$389 Dell Inspiron 531 AMD X2 4000+ Desktop/1GB/250GB

[Diskdoctor]

I did a quick search for posts and didn't see anything on what I think is the best deal this week from Dell:

AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 4000+, English
Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium Edition, English
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs
250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Integrated Graphics GPU
16x DVD+/-RW Drive
No Monitor

Follow this link:
http://configure.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=ca&CS=cadhs1&l=en&OC=D531A2V_F_1E
and drop the monitor to get the $389 price

This is better than last weeks deal on the 531 (http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/showthread.php?t=469439) because you get 1GB (vs. 512MB of slightly slower ram), 90 GB larger hard drive and Home Premium (vs. Home Basic) for only $40 more.

I would still prefer 2GB of RAM but I'm seriously considering this deal.

[bokep]

great deal

[Ratzilla]

if you're like me and like to do things like upgrade ram yourself..last weeks is better

still hot though, very hot for the average pc user.

[ktokes12]

if you're like me and like to do things like upgrade ram yourself..last weeks is better

still hot though, very hot for the average pc user.

How do you figure last weeks deal is better ? It's the same PC with more ram, bigger HD and better OS (if you can call Vista better) for $40 more. You can't upgrade last weeks pc to match this for $40.:confused:

[ab20]

man, i bought one last week, same price but less hard drive and ram.:evil:

[da1daonlyone]

Same. i bought one too. Is there any way to cancel the order during the weekend and not face 15% restocking fee as order is still in shipping?

[Draff]

Will this computer be good enough to run high res videos smoothly?

Also, does the computer have DVI?

[zappre]

Has anyone notices themselves getting in a lather evertime a new Dell deal is posted, thinking I gotta grab that one - everytime! That seems to be happening to me. I see a deal...I get excited to get a deal...I convince myself that I can't let it pass cause it'll never be this good again...I sometimes even get as far as the 'Confirm Order' page...Before doing that I research all over the place about it's shortcomings like lack of upgradability or features or RAM...I eventually come to my senses. Then, about a week later, I see someone post how they bought it and now wish they'd have waited cause a better deal came along. It's vicious. Computer hardware is so alluring but so suceptible to obsolesence and eventually you HAVE to buy something. However, for today, I've realized one important fact for me: The computer I have works just fine and I need to stop being an idiot. Thanks for listening.

[prod]

No DVI, just VGA, no PS2 keyboard/mouse ports either, which leaves surprisingly few available USB ports.
I did some 3dmark tests with my E521 (very similar 6150LE system) and found very little difference between 1Gb and 2Gb of ram in vista.

[Ryan]

Nice deal. Here's the RFD link: http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CAqD7bLWUPI&offerid=130350.596745650&type=10&subid=

[Draff]

No DVI? :mad:
Sigh. I asked their online chat service before ordering and they said there was DVI.

[smash]

Has anyone notices themselves getting in a lather evertime a new Dell deal is posted, thinking I gotta grab that one - everytime! That seems to be happening to me. I see a deal...I get excited to get a deal...I convince myself that I can't let it pass cause it'll never be this good again...I sometimes even get as far as the 'Confirm Order' page...Before doing that I research all over the place about it's shortcomings like lack of upgradability or features or RAM...I eventually come to my senses. Then, about a week later, I see someone post how they bought it and now wish they'd have waited cause a better deal came along. It's vicious. Computer hardware is so alluring but so suceptible to obsolesence and eventually you HAVE to buy something. However, for today, I've realized one important fact for me: The computer I have works just fine and I need to stop being an idiot. Thanks for listening.

so true

[cui5]

why its showing 599 for me:confused:

sorry didnt see 'Drop the Monitor'

[prod]

No DVI? :mad:
Sigh. I asked their online chat service before ordering and they said there was DVI.

Looks to me like DVI only comes with an addon pci-e video card.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd531/en/OM/bristo20.jpg

[plissken]

Does this use a standard PS? I was thinking of getting a better video card and adding a hard drive and another dvd rom but wondering if the stock PS would be able to handle all that?

