Slightly off topic I know, but can you guys please recommend a decent LCD monitor around the 22" size ?

I was looking at the Dell SP2309W which looks quite good.

They quote the weight as follows

Weight :
Weight (panel only – for VESA mount): 10.96 lbs (4.98kg) Weight (with packaging): 25.80 lbs (11.72kg)

Does that mean it will weight 4.98kg sitting on my desk, or is that without the stand ?

If I order that with my Studio XPS, then I can take advantage of the current 10% discount.

Otherwise I was looking at something like the Samsung SM2263UW.

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Have you tried another fan yet? Or is this still the stock fan? If you got 6gb of ram, the 4850, and a raid 0 1.2tb drive system for $900, I can't imagine you would even come close to that price by building your own.

My fans are here as well as the extra 2gb ram module. However it will be 17 more days before I can try them out in the computer. So I can't give any fan results until then.

I read on another forum where someone was suggesting that Dell motherboards are manufactured by Foxconn.

I don't know if this is the case, but I wonder if they might be able to provide us with some more reliable information, especially with regards to which fan to use and whether or not the Studio XPS can have one of two motherboards according to the chosen specification (as advised by the Dell rep).

I had thought we had wrapped up the two motherboard quandary for the most part. I dont even think she was meaning this anyway based on her quote, which probably just pointed to "Dimms" as sticks of RAM. This was a sales rep and not anyone in the tech department. Again, the ONLY manual for the 435MT shows the six slots. There is almost no way they made a separate motherboard just for one configuration. And in all honesty, I don't even think she was saying this in the quote anyway. If they are sending out a three slot board, they don't list it anywhere in the 435MT specs. Didnt realize that Foxconn also made some MB for Intel, Apple, HP, among others.

See Dell 435MT Motherboard LAYOUT

On the fans, the motherboard maker would just refer you back to Dell as they dont make the case nor the configuration that Dell uses, both critical in the determination in fan specifics. There is not a lot of mystery on this one.

One thing I would like to ask a knowledgeable Dell tech is how the motherboard is controlling the speed of the fans and what spec are they feeding off of.

Lastly, my PSU is dropping from 147 to 43 watts randomly, causing wild fluctuations in the MHz readout. Doing some research on this now as well. Was not doing this yesterday.

btw, my system is still 100% stock. I am not buying anything for it until I decide to keep it.

On the monitor question, I always thought that Dell's better monitors were a nice deal with good quality as well. Lately, I've been preferring the glossy screens for clarity and the "see-through" aspect. Seems to bring more vibrant colors. Some dont like the ability to reflect and if you are in a badly lit environment, reflection-wise, it could be a problem. On the other hand, I dont find it the case and a suitable sacrifice. I do believe the monitor you mention has a glossy screen as well. For the price, it's probably a good deal if they are running a special.

Yes, I'm convinced that there is only one motherboard, but I just thought I'd contribute that snippet of information, because the thread will serve as an excellent point of reference for anyone requiring more information about the Studio XPS.

Well, I know that the Studio XPS isn't without it's faults, but I still think it's a good deal and I think that Dell have a better chance of still being around in a few years time to honour their "onsite warranty" than other lesser know brands, so I've more or less decided to order one and take advantage of their current 10% discount.

I'm very surprised that HP don't seem to have a Core i7 desktop in their range. I know that Acer have got one and I believe that they now own Gateway and Compaq.

Thanks for your opinion on the monitors by the way.

Taken out of context I can see why you would think that, but I did start out the conversation stating I had the 8gb option configured in a (2x1x1)*2 so why she was asking that I don't know. That she was referring to dimms as modules make the most sense to me looking back on it.

I can understand that because most likely any other case you get will have standard 120mm fans. Then again, its only $7 plus shipping.

Dell Studio XPS 435 UPDATE

1. Refer to the post above in reference to Dell PSU varying the wattage causing the CPU-Z status reporting software to read varying clock speed. This is actually totally normal as it's the effect of the CPU power reduction mechanism : C1E (Enhanced Halt State) and/or EIST (Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology) for Intel CPUs, If you load the system, you will see the frequency increase to its nominal value. With this system in full effect, my CPU core temps have decreased to the lower 40s (C) under normal conditions, only rising to the lower 50s when under heavier load. Feeling much better on this. Current CPU highest core temp is 41C as I type.

2. Another Dell Studio XPS 435MT positive found. Dell is actually using a BETTER CPU COOLER assembly then comes stock with the i7 920 CPU. The stock cooling assembly with fan has gotten mediocre reviews. I assumed that was with the Dell. I finally found photos of the stock cooler and realized the Dell Core i7 920 implementation is a big improvement, actually more like better aftermarket coolers.

3. Fan Noise ~ I'm a little less worried about the fan noise now as I think this can be reduced with a better aftermarket fan implementation utilizing quieter bearing construction combined with rubber insulation mounts. I believe that mounting another fan in the case front will aid cooling as well, this powered with a Y-Cable to either the case or CPU fan header (making sure you dont overload). One can also buy the inexpensive fan speed control to give more user control.

