- Jan 9, 2015
- 486
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- 4,860
I have been looking to upgrade my old Dell XPS 400 Desktop as I don't have the heart to chuck it seeing that it still works well and never really gave me any problems. Before anyone comments, I do have other computers and am even planning to build one with more current parts. I am doing it just for kicks as I will keep using this PC until I can't find parts. Hopefully this is helpful to some others. And comments and suggestions (other than buy a new pc) are welcomed.
Here are some of the original specifications.
Model: Dell Dimension 9150/XPS 400
CPU: 2.8Ghz Intel Pentium (R) D [Smithfield] 820 processor
GPU: nVidia GeForce 7300 LE (PCI-express x16) 128mb
RAM: 2x 1GB memory sticks (4 slots for memory.)
PSU: OEM 375 watt
CD Drive: IDE Sony CD+RW
DVD Drive: Phillips DVD-RW
The CPU:
This seems to be a limitation for todays standards, as it is just a dual core processor and not much else is supposedly compatible, although I haven't tested many other options.
The motherboard has a LGA 775 socket. Some other options are the Intel 945 3.4 GHz Pentium D or the 3.6GHz Intel 960 Pentium D. How much of a performance jump you will get is unknown as I have not tested it. However I did pick up a 945 processor for 5 dollars.
I have heard mixed reviews that different processors work and they don't.
The GPU:
One thing that has been not very sufficient was the graphics card. It only has 128mb of vram, so it can lock up for highly intense graphics applications. I ran some newer games to see how it would fair, it can run counter strike alright but anything more than that was too much.
I chose a nVidia 610 GT with 2GB of VRAM. Now what I have learned is especially when running Windows XP it will match the graphics card ram by taking system ram. So on a 4 GB system with a 2 GB graphics card, it will lock up 2 GB of the system ram to match it and leave you with 2 GBs. Now it is important to note that I read up that Direct X versions I believe 11 and up (or possibly 10 and up, do some research) will not steal memory from the system ram to match the graphics card. I run Windows 7 aswell as XP which has Direct X 11. (XP maxes out with DirectX 9c). The 610 GT cost me a whooping $35 shipped in basically new condition. After installing it I am able to play much newer games than what I had been able to previously. One problem for newer graphics cards is they require more power than the stock power unit supplies.
Memory:
My PC game with 2 GB of DDR2 ram. It is 240 pin orientation by default and I believe 557 MHz. However you can use faster RAM sticks BUT they will be haulted by the point where the motherboard maxes out at. So a 667 MHz ram stick will work as a 557 MHz ram stick. (note: These numbers are made up to make a point.)
The OEM motherboard has 4 slots for RAM sticks however each slot can only handle 1 GB of ram, so the system maxes out with 4 GBs.
Also note this is a dual channel ram. You can not install 3 sticks of ram as the system shouldn't boot.
The PSU:
This power supply is noted on the weaker side, however was sufficient for the original build. The form factor seems to be standard ATX from the best of my knowledge except I am not really sure.
Here are some of the original specifications.
Model: Dell Dimension 9150/XPS 400
CPU: 2.8Ghz Intel Pentium (R) D [Smithfield] 820 processor
GPU: nVidia GeForce 7300 LE (PCI-express x16) 128mb
RAM: 2x 1GB memory sticks (4 slots for memory.)
PSU: OEM 375 watt
CD Drive: IDE Sony CD+RW
DVD Drive: Phillips DVD-RW
The CPU:
This seems to be a limitation for todays standards, as it is just a dual core processor and not much else is supposedly compatible, although I haven't tested many other options.
The motherboard has a LGA 775 socket. Some other options are the Intel 945 3.4 GHz Pentium D or the 3.6GHz Intel 960 Pentium D. How much of a performance jump you will get is unknown as I have not tested it. However I did pick up a 945 processor for 5 dollars.
I have heard mixed reviews that different processors work and they don't.
The GPU:
One thing that has been not very sufficient was the graphics card. It only has 128mb of vram, so it can lock up for highly intense graphics applications. I ran some newer games to see how it would fair, it can run counter strike alright but anything more than that was too much.
I chose a nVidia 610 GT with 2GB of VRAM. Now what I have learned is especially when running Windows XP it will match the graphics card ram by taking system ram. So on a 4 GB system with a 2 GB graphics card, it will lock up 2 GB of the system ram to match it and leave you with 2 GBs. Now it is important to note that I read up that Direct X versions I believe 11 and up (or possibly 10 and up, do some research) will not steal memory from the system ram to match the graphics card. I run Windows 7 aswell as XP which has Direct X 11. (XP maxes out with DirectX 9c). The 610 GT cost me a whooping $35 shipped in basically new condition. After installing it I am able to play much newer games than what I had been able to previously. One problem for newer graphics cards is they require more power than the stock power unit supplies.
Memory:
My PC game with 2 GB of DDR2 ram. It is 240 pin orientation by default and I believe 557 MHz. However you can use faster RAM sticks BUT they will be haulted by the point where the motherboard maxes out at. So a 667 MHz ram stick will work as a 557 MHz ram stick. (note: These numbers are made up to make a point.)
The OEM motherboard has 4 slots for RAM sticks however each slot can only handle 1 GB of ram, so the system maxes out with 4 GBs.
Also note this is a dual channel ram. You can not install 3 sticks of ram as the system shouldn't boot.
The PSU:
This power supply is noted on the weaker side, however was sufficient for the original build. The form factor seems to be standard ATX from the best of my knowledge except I am not really sure.
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