Thanks,

Plissken

[bokep]

Does this use a standard PS? I was thinking of getting a better video card and adding a hard drive and another dvd rom but wondering if the stock PS would be able to handle all that?

Thanks,

Plissken
it might be able to handle it... what video card are you thinking?

[Tonerbox]

Has anyone notices themselves getting in a lather evertime a new Dell deal is posted, thinking I gotta grab that one - everytime! That seems to be happening to me. I see a deal...I get excited to get a deal...I convince myself that I can't let it pass cause it'll never be this good again...I sometimes even get as far as the 'Confirm Order' page...Before doing that I research all over the place about it's shortcomings like lack of upgradability or features or RAM...I eventually come to my senses. Then, about a week later, I see someone post how they bought it and now wish they'd have waited cause a better deal came along. It's vicious. Computer hardware is so alluring but so suceptible to obsolesence and eventually you HAVE to buy something. However, for today, I've realized one important fact for me: The computer I have works just fine and I need to stop being an idiot. Thanks for listening.

Yeah, I know what you are saying, I got a laptop 2 months ago, yet I'm still checking laptop and desktop deals all the time. Now I'm just trying to refrain myself from getting a new desktop until Starcraft 2 comes out(now that's a good reason for myself to get a new computer, because my sempron 2800 and 7300GS card is not gonna be pretty for that game).

On a side note, I see that both 7300LE and 8300GS are $60 upgrade, correct me if I'm wrong, if you are going to choose one of them, wouldn't the 8300GS be a better choice if they are both the same price.

[plissken]

it might be able to handle it... what video card are you thinking?

something cheap with DVI and VGA for dual display not really into gaming. I currently use an ATI X1300 but it's AGP so I can't reuse it.

[bokep]

something cheap with DVI and VGA for dual display not really into gaming. I currently use an ATI X1300 but it's AGP so I can't reuse it.

i think the 350w psu that comes with the computer should be enough to do what you want

[Derek]

Hot stuff!

[th4m4ster]

do they have this in store? or online only? my friend is looking for a new comp, this one suit her needs/budgets

[McMurphy]

Are there only 4 usb ports on this?

[watsthedealio]

Can anyone tell me what the FSB is?

I searched, but couldn't find any info

NVM

Found it

2000

[ktokes12]

Are there only 4 usb ports on this?

It looks like there is 4 usb on the front and 4 on the back.
Here is a link to the Manual.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd531/en/OM/setting.htm#wp1043338

[ktokes12]

Does this have DVI ?

[civic99]

Currently own two Dell Dimension (bought 2 years ago) both for $299 (Celeron, 512M).
Seems hard for a deal of $299 for X2.

[hagbard]

Any reason why I shouldn't buy the 8600GT 256 card that they offer? I'm thinking I could get by with that until there are better and cheaper cards.

[masterhapposai]

Any reason why I shouldn't buy the 8600GT 256 card that they offer? I'm thinking I could get by with that until there are better and cheaper cards.

dont do it

buy a 1950 pro sapphire instead, which have dropped in price recently

it'll destroy it by double or more in scores, and the 8600 series can't run well in directx10 anyway, so their dx10 support is useless

[Dota]

If I bought this and took the vista, would someone be willing to buy it from me for say 400?

[VivienM]

If I bought this and took the vista, would someone be willing to buy it from me for say 400?

"Took the Vista?" You'd be violating the licence agreement (the part about OEM copies being good only on the computer they came with), so at that point you might as well just get an illegal copy of Vista from wherever and save yourself the trouble.

[Handa]

I'm still a bit conflicted. I know I can build my own in one of my local area shops, get a better mobo, get 2gb RAM... but I won't get the same service/support that Dell provides.

I'm trying to convince myself to buy this, but I can't seem to bring myself to it :)

[ah_long]

I'm still a bit conflicted. I know I can build my own in one of my local area shops, get a better mobo, get 2gb RAM... but I won't get the same service/support that Dell provides.