4. When you get your system (Dell or otherwise), download the following FREE programs for System Performance and Temperature Monitoring. They are a great help and work very well. All below are EXCELLENT.

• CPU-Z (Total System Info Report)
• GPU-Z (Graphics Card Total Report)
• Real Temp (CPU Report and Core Temp Monitioring)
• Core Temp (CPU Report and Core Temp Monitoring)

Hope this helps. I'm feeling much better about the Dell solution, especially if you get your system for an incredible deal, something that can be found with some sleuthing. If not looking for a package dell, one can also increase the value/performance by opting for aftermarket RAM with better spec/build. The only reason I might be returning or selling my 435MT is the interest in building my own which would cost a few more ducats but give the ultimate control in component, system, and performance parameters for the Core i7 920.

kh

Hi abstrait,

Well that all sounds a whole lot more positive.

I called HP U.K. today to ask them for the name of their Core i7 CPU based PC. Once I'd finally got the tech expert to understand what the Intel Core i7 processor was, he informed me that HP don't currently offer a PC based on this CPU.

I'm not surprised, especially if you just reached the average salesperson. With the net, you can usually learn more than 98% of sales within a short period. Add some more deligence and a modicum of mechancical understanding and you'll be able to pass a scary percentage of computer techs with only minimum effort .

On the HP vs Dell, I think on average, Dell is made better than HP, although they are an ok consumer computer manufacturer and there are more similarities between the big names than differences. Still, if you open up the HP, they tend to be more of a rat's nest of cables. Owners like them however.

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely get these when my machine gets here.

Another interesting point, I wrote a review on Dell.com last Wednesday for the Studio XPS warning people about the 8gb option. They still haven't posted it. I guess they censor their bad reviews.

They probably no longer consider it relevant now that they have finally taken notice of what people have been saying for a long time and corrected their website.

Dell Studio XPS 435MT UPDATE

Whelp, what else can we find out? Strangeness abounds across the "big pond" as my Dell 435MT has almost completely stopped going to the "high speed blower" mode of fan operation. And my i7 920 CPU core temps are down in the upper 30s to low 40s Celsius on average, rarely hitting over 42.

So let me say this again, I don't think the "leaf blower" case fan has come on in the last 36 hours give or take, and aside from the slight extra hum of the case fan, the machine has been amazingly silent.

In addition, my GPU temps are now in the 50s and staying there.

So what is going on? I'm trying to figure it out. First, I noticed that my power supply was supplying less watts and throttling down when not needed. I've got a slew of stuff open at the moment with three browsers going, including the memory hog (best nicely designed and fast) Google Chrome (My FF has over 45 tabs open with 20s in IE and Chrome). With Firefox, IE 7, and Chrome along with a bank fo web design software (DW), graphic options (PSP 7 & Photoshop), and the normal FTP/file management (and my radio station broadcast running via winamp/oddcast) this thing is humming along with no fuss and a solid 147.3w.

Well, one big difference is I've stopped removing and reattaching the side panel and disconnecting and reconnecting that case fan. The side panel has been installed with no mucking with the fan for the last 40 hours. And it seems as if the pressure or air flow within the machine, important in establishing the cooling efficiency has stabilized. That/'s the only thing I can theorize. Perhaps the system was not pulling air through with it being opened and shut. Once it settled down and developed a solid flow, front to back, it's calmed down.

Whatever it is, I have not had one single fan burst in as as many hours as stated. This was after it was coming on like banging a gong! Very interesting. I need to add some of this stuff to the Dell site vs this more obscure forum.

kh

How very strange.

Maybe it's just a "bedding in" period, after which everything just runs smoother.

Is your room temperature any lower than it was, or outside barometric pressure, or the wind blowing in a different direct ;-)

Heh... yeah, I thought of the room temperature thing but it's pretty consistent. I have an overhead ceiling fan that's OFF and was on but that's not doing it.

I do believe in "the burning in of components" too but not sure if this is it either in this case. Could be.

Im thinking of removing the side panel again to try and instigate another variable. I've already opened a slew of programs since posting above, just to try and get something going, including a system scan and a few huge photoshop conversions. While the processor core temps went up a bit (4c), still no fan blower mode. Really thinking that the settling of the air flow might be a factor.

Strange indeed. Perhaps it's the moon quadrant....heh.

The problem is that the website is still wrong. Dual channel is not really accurate either. When the 3 modules are not matched it acts as a single channel. I guess you can look at it like there are 2 single channels. So Dimms 1,2,3 are a channel and 4,5,6 are the other, Then those two are dual channel. However this would make matched modules on Dimms 1,2,3 and 4,5,6 hex channel and not tri channel so they are not consistent.

