Upgraded.....

[One_mic021]

Ok so I upgraded my Dell Dimension 8200 earlier.

added another 512mb RDram, a 520 Watt PSU, and a new graphics card.

My new specs are as follows:

P4 1.8ghz
520W Antec PSU
1GB pc800 RDRam
BFG 6600GT OC 256mb (AGP)
40 GB Maxtor 7200rpm
120gb WD 7200 RPM

I ran Call of Duty 2 after downloading the new drivers for my graphics card, and for some reason I have worse performance than I had with my old ti4600.

Right now Im pulling in 10-15 FPS maximum at the lowest settings possible on the game.

With my old card and only 512mb of ram, I could pull in 40-50 fps at these settings.

I installed all the drivers that came with my graphics card on a BFG cd, and then installed the drivers off of the NVidia website as well. I have DirectX9 etc.

Any ideas on what could be wrong? Does the card or the extra ram need to burn in or anything? My computer does recognize both of them. Below is my Sisoft Sandra System Summary with more info:


SiSoftware Sandra

System
Host Name : RAY-7RG3A3OVGLU
User : Ray
Domain : MSHOME

Processor
Model : Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 1.80GHz
Speed : 1.80GHz
Performance Rating : PR1975 (estimated)
Cores per Processor : 1 Unit(s)
Threads per Core : 1 Unit(s)
Internal Data Cache : 8kB Synchronous, Write-Thru, 4-way set, 64 byte line size
L2 On-board Cache : 256kB ECC Synchronous, ATC, 8-way set, 64 byte line size, 2 lines per sector

Mainboard
Bus(es) : X-Bus AGP PCI IMB USB i2c/SMBus
MP Support : 1 Processor(s)
MP APIC : Yes
System BIOS : Dell Computer Corporation A05
System : Dell Computer Corporation Dimension 8200
Mainboard : Dell Computer Corporation Dimension 8200
Total Memory : 1GB RDRAM

Chipset 1
Model : Dell Computer Corp 82850/E Host-Hub Interface Bridge Device (A3-step)
Front Side Bus Speed : 4x 100MHz (400MHz data rate)
Total Memory : 1GB RDRAM
Memory Bus Speed : 2x 400MHz (800MHz data rate)

Video System
Monitor/Panel : Plug and Play Monitor
Adapter : NVIDIA GeForce 6600

Physical Storage Devices
Removable Drive : Floppy disk drive
Hard Disk : MAXTOR 6L040L2 (37GB)
Hard Disk : WESTERNDIGITAL (120GB)
CD-ROM/DVD : LITE-ON LTR-24102M (CD 40X Rd, 24X Wr)


Logical Storage Devices
1.44MB 3.5" (A : N/A
Hard Disk (C : 37GB (29GB, 77% Free Space) (NTFS)
Cod2cd1 (D : 465MB (CDFS)

Peripherals
Serial/Parallel Port(s) : 2 COM / 1 LPT
USB Controller/Hub : Intel(r) 82801BA/BAM USB Universal Host Controller - 2442
USB Controller/Hub : Intel(r) 82801BA/BAM USB Universal Host Controller - 2444
USB Controller/Hub : USB Root Hub
USB Controller/Hub : USB Root Hub
Keyboard : Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse : PS/2 Compatible Mouse

MultiMedia Device(s)
Device : Creative SB Live! Value (WDM)
Device : Creative SBLive! Gameport

Communication Device(s)
Device : Lucent Win Modem

Power Management
AC Line Status : On-Line

Operating System(s)
Windows System : Microsoft Windows XP/2002 Home (Win32 x86) 5.01.2600 (Service Pack 2)

Network Services
Adapter : 3Com EtherLink XL 10/100 PCI For Complete PC Management NIC (3C905C-TX)

 

[Praetor]

I would try uninstalling all the drivers and then reinstalling (actually i would prolly do a reformat but you might not be so inclined to do that)

 

[One_mic021]

I did one before I did the upgrades. I think my CPU fan may be broken. Would that be a possible problem?