I'm trying to convince myself to buy this, but I can't seem to bring myself to it :)

where and how??
interested to hear more

[redflag]

Really nice deal.

I remember about a month ago there was a similar deal for $349?

[Dota]

"Took the Vista?" You'd be violating the licence agreement (the part about OEM copies being good only on the computer they came with), so at that point you might as well just get an illegal copy of Vista from wherever and save yourself the trouble.

omg

[z_squared]

so what's the verdict? hot or not?
what upgrades would you guys recommend ?
do i need DVI to maximize performance from my Dell 2005-FPW monitor (and does this actually come with DVI)?

thanks very much,
zee

[prod]

Does this have DVI ?

Read my post #14 in this thread, you will see it does not. You need to spend more for a video card upgrade to get DVI.

[Yragorn]

is this good enough to run games such as battlefield 2142 without any lag?

PROCESSOR AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 4000+, English edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium, English edit
MEMORY 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs edit
HARD DRIVE 250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™ edit
SOUND CARD Integrated Sound Blaster®Audigy™ HD Software Edition edit
VIDEO CARD 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT-DDR3 edit
OPTICAL DRIVE 16x DVD+/-RW Drive edit
MONITOR 19 inch SE198WFP Widescreen Flat Panel Monitor

for 899$. Good deal? or should i wait?

[nite4evr]

i want it but i don't think i should be spending the money.
dammit if i buy it my wife's gonna kill me lol!
i mean my computer is working, just freezes sometimes but working.
i'm currently on a amd 64 3200+ 1gb of ram, 160gb hd, 6600gt agp. Can anyone gimme a sign? should i, should i? should i?

[Taft]

i want it but i don't think i should be spending the money.
dammit if i buy it my wife's gonna kill me lol!
i mean my computer is working, just freezes sometimes but working.
i'm currently on a amd 64 3200+ 1gb of ram, 160gb hd, 6600gt agp. Can anyone gimme a sign? should i, should i? should i?

Honestly you will not see a huge performance jump from your current system, especially if you are not choosing the 8600GT as an upgrade, games will actually perform worse with any other video option.

If it's freezing sometimes, back up your data and reinstall Windows, don't mistake OS/application bloat for slow hardware.

[Yragorn]

is amd dual core better than intel duo core????

[st7860]

is amd dual core better than intel duo core????

current intel dual cores have been better than amd dual cores for nearly a year already.

hint- upgrade to 2 g of ram

[nomaan]

this seems like a pretty good deal but ive been eyein this system at canada computers for a while looks like a much better deal unless im missing something. Any opinions?

Visionary I5000 - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+, ATI RADEON X1250 Graphics (Vista Aero support), 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 667, 250GB HDD, 18X DVD-Writer

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=013654&cid=170.45

$449.99

OR

Visionary I5060 - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+, ATI RADEON X1250 Graphics, 1GB DDR2 667Mhz, 250GB SATAII, 18X DVD-Writer

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=014761&cid=170.45

$409.99

all i think it needs is a video card upgrade

What you guys think?

[Derek]

Anyone own one of these new Inspiron desktops? Are they as quiet as the older Dimensions? I have a bunch of Dimensions at home and at the office and it's almost silent.

[nickwuu]

Ordered one ( standard + 8300GS - lcd ) , thanks.

I may add two more Gig ram, probably from ncix.:lol:
Which memory brand is dell using? 1Gb factory + 2 Gb OCZ, is that good?

[Vasy]

If I bought this and took the vista, would someone be willing to buy it from me for say 400?

All Dell operating system CDs, 95,98,ME,2000,Xp,Vista are all locked to DELL.
If you try to install it on a NON dell computer, you will get a nice little message saying to go get a fing Dell :)
This is done though BIOS coding, they change some area of a BIOS and Setup checks for that, Dell, Compaq/HP, Lenovo all do that.
That is why it never prompts you for the serial number during reinstall even if you replace HD.
Microsoft only does that with large OEMs...

