Thinking of Buying a Dell Optiplex 745 w/ Dual 19" Ultrasharp for Database Work

Hi, I'm thinking of purchasing a Dell Optiplex 745 w/ 2.4gGhz Dual Core CPU
w/ 4MB cache, 2G RAM, 160G HDD & dual 19" Ultrasharp monitors for database
work using SAS, Excel, Access. I don't believe the db files are very large
eg, 16MB w/ SAS, Excel and Word being open at the same time. Audio is not a
priority for this PC. What do you think of described configuration? Do I
need an optional video card? Which form factor case should I buy? I assume
the available slots vary according to form factor? Any suggestions re: the
described configuration?

Thanks,

Mike

"Mike" <> wrote in message news:OLsCh.1447$aM.1157@trndny03...
> Hi, I'm thinking of purchasing a Dell Optiplex 745 w/ 2.4gGhz Dual Core
> CPU w/ 4MB cache, 2G RAM, 160G HDD & dual 19" Ultrasharp monitors for
> database work using SAS, Excel, Access. I don't believe the db files are
> very large eg, 16MB w/ SAS, Excel and Word being open at the same time.
> Audio is not a priority for this PC. What do you think of described
> configuration? Do I need an optional video card? Which form factor case
> should I buy? I assume the available slots vary according to form factor?
> Any suggestions re: the described configuration?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mike
>
>

The slots absolutely vary. The USFF, for example, has ZERO slots.

I would configure the 745 and also the Dimension 9200 and the XPS 410.
They're essentially the same machine, with the Optiplex getting a different
case. I have the Dimension 9200 configured similarly to what you describe,
with the 2.4Ghz Dual core, 3Gb Ram and 3.25Tb of disk. I have the nVidia
7600GS, which is fine for me, driving two monitors at 1920x1200 and
1920x1080. I also have an nVidia FX5500 PCI card driving a 15" LCD
Touchscreen, which is handy for the start menu and other menu options.

My only suggestion is to avoid the entry level cards, particularly the
7300LE. It seems to have a major flaw that affects system performance and
it uses system memory to supplement video memory.

Tom

"Tom Scales" <> wrote in message
news:45da6701$0$25930$...

>>
>>
>
> The slots absolutely vary. The USFF, for example, has ZERO slots.
>
> I would configure the 745 and also the Dimension 9200 and the XPS 410.
> They're essentially the same machine, with the Optiplex getting a
> different case. I have the Dimension 9200 configured similarly to what
> you describe, with the 2.4Ghz Dual core, 3Gb Ram and 3.25Tb of disk. I
> have the nVidia 7600GS, which is fine for me, driving two monitors at
> 1920x1200 and 1920x1080. I also have an nVidia FX5500 PCI card driving a
> 15" LCD Touchscreen, which is handy for the start menu and other menu
> options.
>
> My only suggestion is to avoid the entry level cards, particularly the
> 7300LE. It seems to have a major flaw that affects system performance and
> it uses system memory to supplement video memory.
>
> Tom
We are an Optiplex shop so I'd like to stick w/ it if possible
Thanks for your suggestions.
..

"Mike" <> wrote in message
news:V5uCh.6766$am1.2589@trndny01...
>
> "Tom Scales" <> wrote in message
> news:45da6701$0$25930$...
>
>>>
>>>
>>
>> The slots absolutely vary. The USFF, for example, has ZERO slots.
>>
>> I would configure the 745 and also the Dimension 9200 and the XPS 410.
>> They're essentially the same machine, with the Optiplex getting a
>> different case. I have the Dimension 9200 configured similarly to what
>> you describe, with the 2.4Ghz Dual core, 3Gb Ram and 3.25Tb of disk. I
>> have the nVidia 7600GS, which is fine for me, driving two monitors at
>> 1920x1200 and 1920x1080. I also have an nVidia FX5500 PCI card driving a
>> 15" LCD Touchscreen, which is handy for the start menu and other menu
>> options.
>>
>> My only suggestion is to avoid the entry level cards, particularly the
>> 7300LE. It seems to have a major flaw that affects system performance
>> and it uses system memory to supplement video memory.
>>
>> Tom
> We are an Optiplex shop so I'd like to stick w/ it if possible
> Thanks for your suggestions.
> .
>
>

Then go with the 745. It's a fine machine. I like the Optis

"Tom Scales" <> wrote in message
news:45dadfe7$0$25945$...
>
> Then go with the 745. It's a fine machine. I like the Optis

do you know how many slots are available per 745 model/fgorm factor?

"Mike" <> wrote in message news:5kBCh.958$tQ.373@trndny07...
>
> "Tom Scales" <> wrote in message
> news:45dadfe7$0$25945$...
>>
>> Then go with the 745. It's a fine machine. I like the Optis
>
> do you know how many slots are available per 745 model/fgorm factor?
>

When in doubt, go to the source:

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...G_en/index.htm

"Tom Scales" <> wrote in message
news:45daf56f$0$25931$...
>
> "Mike" <> wrote in message news:5kBCh.958$tQ.373@trndny07...
>>
>> "Tom Scales" <> wrote in message
>> news:45dadfe7$0$25945$...
>>>
>>> Then go with the 745. It's a fine machine. I like the Optis
>>
>> do you know how many slots are available per 745 model/fgorm factor?
>>
>
> When in doubt, go to the source:
>
> http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...G_en/index.htm

much thanks