Entered CNET Catalog: 06/17/2005
SKU: 620TMIN
Manufacturer: Dell, Inc.
Manufacturer description
Dell OptiPlex GX620 is designed for the enterprise customer who is looking for performance, stability and flexibility in the workplace. The GX620 extends industry-leading solutions through customer driven innovation, environmental responsibility and excellent customer choice, by offering seven different chassis choices sharing one single image, helping to provide excellent image stability and a low ownership cost. The GX620 provides new integrated desktop innovations for customers seeking a robust mainstream business solution plus maximum flexibility, security and investment protection.Product summary
The good: Available in four chassis designs; competitively priced; wide variety of CPU choices, including 64-bit; three-year support is standard.
The bad: Mediocre performance; limited upgrades in some areas; no option for a media-card reader.
The bottom line: The competitively priced OptiPlex GX620 is powerful enough for most business users, and its wide-ranging configuration options, including four case choices, mean it can fill a variety of office needs.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 09/08/2005
Imagine you're deploying new PCs around your small office. Most are standard midtower desktop systems, but your top executives want something sleeker, and a few front-of-house personnel need space-saving systems to preserve precious desk real estate. Wouldn't it be great if all these computers shared the same configuration? That's precisely the idea behind Dell's OptiPlex GX620 business system. While our $1,723 review unit included a 17-inch flat panel and came housed in a small-form-factor case, the same configuration is available as a desktop, a midtower, or an ultra-small-form-factor PC, the last of which comes in a slim, upright case that reminds us of the tiny Dimension 5100C's. With a few exceptions, you can configure each type of system with identical features.
Our OptiPlex GX620 test system came equipped with a 64-bit-capable 3.6GHz Pentium 4 660 CPU, 512MB of RAM, and an 80GB hard drive--standard fare for a business computer. Power users can choose up to a dual-core 3.2GHz Pentium D 840, 4GB of RAM, and up to a 250GB hard drive. Going the other way, the more budget-conscious can opt for an Intel Celeron processor; thankfully, Dell won't let you configure an OptiPlex GX620 with anything less than 512MB of memory. Due to heat issues, the highest-level processors are not available in the ultra-small-form-factor case. In the desktop and midtower cases, a BTX motherboard design keeps things cool without excessive fan noise. As with most Dell home or business machines, the configuration options cover almost everything you could think of, allowing for systems that go from the entry level to the high end.
As you might expect, our small-form-factor case didn't have much room inside for expansion. The single PCI slot, the single PCI Express graphics-card slot, and the three drive bays were all filled, although two of the four memory slots remained available and easy to access. You can get inside the slim case with a simple push-button release that opens the side panel. Outside, you'll find standard connectivity options, including eight USB 2.0 ports, two of them on the front.
All four OptiPlex GX620 case designs share the same dull black-and-gray design and blunt, squared-off front panel. But at least you can tuck the small-form-factor and ultra-small-form-factor cases out of view if you use Dell's nifty optional telescoping LCD-monitor stand, which we received as part of our review system.
Our test system, running Windows XP Pro, included a USB keyboard and optical mouse plus a 17-inch LCD monitor, the Dell UltraSharp 1704FPT. It also included a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive and a floppy drive. You can opt for a double-layer DVD burner or a basic CD-ROM drive, but Dell does not offer an optional flash-card reader.
Our system also came with ATI's midrange 128MB Radeon X600 SE graphics card, which provides plenty of firepower for business applications; however, we wish Dell had made a few higher-end graphics cards available, at least for those who choose the midtower case. You can upgrade to the full (non-SE) X600 card, which has double the video memory. Still, for any business besides a design shop or some other creative company that does intensive graphics work, the X600 SE provides more than enough graphics muscle. If your budget precludes a graphics card, you'll rely on Intel's integrated GMA950 graphics, which will suffice for standard office apps.
In terms of performance, the Dell OptiPlex GX620 is certainly fast enough for running productivity software and creating presentations, but our system fell short of other PCs we've tested with the same processor. The Cyberpower Gamer Infinity 9900 Pro, despite being marketed as a gaming system, uses the same Pentium 4 660 but turned in scores 11 percent faster than the OptiPlex GX620 in CNET's BAPCo SysMark 2004 application benchmarks. A more business-oriented system, the MPC ClientPro 565, performed 5 percent faster, even with the less powerful Pentium 4 560 CPU. Both the Cyberpower and the MPC benefited from having 1GB RAM as opposed to the 512MB in our OptiPlex. You could also configure a Dell Dimension 9100, a high-end consumer model, for around the same price. Our slightly more expensive 9100 used a 3.2GHz Pentium D 840 processor and showed a 7 percent speed advantage. By choosing one of the many available 64-bit CPUs, you can ensure that your company's PCs won't get left behind with the release of Windows Vista and other 64-bit software.
Unlike with Dell's consumer models, you cannot opt for anything more or less than a three-year onsite warranty, although you can upgrade to the Business Standard Plan, which adds priority service for $69, or to the Business Essential Plan, which adds same-day onsite service for $268. All service plans include access to online support and 24/7 phone support. Even the most basic option is a far cry from those available on Dell's home systems, where the standard warranty is down to a mere 90 days.