[Yragorn]

May i have your opinion on what processor is better?

is the Duo Core Intel E4300 better than AMD Athlon 64 4000+?
I just red a review and it says that Athlon has a problem with the cooling system for its processor.

[ktokes12]

this seems like a pretty good deal but ive been eyein this system at canada computers for a while looks like a much better deal unless im missing something. Any opinions?

Visionary I5000 - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+, ATI RADEON X1250 Graphics (Vista Aero support), 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 667, 250GB HDD, 18X DVD-Writer

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=013654&cid=170.45

$449.99

OR

Visionary I5060 - AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+, ATI RADEON X1250 Graphics, 1GB DDR2 667Mhz, 250GB SATAII, 18X DVD-Writer

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=014761&cid=170.45

$409.99

all i think it needs is a video card upgrade

What you guys think?

Those 2 computers don't come with an Operating System.

[SLee]

May i have your opinion on what processor is better?

is the Duo Core Intel E4300 better than AMD Athlon 64 4000+?
I just red a review and it says that Athlon has a problem with the cooling system for its processor.
The E4300 is faster in general than the 4000+ and also consumes less power.

[Diskdoctor]

What are your opinions: is this actually a good deal or does this price just reflect the general drop in prices that is happening?

[danielbonning]

Check it out. I bought the previous 531 deal last week and upped the RAM to 1GB for a total of $399. When this sucker came out with the bigger hard drive and the 1GB included, I was a little cheesed, so I called Dell and got them to knock $60 off my initial order.

Worked with the Inspiron 1501 laptop ($100) and worked again with the Inspiron 531 desktop....nice.

Maybe Dell will reconsider their 30-day return policy if they keep on pumping out better deals every Friday. How can you not call them for a pricematch?!

[Yragorn]

Omg im pissed... My father doesnt want to buy the comp because of the price. Tell me if its better that i should go with this :

PROCESSOR Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E4300 (2MB L2 Cache,1.80GHz,800 FSB), English edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium Edition, English edit
MEMORY 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs edit
HARD DRIVE 250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™ edit
SOUND CARD Integrated Sound Blaster®Audigy™ HD Software Edition edit
VIDEO CARD 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8600GT-DDR3 edit
OPTICAL DRIVE 16X DVD+/-RW Drive edit
MONITOR 22 inch E228WFP Widescreen Digital Flat Panel

+ Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007

All for 1099$

OR Wait until the same deal comes back or better :

PROCESSOR Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E4300 (2MB L2 Cache,1.80GHz,800 FSB), English edit
OPERATING SYSTEM Genuine Windows Vista™ Home Premium Edition, English edit
MEMORY 2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs edit
HARD DRIVE 250GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™ edit
SOUND CARD Integrated Sound Blaster®Audigy™ HD Software Edition edit
VIDEO CARD 256MB NVIDIA Geforce 7300LE TurboCache edit
OPTICAL DRIVE 16X DVD+/-RW Drive edit
MONITOR 19 inch Widescreen Digital Flat Panel

+ Microsoft Works

ALL for 899$

[civic99]

Ordered BB HP A1720 (Refurbish)
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10091606&catid=20217&logon=&langid=EN
Going to cancel the my order on DELL 531 ($389 before tax)tomorrow.

Core 2 Duo E6300 ($240 TigerD) > Athlon 64 X2 4000 ($80 TigerD)
320G HD> 250G HD
16X DVD+/-RW DL With Lightscribe > 16x DVD+/-RW Drive
2 Firewire > 0 Firewire
HP Multimedia Keyboard > Plain Keybord
Card Reader > no Card Reader
7 USB port < 8 + 2 (internal) USB port
Refurbish < Not Refurbish

[jimbomedia]

You forgot a few comparisons... let me help you

Within one year before the piece of **** break down < 5+ years with a quality computer
Horrible service and returns < Great service and warranty

Ordered BB HP A1720 (Refurbish)
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10091606&catid=20217&logon=&langid=EN
Going to cancel the my order on DELL 531 ($389 before tax)tomorrow.

