Dell Precision T3500 upgrade help needed.

[Yosser]

Hi all. First post here so hope it's in the right place. I've just ordered myself a Dell Precision T3500 with a Xeon E5630 and 8gb of RAM, a Nvidia quadro 600 GPU and a couple of big HDD's. It'll be used for photo editing, photoshop, Capture One ect, not worried about gaming performance ect.! Over time I want to upgrade it, probably starting with the RAM. I've been searching around and can't seem to pin down the right type to fit it. The spec sheet says it'll take "Up to 24GB4 1333MHz ECC and non-ECC memory in 6 DIMM slots", but there seems to be other variables like buffered or unbuffered that are confusing me. I'm trying to keep the costs down so searching ebay but I'm having a hard time working out what I should be looking for! I've been out the PC building/upgrading game for 20 years so could do with some pointers/idiot's guide as to what to look for. I'm going to stick with Xeon CPU's for this in the future, I understand i7's will go in the T3500 but would need different RAM to the Xeon's. Any help would be much appreciated along with any other tips about the T3500

 

[okcnaline]

If you're only using Photoshop with this build, I don't really see a reason to upgrade. But if you insist, open the computer up and tell me the model number of the RAM.

 

[imrazor]

I've been considering getting a T3500 for a while, so I've done a bit of research on the RAM requirements. It looks like it can use either non-ECC RAM (aka, normal DDR3 RAM) or ECC RAM. Non-ECC RAM does not have buffered or registered modules. ECC RAM can be unbuffered or buffered/registered, but in the T3500's case it seems that only ECC unbuffered RAM is supported.

ECC RAM is more resistant to random memory errors. Buffered RAM places less strain on the system's memory controller, allowing more modules to be used. But, as I mentioned, it seems the T3500 doesn't support ECC registered RAM anyway.

 

[Yosser]

If you're only using Photoshop with this build, I don't really see a reason to upgrade. But if you insist, open the computer up and tell me the model number of the RAM.

I haven't got it yet, only just ordered it, so can't look inside as yet. Till I can, you think it'll be OK for editing? I usually have Capture One open handling RAW files along with Photoshop for final touches. I also do a lot of composite work so files can get huge with 20+ layers! I just figured the more ram the better.

 

[bambiboom]

Hi all. First post here so hope it's in the right place. I've just ordered myself a Dell Precision T3500 with a Xeon E5630 and 8gb of RAM, a Nvidia quadro 600 GPU and a couple of big HDD's. It'll be used for photo editing, photoshop, Capture One ect, not worried about gaming performance ect.! Over time I want to upgrade it, probably starting with the RAM. I've been searching around and can't seem to pin down the right type to fit it. The spec sheet says it'll take "Up to 24GB4 1333MHz ECC and non-ECC memory in 6 DIMM slots", but there seems to be other variables like buffered or unbuffered that are confusing me. I'm trying to keep the costs down so searching ebay but I'm having a hard time working out what I should be looking for! I've been out the PC building/upgrading game for 20 years so could do with some pointers/idiot's guide as to what to look for. I'm going to stick with Xeon CPU's for this in the future, I understand i7's will go in the T3500 but would need different RAM to the Xeon's. Any help would be much appreciated along with any other tips about the T3500

Yosser,

RAM: The Precision T3500 uses DDR3-1333 ECC or non ECC unbuffered RAM. This listed as PC3-10600E for 1333 or PC3-8600E for 1066 speed and no E for non-ECC. The buffered or registered RAM is used by the dual CPU T5500 and T7500. The T3500 is an X58 chipset which is triple channel. There are 6 RAM slots and best results are to use sets of 3 modules. For example, 6X 2GB, 6X 4GB, 3X 4GB / 3X2GB, 3X 4GB. The T3500 I have uses 6X 2GB because it arrived with 2X 2GB of Samsung single rank. I found 4X the exact module and timings. The E5630 in you system however only supports 800 and 1066 RAM so 1333 if added to the system will run at 1066 speed.

CPU: The LGA1366 CPU's are very reasonable and you might consider upgrading the E5630 which is 2.53 /2.8GHz . It's a good one being a 32nm lithography, but for $60 you can have an X5677 which is called a 3.5 /3.7GHz. If you use Lightroom, it will utilize every thread available and the T3500 can use any of the W3600 or X5600 6-cores.

