Dell E520 owners beware!

**mr_miller** · #1 28th May 2007, 07:56

just got a bargain machine from Dell (E6600, 2gb etc...) all based on the e520 chassis and under £400, however things aren't that rosy under the bonnet. The PSU is crap, its piss poor to be honest. Great ratings on the rails however there are 3 main problems.

Firstly the PSU is only 305W grr..... Secondly the psu only has SATA power, not one molex!!!! Thirdly there is no 6 pin pci-e power provided.

So my cheap gaming option is a bit screwed, a new PSU just to support a 8600GT/GTS is annoying. There are a few 8600's that don't require a 6 pin power plug, but not many. The 8600 needs a min 350w but that assumes a fully loaded system, so i might risk it.

so beware!

**Hybr!d** · #2 28th May 2007, 08:01

If you want to add a performance GFX card I would highly recommend getting a better PSU, 350w just isn't going to cut it.

~~Wolfeymole~~ · #3 28th May 2007, 08:01

I take it your ever so slightly annoyed then Mr Miller? :D

**mr_miller** · #4 28th May 2007, 08:20

aye, the plan is to fit one of these puppies, which hopefully won't fry the DVD drive.

http://thermaltech.co.uk/shop/therma...card-p-74.html

Nice system except for the Graphics issue.

**alex** · #5 28th May 2007, 11:15

Dell bash!

Crappy psu!

I bet you can see me salivating can't you Mr Wolf.

Regarding the front slot psu though Mr Miller. You do know thats going to be loud and buzzy don't you? Anything with a 40mm fan for cooling is going to sound horrible, especially as it will be at the front of the case so will be that much more intrusive.

**mr_miller** · #6 28th May 2007, 13:14

yep buzzy and noisy loverly. Damn Dell boxes great to buy for the office but not for home ever.... Didn't think they would scrimp on the psu. To replace the psu i need to bend over the mounting rails, not too much of an issue but its a brand new box!!! Plus i'd never fit anything bigger than a 8600gts due to the BTX arrangment... Don't ever ever ever buy one to game.

cheers for listening to the rant.

**alex** · #7 28th May 2007, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_miller

yep buzzy and noisy loverly. Damn Dell boxes great to buy for the office but not for home ever.... Didn't think they would scrimp on the psu. To replace the psu i need to bend over the mounting rails, not too much of an issue but its a brand new box!!! Plus i'd never fit anything bigger than a 8600gts due to the BTX arrangment... Don't ever ever ever buy one to game.

cheers for listening to the rant.

Don't apologise fella, myself and Dave have been saying pretty much the same for ages.

I see what you're saying about the card, I doubt a 8800 series could would fit. Or a X2900XT for that matter.

**mr_miller** · #8 29th May 2007, 09:01

just found someone running a 8600GT in the same case no probs woot! made my day that has. Still wouldn't recommend it though. The ati X1300 in it seems to run supreme commander really well, but lost planet = lost cause. hopefully supreme commander will keep me busy enough until i can permission from the missus to get the 8600gt. :) Relationships and gaming are difficult to mix.

**alex** · #9 30th May 2007, 22:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_miller

just found someone running a 8600GT in the same case no probs woot! made my day that has. Still wouldn't recommend it though. The ati X1300 in it seems to run supreme commander really well, but lost planet = lost cause. hopefully supreme commander will keep me busy enough until i can permission from the missus to get the 8600gt. :) Relationships and gaming are difficult to mix.

I know the feeling well, she was only ok with my new build some months ago because I 'surprised' her with a wad so she could go shopping. Hey, got her out of the house whilst i was building it up didnt it. See, there's always method;)