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11472
May 18th, 2008 23:00
Dell Optiplex GX280 SFF
I recently acquired a Dell Optiplex GX280 SFF from my brother, but found that he had stripped some components first. He had taken the fan, memory, CD-ROM and SATA drive from it.
Now, I found a replacement fan and CD-ROM on ebay with no trouble, but my confusement is about the memory. When searching Dell's site, I found memory that was apparently designed for the GX280. My question is, can I use any memory as long as it abides by the specifications found in the manual, or does it have to be from Dell?
I ask because I have found 2 x 512MB DDR2 533mhz memory sticks, which the manual says it can safely take, in a shop for only £25. But buying a 1GB stick from Dell's site would cost me £60.
Also, can I put any SATA drive in as long as it's a 2.5" drive? Or again, must be it designed for the GX280?
Another also, I noticed that the on board graphics card only has 32mb memory. I would like to buy a graphics card with more memory, but am worried about the size requirement as the case is pretty small, and the graphics card I have right now wouldn't fit because it's too tall for it. Can anyone suggest anything?
Thanks in advanced for your replies.
Vyprman
79 Posts
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May 19th, 2008 11:00
The memory chips you have will work fine. the 280 series supports DDR2 memory at 400 & 533 Mhz.
As for the hDD, it depends which chassis type you have. there were two case designs for the GX280, the older transformer type chassis that hinges open, and the newer Matrix Chassis where the side pops off.
Since you;ve specified the SFF system I'm guessing it's the older Transformer type chassis with the rounded front. You will need to get hold of a set of mounting rails to hold the drive in place.
note that the system uses a 3.5" drive, not a 2.5".
Grpahics card is a bit tricky, you'll need to get a half height card and also check it's power consumption as the PSU in these systems are quite piddly. The SFF chassis PSU is only 160 watts which will not run higher specced video cards.
Beyrone
2 Posts
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May 20th, 2008 07:00
Thanks for your reply. :D
It is indeed the transformer type and my brother luckily had some spare mounting rails so no problems there. The reason I thought it'd take a 2.5" is because it's an SFF, and the area that it goes looks pretty small, so I figured it'd take a laptop hard drive. But a quick google search shows that it does indeed take a 3.5" drive, thanks for saving me some hassle there. ;)
Again thanks, you've answered all of my questions. :D