7950 GX2 Question

**Shaun** · 11-01-2006, 16:56

Originally Posted by Lemur

Ugh, another Dell problem. Why? Why why why? Friends don't let friends buy Dells.

What is wrong with dell? If they are providing a rig with a GX2 then it will be as good as an Alienware rig with a GX2 and same CPU, RAM and mobo, the Alienware would usually cost twice the price as well . . .

**Big King Sanctaphrax** · 11-01-2006, 17:02

Yes, but Alienware don't use proprietary mobos/PSUs. Upgrading Dells is a bitch.

As to the thread starter, there's no way that Dell are going to ship you a machine with a mainboard that doesn't support the graphics card.

**AussieGiant** · 11-01-2006, 18:15

Originally Posted by Big King Sanctaphrax

Yes, but Alienware don't use proprietary mobos/PSUs. Upgrading Dells is a bitch.

As to the thread starter, there's no way that Dell are going to ship you a machine with a mainboard that doesn't support the graphics card.

Thanks Big King S. You basically told me what I wanted to hear...which was someone easing my nerves about the situation. I'm just being a little paranoid.

Of course it helps that you are a mod..adds a little extra validitiy...cheers

The write ups from Anantech indicated that the card requires a specific mother board that supports certain things. I'm sure Dell will do that.

But again here is Tomshardware again saying that you require a special Motherboard plus a BIOS Flash to make sure the switch works:

"One other thing we would like to point out is that most motherboards will require a BIOS flash. Most boards do not recognize the PCIe switch that Nvidia uses on the GX2 series boards, even though that is part of the PCIe standard. Until recently, most companies have not produced consumer products utilizing this kind of device." This is what I would like to double check somehow.

Follow up question.

Does anyone know if the 1 Gig of ram will register on the PC or will it just show 512mb as the second card is basically mounted behind it on the same PCIe slot?

**Big King Sanctaphrax** · 11-01-2006, 20:26

If you need a specific BIOS version, Dell will make sure it's there. Can you imagine how many complaints they'd get if you had to flash the BIOS to get the machine to work out of the box?

**AussieGiant** · 11-01-2006, 21:01

Ok...your right. I'm in paralysis by analysis at the moment!!

Thanks BKS.

**Husar** · 11-01-2006, 21:29

You're a bit too paranoid, I agree with BKS on this.

**Lemur** · 11-01-2006, 21:28

Originally Posted by Shaun

What is wrong with dell? If they are providing a rig with a GX2 then it will be as good as an Alienware rig with a GX2 and same CPU, RAM and mobo, the Alienware would usually cost twice the price as well . . .

Hi Shaun,

I'm not clear on how my plaintive cry against the non-standard parts in Dell machines translated into support for Alienware. Which is owned by Dell.

Loved you in that movie with the zombies, BTW.