inside a micro-ATX GX280 was 2 days ago, lol), there's only as many connectors on the power supply as there are connections, which makes sense since that case obviously wasn't built for expandability. So one of the two splitters will go between your CD-ROM drive and its Molex connectors so you will have another free molex connector. And you will put the other molex splitter on the end of that free molex connector, and that will connect to this next part

A 2x Molex to 6-pin PCI-e splitter:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200106

And you might want to buy this 6-pin extension cable as well to make sure the cable can reach the card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812706001




I hope this helps other Micro-ATX GX280 users as well.

thanks
really this helpt me a lot, I will buy the things tomorow
wich ram should I use http://www.allinonesystems.be/productendetail.cfm?p=644&s=46 is this ok? or can I buy better one like 1600 mhz... I don't now if the mainboard would be compatibel..
and what about this card? Radeon HD 4550 512MB
http://www.digicom-it.be/product/20501/Force3D_Radeon_HD_4550_512MB_F4550PD3210FS.html
should that work? or this one http://www.digicom-it.be/product/20447/Point_of_View_GeForce_9400GT_1024MB_Passive_RVGA150915P.html
or this http://www.digicom-it.be/product/20448/Point_of_View_GeForce_9500GT_1024MB_RVGA1509091.html

thanks

 

[j5689]

thanks
really this helpt me a lot, I will buy the things tomorow
wich ram should I use http://www.allinonesystems.be/productendetail.cfm?p=644&s=46 is this ok? or can I buy better one like 1600 mhz... I don't now if the mainboard would be compatibel..
and what about this card? Radeon HD 4550 512MB
http://www.digicom-it.be/product/20501/Force3D_Radeon_HD_4550_512MB_F4550PD3210FS.html
should that work? or this one http://www.digicom-it.be/product/20447/Point_of_View_GeForce_9400GT_1024MB_Passive_RVGA150915P.html
or this http://www.digicom-it.be/product/20448/Point_of_View_GeForce_9500GT_1024MB_RVGA1509091.html

thanks

Neither of the sites you showed me have any good parts for the GX280.

You need a low profile graphics card that comes with a low profile bracket kit because the the video card bracket on your case is half the size of a normal one. So none of the cards that you posted will work and neither site seems to carry that kind of card that you need either.

The RAM you chose will work but it's twice as fast as the RAM that's normally found in a GX280, which means it will have more latency than the proper RAM for a GX280. You want 400MHz DDR2 if you can find it, because that matches the FSB perfectly which means means minimal latency and therefore better performance.

But if you can't find it, I guess that RAM will work.

It's absolutely pitiful how little variety those sites have in parts. I am SOOOO glad I don't live in Europe for that reason. They don't give you guys many parts over there and the parts they do give you, you're usually overcharged for. Didn't convert the prices on that site so the may be normal but for the most part, you get overcharged.

 

[batmanv]

I just got the GX 280, CPu 2.8G, bus 800 ( As the information from cmos screen).But why I check by Cpuz, the information is CPU 2.8G, Bus 200
What I must do now?

 

[j5689]

I just got the GX 280, CPu 2.8G, bus 800 ( As the information from cmos screen).But why I check by Cpuz, the information is CPU 2.8G, Bus 200
What I must do now?

It's normal. The bus speed is 1/4 of the FSB. The FSB is underneath the bus speed in CPU-Z.

 

[jim_bob]

I too just picked up a GX280 small desktop

2.8 Ghz w/HT
512 Mb RAM
70 Gb hard drive


I understand moving it to another box, I can make a box out of wood, but there has to be some sort of power supply upgrade, even if you have to duct tape it in

I've seen the posts for P4 650 at 3.4 Ghz, but has someone successfully put in a better proc?


4 1Gb sticks of Gskill Extreme RAM and 320 GB 7200 RPM hard drive are on their way.

So the main questions remain:

Can you get a 350W + power supply for it?
What's the fastest processor you can put in it?

 

[jim_bob]

What's the spec number for your P4 650?

I'm looking for an upgrade in the processor department and would like to know which version of the P4 650 is working in the optiplex gx280.

Oh I forgot to mention that I know for a fact a 651 won't work in the gx280. I bid on a P4 650 on ebay, and was shipped a P4 651, but decided to give it a shot, and all I got were a bunch of amber lights ;( Hopefully they'll send me a real P4 650 really soon.

Has anyone figured out if you can turn on the EM64t on for any of the bios revisions?

 

[j5689]

I'm running a 650 on A08(latest) BIOS and it says Yes next to 64-bit support in the BIOS now and mentions EM64T as well.

However, if you had a processor before the 6x0 series that didn't have NX Bit like the 540 I had before my 650, the option to enable it will now appear in the Security section of the BIOS but it will turned off by default so make sure to enable it.

Unfortunately I couldn't find any setting related to EIST so we won't be able to utilize that.

I think that the 650 is best possible CPU that you can put in a GX280. If anyone is looking for one, I got mine from this place that has them for 58$ a piece as of this post:
http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=599

I already wasted money on a 661 and a 570J only to find out the hard way that neither was compatible.

 

[jim_bob]

j5689,

Thank you for your reply, I greatly appreciate it.

(Is there a plain 670, or just a 670J, and how would one know the difference?

I've checked out the intel site and only saw a 670, not the 670J.

Was this the one you tried?

Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 670 supporting HT Technology (2M Cache, 3.80 GHz, 800 MHz FSB) LGA775, Tray PLGA775 N0 115 Watts JM80547PG1122MM SL7Z3

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=27487 (it's the one on the bottom)
) <-----Sorry, I need to read and comprehend, you tried a 570J, not the 670.

It'll be nice to run in 64-bit so I can utilize all of my 4 gb of RAM.

Have you tried going over 4gb of RAM with 64-bit enabled? (seems like it should work) 32-bit limitation is roughly 3.2 gb.

Might be worth giving the 670 a shot, I'll have to think about it, it appears to work with the same chipset at the 650.

 

[j5689]

I have 4GB of RAM and after upgrading the processor from a 540 to a 650, my x86 OS still only recognizes 3GB. I haven't installed a x64 OS on this.

From what I've seen any processor over 3.4 GHz will not work in a GX280. I can't help but wonder if this means that a 651 would possibly have worked in a GX280. It contains all the features of the 6x0 series but the shrink from 90nm to 65nm would help a lot with heat and power consumption and would make up for the fact that we can't use EIST anyway.

 

[jim_bob]

The P4 651 definitely doesn't work, you'll just get amber lights, it won't even make it to bios. (I purchased a P4 650 from ebay and the seller sent me a 651, hoping not to have to go through all of the trouble returning the 651 I installed it and got nothing but amber lights.)

A 32-bit OS will only see over ~3.2 GB of RAM if PAE is enabled. Check out the wikipedia link below for more information on PAE. You can set Windows to use PAE.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_Address_Extension


Just google how to enable PAE for your OS.