Video upgrades to Optiplex systems 1518

Go to the support section of the Dell web site and check the on-line motherboard schematics to make sure that the model you want has an AGP slot. The GX240 I have right here does have one, and I am fairly certain that the GX260 and GX270 do as well.

video, including memory "sharing", which is truly stealing of main memory by the video subsystem.

Some caveats and suggestions:

1. Avoid the small form factor (SFF) systems if you want to put in a fast AGP card. The SFF systems require add-in cards with short mounting brackets and a fairly slim card shape. You can get small add-in network and modem cards, and there may be a few SFF AGP cards, but the choice is definitely limited. AFAIK, Dell, IBM, and Compaq are the only companies to produce SFF P4 systems, sold to space-conscious (not outer space) corporate users. So there is not much of a market for add-in SFF cards.

2. Check power supply ratings. Depending on the model of Optiplex GX system, adding a hot AGP card may exceed power supply ratings. Your best bet is the supply with a higher wattage one, if needed.

3. Ventilation of heat from a hot AGP card could be a problem, as always. This also argues in favor of a larger size Optiplex tower, to give more room for air to circulate.

4. The GX270 systems have a lamentable track record of blown motherboard capacitors. I'm not sure I'd want one of them, except maybe at giveaway prices.

The Optiplex GX systems are nicely appointed boxes with a well made chbuttis, but definitely overpriced when bought as new. FWIW, you can also swap in a motherboard from a Precision 340, 350, 360, or Dimension 8200, 8250, or 8300. They all use the same mounting plate integrated with I-O plate in back, and they all have identical wiring connecting the mobo to the front panel... Ben Myers