 

[Praetor]

That would do it, a quick replace should get things back to normal again

 

[One_mic021]

Ok so I am going to replace the fan ASAP.


I'v looked all over the dell website, and there is no replacement CPU fan or cooler for the Dimension 8200 that I can see. I have seen some forum posts on other forums that say you can call dell and get a replacement CPU fan for 15$$, but I was wondering if I could just get a new fan that would fit my CPU that is made by a big name company locally without having to wait a week for the parts to arrive.

Could anybody help me find one?

My fan has a green shroud that redirects it out of the case, would that effect what fans could I get?

Would it be a better idea just to go with the replacement Dell fan?

Money is not a problem.


Thanks for all the help Praetor.

Edit: If I just bought a new 2.4-2.8 ghz CPU would it come with a fan? I would do that if it does. What CPU's would be compatible with my comp?

Edit again: My computer is now officially going slower than hell and taking forever to do anything. I'm going to get off this one and on to an older one until I have the problem fixed.

 

[One_mic021]

anybody please?

 

[Bobo]

I'v looked all over the dell website, and there is no replacement CPU fan or cooler for the Dimension 8200 that I can see.

If you replace something like that it immediately voids the warranty.

I have seen some forum posts on other forums that say you can call dell and get a replacement CPU fan for 15$$, but I was wondering if I could just get a new fan that would fit my CPU that is made by a big name company locally without having to wait a week for the parts to arrive.

yes you can

Could anybody help me find one?

Looking at the specs, I assume that your processor is socket 478. Do you know, because it doesn't specifically say.

My fan has a green shroud that redirects it out of the case, would that effect what fans could I get?

It might affect it if you cannot remove it. Can you post a pic?

Would it be a better idea just to go with the replacement Dell fan?

I wouldn't, because their fans are probably just a crappy as their computers and you (I think) have a skt 478 processor, which run relatively hot.

Money is not a problem.

Lucky you!

Edit: If I just bought a new 2.4-2.8 ghz CPU would it come with a fan?

If you buy the proc retail, yes

What CPU's would be compatible with my comp?

It depends what socket your procesor is. If you want to do a real upgrade, buy a new mobo/processor.

Edit again: My computer is now officially going slower than hell and taking forever to do anything. I'm going to get off this one and on to an older one until I have the problem fixed.

Is the fan broken? (is it spinning?) I would reformat if I were you. And if money is truly not a problem, then buy a new mobo/cpu, get a new case, use the new parts you just got, and build yourself a new comoputer.

 

[34erd]

The dell dimension 8200 has a fanless heatsink. At least mine did.

 

[Bobo]

The dell dimension 8200 has a fanless heatsink. At least mine did.

Now that would really suck. How do they do that, redirect the air from a case fan?

@One_Mic
Some pictures would be nice

 

[34erd]

Yeah, they have a plastic duct going to the only fan in the back. Its an exhaust fan also. Its really queit, but it probably gets really hot. I was having similar problems with mine so I think maybe these things decay from heat after a couple of years. My brothers 8100 also had a fanless heatsink, but the fins were paper thin. His also died after 4 years.

 

[Bobo]

Yeah, they have a plastic duct going to the only fan in the back. Its an exhaust fan also. Its really queit, but it probably gets really hot. I was having similar problems with mine so I think maybe these things decay from heat after a couple of years. My brothers 8100 also had a fanless heatsink, but the fins were paper thin. His also died after 4 years.

Well it is skt 478, which is hotter than skt 778, but it is also only 1.8 GHz. I would remove the plastic thing and get a good HSF to put on there. Although, considering that it is a Dell, it probably wouldn't fit. Aaarrgghh, I hate Dell.

 

[Bobo]

I found a pic of what you are talking about

It looks like it could be removed, but you might have some trouble with a new HSF.

 

[34erd]

Those pictures dont work but yes its removable, and yes its teh standard skt 478 retention plate. It may interfere with the case though, and the case doesnt have standard fan retention holes.

