Dell Inspiron 530

Tucker

Tucker

New Member
I've been thinking about buying a new desktop computer and the Dell Inspiron caught my eye. Here are the specs/hardware of the one I built:

Intel Core 2 Processor 2.4 GHz With Quad-Core Technology (8 MB Cache)
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
4 GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz
256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT- DDR3
500GB Serial ATA II Hard Drive(7200RPM)
Dell 19-in-1 Media Card Reader
48X CDRW/DVD COMBO and 16X DVD+/-RW Drive
Sound Blaster Audigy MB Audio
Internal PCI 802.11g wireless network card (Full Height)
Hauppage Multimedia TV TUNER

The thing that worried me, is that the stock computer comes with only a 300W power supply, when now, I'm running on 350W with an even worse computer, with way less hardware. Does a 300W power supply sound right for this much stuff, or would I have to buy a new power supply? I really have no clue, but it would help to find out before I buy it and have the power supply capsize.

-Tucker
 
Chances are, they know what they are doing, after all if there wasn't a big enough power supply, no one would buy the computer. Call someone from Dell if you aren't sure though. So, I'd say it's good.
 
That PSU produces more than enough power for that system. One thing about Dell PSU's are that they're generally under-rated. So that PSU can run at 300watt output 24/7 without any issues, not that that computer uses 300 watts..
 
I agree, Dell knows what they're doing. Besides, if you add components down the road, you can always throw a bigger one in later if need be.
 
thats a pretty nice setup. very similar to mine. i got a 500w PSU just in case, but im sure that if dell sells it to you, it will work.
 
They obviously are doing something right, they are the #2 seller of computers or something? They have their own issues but I dare you to show me a computer company without any.
 
The power supply doesn't matter? The computer can't run at all without a powerful enough PSU.. The computer isn't custom made, but I just would rather be safe than sorry.
Thanks everyone.
 
Many 600W PSUs out there can't output 600W. The crap you see in most people's signatures here, even though they say "600W" or whatever, the reality is that it's only maybe half that continuous power, with an efficiency around the 70% range and so much dirty power that the DC output on a scope looks strikingly similar to the mating call of a humpback whale.

In other words, Dell's 300w will blow away these guys' crappy 600W units.

The same thing goes for stereos. There's crap watts (Pioneer, Sony, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic, RCA, etc).. Those units are measured in PDP (Peak Distortion Power). Then there's real watts. Arcam, Nakamichi, Rotel, etc. The difference? RMS vs. peak.. and current, current, and more current. In PSUs, output voltage regulation is another key factor.. Something $30 PSUs skimp on to save a few bucks.

Some goof is sitting there with a multimeter, going "holy crap, you see that??? It just hit 600W".. right before the PSU melts... and 600W gets stamped on the unit. These kids in here that spent $30 on a 600W PSU.. They aren't 600W. That's "crap power" or "the max power I can possibly make for 10 seconds before I blow up and fry half your computer" power.
 
Last edited:
SirKenin said:
Many 600W PSUs out there can't output 600W. The crap you see in most people's signatures here, even though they say "600W" or whatever, the reality is that it's only maybe half that continuous power, with an efficiency around the 70% range and so much dirty power that the DC output on a scope looks strikingly similar to the mating call of a humpback whale.

In other words, Dell's 300w will blow away these guys' crappy 600W units.

The same thing goes for stereos. There's crap watts (Pioneer, Sony, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic, RCA, etc).. Those units are measure in PDP (Peak Distortion Power). Then there's real watts. Arcam, Nakamichi, Rotel, etc.

Some goof is sitting there with a multimeter, going "holy crap, you see that??? It just hit 600W".. right before the PSU melts... and 600W gets stamped on the unit. These kids in here that spent $30 on a 600W PSU.. They aren't 600W. That's "crap power" or "the max power I can possibly make before I blow up and fry half your computer" power.
Click to expand...

Good way to put it! Hey I spent $70 on my 600watt. LOL
 
Heh. I just dropped a $120 FSP 600W in a computer.. It would flat out destroy most of the PSUs mentioned on here, even though it was plain and ugly. I must admit, though, for an 80mm fan, it was deadly quiet.
 
I was hesitant when I bought mine because Ultra is a kinda newbie when it comes to psu's and some of Ultras psu's were getting bad reviews. But, I bought it anyway and love it. Now they dont even sell it anymore! It's the X-Finity 600w
 
Ultra doesn't make powersupplies. I had the guy at Tigerdirect try telling me that they make their own. Actually, an OEM in China makes them (one that comes to mind is Youngyear).

Personally I've not tried them though. I should. I've been using HEC for cost effective desktop replacement. They've treated me well over the years, but they're not exactly top end or anything. I only use them for when a client with a cheap computer needs a quick fix.
 
I usually buy Optiplex systems direct from Dell for our work but I recently bought an Inspiron 530S for a "summer help" position. I picked it up at a local Bestbuy and really like this little system but I don't consider it an "Industrial" grade PC.

Also, the system came with Vista Ultimate and we've never tested Vista with MRP software or any other software for that matter. I temporarily switched systems and gave Vista a try with our workplace software. Although I love Vista on my home PC, I've been disappointed with it on our network/domain. XP Pro has been ordered from newegg and it should be here Tuesday.

Anyway, although I would not typically buy the Inspiron system for work, I really like it for a temporary, simple, data entry type position for our summer help.
 
yep, I build my home computers but not work ones. I really like Optiplex systems plus I have a really easy computer budget from the BIG man!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top