The Performance DELL without the Price.
Written: Mar 05 '02 (Updated Mar 17 '02)
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Pros: DDR SDRAM (finally), expandability, front USB ports, fast, affordable.
Cons: Costly options, only 4 PCI slots, could use an extra memory slot, warranty, deteriorating support.
The Bottom Line: If you've been waiting for performance without the price, the Dimension 4400 is an excellent nominee for your next computer purchase.
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| lavoisier's Full Review: Dell Dimension 4400 (A-D0314) PC Desktop |
Until recently if you wanted the power of a Desktop Pentium 4 processor, you had to either use a Pentium 4 with RDRAM through the Intel 850 chipset or the Pentium 4 with SDRAM through the Intel 845 chipset. While they may have their own advantages, the Intel 850 chipset requires the user to use RDRAM and it must be installed in pairs, meaning if you want 512MB of system memory for the i850 based computer, you need to install two separate 256MB memory modules. Then when the i845 chipset came along around Sept. 2001, it reduced the cost of having a Pentium 4 dramatically, but you must sacrifice speed along with it, because it uses the traditional SDRAM with only a speed of 133 MHz compared to the processor's bus at 400 MHz. But until more recently, the Pentium 4 can now be used thorough the DDR SDRAM to significantly increase the performance compared to the SDRAM, but without the real costs of RDRAM and the negatives of i850 chipset.
The Computer
Processor, Chipset, Memory, Motherboard and I/O ports
For starters, the Dimension 4400 features a Pentium 4 processor ranging 1.6 GHz to 2.0 GHz. It may not be as fast as the AMD Athlon XP+ processors with the same memory or the speed ratings as displayed on the package, but it does do the job for those trusted Intel customers. The CPU currently fits on any motherboard that offers a 478-pin socket.
With the i845D chipset, it isn't a very limiting chipset as it offers compatibility and expansion, like what Intel had success with their i815 chipset series. With the chipset, it allows you to take major upgrades or expansions as you go along with your computer and not worrying about buying a whole new motherboard. Without integrated video on the system, it doesn't hog a portion of your system memory just for video; so as result, it doesn't cause any lag time when you're using processor-demanding applications such as writing a CD.
For the system memory, the Dimension 4400 uses DDR SDRAM, which is really the traditional SDRAM plus it doubles your data transfer rate as a result of the DDR compared to the SDRAM. For the base configuration, it includes 128MB DDR SDRAM, enough for the most basic applications. But for many users who would like to work with more memory demanding applications such as imaging, video editing, digital audio, create CDs and many more, I recommend upgrading the memory to at least 256MB DDR SDRAM. Plus, with the 2 memory slots on the motherboard, it allows you to expand system memory up to 1GB for tackling even more complex applications such as CAD/CAM. But when you're upgrading the memory through Dell, you do want to watch how much they really add up to the price, as it is expensive compared to upgrading it yourself. But the motherboard itself could use an extra memory slot for greater memory upgrade flexibility.
For the motherboard, it features a i845D chipset, which I’ve already told you about, plus it includes 2 PS/2 ports for your mouse and keyboard, 2 USB ports on the front, 2 more USB ports on the front of the case, a headphone jack on the front of the case, serial port, printer port and for those who order their system with integrated audio, it features a line out jack and microphone jack, plus as I’ve already mentioned about the headphone jack. What’s inside the case is that it features 1 AGP port and 4 PCI slots, but for such a powerful system, many people would wish for an extra or 2 PCI slot(s). However, with such flexibility to upgrade, it really gives you the confidence that you’ll have the computer for years before full replacement.
Video and Audio
For the video, the Dimension 4400 offers a dedicated AGP port for your video card, they range from the basic 16MB ATi Rage for your basic applications, but it's still great for DVD movies or video demanding applications. But I would really recommend buyers to upgrade to a 64MB GeForce 2 video card to deliver greater clarity and higher refresh rates as it offers a greater versatility for any graphics demanding applications, such as DVD movies, gaming and video editing. But for cutting edge video, I would recommend the GeForce 3 video cards that Dell offers for the Dimension 4400 series.
To go along with the video card, Dell offers an assortment of monitors available. They range from 15?to 21?in size. But for those who are rather concerned about the price of these desktops, I would recommend that you would at least go for the Dell M782 17" monitor, as it provides a higher refresh rates, greater image clarity as a result of the lower dot pitch and that it has an adequate viewable area for the money. But for those who are more into DVD movies, games and video editing, a 19" monitor is recommended, either the M991 or P992 Trinitron. But for users that would like to opt to a 21" Trinitron by Dell, the price can climb very quickly. Plus, for those who are looking to save some space, but are willing to sacrifice some viewing area, an LCD monitor is also a fine choice. But all of the monitors that are offered, they’re superb for your video card and it encourages that your multimedia experience is heightened.
For the audio, some will opt for integrated audio to save a PCI port. The integrated sound is great for beginners, but for those who are more focused into multimedia, I would recommend a dedicated sound card instead. For the dedicated sound cards, they offer a MIDI or game port for your game pads or gaming devices. Plus, they offer at least a 4 speaker system support much more easily than the integrated audio, as a result of the lack of a second line in jack. For great multimedia experience without the price, I would recommend the Sound Blaster Live! Card, because it offers great audio without paying the premium. But for the best audio experience, digital support and 6-channel audio, the Turtle Beach Santa Cruz DSP sound card really delivers it.