 

[One_mic021]

If you replace something like that it immediately voids the warranty. yes you can

Looking at the specs, I assume that your processor is socket 478. Do you know, because it doesn't specifically say.

It might affect it if you cannot remove it. Can you post a pic?

I wouldn't, because their fans are probably just a crappy as their computers and you (I think) have a skt 478 processor, which run relatively hot.

Lucky you!


If you buy the proc retail, yes It depends what socket your procesor is. If you want to do a real upgrade, buy a new mobo/processor.

Is the fan broken? (is it spinning?) I would reformat if I were you. And if money is truly not a problem, then buy a new mobo/cpu, get a new case, use the new parts you just got, and build yourself a new comoputer.

I don't care about the warranty, I have had it for 4 years anyhow.

Yes, the mobo and processor are socket 478.

I reformatted just before I installed the upgrades(should have waited until after).

The fan actually is broken I am 100% certain. When I boot up the computer it gives me a " Alert! Previous fan failure! Press F2 to Setup" Etc. message. Also, I can see through the back of my case to where the CPU fan is, and when I shine a flashlight in there it is never spinning. My computer never slowed down like this with the old parts, and I believe these upgrades are running my processor hotter; hence the slowdown. There is no software trouble that could be slowing it down. I am very good software wise with computers and have all taken all adware/spyware/virus prevention measures. I also have all my drivers and updates. The fan IS broken.

Here is a picture of a Dell fan setup that is similar (not the exact same) to mine that I found on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-OptiPlex-G...oryZ3673QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

As you can see the green shroud on the back of the fan. I could probably remove the shroud from my existing fan and fit it on to another provided the fans themself were the same size. Would this be a feasible option? Do I need the shroud at all?

When I said money isn't an option, I mean for the fan setup. If I wanted a new mobo I would have to change the 1gb of RDram, and that would be a waste of 500+ Dollars. If you could find me a new mobo that would work better than my old one and still support the same socket and ram settings, I would get one ASAP. I will buy a new computer at the end of 2006 with monster specs and everything. I am just trying to milk the life out of this old Dell until then.

Thanks for the help, could you recommend me a fan I could get at say CompUSA or should I go with a 2.4 ghz processor.

Thanks for everything so far guys

-Ray

Oh yeah, and I don't know what everyone means with it having a fanless heatsink. It DOES have a CPU fan with a shroud leading air out of the case, atleast in my case anyway.

 

[Bobo]

I don't care about the warranty, I have had it for 4 years anyhow.

then you don't have a warranty anymorehttp://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-OptiPlex-G...oryZ3673QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Oh yeah, and I don't know what everyone means with it having a fanless heatsink. It DOES have a CPU fan with a shroud leading air out of the case, atleast in my case anyway.

OK, now I am confused. Is the fan on the processor with the shroud leading the air out, or is the fan on the back of the case exhausting the air out from the CPU?

I will find you a mobo that supports RDRAM, but I don't know if it is worth it if you are buying a new one in a year anyway.

 

[One_mic021]

then you don't have a warranty anymorehttp://cgi.ebay.com/Dell-OptiPlex-G...oryZ3673QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


OK, now I am confused. Is the fan on the processor with the shroud leading the air out, or is the fan on the back of the case exhausting the air out from the CPU?

I will find you a mobo that supports RDRAM, but I don't know if it is worth it if you are buying a new one in a year anyway.

The fan is on the processor with the shroud leading the air out of the back of the case. So the fan and shroud are inside the case on top of the CPU, exhausting air out of the back of case.

If you can find a mobo that supports pc800 RDram, a good processor, and my 6600GT (AGP) card, I will be the happiest guy alive. It most likely would be worth it to me. However, I would be happy with just a new processor for my mobo, or even just a fan for my P4 1.8ghz Willamette processor that works well enough to keep it cool even with the new upgrades. Whichever you recommend most. I would be interested if you could find a good motherboard though, because I have looked high and low. You know much more than I do though . My current mobo is Intel 850i, socket 478, 400mhz system bus w/ NetBurst.

