i7 build off dell outlet, could use some pointers

[Nebberz]

Ok, so I just picked up an xps 435mt off of the dell outlet (had a 15% off coupon) and have a couple of questions.

I was looking into the i7 a bit and I know that it needs ram in sets of 3's. So I got one with only 3 gigs of ram (would it just not use an extra one? Strange that Dell has so many with 4 gigs) I was hoping to get another set of 3 at 2 gigs each for a total of 9 gigs. Anyone know what the best match for this system might be?

Apparently the i7 also prefers having video cards in crossfire/sli-mode. It appears that the 435 mini tower only has a slot for one video card. I was planning on upgrading the video card immediately (hopefully without having to swap PSU's) hence why I got one with a 4350 (of course I didn't realize it was going to be worse than my old 7600gt) Anyone know what the best video card I should be looking at for this would be? If it is necessary I am willing to switch the psu if i absolutely need to. Was aiming for below $150 for a gfx card.

The system appears below...I'm hoping it was a pretty good deal for an i7 build. Huge upgrade from my amd 3200+ :P

Studio XPS Desktop - 435 Mini Tower
Certified Refurbished
USB Optical mouse
16X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability
3 GB DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz (3 DIMMs)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
Thermal MiniTower
500 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
Processor: Intel Core i7-920 Processor (8MB L3 Cache, 1MB L2 Cache, 2.66GHz)
USB Multimedia Keyboard
512MB ATI Radeon HD 4350

For You: Get 15% off any Dell Outlet Home laptop, desktop or refurbished printer with this coupon! - $91.35

1 STUDIO XPS DT (435 MT): 1Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, In-Home Service after Price)
Order Subtotal: $517.65
Tax Total: $43.45
Total Amount: $561.10

Thanks for taking the time to read this and some definite reps to anyone that has a better clue than me on all this newer stuff (;

[klimt]

I think it's a great deal.

Where did you find the coupon? I'm looking for an i7 as well.

Also, did you get a free upgrade to windows 7?

TIA

[Nebberz]

I think it's a great deal.

Where did you find the coupon? I'm looking for an i7 as well.

Also, did you get a free upgrade to windows 7?

TIA

You got my hopes up someone had some answers for my questions! :P
The coupon came in my e-mail when I signed up for Dell newsletter.

Yes, it comes with free upgrade to windows 7.

[klimt]

You got my hopes up someone had some answers for my questions! :P
The coupon came in my e-mail when I signed up for Dell newsletter.

Yes, it comes with free upgrade to windows 7.

Did you call about the windows 7 upgrade? Or was it offered in the deal?

Sorry about not knowing the answers to your questions.

[slapshot136]

as far as the ram goes, check the ram's speed and timings and buy similar ram (buying faster ram will result in it being slowed to the speed of the slowest ram in the system)

and it's a mini-tower.. mini meaning limited room.. im not even sure a full-sized card would fit in there, check the dimensions on whatever card your looking for

and for under $150 you might be able to snag a pair of 4850's if you look for coupons/sales, if not just go with a single 4870

[Nebberz]

It appears that I lied about the windows 7. I thought I had read it somewhere in my e-mail but can't seem to find it now. My apologies.

I believe it is the slim towers that need a low profile card. I know some of the xps mini towers come equipped with a 4850 on dell outlet so at the very least I should be able to snag one of those as I believe it is still a mid tower.

Thank you for the response!

[2cheap4retail]

the system can't "prefer" :confused: to have multiple video cards in a crossfire or sli configuration if it has only one x16 slot. you'll need a single card, a 1GB HD4870 would probably be the best bet for price vs performance. current best price is about $130 AR at either newegg or zzf. measure the room (length) you have for video card, and double-check specs at card manufacturer's site to ensure that it'll fit.

no point in upgrading the memory if you've got a 32 bit version of windows. if you do have 64 bit version, than 3x2gb kit would make for a good upgrade, but not before you get your video card. adding 6gb memory might be the only memory upgrade you'll ever get for this system. with the dell, you'll want to match the PC3-8500 speed and get ones that run at that at the DDR3 spec 1.5 volts. currently $86 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148246) or more; patience will net you a better deal.

[Nebberz]

Thanks 2cheap4retail. I apologize for the terminology confusing you. You are correct, systems are incapable of preferring things especially with only one x16 slot

What I was meaning is that the research I had been turning up was that i7 functions best in a multi-card environment and was wondering if there was truth to that. I'm starting to believe people just have multiple cards simply because the i7 is capable of handling it and not because the i7 works better in games with an extra card.
I wonder if this might be best... http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?threadid=1480757 a 4850 for $90.
You mention the 4870 for $130 after rebate.
There is also a 4890 for $170 after rebate. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16814127427

The system is 64 bit. I do realize once I add in the extra 6 gigs that will probably be the only memory upgrade I do. I figure 9 gigs of ddr3 should last me a long time. :P

It appears that this person was able to fit in a 4870 http://www.voidware.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=2

He states the power supply does not have any pci-e power connectors. Don't most video cards need those? How would dell have some xps's equipped with the 4850? hmm. I know dell understates their power supplies and graphics card makers overstate their power supply requirements. Am curious if the stock power supply may work after all.

Thank you for the links, I will probably pick some of that ram up. (:

[klimt]

You got my hopes up someone had some answers for my questions! :P
The coupon came in my e-mail when I signed up for Dell newsletter.

Yes, it comes with free upgrade to windows 7.

Sorry Nebberz, can you post a link to the Dell newsletter sign up?

I did a search and couldn't find it.

Thanks!

[Nebberz]

I can't quite remember where I signed up for it at. You might try this link though http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/subscription_landing?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfo

Also, according to this, the 435 mt is eligible for windows 7 upgrade...hmm

https://win7.dell.com/Eligibility.aspx

[Nebberz]

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