130 replies to this topic

[Ztruker]

Ron, what about an external USB 56K modem, something like this: http://www.myshoppin..._Modems_Routers

Coast a bit more but no worries about will it fit or not.

[Doug]

Dell OptiPlex 280 SFF (Small Form Factor)
Manual
http://support.dell..../ug/specs02.htm

Looks like the machine has
1 - PCI slot
1 - PCIe 16x slot

Ron when you open the case and look at the available slots are they the same or different?
- physical look - both the same lenth and both white?
- physical look - different length and only one white while the other is a different color?

Please measure with a ruler the actual length of the slot module outside edge to outside edge.
The manual says it has 120 pin module - that would be two parallel rows of 60 pin contacts on each side.

I do not see in the manual where it indicates anything about 1/2 length cards for this Dell Optiplex 280 SFF

[jephree]

It would be good to confirm the computer. I am new to the thread but I see two posts remarking: 1) Dell Optiplex GX1 (which is the spec page I linked above) 2) Dell Optiplex GX1 400 L (which appears to only specify the CPU @ 400MHz) Anyway clarification on the exact model would help. I like that external modem but it is USB 2 and this computer is USB 1, Although in theory there should be backwards capability I sort of question this particular case.

[Ron.M]

Hello jephree , Doug & Ztruker:.. WOW , what a pleasant response.....

I'll start with jephree's oldest post first;..& work my way to the present posts....
The Newegg link goes to a modem with an obviously LONG bracket...The $6.99 price is nice but I can't use it...

As far as "will it work" the answer is that PCI modems are standard in that respect.

THANKS for that info...Makes shopping a LOT easier for me....
The computer I'm on now is a Dell Optiplex GX1 400L....It's fine...
The computer I need the modem for is a Dell GX280 SFF....Note the "SFF"
The photo you have in your earlier post looks like the back of my GX1...
The "specs" you have in your 5:01 post is for the GX1 & not the GX280 SFF...
Somewhere in this thread Ztruker has a link to the GX280 SFF specs....Found it..===>

http://support.dell..../ug/specs02.htm

Check the above link to get the data on my "new" GX280....

Ztruker:
I ruled out the Hiro card....Shipping costs MORE than the card.....I MAY go back to Ebay for the modem....However , I think they're trying to sell me a used modem for more than a new price...I'm not too keen about that....
I'm not keen about an external modem either...If you could see where this one is , you'd probably agree...I have a VERY cluttered area...I know the one you showed me is a small unit , but space here is at a premium..I really preffer an internal modem....Thanks for the suggestion...

Doug:..
You have the same link to my "new" computer that Ztrucker has.....Congrats...

Ron when you open the case and look at the available slots are they the same or different?
- physical look - both the same lenth and both white?
- physical look - different length and only one white while the other is a different color?

Please measure with a ruler the actual length of the slot module outside edge to outside edge.
The manual says it has 120 pin module - that would be two parallel rows of 60 pin contacts on each side.

BOTH slots ARE the same length & color (white)
They measure 3 & 1/4 inches (approx)
I did NOT count the pins...WILL do so gladly if you want / need me to...

I do not see in the manual where it indicates anything about 1/2 length cards for this Dell Optiplex 280 SFF

Sorry , I have no clue what this means....

OK , I've written a "Book" here...Time to go....

THANK you ALL for ALL your help....
Til next time..... ......

PS for jephree: Regarding the triple posts....Try this.....You MAY be double or triple clicking on "Add Reply" when you post...Try just a SINGLE click....If you get a screen that says "Flood Control" is in use look on the page & see if it says "Post Saved".....Do not click on "Back"...It just takes you back to your post....I'm NOT sure of the proper way to leave "Flood Control" so I close out & leave WTT ...Then return cleanly & log back in & check the forum for my new post....Someone here can tell us what to do when that happens..Maybe !!

Edited by Ron.M, 18 March 2009 - 08:33 PM.

[jephree]

Ron,

Thanks for clarifying my confusion and thanks for the posting tip I do believe I hit send more than once as things were happening too slow for me.

From your spec link I back up to a general section:

http://support.dell....ug/sffindex.htm

Then the PCI / PCI_E section:

http://support.dell....ug/sffcards.htm

Consider the PCI_E as well I would venture this takes regular PCI cards.