Core 2 Duo E6300 ($240 TigerD) > Athlon 64 X2 4000 ($80 TigerD)
320G HD> 250G HD
16X DVD+/-RW DL With Lightscribe > 16x DVD+/-RW Drive
2 Firewire > 0 Firewire
HP Multimedia Keyboard > Plain Keybord
Card Reader > no Card Reader
7 USB port < 8 + 2 (internal) USB port
Refurbish < Not Refurbish

[jimbomedia]

it's quality vs. quantity.

[chuckfredgoose]

You forgot a few comparisons... let me help you

Within one year before the piece of **** break down < 5+ years with a quality computer
Horrible service and returns < Great service and warranty

Dell probably has the best customer service I have ever seen. :)

[da1daonlyone]

Check it out. I bought the previous 531 deal last week and upped the RAM to 1GB for a total of $399. When this sucker came out with the bigger hard drive and the 1GB included, I was a little cheesed, so I called Dell and got them to knock $60 off my initial order.

Worked with the Inspiron 1501 laptop ($100) and worked again with the Inspiron 531 desktop....nice.

Maybe Dell will reconsider their 30-day return policy if they keep on pumping out better deals every Friday. How can you not call them for a pricematch?!


i bought one to. how did you get them to price match. i thought i was us only.

[imran909]

Dell probably has the best customer service I have ever seen. :)

Agreeed - but Dell computers tend to crap more often too

[Becky]

I second that. Bought the computer a week ago. Yesterday, the thing failed to start, a complete black screen after powering up. Couldn't even load Windows at all.

Booted the thing up with the Diagnostic disk and it showed the hard disk is not functioning. Spoke to Dell support for 30 minutes before they finally agreed to ship out a replacement hard drive.

Will see what happens, but I fear that by taking the price this low, the quality becomes "doubtful" >:(

[civic99]

You forgot a few comparisons... let me help you

Within one year before the piece of **** break down < 5+ years with a quality computer
Horrible service and returns < Great service and warranty


I agree Dell service and warranty is good (bought 5 from Dell before). Not sure about BB, never bought computer from them.

About the quality, I think they should be almost same for a desktop. Laptop may be a different.

[Vasy]

I second that. Bought the computer a week ago. Yesterday, the thing failed to start, a complete black screen after powering up. Couldn't even load Windows at all.

Booted the thing up with the Diagnostic disk and it showed the hard disk is not functioning. Spoke to Dell support for 30 minutes before they finally agreed to ship out a replacement hard drive.

Will see what happens, but I fear that by taking the price this low, the quality becomes "doubtful" >:(


When it comes to HD, who makes a computer doesn't matter. They all buy their drives from the 2 or 3 brands.
I bought my 120 gig Drive from Futureshop, brand new in the box, the freaking thing died 3 days later.... Can I blame FS now for selling a defective drive?

[Yragorn]

Hey is the AMD X2 Brisbane or Windsor??????

[Taft]

Hey is the AMD X2 Brisbane or Windsor??????

Brisbane.

Also, the dying hard drive is not Dell's fault - they use the same HDs you'd buy from CC or NCIX (Samsung, Hitatchi, etc). May also be able to blame that one on Purolator...

[Diskdoctor]

Brisbane.

Do you know that for sure? The CSR I talked to yesterday couldn't find the info.

[chuckfredgoose]

Brisbane.

Also, the dying hard drive is not Dell's fault - they use the same HDs you'd buy from CC or NCIX (Samsung, Hitatchi, etc). May also be able to blame that one on Purolator...

Can you check to see if it is in fact a Brisbane 60 nm?

google CPU-Z ;)

If you don't have this system, can someone else verify if dell is using brisbane 60nm cores?

[eyap]

Ordered one myself.
My coworker bought one too.
Thanks for the sweet deal!

[nounou23]

Is there a way to get XP instead of vista?