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rozwado1 · May 17, 2006, 03:43 PM

I'm buying a cheap Dell (<$350) to learn CAD. On their desktop BTO pages, they give you the option to get a Genuine Windows Disk for an additional $10. I want to know if this is indeed a clean version (or Dell version) and whether or not I would be able to load Windows onto a future MBP with it.

Otherwise, I'll get a POS eMachine right now for $250 and buy MBP with a real Windows disk later on.

For the record, I know eMachines/cheap Dells can't handle CAD 3D work, so I'll be buying beefy graphics card too.

Scifience · May 17, 2006, 04:22 PM

Cheap eMachines/Dells also can't handle graphics cards. Most have no PCIE/AGP slot on the motherboard, leaving you stranded with the integrated graphics. With Dells, only the 4000 series and higher have the ability to add a graphics card (as of a few months ago).

As far as the disc goes, it is almost certain to be an OEM version of Windows. If it is the same thing Dell included with mine, it is a "real" (meaning not a specialized restore disc) disc. However, it will only work on that machine.

ghporter · May 17, 2006, 04:57 PM

To do anything that really uses video thoroughly (like CAD or gaming), you shouldn't go with the bottom of the line anything, including Dell. Go up a little higher, in the $500-$600 range, and you'll be better off.

From what I've seen, even the full-blown XP install discs for Dells check for "Genuine Dell" in the machine's BIOS before they'll work. I've seen TONS of inexpensive XP Pro install discs labeled "for Dell only" at computer shows-$25 or less for XP pro with SP2?-so I can only assume that they're gimicked so you can only use them on a Dell.

I've avoided that issue by buying XP through my school. $28.50 for XP Pro ain't bad!

Severed Hand of Skywalker · May 17, 2006, 05:04 PM

I didn't know CAD has steep hardware requirements. I always see it running on shitty PCs.

rozwado1 · May 17, 2006, 05:16 PM

You can run it on crap, but the 3D work requires a little meat.

Most have no PCIE/AGP slot on the motherboard, leaving you stranded with the integrated graphics. With Dells, only the 4000 series and higher have the ability to add a graphics card.

Most of the PCs I've checked out SAY they have PCIe slots, but I don't really trust some of those spec sheets...

rozwado1 · May 17, 2006, 05:21 PM

http://consumer.hardocp.com/news.htm...9uc3VtZXIsLCwx

ghporter · May 17, 2006, 07:18 PM

Yeah, the CAD I've seen (in recent memory, not the OLD days) ran on any old box, but it had a GOOD video system, often running on machines with video cards that cost three or more times what the rest of the computer cost. And lots of RAM for faster manipulation, too. Usually they ran on a network for storage, so actually saving a huge map, for example, took a LONG time.

Spliffdaddy · May 17, 2006, 09:07 PM

You have to pay extra for the 'real' Windows disk at Dell ($10, usually). Otherwise you get a (Norton, I think) "re-installation" disk that uses the Windows image that Dell loads onto a 'protected' partition on the hard drive.

As far as I know, the 'real' Windows disk you can get from Dell is, indeed, a fully complete version of a Windows installation disk that includes drivers for most Dell PCs. The disk is not 'hardware specific' - and they do not have unique disks for every PC they sell.

You could probably use the disk to load Windows onto another PC - but the activation process might be a snag. The Windows serial key provided by Dell for the PC you buy will be required for activation - and thereafter will be based on that hardware configuration. So when you load Windows onto another PC, you'll have to use that same serial key for activation....and the hardware configuration will not match the original activation, resulting in the inability to activate the 'new' installation.

hookem2oo7 · May 17, 2006, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by rozwado1

Most of the PCs I've checked out SAY they have PCIe slots, but I don't really trust some of those spec sheets...

It's gotta be a PCI-e 16x slot. many of the PCs may in fact have PCI-e slots, but only of the 1x-4x variety that won't run a video card

rozwado1 · May 17, 2006, 10:42 PM

Ended up getting this POS eMachine for about $300 after shipping, tax, and rebate. It's the cheapest I could find with the PCIe 16x slot.

edit: looks like I got the last one.

hookem2oo7 · May 17, 2006, 11:34 PM

i had a motherboard just like that...the integrated video isn't too awful, actually. the good thing about it is you can use what you have and then save for a more powerful gpu and upgrade

CRASH HARDDRIVE · May 17, 2006, 11:40 PM

Ugh. It's like picking a motherboard and processor with a dart set- whatever thing you hit, you pay way too much for. Hate to see it happen. Ahh well.