As for the speakers to go along with your sound card, they range from the basic Harman Kardon HK195 speakers to the Altec Lansing ADA995 Dolby Digital and THX certified speaker system. But for those who are into multimedia without the cost, I would recommend the HK395 speaker option, as it offers a subwoofer to really deliver the bass. As you may know that the bass is really what makes the speakers a true sound system and for your movies and audio collection, it means the difference of flat audio to rocking audio experiences. But for those who are willing to pay for simulated surround sound, the HK695 is a great option. That particular option can give you the clarity that you're looking for and it doesn't cost as much as those 5.1 surround sound systems or that they take up the kind of space that the 5.1 systems do take up. Finally we come to the ADA 995, which are the digital speakers that are also THX certified. With those speakers, you're simulating the Dimension 4400 as a movie theatre or concert hall and those speakers will definitely redefine your experiences and your senses as you go along with your life in terms of audio experience.
Storage
For storage, Dell offers a variety of options for that. When looking into the hard drives, Dell provides capacities from 20GB to 120GB to store your operating system, your multimedia applications, your productivity and all the other third party software to go along with your systems. For any user, I would recommend a 40GB hard drive, because it offers the value, while maximizing storage space for your computer. But for those who are willing to pay some extra, they can award themselves for an extra 40GB to a total of 80GB to store even more than you ever have before.
As for the optical storage, Dell again offers a variety of options here. They range from just a conventional CD-ROM to a DVD+RW/CD-RW combo drive. But for those who are more concerned about the budget, I would recommend the CD-RW drive with that, as it provides limitless possibilities and potentials for your storage and it even backs up your hard drive. But with the DVD ROM option, you can even watch the latest movie releases on DVD and still load software. But with the CD-RW/DVD, you can combine the best of both worlds in a CD-RW and a DVD-ROM. But with the DVD+RW/CD-RW combo, you can create your audio CDs, video DVDs, movies and many more. But the drive has copyright protection to reproduce movies though.
For other storage, it offers a Zip drive for your other large files and it acts like a super floppy. But with the standard bundled floppy drive, you can store some small files into the disk and easily exchange the information with your colleagues.
Communications and Software
For going online, you can either choose from the 56K V.90 modem for those using the phone line, where often-high speed Internet is often unavailable, which is the preference of many computer users these days. But for the high speed Internet service (commonly referred as Broadband), it requires a network card, but it's worth it for the extra money. Plus, if you buy a new Dell computer, including the Dimension 4400; Dell will give you 6-months of free Internet service for free (restrictions apply).
For productivity software, Dell includes a choice of the Microsoft Works Suite or a selection of Microsoft Office XP software, depending on your productivity. Plus, the Dimension 4400 also includes a 90-day trial for the Norton Anti-Virus software, to safeguard your computer from viruses.
The operating system that Dell bundles with the Dimension 4400 includes Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition for stability. Because of the high stability, it can even replace your old computer that runs Windows ME, 98 or 95.
Case and Warranty
The case offers plenty of room for expansion as it features two 5.25" bays (one or two occupied by CD-ROM), two external 3.5" bays (one occupied by floppy drive) and two internal 3.5" bays (one occupied by hard drive). The case opens without tools, but closing it can be difficult though. But the case is rather cramped and it's hard to really get into the components though; but the motherboard and the hard drives swing out and it makes access much more easier.
But for the warranty, Dell offers a 1-year warranty, which can be inadequate for the new user and it could mean costly repairs. But for those who are willing to pay extra for the warranty, they can upgrade as much as to the 4-year warranty. But I would recommend that you go for no more than the 3-year warranties, as the computer may not last much longer than 5 years, due to technological advances. With the lowered prices of Dell computers; the support quality is deteriorating and it may no longer to be advisable to buy a Dell anymore.
Pro:
Expandable
Fast
Affordable
DDR SDRAM
Many Options
Con:
Could use another PCI slot
Deteriorating support
Costly options
Could stand for a higher power rating.
In conclusion, I would recommend the Dimension 4400 as a result of filling the gap in between the i845 chipset and the i850 chipset. This gap means that buyers can expect performance without paying the high price. But with the power supply of only 250W, it isn't really adequate for connecting more peripherals to the computer.
But some owners do find that Dell stands for disaster. So I came up with an acronym for anti-Dell computer users:
Disaster
Encourages
Low
Life
My Dell:
Pentium 4 1.8 GHz
512MB DDR SDRAM
80GB Hard Drive
Intellimouse Explorer (Sold it for my Wireless Intellimouse Explorer)
Dell Enhanced Quietkey Keyboard (Sold it for a Logitech Cordless Keyboard)
2 year warranty
MS Works Suite 2002
64MB GeForce 2 AGP video card
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz Audio Card
16x DVD ROM
TDK 32/10/40 VeloCD CD Rewriter (personally installed the burner)
Harman Kardon (HK 195) 2-piece Speaker System (sold it to make room for my Creative Inspire 5300)
56K V.90 modem (sold it in favor for my Broadband Internet Service)
Installed the Network Card
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1650
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
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lavoisier
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Member: Hugh Jazz
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reviews written: 180
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