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blooder11181

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
got this dell for 85€
specs
dell custom intel x38 btx motherboard 2x16 crossfire ready
dell 375watts psu with one pci-express 6pin
2x12v 18a each
core 2 quad q6600 slacr g0 (trying to find q9x50)
4gb ddr2 667mhz cl5 (will upgrade to 8gb ddr2 800mhz cl4/cl5)*
quadro fx 570 256mb ddr2 (gt 7xx or better)*
wester digital 160gb sata2
samsung dvd rw sata (before whas a dvd rom)

*priority upgrade

clean it minus the psu (soon) it was full of dust like 2 hands full.

updated the bios from a04 to a14
clean install win7 home premium
so far works well

does anyone still use them?
 
I have both as Optiplex 755 and Optiplex 780. Both are upgraded with Q9400's, max memory, SSDs, 1 TB drives and upgraded video. One Radeon HD 5450 and one with a GTX 450.

I've built two 755s for friends and am doing another one now. It can be done for $125-$150 including dual monitors, mouse and keyboard.

Here's a SolidWorks render on the 755.



 
You're very lucky to start with the T3400. I like the challenge of working with Dell BTX computers. I posted a tutorial at Tomshardware "Overclocking Dell BTX Computers". Justajohn at Tom's reports QX9650 @ 4.15GHz. with Throttlestop 6.00 software method. He also ran 2x HD7850 GPUs. Scores 7500 in Firestrike. Cooler T9303 bolts right in. RAID 0 let's you overcome the SATA2 speed barrier with cheap 120GB SSDs. The X38 chipset has hidden support for 400fsb. I haven't tested this yet but a pinmod might unlock it. I just bought one of these myself, but haven't started on it yet. It will run with non ECC memory and 16GB capacity per Crucial.com. A lot of IT guys have run DDR2 1066 memory. X38 chipset supports it., but the DellI locked BIOS will have the final word on this. I haven't seen specific reports that it runs at that speed though. Reports that X38 supports 8GB RAM applies to DDR3 systems. Look around in my albums and posts. Its all Dell BTX related.
I would advise against R series AMD GPUs. They dropped support for the VESA 103 video mode that old Dell's need to display the BIOS screen. No fix available so far.
Look n my sig. to see what my older Dell Dimension E520 is running at.
There is a bigger PSU option that has 2x 6 pin connectors. 525W I think.
It supports AMD Crossfire but not Nvidia SLI, so Nvidia might not be the way to go unless you know how to software SLI. 7xxx AMDs are proven. Be careful of EUFI vs. Legacy GPU BIOS issue also.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
so far the upgrades are
4gb ddr2 800mhz (before was 667mhz) going to get soon more 4gb up to 8gb
geforce gt520 1gb ddr3

as for the psu is 375watts with 1 6pin pci-express
 
I've upgraded 4 Optiplex 755 computers in the last 6 months. The Q9400 is the best price-performance point at this current time.
 
I would personally consider the Q9550. The extra cache is worth 6% performance plus the faster clock speed seems worth the extra cost to me. But I tend to work from the top down, and not the bottom up when looking for CPUs. I believe the T3400 has native support for X3360 CPU. It also supports QX9650 Core 2 Extreme. Justajohn at Tomshardware reports 4.15GHz using Throttlestop software overclock.
I've had a dell Optiplex 745 running QX6800 at 3.45, and 3.72GHz so if your willing to explore software overclocking then Core 2 Extremes can produce results not available by other methods. Delidded.com has a price and availability tool in their CPU info page.
 
I tried the DDR2-1066 Memory and it only ran at 800. I may try to trick it into running later but it doesn't happen by itself.

A lot of people prefer the A09 BIOS to the A14. A14 supports Windows signing, A09 already supports QX9650. Some people report problems with A14 and certain testing software.

I've wired up a Delta GFB1212VHG two motor fan into the stock housing to run off of a Molex (this creates a hit F1 error at boot). I run this fan setup @ 100% speed for validation runs. I also put a 1.8A. Nydec betaV into the case fan holder. 90X38mm. It was a Pentium4 CPU blower. Enzotech heatsinks on all the MOSFETS. I have my 3x 120GB SSDs. I'm waiting for a 320GB laptop HDD for backup, and some brackets to hang them all in the 2 floppy drives.

I cut out the front HDD cage. This gives me some better fan options Like 2- 150X50mm Deltas after I see how fast it will go.

There is a Dell 525W PSU for these with 2x 6 pin GPU connectors.
 
