Dell Dimension 2400 (Pentium 4 2.4GHz; 256MB RAM)

Dell has updated its budget PC line with the arrival of the Dimension 2400. Slightly faster Pentium 4 processors and a slightly improved Intel chipset mean--you guessed it--slightly improved performance over that of its predecessor, the Dimension 2350. Our 2400 test system had a 2.4GHz Pentium processor, 333MHz of DDR memory, dual optical drives, and a 17-inch CRT--features that straddle the line between budget and midrange. Of course, at S$1,485 (US$844), the price of our test system is on that same border, though you can scale back by opting for a Celeron processor and a single optical drive, for example. With integrated graphics and no AGP slot for upgrading, you shouldnÂ’t nurture any dreams of turning the 2400 into a multimedia powerhouse. The system offers acceptable application performance, however, for price-wary consumers, such as students, small-business owners, and home-office dwellers.

Design
Aside from a purely cosmetic change to the Dell logo on the side panel, the Dimension 2400's squat minitower case is the same as that of its budget-class predecessor, the Dimension 2350. The two-tone case (colored "storm gray on midnight gray" by Dell's description) accommodates two 5.25-inch drives and one 3.5-inch drive, all of which were occupied on our test system by the two optical and the floppy drives. Budget buyers' needs, however, should be met by this number of drive bays. The same can be said about the Dimension 2400's three PCI slots, two of which were available for expansion on our test system. The quick-release side panel, which you can close more securely with a single thumbscrew, provides easy access to the system's small but clean interior.

Standard legacy ports adorn the system's rear panel, along with four USB 2.0 ports. A 10/100 Ethernet port is integrated onto the motherboard, as are the audio ports. An optional modem PCI card provides RJ-11 in and out connections for dial-up Internet surfers. On the front panel, there are two more USB 2.0 ports and a headphone jack.

Even if its color schemes and industrial design are arguably a bit heavy and uninspired, Dell does a great job of making sure that all of a PC's components work well together aesthetically. Our test system's keyboard, mouse, monitor, and speakers were all decorated using the same color palette. We've previously lavished praise on Dell's multimedia keyboard, and we'll do it again, thanks to its large volume wheel that integrates perfectly with the bundled speaker system; gives you the most efficient, intuitive control over your PC's audio; and takes up no additional desk space.

Features
You won't find Intel's new 865 (a.k.a. Springdale) chipset in Dell's budget Dimension line, but the Dimension 2400's performance still improves over that of the Dimension 2350. (For a speedy 800MHz frontside bus and support for dual-channel 400MHz memory, you'll have to shop for a system from Dell's Dimension 4600 line.) The Dimension 2400 uses the Intel 845GV chipset, which offers speedier subsystems than the Dimension 2350's 845GL chipset does: the frontside bus increases from 400MHz to 533MHz and supports faster 333MHz DDR memory, up from 266MHz. The motherboard supports up to 1GB of memory and both Celeron and Pentium 4 processors. Our test system had a 2.4GHz Pentium 4 processor, 256MB of memory, and a 7,200rpm 30GB hard drive, which Dell has since replaced with a 40GB model for the same price.

The Dimension 2400's monitor and graphics system are adequate but compromised. The built-in Intel 3D Extreme Graphics solution borrows up to 64MB of RAM from the system memory--a solution that works for only basic gaming and graphics. And with no AGP slot, you're out of luck should you or someone in your family wish to install a full-fledged card for gaming or other graphics-intensive uses. The Dimension 2400 delivers smooth DVD playback on the bundled 17-inch CRT monitor, which offers a maximum resolution of 1,280x1,024 pixels. Dell offers a wide range of display options, ranging from our base model to a 21-inch Trinitron CRT or a 19-inch LCD.

Dell offers a handful of dedicated and combo optical drive options, ranging from standard CD-ROM players to full DVD/CD burners. Our system came with what is probably the ideal combination for anyone who doesn't require DVD-recording capability: a 16X DVD drive and an NEC 48X/24X/48X CD-RW drive.

Our tested configuration's peripherals included a three-piece Harman Kardon speaker set, which delivered crisp stereo audio, perfect for listening to a CD while you work. Gamers and multimedia hounds won't really look at this system, so a 4.1 or better surround-sound speaker system isn't a realistic upgrade, although Dell does offer several from which to choose. If you upgrade your speaker package, you'll also need to opt for the SoundBlaster Live sound card. A two-button optical wheel mouse and the aforementioned Internet/multimedia keyboard round out the accessories.

For this price, Dell preloads only Corel WordPerfect as your productivity suite; Microsoft Office SBE is a S$297 (US$168) upgrade. Dell also includes Norton AntiVirus 2003 and the Dell Solution Center, a compendium of support links and utilities.

Performance

Application performance
Our Dell Dimension 2400 test system turned in disappointing application performance results. Its SysMark2002 score of 209 was only 1 percent faster than what we saw from the Dimension 2350 last fall--well within the error margin of the test, which means that performance is essentially unchanged. And you can see what a bump in performance you receive by going from Dell's budget line, the 2400, to the midrange Dimension 4600C. The Dimension 4600C configuration we tested has higher specs across the board (most notably, the Intel 865 chipset), costs about twice as much as our Dimension 2400 test system, and nets you a nearly 30 percent advantage in application performance. Busy, multitasking offices might want to pay up for the greater power of the Dimension 4600C or a similar system. For completing basic home-office tasks and Web surfing, the Dimension 2400 will suffice, but we still expected to see better performance from Dell's latest revision of its budget Dimension line.

3D graphics and gaming performance
Integrated graphics solutions don't usually provide the level of 3D graphics performance needed for applications with demanding 3D graphics requirements. The Dimension 2400 is no exception. With its integrated Intel 845GV graphics solution, the 2400 will not be able to run most high-end game available today.

Service And Support
Dell offers some of the best support resources in the PC business. The company has an industrial-strength Web site complete with user forums, an extensive knowledge base and FAQ list, and even live chat with a customer-care representative. Your Dell warranty includes a lifetime of toll-free phone support (during office hours). As with all of its systems, Dell includes a clearly written, printed user guide that's specific to the Dimension 2400.

Our Dimension 2400 evaluation system is priced with the basic one-year warranty, which includes one year of onsite service. Dell also offers a number of warranty upgrades, including its CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service, which protects you against electrical surges, spills, drops, and so on; home installation of your new system; and even an online training package. (Note: As the warranty coverage and upgrade packages may vary for different countries, please check with your local distributor for more information.)

• Most Popular

• Upcoming

Latest Downloads

What's Hot