CPU cooler: there are two CPU coolers /heatsinks for the T3500, one is cast Aluminum and looks like organ pipes, and the uprated one for the higher wattage CPU's is Steel with Copper tubes and looks like a model of an office building. These are inexpensive ( I bought one for $12 including shipping) and even if you keep the E5630, I'd suggest buying the uprated heatsink.

DISK: If you are using large files or are editing video, a PERC H310 RAID controller (about $60-80) converts the disk system to 6GB/s. I use in a T5500 and the Passmark Disk score changed from 1940 to 2649 with the same drives.

USB: There are reasonably prices PCIE cards that add USB 3.0 and I intend to add that to both the T3500 and T5500.

GPU: The Quadro 600 is very good in 2D. If you're not doing 3D CAD, the Passmark 2D score for the 600 is about 800- 830, which is as high as the Quadro K4200 4GB I have. Give it a good run as it may have usable performance.

BIOS: Before anything else, make certain the BIOS is the latest- A09. Dell.com has a little *.EXE program that downloads and installs easily.

The T3500 is one of the best bargains around- server-like quality and reliability, $1,600 CPU's for it are $120 now, and performance well within modern standards for workstation use. Also, Dell is very good in providing drivers and etc.


Cheers,

BambiBoom


Modeling:

1. HP z420 (2015) > Xeon E5-1660 v2 (6-core @ 3.7 / 4.0GHz) > 32GB DDR3 1866 ECC RAM > Quadro K4200 (4GB) > Intel 730 480GB (9SSDSC2BP480G4R5) > Western Digital Black WD1003FZEX 1TB> M-Audio 192 sound card > 600W PSU> > Windows 7 Professional 64-bit > Logitech z2300 speakers > 2X Dell Ultrasharp U2715H (2560 X 1440)>
[ Passmark Rating = 5064 > CPU= 13989 / 2D= 819 / 3D= 4596 / Mem= 2772 / Disk= 4555]
[ Passmark V9.0 Beta Rating = 5019.1 > CPU= 14206 / 2D= 779 / 3D= 5032 / Mem= 2707 / Disk= 4760] 3.31.16
[Cinebench R15 > CPU = 1014 OpenGL= 126.59 FPS] 7.8.15

Rendering:

2. Dell Precision T5500 (2011) (Revised) > 2X Xeon X5680 (6-core @ 3.33 / 3.6GHz), 48GB DDR3 1333 ECC Reg. > Quadro K2200 (4GB ) > PERC H310 / Samsung 840 250GB / WD RE4 Enterprise 1TB > M-Audio 192 sound card > Logitech z313 > 875W PSU > Windows 7 Professional 64> HP 2711x (27", 1920 X 1080)
[ Passmark system rating = 3844 / CPU = 15047 / 2D= 662 / 3D= 3550 / Mem= 1785 / Disk= 2649] (12.30.15)

Other Stuff:

(Purchased for $53 + $24 shipping 12.15 + upgrades $143)

3. Dell Precision T3500 (2011) (Rev 2) Xeon X5677 4-core @ 3.46 / 3.73GHz > 12GB (6X 2GB) DDR3-1333 ECC > Quadro 4000 (2GB) > PERC 6/i + Seagate 300GB 15K SAS ST3300657SS + WD Black 500GB > 525W PSU> Windows 7 Professional 64-bit > 2X Dell 19" LCD
[Passmark system rating = 2751, CPU = 7236 / 2D= 658 / 3D=2020 / Mem= 1875 / Disk=1221]

 

[Yosser]

Yosser,

RAM: The Precision T3500 uses DDR3-1333 ECC or non ECC unbuffered RAM. This listed as PC3-10600E for 1333 or PC3-8600E for 1066 speed and no E for non-ECC. The buffered or registered RAM is used by the dual CPU T5500 and T7500. The T3500 is an X58 chipset which is triple channel. There are 6 RAM slots and best results are to use sets of 3 modules. For example, 6X 2GB, 6X 4GB, 3X 4GB / 3X2GB, 3X 4GB. The T3500 I have uses 6X 2GB because it arrived with 2X 2GB of Samsung single rank. I found 4X the exact module and timings. The E5630 in you system however only supports 800 and 1066 RAM so 1333 if added to the system will run at 1066 speed.