Could you give us the dimension on #4 from top to bottom in this configuration:

[Ron.M]

jephree:
OK , first I got to tell you guys about a MAJOR BLUNDER on my part....
There is ONLY ONE white slot & another longer BLACK slot....
These old eyes screwed me up....At a glance the white slot looked like it was for 2 cards....A BIG OOOoops...I apologise....
The white slot is 3 & 1 / 4 inches...The black slot is 3 & 1 / 2 inches....
Measurement #4 on the back is 3 inches....

The PCI card at this link ...===> http://support.dell....ug/sffcards.htm
is what is needed....Good work.....

The red pix in this link===>
http://support.dell....out.htm#1051997
is exactly what the inside of my new comp looks like....Again ...Good work...

FYI: I spent 2 yrs at Boca Chica N.A.S. back in the1960's when Hurricane Donna roared thru Marathon Key & devastated the Keys all the way up to Miami....It was the best time of my enlistment....(NOT the hurricane)...Spent some time at a famous bar on Duval St. whose name escapes me...

Have to go offline...See you good people tommorrow....Have a GREAT evening...

[jephree]

The white slot is PCI which is the one you will use. The black is PCI_E for a graphics card. I am still concerned about the dimension an #4 as a standard PCI or PCI_E card has a 4" mounting bracket. ................... Sloppy Joe's? I was in Miami (growing up) during Donna but I remember it. We lost a lot of trees. NAS Key West is still flying. There is a large squadron in now running training. I think the commanders schedule Key West for this time of year.

[Ron.M]

jephree:

OK...I took out the blank bracket & it measures just a bit under 3 & 1 / 4 inches...
That is from the bend at the top to the bottom...Both brackets measure the same...Duh...

The black is PCI_E for a graphics card.

I'm missind a graphics card also ??
It's begining to look like this wasn't such a good deal after all....


------------------------------

YES, that's it....."Sloppy Joes"....Outdoor stools etc....What a blast....
Are the "Blue Angels" still flying there??
When "Donna" hit all the telephone poles leaned in one direction to Marathon & reversed direction north of Marathon where the "EYE" went thru.....It was a HUGE storm...Water line broken in at least 3 places....& several bridges wiped out....A REAL mess....Enough already...
Talk to ya later....& Thanks again.....

.

Edited by Ron.M, 19 March 2009 - 11:41 AM.

[jephree]

Ron, The PCI_E slot is for a graphics card if you wish to upgrade. You are currently using the on-board VGA. A standard PCI mounting bracket is a good 4". This is what we must look for unless you are into modding the bracket. Modding the bracket would not be too difficult but perhaps that's just easy for me to say as I do a bit of case modding. I will keep an eye out for "special bracket" cards.

[Ron.M]

jephree:

OK...I was measureing the height of the bracket....I did NOT include the "L" part...If you measure around the corner of the "L" I get 3 & 3 / 4 inches....So you would probably call that a 4 inch bracket....Right ???

I have to go offline in 1 hour , about 12:00 noon my time...Part time JOB !!!I'll be back online about 7 or 8 ish tonite...Talk to ya before or after...

Thanks....

[jephree]

I found a source that differentiates between a "full size" bracket and a "mini" stating the full is 120mm whereas the mini is 80mm. I would venture that your case wants the 80mm. Again I will look about but you might have to mod a full bracket. Will let you know if I find anything.

[Ron.M]

jephree:

Previously I said:

I'm not a cut & bend kinda guy....So that's out...I did enough of that when I was a teeny-bopper....

Still stands....NO offense....

I found a source that differentiates between a "full size" bracket and a "mini" stating the full is 120mm whereas the mini is 80mm.

Any idea what that translates to in inches ??

Thanks....

[jephree]

Ron,

No problem. I understand. I will try to get conversions for you shortly.

Here is a fairly precise document:

http://www.mouser.co...og/630/1835.pdf

[Ron.M]

jephree:
Quick last post til tonite....Went to the link & checked it out.....
Actually a quick looksee...I'll check it out closer after work....
Thanks for ALL your efforts...
Later.....

[jephree]

Ron,

Well that document only helps in it shows a full size bracket in figure A.

You will see a full size bracket from "L" to the tip of the tab is just under 4 3/4".

Sounds like yours is an inch shorter.

Here is just an example of a bracket for a "half-height" case.

http://shop.ati.com/...8#MyGearSection

Again the terminology used by different sources varies. Be nice if they stuck to a standard.

Anyway I think we've narrowed down what type of bracket you need we just need to find one with a modem.

As the "firewire blank" seen above indicates we might need to find a blank bracket then put the modem card into it.

As I get the time I will do more searching.