Question about the Dell Desktop Deal

[Questi4110]

On the homepage, there is a deal for $499 for the 2.4 ghz dell dimension 4600.

After configuring this model, i get it to be $799 after the $100 mail in rebate.
However, when i configure the 8300 model with the same exact options, it comes out to be $1049 after the $150 mail in rebate. This is a difference of $250.

Why is there such a large difference, is the $100 automatic discount only applicable to the 4600 model? The only change in the 8300 model is the motherboard which is a Intel® 875P chipset
where as the 4600 motherboard is a Intel® 865PE chipset.

Would this compensate for the difference? If so, why? Is the 8300 chipset much better performance wise?


Anyway, good deal on the 4600
BTW: if anyone has a dell 15% coupon that they would like to e-mail or PM to me, please do so since i will probably buy this system.

E-mail: [email protected]
AIM: Questi4110
ICQ: 28513149


THANKS

[spigidygak]

you pretty much answered your own question. The 8300 is higher performance all around while the 4600 isn't as so. I also belive the cases are different so that would probably mean the powersupplies would be different cutting costs there too.

[Questi4110]

hmm, but a bit too much for a $250 difference dont you think?



THANKS

[spigidygak]

Well the chipsets are probably what cost a lot more, the case and powersupply can be another factor as I mentioned before and those two alone could drive up prices more. Also the ram is different. $250 isn't that much really considering the more expandibility in comparison. Just as the 4600 is more than the 2350. Thats technology for you.

[Mademoiselle NOBS]

It's worse than you think. First, keep in mind the 4600 comes in two flavors: 533MHz FSB & 800Mhz FSB.

If you're comparing the 533Mhz FSB 4600 to the 8300, then there is a performance difference. 533Mhz FSB 4600 uses PC2700 RAM, whereas the 8300 only runs a 800MHz FSB, and uses DDR400, and is thus faster.

However, if you're comparing a 800Mhz FSB 4600 to a similarly configured 8300, there is NO difference in performance (even though there is definitely a price difference.) The difference at this point is for the 8300 case, which allows more room for expansions. The 8300 does use the 875P chipset, and the (800Mhz FSB) 4600 uses the 865PE, but the real difference between them is size. The 865PE is a micro-atx motherboard.

I picked up a (800Mhz FSB) 4600 and saved myself a few hundred since the only addition I had for the system was a sound card. If you need lots of room go for the 8300. If you don't, save yourself some money and go with the 4600.

A 800Mhz FSB 4600 with a 2.8G w/ HT will give the same performance as a 8300 2.8G w/ HT.

[Questi4110]

ok thanks for the heads up. This is exactly why I had a question. I think if i order the 4600, i will remove the current hard drive and install my own one as well as increase the ram. Would this be acceptable?


THANKS