 

[Bobo]

If you can find a mobo that supports pc800 RDram, a good processor, and my 6600GT (AGP) card, I will be the happiest guy alive. It most likely would be worth it to me. However, I would be happy with just a new processor for my mobo, or even just a fan for my P4 1.8ghz Willamette processor that works well enough to keep it cool even with the new upgrades. Whichever you recommend most. I would be interested if you could find a good motherboard though, because I have looked high and low. You know much more than I do though . My current mobo is Intel 850i, socket 478, 400mhz system bus w/ NetBurst.

I can think of 3 possible things you can do:

1. The best processor you can install on a skt 478 board is 2.4 GHz. But if you get a Presscott core, (which is likely) it is going to run really hot and the fan setup that you have won't be enough to cool it. So you would have to get a new fan, but I am worried about it fitting in that case.
2. You could get a new motherboard. There are plenty of them on ebay and other not-so-well-known sites, but I don't know what to trust and what not to trust. If you got a new mobo, you could use the old processor with a new fan, or you could get a new processor. You would have to get a new case, though. But that case could be reused for the new system that you plan to build.
3. You could get the new fan from Dell and just wait out the slow and painful dying process that your computer is going through

As to what to do, I don't know. Socket 478 motherboards that support RDRAM are not found at the big computer part sites. There are plenty of them out there, though, just be careful what site you buy it from. I will search around and post some. My best suggestion would be to not spend much on this computer and just build the new one. But if that is not possible, and you want the new motherboard, then buy a good case that can be used on your new comp.

 

[Bobo]

Well here is one that is out of stock:
ASUS P4T-E

And another that is in stock:
INTEL850MD

More out of stock ones:
Iwill P4R533-N
Intel D850EMD2L
MSI 850E Max
ASUS P4T533-C

It seems that all of the posted motherboards that are from Bytewize.com are out of stock, I don't know if that is because they are temporarily sold out, or if they will never sell them again.

But here is the ASUS P4T-E in stock. I think that it supports all skt 478 CPUs, which would go up to 3.4GHz. But, as I said before, you would most likely need a new case, and definitely need a new HSF.

Actually, I just had a thought. Is your motherboard a f'd up Dell one? Or is it a regular mobo? Because if Dell has not messed with it, then there is no reason why you can't stick it in a new case and slap a good HSF on.

 

[One_mic021]

I was about to say the same thing. It is an Intel 850i one, not a Dell one. The mobo has always performed fine actually, and I don't really need more than 2.4ghz anyway.

I would like the 2.4 Ghz Prescott with a new fan system, and possibly a new case. What I would like to know is why the fan would not fit in my existing case. The power supply I bought is ATX, and my case is not. However, I am very good with a power drill and I managed to fit the PSU in the case quite nicely, with extra room all around it. I could have mounted it externally if my case did not have the room I figure. Could I do the same with the new fan somehow or does the difference have to do with the actual components such as not fitting into the motherboard etc. Space wise I can improvise I think.

 

[Bobo]

I was about to say the same thing. It is an Intel 850i one, not a Dell one. The mobo has always performed fine actually, and I don't really need more than 2.4ghz anyway.

Oh, OK

I would like the 2.4 Ghz Prescott with a new fan system, and possibly a new case. What I would like to know is why the fan would not fit in my existing case.

Because Dell makes crap

The power supply I bought is ATX, and my case is not. However, I am very good with a power drill and I managed to fit the PSU in the case quite nicely, with extra room all around it.

Well there is always that option, I just wasn't going to mention it cause I could get sued

I could have mounted it externally if my case did not have the room I figure.

Well you couldn't externally mount a CPU very easily

Could I do the same with the new fan somehow or does the difference have to do with the actual components such as not fitting into the motherboard etc. Space wise I can improvise I think.

I think that the problem would be that it wouldn't fit onto the motherboard. (well it probably wouldn't fit into the case either, but I guess that isn't a problem.

It may interfere with the case though, and the case doesnt have standard fan retention holes.

I am not quite sure what he means here, but a new case will also aid quite a lot in cooling. (and you wouldn't have to use a drill)