CPU: The LGA1366 CPU's are very reasonable and you might consider upgrading the E5630 which is 2.53 /2.8GHz . It's a good one being a 32nm lithography, but for $60 you can have an X5677 which is called a 3.5 /3.7GHz. If you use Lightroom, it will utilize every thread available and the T3500 can use any of the W3600 or X5600 6-cores.

CPU cooler: there are two CPU coolers /heatsinks for the T3500, one is cast Aluminum and looks like organ pipes, and the uprated one for the higher wattage CPU's is Steel with Copper tubes and looks like a model of an office building. These are inexpensive ( I bought one for $12 including shipping) and even if you keep the E5630, I'd suggest buying the uprated heatsink.

DISK: If you are using large files or are editing video, a PERC H310 RAID controller (about $60-80) converts the disk system to 6GB/s. I use in a T5500 and the Passmark Disk score changed from 1940 to 2649 with the same drives.

USB: There are reasonably prices PCIE cards that add USB 3.0 and I intend to add that to both the T3500 and T5500.

GPU: The Quadro 600 is very good in 2D. If you're not doing 3D CAD, the Passmark 2D score for the 600 is about 800- 830, which is as high as the Quadro K4200 4GB I have. Give it a good run as it may have usable performance.

BIOS: Before anything else, make certain the BIOS is the latest- A09. Dell.com has a little *.EXE program that downloads and installs easily.

The T3500 is one of the best bargains around- server-like quality and reliability, $1,600 CPU's for it are $120 now, and performance well within modern standards for workstation use. Also, Dell is very good in providing drivers and etc.


Cheers,

BambiBoom


Modeling:

1. HP z420 (2015) > Xeon E5-1660 v2 (6-core @ 3.7 / 4.0GHz) > 32GB DDR3 1866 ECC RAM > Quadro K4200 (4GB) > Intel 730 480GB (9SSDSC2BP480G4R5) > Western Digital Black WD1003FZEX 1TB> M-Audio 192 sound card > 600W PSU> > Windows 7 Professional 64-bit > Logitech z2300 speakers > 2X Dell Ultrasharp U2715H (2560 X 1440)>
[ Passmark Rating = 5064 > CPU= 13989 / 2D= 819 / 3D= 4596 / Mem= 2772 / Disk= 4555]
[ Passmark V9.0 Beta Rating = 5019.1 > CPU= 14206 / 2D= 779 / 3D= 5032 / Mem= 2707 / Disk= 4760] 3.31.16
[Cinebench R15 > CPU = 1014 OpenGL= 126.59 FPS] 7.8.15

Rendering:

2. Dell Precision T5500 (2011) (Revised) > 2X Xeon X5680 (6-core @ 3.33 / 3.6GHz), 48GB DDR3 1333 ECC Reg. > Quadro K2200 (4GB ) > PERC H310 / Samsung 840 250GB / WD RE4 Enterprise 1TB > M-Audio 192 sound card > Logitech z313 > 875W PSU > Windows 7 Professional 64> HP 2711x (27", 1920 X 1080)
[ Passmark system rating = 3844 / CPU = 15047 / 2D= 662 / 3D= 3550 / Mem= 1785 / Disk= 2649] (12.30.15)

Other Stuff:

(Purchased for $53 + $24 shipping 12.15 + upgrades $143)

3. Dell Precision T3500 (2011) (Rev 2) Xeon X5677 4-core @ 3.46 / 3.73GHz > 12GB (6X 2GB) DDR3-1333 ECC > Quadro 4000 (2GB) > PERC 6/i + Seagate 300GB 15K SAS ST3300657SS + WD Black 500GB > 525W PSU> Windows 7 Professional 64-bit > 2X Dell 19" LCD
[Passmark system rating = 2751, CPU = 7236 / 2D= 658 / 3D=2020 / Mem= 1875 / Disk=1221]

[/quotemsg]

Wow mate, thanks for all that, enough info there to keep me busy for a while! Would I be right in thinking going for the 1333 memory would be the best bet so it's future proof if I upgrade the CPU, which looking at your suggestions I probably will. This is something I may well do as like you say there seems to be plenty of good options around at decent prices. I had got my eye on a NVIDIA Quadro FX 3800 but I'll give the 600 a good go before doing anything there. Good to know I can upgrade to USB 3, my camera uses that for shooting tethered. I went for the T3500 after nearly getting a i5 machine, reading up on it, it just seemed a better base for upgrades and probably cheaper than going the mainstream PC route.