I learned something about the X38 chipset memory support. If you force the FSB to 400 it only has memory timing straps to boot with DDR2-800. The DDR3 is really strange. 1066 or 1600, but not 1333. since 4 GB DDR2-1066 don't seem to exist I guess 4GB DDR2-800 modules will be the way to go.
 
right now i have
This dell t3400
PerformanceTest Information:
PerformanceTest Version: 8.0 (1054) WIN64
PassMark Rating: 1190

System Information:
System Name: T3400-PC
Model:
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium Edition Service Pack 1 build 7601 (64-bit)
Motherboard Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
Motherboard Model: 0TP412
Motherboard Version:
BIOS Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
BIOS Version: A13
BIOS Release Date: 2011/11/01

CPU Information:
Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
Type: Intel Xeon X3370 @ 3.00GHz
Codename: Yorkfield
CPUID: Family 6, Model 17, Stepping A, Revision E0
Socket: LGA775
Lithography: 45nm
Number of CPU's: 1
Cores per CPU: 4
Logicals per Core: 1
Clock Frequencies:
Measured Speed: 2992.9 MHz
Multiplier: 9.0X
Bus Speed: 332.5 MHz
Front Side Bus Speed: 1330MHz
Timing Error Ratio: 1.000
Cache per CPU package:
L1 Instruction Cache: 4 x 32 KB
L1 Data Cache: 4 x 32 KB
L2 Cache Size: 2 x 6 MB
L3 Cache: (N/A)

Memory Information:
Total Physical Memory: 8126MB
Available Physical Memory: 6660MB
Memory Devices:
Slot 1: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM PC2-6400
Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) PDC24G6400ELK
SSTL 1.8V, Clk: 400.0MHz, Timings 5-5-5-12 (@ Max. freq.)

Slot 2: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM PC2-6400
Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) 6400EL Series
SSTL 1.8V, Clk: 400.0MHz, Timings 5-5-5-12 (@ Max. freq.)

Slot 3: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM PC2-6400
Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) 6400EL Series
SSTL 1.8V, Clk: 400.0MHz, Timings 5-5-5-12 (@ Max. freq.)

Slot 4: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM PC2-6400
Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) 6400EL Series
SSTL 1.8V, Clk: 400.0MHz, Timings 5-5-5-12 (@ Max. freq.)

Virtual Memory: C:\pagefile.sys (8125MB)

Drive Information:
Physical Drive 1: Hitachi HDS721025CLA382 ATA Device
Drive Size: 232GB
Partitions: C:
Interface Type: ATA
Bytes per Sector: 512
RPM: 7200

Physical Drive 2: SanDisk Cruzer Glide USB Device
Drive Size: 14GB
Partitions: E:
Interface Type: USB
Bytes per Sector: Unknown
RPM: Unknown

Optical Drive 1: HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GSA-H73N ATA Device
Optical Drive 2:

Volume Information:
Volume 1: C: [Local Drive]
File System: NTFS
Drive Cluster Size: 4KB
Volume Size (Free space): 232.8GB (207.0GB)
Volume 2: D: [Optical drive]
File System: CDFS
Drive Cluster Size:
Volume Size (Free space):
Volume 3: E: [Removable]
File System:
Drive Cluster Size: 4KB
Volume Size (Free space):
Volume 4:
File System:
Drive Cluster Size:
Volume Size (Free space):
Volume 5:
File System:
Drive Cluster Size:
Volume Size (Free space):
Volume 6:
File System:
Drive Cluster Size:
Volume Size (Free space):

Video Adapters:
Description: ATI FireGL V3600
SLI/Crossfire Enabled: No
Chip Type:
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Memory: 256MB
Video BIOS: 113-B14903-100
Driver Provider: ATI Technologies Inc.
Driver Version: 8.56.1.16
Driver Date: 4-25-2009
Monitor 1: 1600x900x32 60Hz (Primary monitor)

Temperatures:
Description: CPU 0 average
Temperature: 35.50C
Description: CPU 0 core 0
Temperature: 37.00C
Description: CPU 0 core 1
Temperature: 34.00C
Description: CPU 0 core 2
Temperature: 35.00C
Description: CPU 0 core 3
Temperature: 36.00C
Description: HDD 0 (Hitachi HDS721025CLA382 ATA Device)
Temperature: 34.00C

problem is i tried to put in 2 msi radeon r7 250 pci e 3.0 8x cards in. Didnt work tried some other pci-e 3.0 4670, 7750, gt710, gt 720 cards none want to work im stuck with this firepro gl v3600 or w.e wondering what you think the best bios to run would be? i dont want to lose my compatibility with the processor. but trying to get something to work so i can throw in dual graphics cards in this thing.
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by riskisit64 View Post

Didnt work
It's called thread hijacking................

Be that as it may, when you say "didn't work" what actually happened?
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by riskisit64 View Post

right now i have
This dell t3400
PerformanceTest Information:
PerformanceTest Version: 8.0 (1054) WIN64
PassMark Rating: 1190

System Information:
System Name: T3400-PC
Model:
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium Edition Service Pack 1 build 7601 (64-bit)
Motherboard Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
Motherboard Model: 0TP412
Motherboard Version:
BIOS Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
BIOS Version: A13
BIOS Release Date: 2011/11/01

CPU Information:
Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
Type: Intel Xeon X3370 @ 3.00GHz
Codename: Yorkfield
CPUID: Family 6, Model 17, Stepping A, Revision E0
Socket: LGA775
Lithography: 45nm
Number of CPU's: 1
Cores per CPU: 4
Logicals per Core: 1
Clock Frequencies:
Measured Speed: 2992.9 MHz
Multiplier: 9.0X
Bus Speed: 332.5 MHz
Front Side Bus Speed: 1330MHz
Timing Error Ratio: 1.000
Cache per CPU package:
L1 Instruction Cache: 4 x 32 KB
L1 Data Cache: 4 x 32 KB
L2 Cache Size: 2 x 6 MB
L3 Cache: (N/A)

Memory Information:
Total Physical Memory: 8126MB
Available Physical Memory: 6660MB
Memory Devices:
Slot 1: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM PC2-6400
Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) PDC24G6400ELK
SSTL 1.8V, Clk: 400.0MHz, Timings 5-5-5-12 (@ Max. freq.)