My point is that I tried to let consumers be aware of the oversight by Dell with regards to the 8gb upgrade and Dell choose to sensor my review. They have not fixed the problem and choose to continue to exploit the consumers and try to hide information that would inform them otherwise.

Furthermore, last week I wrote a detailed email informing them of their problem and I copied even the sales team manager and they completely ignored the email. Clearly the ethics of this company have been run into the ground since Michael Dell was building systems in his garage.

I just want to give everyone an update. I have the machine and I updated the RAM to 9 gb in true tri channel operation. My lowly ATI 4670 is performing amazingly well for now. I changed out the dell case fan with the EVERCOOL SFF-9

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835119034

and i think i went from a 5hp leaf blower to a 3 hp leaf blower. Still a leaf blower non the less. I downloaded a sidebar tool showing ram usage and all 4 core cpu performance and I notice that I have a one core spike in cpu usage coinciding with the leaf blower mode. I notice the leaf blower mode actually more often when I am using just one firefox app with one window's media player app than when I am playing Call of Duty WAW.

I have been running Core temp 0.99.4 and my temps are ~50C. I'm looking for a side bar that tracks temp versus time like my CPU side bar to help show the difference.

I am able to play Call of duty WAW at max graphics with an average FPS of 60FPS with this setup so I am going to delay the upgrade to the 4870 for a while maybe even wait for the next gen ATI/Nvidia.

I do think I am going to add a pci fan such as this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835119065

Just because the temps are a little higher than I prefer. BTW I gave up on the case fan in the front because there was no easy way to mount it. The HD light and the CPU reset button got in the way.

I think the Dell XPS is a great way to go if you know more about computers than the Dell sales team - This doesn't take much BTW.

i've just received my Studio and boy does the fan make the noise! is it the CPU fan or the Chassis fan?
Also i want to upgrade the video card to ATI 4870. But that puppy needs a heap of juice. Atleast 500w PSU. Did anyone have to go thru this yet? which PSU would you recommend? any additional cooling needed one its in?

Here is a good place to start:

http://www.voidware.com/index.php?op...id=43&Itemid=2

He used a 500 Antec earthwatts PSU. I have seen the Earthwatts EA650 and it will fit in there too if you want a little more boost.

The case fan is mostly the problem with noise. It only takes a short usage spike from any one of the 4 cores to send it into overdrive.

And now everything is a moot point, perhaps.

Meet the NEW Dell Studio XPS 435T... More room, 24GB of potential RAM, more cooling potential, more expansion slots, more HD space, a larger PSU (475w), and one depressed current owner. Looks like the stock CPU cooling solution that comes with the i7 now. Notice better air flow with front fan directly on GPU. And even though they are using the stock CPU cooling solution, it's got a direct air duct to outside.

Im typing this on my new laptop, an HP Pavilion DV3510nr. It's a great machine...really impressed and a fitting partner to the 435MT. Seriously, this is the Best Buy "Blue Label" version (they co-developed this with HP with customer feedback) and I'm really impressed with the quality, having always avoided HP computers. Always had Dell laptops, too. This is the best laptop I've used besides the Mac Books. Great in travel although the battery is a bit so-so. The backlit keyboard is a huge boon for night work. Cant believe this took so long to come around. Highly recommended so far.











Im a thousand miles from my Dell Studio XPS 435, but I was pretty sure there was plenty of room to mount a case fan inside the case on the front. I dont remember the HD light or resent button being even visible. I need to look again but this was my impression based on a look from the inside.

I think that is actually the 435T not MT

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1194395

I'm going to add a pci slot fan but I need a 15pin sata to 4 pin molex and the only adapter on newegg is not on hand and they don't have a place to backorder it. So I'm keeping my eyes out. I could use the y cable and power it from the fan slot on the motherboard, but I'm afraid that would cause both fans to go into leaf blower mode. I just want the pci fan running at a constant speed to help minimize how often the case fan revs up.

I'm actually pretty happy with the Studio XPS. I think I would rather just buy a case/power supply combo for ~$100 than to return the 435MT and get a new 435T if I wanted more cooling than the pci slot fan will add.

Yeah, I guess they are keeping the regular Studio XPS, too. That's pretty surprising, actually. The real upgrade is not only the case and PSU, it's actually the MOTHERBOARD which has far more potential with more slots and 24GB of RAM vs 12GB (and it's more spread out, too with more distance between GPU and CPU). I'm actually a bit disappointed except for the amazing deal I got.

Again, on the original 435MT, it appears you can add a front case fan, right? This could be powered by one of the molex plugs from the stock PSU to inexpensive unit that provides taps for 2-4 fans (they have these at various spots online, including newegg). I would even rate this a better performing option than the slot fan in many ways.

I dont know...I'm still a bit meloncholy about this new motherboard and the fact this case is always going to be rather hot.

At least Dell was aware this time around; the new motherboard has provisions for more fans, including a dedicated front fan connection.