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Buying 5 NEW Dell Systems (Need Help)

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BodyBagger

BodyBagger

Mechanical
Feb 23, 2007
459
US
Hello all,
I have been tasked with specifying configurations for 5 new Dell desktop workstations (~$5k each maximum with no monitors needed.) I did a search for threads regarding the new Intel i5/i7 processors but nothing. Please drop your comments here if you needed a system to handle the following:

large assemblies (30MB and larger)
multiple processes running (outlook, excel, PDM, IE, etc.
XP PRO x64 (preferred)
dual monitors

It will be on me if the systems are not right so your comments are appreciated.

BB
 
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2010 is the last version to support XP 64-bit - I would recommend going up to Windows 7 or least Vista 64-bit.

Are you going to be working locally or over the network? If local I would look into getting the 15K RPM HDD if over the network I would not waste the money and stay with a 10k RPM Drive.

Minimum 8 GB RAM

i7 CPU Quad core. SW does not take full advantage yet, but does where it can. You will still have better performance than a dual core has now.

30MB assemblies are not huge, but it would still require a decent card. I would look at the 4800 1GB card in the T7500 Dell workstation.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP [pc2]
"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
Click to expand...
faq731-376
 
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Hi Scott,
We will be working over the network. It looks like the T7500 only comes with Xeon processors, no option for the i7.
 
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Hi Scott,
Thanks for the input, and I will give them a call. Does SW now officially support Windows 7? Has there been a good amount of feedback on the 2 systems playing well together?

Thanks,
BB
 
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I had a friend recently build his own workstation with the i7 along with a certified card and 8 Gigs of RAM plus some extras for $2300. He read all of the articles he could find including tomshardware.com and Anna's website ( Reading the info and finding the right prices he was able to build his own workstation and is completely happy with his choice of building his own.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP [pc2]
"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
Click to expand...
faq731-376
 
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Bodybagger,

The Xeon 3500 and 5500 series are Nehelam core processors. Core i7 is being marketed to gamers. The professional class workstation get the Xeon.

Clock for clock the Xeon system will be a second or two Slower then their Core i7 cousins. Workstations built for reliablity over pure speed for the gamers.

You need to frequent the SolidWorks forums more. There have been tons of discussion over there on systems and Windows 7 support for SW.

SolidWorks 2010 SP1 supports Windows 7 officially.

Cheers,



Anna Wood
Anna Built Workstation, Core i7 EE965, FirePro V8700, 12 gigs of RAM, OCZ Vertex 120 Gig SSD
SW2010 SP0, Windows 7
 
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Hi Anna,
Thank you for the input. Do you know anyone that is running those new Xeon processors? If so, what has been their experience thus far?


Scott,
We called Dell and they will not sell the i7 processor in any workstation desktop. Your thoughts on this as well as what Anna is recommending?

Thanks
 
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Forget Dell and look at Boxx or XI systems. They will build them anyway you like. I have an XI system with the Core i-7 3.2 CPU and it rocks.

Personally having owned about a half dozen Dell's I'd say the Xi system blows them away in terms of what you get for the money.

Rob Rodriguez CSWP
Eastern Region SWUGN Representative SW 2007 SP 2.0
 
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Hi Rob,
I have heard good things about XI in the past. Thanks for the reminder.


Update Conversation with Dell:
According to Dell, I can not have the Core i-7 chipset on a XP Pro x64 system. If I want the Core i-7 and x64 I have to use either Vista or Windows 7.

Conclusion :(
 
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BodyBagger,

A number of folks are running the new Xeon based systems from Dell. There are several datapoints in the punch holder benchmark for you to look at.

I just unboxed a new T3500 for our applications lab here where I work. Will have it up an running in a day or two.

I would have no problem recommending Dell, HP, Lenovo for the major OEM's. I would also go with Boxx. I have not heard good things about Xi tech support so I personally would shy away from them.

Cheers,

Anna Wood
Anna Built Workstation, Core i7 EE965, FirePro V8700, 12 gigs of RAM, OCZ Vertex 120 Gig SSD
SW2010 SP0, Windows 7
 
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I personally prefer Dell over other systems. I have great luck with Dells. I have been using one for many years now and rarly have any issues. But since Dell will not sell you and i7, then its going to be up to you which direction you go. I would personally read up on what others have found better between the i7 and the Xeon. Personally I guess both are comparable, but I would recommend looking at the long term between the two. Because really that is where you are going to make your money back is how long of a life your computer is going to have for your use at your facility. You do want to go with Windows 7... at least Vista, but I would go with 7 personally. XP is obsolete and is no longer supported... I too hate to say good bye to XP. One of the few MS OS systems that seemed to be more stable than the past OS's.

I don't know how your company feels about making custom boxes, but like I mentioned above a Colleague of mine made his own workstation (specifically for Solidworks) and only spent $2300 and says its been very stable. That included the case as well.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP [pc2]
"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
Click to expand...
faq731-376
 
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Building your own is the best way to go IMO. You can get better hardware and know how to fix them if something goes wrong. I think it would be more robust and stable is built and setup correctly.

Chris
SolidWorks 09 SP4.1
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion
 
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