Dell Dimension 3100

Question

Hi there,

Im new here and have a few questions about my pc. I just got into photography and would want to use this 3100 pc to edit my photos and plus my kid too is starting to play a few games online. I have a laptop right now that we are using for this but don't really want to do that. I've tried to search around and found out that it is almost impossible to upgrade it besides of a few things. So here are few questions:

1. What is the max HDD I can put and what kind?? SATA, IDE....etc??

2. What would be the best and most compatible PCI video card I can put in it???? I know there aren't much but there should be some out there still. Also....would it work good?

3. Is it true that the MOBO cannot be changed to a third party one??? If that is the case...is it possible to upgrade the CPU?

4. What kind of PSU can I replace it with???

....that is it for now and thanks in advance for all the replies.

shesagordie · Answer

jun_1.8T  2TB. SATA hard drive.JATON Video-558PCI-DLP GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Low Profile Ready Video Card. You can find more PCI video cards HERE The e310/3100 takes only P4 or Celeron-D processors.  A Socket LGA 775 Prescott, P4 3.4gb, 800FSB is the maximum size processor that can be installed.  Prior to installing the processor, you need to upgrade the BIOS to Version A04, when support for new CPU's was added.            The 3100/E310 has an open back panel, you can install most standard generic stock ATX power supplies, with either a 24-pin or 20+4-pin motherboard main connector, with or without the on/off switch and two SATA power connectors.   You should be able to buy this from a local computer store. Bev.

Mary G · Answer

The 3100 is a basic model and the upgrades you mention--if possible--would be a waste of money and cost the same as buying a new computer. You would be better off saving the money for a new computer with windows 7. Here are the limited SPECS.

Note the memory capacity is only 2 GB --not enough for serious photography.

jun_1.8T · Answer

thanks for the reply.

so basically i can put whatever size HDD on the 2 slots that are available on my system right? as for the CPU would this work with my MOBO: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7188087&CatId=2851....and would this be an improvement to what i got now???

and BTW....as for the PSU...does it matter if it is a modular or non-modular cabling???

thanks again

shesagordie · Answer

jun_1.8T

Yes, on the first question.

No, on the second, the E5800 Processor Dual Core, is not compatible, you need to look for a Socket LGA775 Celeron D.

No, it makes no difference, but a modular PSU, may be easier to install, as there will less cables to find space for, inside the case.

Bev.

jun_1.8T · Answer

thanks for all the help Bev.....really appreciate it.

this is what i have for my CPU:

Processor, 524, 3.06, 1MB, Pentium4 Prescott Dt, G1

can i still replace this with a better one. isn't it that a Celeron D inferior to a P4 CPU? if you don't mind...can you link me to the best option of CPU for me.

thanks again.

shesagordie · Answer

jun_1.8T

You could upgrade to one of these Celeron D processors, 347 (3.06 GHz), 352 (3.2 GHz), 356 (3.33 GHz), 360 (3.46 GHz), and 365 (3.6 GHz).

You can find the processor ratings HERE

Personally, I don't think it's worth of the cost of upgrading the Dimension 3100, P4 524 3.06GHz processor, for the slight performance gain achieved

The 3100/e310 was designed and built by Dell, as an entry level system.

Bev.

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Dell Dimension 3100

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