Dell Precision 670 series desktop computer

July 13, 2009 - PRLog -- They're not the least expensive workstations available, but the dual-processor capabilities and support for the latest PCI Express graphics card technologies makes them some of the most powerful.

At the starting price of $1,539, the Precision 670 includes only a single Intel Xeon Processor operating at 2.8GHz. It's also the only processor available for the system with a 1MB cache instead of the faster 2MB cache versions recently released. You can upgrade to the 3.0GHz 2MB cache version for $150 or step all the way up to the 3.6GHz Xeon for $850 (there are several options available in between). All the Xeon processors have EM64T architecture, meaning your system will be ready for next-generation 64-bit operating systems and applications.
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As a scalable system, you can pair up another identical processor for dual CPU performance on applications that support it. Twin 2.8GHz CPUs will run you an additional $349 while twin 3.0GHz processors will be $649 over baseline. Maxing out with two 3.6GHz CPUs will bump the price of the system up a hefty $2,049.

There's 512MB of 400MHz DDR2 SDRAM included at the starting price. If you need more memory up front, you can double it to a gig for $160. Since there are six DIMMs on the motherboard, there's plenty of room for later memory upgrades. The 670s can support up to a whopping 16GB of RAM, although Windows XP only supports up to 4GB of that. If you're running Red Hat Enterprise Linux at your company, you'll appreciate how much memory these workstations can handle.
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There are a wide variety of storage options available on the Precision 670 line, including SATA 7,200 rpm RAID configurations (0, 1, and 5) as well as SCSI RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10. You can connect up to four hard drives in formation for the ultimate in performance and fault tolerance. The systems start out with only a single 40GB 7,200 rpm drive--adding one more will run you an additional $109 and your other options increase from there. The maximum option of four 300GB 15,000 rpm SCSI drives in formation provides an incredible 1.2 terabytes of high-speed storage, but it'll also set you back over three grand.
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The optical drive is only a basic 48X CD-ROM drive, but most workstations don't need to burn media or play DVDs. If you'll need media burning capabilities on your 670, you can upgrade to a 48X/32X/48X CD-RW drive for high-speed burns and backups to CD media. For $119, you can add on a 16X DVD+/-RW drive that will burn to both DVD+R and DVD-R media at the fastest speeds currently available.

The default graphics board is the PCI Express Nvidia Quadro NVS 280 with 64MB of dedicated video memory and dual display support. If you'd rather have ATI, you can opt for the 128MB FireGL V3100 for an additional $70. CAD users may want an even more powerful board--the $900 Quadro FX 3400 offers 256MB of memory while the $1,600 Quadro FX 4400 bumps it up to 512MB.
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Dell doesn't include a monitor with the 670 series, but you can get a 17-inch CRT display with your system for $169. Because those graphics boards support dual displays, you can pair another one with your system, although not at the upgrade price. It'll take $299 to add one or two 17-inch LCD monitors.

The large black tower that Dell uses for the 670 line features two USB 2.0 ports and one Firewire port on the front, letting you connect a variety of devices to the system easily. There's no floppy drive on the system, although it can be added on for only $10.
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On the back, you'll find the integrated gigabit Ethernet port, letting you connect to your company's high-speed network. And the tower also has chassis intrusion detection and a lock slot to prevent unwanted openings.

Dell ships their excellent OpenManage software with the Precision 670 line, letting system administrators update software across the network, handle after-hours maintenance, and be alerted remotely to any changes. Dell also offers three years of coverage in the 670's warranty, which also includes 24/7 phone availability for tech support. There's no other office software bundled with the 670 line, but you can add Microsoft Office Basic Edition 2003 for $125, the Small Business Edition for $255, or the Professional version for $325. All of these bundles also include Adobe Acrobat 6.0.

Concerning input devices, you get just a standard PS/2 keyboard and a basic PS/2 ball mouse. You can upgrade to an 8-hotkey USB keyboard for $29 or a smart card reader-equipped board for $49. A USB mouse upgrade is a hefty $29, while stepping up to the excellent Logitech MX-500 mouse is $49.
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Audio is integrated and there are no speakers included. For better sound quality (and an additional Firewire port), you can add a SoundBlaster Audigy 2 card for $79. If you stick with the integrated sound, you can add an internal speaker for $5 or there's an external two-speaker set for $29.

Dell's Precision 670 line of workstations offers the ultimate in scalable performance as well as price, but most businesses will be able to find a happy medium in terms of the components and the bottom line.

Pros: Dual processor power, excellent range of storage options
Cons: Monitor not included

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