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[kamo287]

If the title didnt get your attention

I am in need of help finding a unique part. Direct links or suggestions welcome!

Working with:
Dell OptiPlex GX260

open slots:
1 PCI low profile
1 AGP low profile

The client needs 1 more serial port but also a new video card that can support duel monitors. The questions:

1 - use PCI for serial and find a duel video/low profile/ AGP card?
2- use PCI for duel video/low profile/PCI card and AGP for the serial card
3- external Serial to USB connector? and then PCI the duel video?
4- give him the news that it's just that time to get rid of the old thing and move on! (i would like this... maybe just pick up a refurb)

problem is AGP is old and duel video? hmmm

(i hate working with these dell mini tower things with hardware addons)

your feedback and ideas are welcome-

 

[Ccomp5950]

AGP should still be able to handle duel monitor.

You can get a USB port replicator or a USB->Serial

If the customer has software that requires serial ports I'm going to guess that it is not something easily replaceable, I'd suggest telling the customer that we can upgrade and even use the serial card in a newer PC when he decides to do so, but in the mean time it would be worthwhile for him to find the appropriate disks so that it can be done.

 

[kamo287]

i have been working with the client for some time now. With this relationship i also have the software to install to make their machines work

I can make the upgrade very smooth and it's a great relationship.

I just personally could not find a good AGP video card that would support duel?

more details about the duel needs:

the duel has to be a type of extended desktop space. Not just a mirror split of one desktop. the software then gets opened and dragged to the appropriate screen.

I assume if there is a AGP card out there that has this true duel ability and not just a SPLIT- can you share some models or ideas? more difficult it has to be LOW PROFILE

thanks so much

 

[Ccomp5950]

Find a card that can use a low profile bracket kit (notice the card has a second vga/dvi that is connected via a cable) and then use a USB-->Serial since you won't have any expansion slots left over since you used 2 for your video card.

 

[tkrabec]

I'd say USB for both video & serial

 

[ljtechservices]

4.

chances are the power supply won't be large enough to support the video card long term.
most of the dual video cards I've used have a 250w power supply requirement.
those SFF optiplexes usually have 160w power supplies.

 

[Ccomp5950]

chances are the power supply won't be large enough to support the video card long term.
most of the dual video cards I've used have a 250w power supply requirement.
those SFF optiplexes usually have 160w power supplies.

I didn't think of that, looks like it's time to upgrade his system.

 

[KompuKare]

4.

chances are the power supply won't be large enough to support the video card long term.
most of the dual video cards I've used have a 250w power supply requirement.
those SFF optiplexes usually have 160w power supplies.

Very much doubt that. A simple low-end card will draw next to nothing. Something like a FX5200 or similar as long as it has dual outputs. (I'd guess about 10-15W for that card.)

You can still just about find AGP or PCI cards. In the case of a PCI one, it should leave the onboard video still active so you could get away with only a single output (that was what people did before AGP).

Problem is it will probably have to be low profile (merely saying OptiPlex GX260 doesn't really provide enough detail since Dell had that model in SFF, small desktop and small tower formats) and even cards which come with low profile brackets seldom give you two so where do you plug in the 2nd monitor?

BTW, there's was no such thing as an AGP serial card...

 

[loaner]

#4

i shouldn't have to explain why. BUT

by the time you do ALLLLLLLL the research and part selection, he could have bought two new computers that are already equiped. shitcan the 260 and suggest NEW. refurb the 260 and give it to a needy family, you'll sleep better at night.

 

[ljtechservices]

. Something like a FX5200 or similar as long as it has dual outputs. (I'd guess about 10-15W for that card.)

and lists as a minimum system requirement a 250w PS. (PNY)
if the machine is a SFF he probably shouldn't try to put it in.

 

[andcorptech]

It isn't difficult to get a dual head AGP as 90% of them are dual anyhow, low profile on the other hand is not so easy, but if you look around you can get it. You may have to get a separate dual head backing plate though if its not supplied. Although you probably arent in Australia, here is an example
AGP Card
http://www.tech4u.com.au/manli-gf6200a-256mb-ddr2-64-bit-dvi-tv-outagp-p183029.html

Back Plate ( you will need one to match card though)
http://www.tech4u.com.au/evga-lp-dual-bracket-dvisv-vga-p137249.html

So far as PSU goes, all the SFF cases I have dealt with in the last 5 or so years in Australia have at around a 300W (ranging 250-400) PSU in it, which will handle these cards fine. Nvidia always overrate the PSU req anyhow. I have a couple of customers running machines around this spec with dual cards fine.

Having said that the USB to video is an increasingly popular option, but it is expensive.

As for the Serial, USB to serial is probably the best choice, excepting where they are using software which doesnt like it. I have had a few like this, but mostly on old proprietary software which is often DOS based. Most things will work, but it pays to check.

 

[meanderer]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...&cm_re=low_profile_agp-_-14-134-076-_-Product

This should handle your dual head needs

if you still have a open slot. crack open the case and see if you still have a serial header left and get one of these

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=low_profile_serial-_-15-158-115-_-Product

If not, get this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=low_profile_serial-_-15-124-082-_-Product

without access to the computer itself it is hard to suggest solutions. given the serial port requirements I think this old machine is still ok as many newer parts eschew these legacy ports. check for overall health of the machine before investing more into it however. Also as a last precaution check the PSU conditions and wattage. If you do need a new PSU, check out the TFX form factor. here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817338056&cm_re=TFX-_-17-338-056-_-Product

 

[loaner]

What are you people talking about...it's a 260...

It's not really a question of "if it can be made to work?". of course it can be made to work...BUT...it's a gx260.

this thing is worth 100 bucks at best...Would you people really spend your time & money "making this thing work" or suggest something NEW for the customer....??

 

[kamo287]

great suggestions - i am going to run all the numbers and keep things going. I will post in the end what the customer decides to do

I am always a fan of the customer getting a new computer (or refurbished) that would upgrade them, but in the end it's all about the money.

 

[gikstar]

I've used these before in the SFF Dell's and HP's: http://desc.shop.ebay.com/i.html?_n...sid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=1&_rdc=1

It's an AGP Nvidia card that has the DMS-59 connector and you must use the proper cable as you will see in the photos on eBay. I think it is more versatile to get the dual DVI and attach the DVI to VGA adapter if needed.

 

[anth]

Have your tried eBay for the low profile AGP card?

If you were close by I would sell you a Dell Optiplex 280 tower that already has the dual video card installed.

I have few of them setting around waiting for a new home, there solid Pentium 4 2.8MHZ with a CD writer and at least 2 gigs of ram.