 

[bambiboom]

"Wow mate, thanks for all that, enough info there to keep me busy for a while! Would I be right in thinking going for the 1333 memory would be the best bet so it's future proof if I upgrade the CPU, which looking at your suggestions I probably will. This is something I may well do as like you say there seems to be plenty of good options around at decent prices. I had got my eye on a NVIDIA Quadro FX 3800 but I'll give the 600 a good go before doing anything there. Good to know I can upgrade to USB 3, my camera uses that for shooting tethered. I went for the T3500 after nearly getting a i5 machine, reading up on it, it just seemed a better base for upgrades and probably cheaper than going the mainstream PC route."

Yosser,

The difference in RAM speed will not be too noticeable, but, yes, may as well have the faster one. There is a counterintuitive n inverse proportion of speed to latency- the higher the speed, the more latency. DDR4- 2133 has a latency of 15 while DDr3 1333 can have a latency of 8.

The Quadro FX 3800 is an exellent 2D GPU. On Passmark, the top 2D score in a non-overclcocked system is 912. In the FX (Fermi) series, athe FX x800's was the top line. I have an FX 4800 in a Precision T5400 and it was really very good. Some people stil use the FX 5800 as the GPU is 512-bit and there is 4GB memory.

In the all time best Quadro 2D's the winner is the Quadro 6000 which can have 2D scores over 1500. 3D is over 3500. That is a 384-bit card with 6GB- and was $3,900 new. Today, they're sold for under $400- but I think use about 240 W/

For a budget GPU, the Quadro K620 2GB is very good- sometimes sold used for only $100-120. On a Dell T3620 (Xeon e3-1240 v5) a K620 has a 2D score of 1069. The 3D is not too bad either- to about 2400. They're very low power - 45W- and the K620 would be my recommendation if the 600 is not shifting the pixels well enough.

Cheers,

BambiBoom

PS: Here's a list I made of CPU choices for a T3500:

LGA1366 CPU’s:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Xeon_microprocessors

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php

http://ark.intel.com/products


4-Core: Passmark CPU Average Ebay_12.13.15

_W-3500 series / 45nm / 8MB cache / 130W / 24GB > 800,1066 / HT

I. W3520
II. W3530 2.8 / 3.06GHz _5372 _$11 > $65
III. W3540 2.93 / 3.2 _5492
IV. W3550 3.06 / 3.33 _5761
V. W3565 3.2 / 3.46 _6083
VI. W3570 3.2 / 3.46 _6261 _$25 > $50
VII. W3580 3.33 / 3.6 _6586 _$50 > $95

_X-5500 series (8MB cache / 45nm / 95W_ 2009)

I. X5550 2.67 / 3.06 _5422
II. X5560 2.8 / 3.2 _5442
III. X5570 2.93 / 3/33 _5638 _$14 > $45
IV. X5590 3.33 / 3.6 _9216 _$37 >

_W-5500 series (8MB cache / 45nm / 95W_ 2009)

I. W5580 3.2 / 3.46 (130W) _5718 _$21 > $50
II. W5590 3.33 / 3.6 _6314 _$32 > $200

_X-5600 series 32nm/ 8MB/ 95W_ 2011)

I. X5647 2.93 / 3.2 _5996
II. X5667 3.07 / 3.46 _4655 _$16 > $40
III. X5672 3.2 / 3.6 _5148 _$45 > $87
IV. X5677 3.46 / 3.73 (130W)_7046 _$33 > $80
V. X5687 3.6 / 3.86 _7217 _$70 > $130

6-Core

_X-5600 series 32nm / 12MB / 95W_2011)

I. X5660 2.87 / 3.2 _7587 _$68 > [$100] > $180
II. X5675 3.07 / 3.46 _8584 _$78 > [$112] > $215
III. X5680 3.33 / 3.6 (130W) _9011 _$113> [$140] > $274
IV. X5690 3.47 / 3.73 (2011) _9216 _$182 >[$220] > $291

_W-3600 series / 32nm / 12MB / 130W > 24GB >

I. W3670 3.2 / 3.46 (1066) _6261 _$90 > $160
II. W3680 3.33 / 3.6 (1333) _9398 _$140 > $208
III. W3690 3.47 / 3.73 _9703 _$160 > $400