Slot 2: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM PC2-6400
Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) 6400EL Series
SSTL 1.8V, Clk: 400.0MHz, Timings 5-5-5-12 (@ Max. freq.)

Slot 3: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM PC2-6400
Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) 6400EL Series
SSTL 1.8V, Clk: 400.0MHz, Timings 5-5-5-12 (@ Max. freq.)

Slot 4: 2GB DDR2 SDRAM PC2-6400
Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) 6400EL Series
SSTL 1.8V, Clk: 400.0MHz, Timings 5-5-5-12 (@ Max. freq.)

Virtual Memory: C:\pagefile.sys (8125MB)

Drive Information:
Physical Drive 1: Hitachi HDS721025CLA382 ATA Device
Drive Size: 232GB
Partitions: C:
Interface Type: ATA
Bytes per Sector: 512
RPM: 7200

Physical Drive 2: SanDisk Cruzer Glide USB Device
Drive Size: 14GB
Partitions: E:
Interface Type: USB
Bytes per Sector: Unknown
RPM: Unknown

Optical Drive 1: HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GSA-H73N ATA Device
Optical Drive 2:

Volume Information:
Volume 1: C: [Local Drive]
File System: NTFS
Drive Cluster Size: 4KB
Volume Size (Free space): 232.8GB (207.0GB)
Volume 2: D: [Optical drive]
File System: CDFS
Drive Cluster Size:
Volume Size (Free space):
Volume 3: E: [Removable]
File System:
Drive Cluster Size: 4KB
Volume Size (Free space):
Volume 4:
File System:
Drive Cluster Size:
Volume Size (Free space):
Volume 5:
File System:
Drive Cluster Size:
Volume Size (Free space):
Volume 6:
File System:
Drive Cluster Size:
Volume Size (Free space):

Video Adapters:
Description: ATI FireGL V3600
SLI/Crossfire Enabled: No
Chip Type:
DAC Type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Memory: 256MB
Video BIOS: 113-B14903-100
Driver Provider: ATI Technologies Inc.
Driver Version: 8.56.1.16
Driver Date: 4-25-2009
Monitor 1: 1600x900x32 60Hz (Primary monitor)

Temperatures:
Description: CPU 0 average
Temperature: 35.50C
Description: CPU 0 core 0
Temperature: 37.00C
Description: CPU 0 core 1
Temperature: 34.00C
Description: CPU 0 core 2
Temperature: 35.00C
Description: CPU 0 core 3
Temperature: 36.00C
Description: HDD 0 (Hitachi HDS721025CLA382 ATA Device)
Temperature: 34.00C
problem is i tried to put in 2 msi radeon r7 250 pci e 3.0 8x cards in. Didnt work tried some other pci-e 3.0 4670, 7750, gt710, gt 720 cards none want to work im stuck with this firepro gl v3600 or w.e wondering what you think the best bios to run would be? i dont want to lose my compatibility with the processor. but trying to get something to work so i can throw in dual graphics cards in this thing.
using the a14 bios
i am running gt440 1gb ddr5 fine
 
There is a known issue with R series AMDs and the Dell BIOS video resolution not being supported. But they should run. Did you completely remove the drivers for the old GPU first? Then swap the cards, boot to safe mode and install new drivers? Some people prefer BIOS A09. It doesn't have windows signing and supports QX9650. I don't know what newer CPUs A14 supports. 2x HD7850s have been run successfully. Once you get the GPU sorted out you could BSEL pinmod that to 3.6GHz. A volt pinmod would be needed also.
 
Sorry I should've said it throws the video error 1 34. I'm tweaking the bios code got some compatibility for fun. Dell as per usual stripped the bios of its ability to do basic tasks when booting with them in compatibility and it's registering backwards compatibility. Gonna post it over on the t3400 thread on Tom's hardware. Also figured out the had way I can't go lower the a09. Got it back on what I'm calling a16 since someone already made a15 with with everything setup for throttle stop. Sorry if people consider that a thread hijack. but I consider it more contributing to the 1st result on the subject. That the machine is super picky on cards and likes to throw 1 34 error.
 
Does A15, A16 fix the VESA 103 issue? Where are those available? I'm afraid my software skills are about zero. I agree on the Hijack issue. Something as obscure as overclocking Dell BTX workstations doesn't need a dozen different threads that go nowhere. This is a good fit at LGA775 Club though. But anyone searching for T3400 help might not look there.
 
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