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BAPCo's SysMark 2004 rating | |
SysMark 2004 Internet-content-creation rating | |
SysMark 2004 office-productivity rating |
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Find out more about how we test desktop systems.
System configurations:
Cyberpower Gamer Infinity 9900 Pro
Windows XP Home SP2; 3.6GHz Intel P4 660; Intel 925X chipset; 1,024MB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 6800 Ultra (PCIe); two WDC WD740GD-00FLX0 74GB 10,000rpm Serial ATA; integrated Silicon SiI 3114 SoftRAID 5 controller (RAID 0)
Dell Dimension 9100
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP2; 3.2GHz Intel Pentium D 840; Intel 945GP chipset; 1,024MB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 6800 (PCIe); two WDC WD160JD-75HBB0 160GB 7,200rpm Serial ATA; integrated Intel 82801GR/GH Serial ATA RAID Controller (RAID 0)
Dell OptiPlex GX620
Windows XP Professional SP2; 3.6GHz Intel P4 660; Intel 945G chipset; 512MB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHz; 128MB ATI Radeon X600 SE (PCIe); Seagate ST380013AS 80GB 7,200rpm Serial ATA
Gateway 7310S
Windows XP Home SP2; 3.4GHz Intel P4 550; Intel 915G chipset; 1,024MB DDR SDRAM 400MHz; 128MB Nvidia GeForce 6600 (PCIe); WDC WD2000JD-22HBB0 200GB 7,200rpm Serial ATA
MPC ClientPro 565
Windows XP Professional SP2; 3.6GHz Intel P4 560; Intel 925XCV chipset; 1,024MB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHz; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 5750 Ultra (PCIe); two Seagate ST3200822AS 200GB 7,200rpm Serial ATA; integrated Intel 82801FR Serial ATA RAID controller
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22out of 22 user reviews
Great computer.
Pros: 2.8Ghz Dual core, 4GB ram, PCI-E x16 port, runs an ATI radeon HD 4350 without issue.
works 100% on windows 7 x32 with support for x64 versions.
Cons: CASE SIZE! other than that none.
but add RAM to the 4GB max and add a good video card, this will run most games i play battlefeild play for free, combat arms, and APB reloaded runs great but needed to do a 3GB switch to get it to run perfect.
all in all a great computer.
out of 22 user reviews
Slow startup, Slow programs
Pros: Is there a pro for Windows XP systems?
Cons: Slow initial and program startup.. Internet browsers are exceptionally slow to work.
out of 22 user reviews
Not so simple :/
Pros: Good speed, easy open case, quiet
Cons: failure rate is high, gets hot if not cleaned monthly, no upgrade room
out of 22 user reviews
Buy the Warranty because your motherboard will fail
Pros: Small profile
Cons: poor quality of components
out of 22 user reviews
P 4 3.2 GHz SFF 1 gig ram built in video 80 gig sata hd
Pros: Small, quiet, nice looking. Works vertically or horizontal, boots to xp desktop faster than a dell vostro 220 2.66 GHz core 2 duo with 2 gig ram. Has 4 memory slots pci-e x16 and pci slot open which is surprising for such a small unit.
Cons: it's cramped inside for obvious reasons. the pcie x 16 is half height only and they stupidly put the pci and pcie x16 in reverse order so that a dual 1/2 height pci-e x16 card (ati 3450 w/ hdmi) will not work w the double 1/2 height bracket
Updated on Mar 26, 2009i bought 3 of the SFF units and after a week one of the units has failed. I called dell and they told me that the blinking orange light inside the motherboard indicates the unit needs a new motherboard / powersuppy. I Have to revise my review and confirm what other people have experienced. These units are not reliable. Ive owned a lot of dells and generally they've been reliable.
out of 22 user reviews
These Dells are Duds|! Very Poor Computer!!!!
Pros: Easy to open and work on. And you will need to work on them.
Cons: Everyone we purchased failed.
out of 22 user reviews
Avoid at any cost. Do not buy this.
Pros: At least it's still under warranty.....
Cons: If even one component gets hosed, the machine is unusable.
This lab is very cool, with it's own air conditioning. Speed Step protection is on, and the extra cover on the case is off.
For whatever reason(s), these machines fail constantly. If you do the simple math, I have experienced a 46% failure rate. Maintaining this lab has turned into a full-time job in itself and I have never been so frustrated with Dell products in my life.
If you do have to buy this machine, get a 4-year warranty and then extend it to however long you think you might have the machines.
Caveat emptor.
out of 22 user reviews
Its my home theater / video phone / PVR
Pros: hase enough horses for PVR duties, video editing and DVD burning, all in a quiet small form factor
Cons: the small form factor version has no expansion and no firewire capability
I bought a USB ATSC/NTSC/QAM capable tuner and I can watch or record over the air STD TV, HDTV, Cable, Digital cable and HDTV cable. The USB tuner came with great PVR and video editing software. The DVD drive is a flimsy (laptop style) with the click the disk on the hub, but I'm careful and its worked fine for over a year now.
I also bought an Orbit webcam to another usb port and make regular video phone calls to my grandkids thousands of miles away (using MSN network). Seeing them on a big 56" screen is just great.
And adding a wireless keyboard and mouse to usb ports still leaves me with all the front ports open for camera unloads, and usb drives. I only need a vga port.
Web browsing on a big screen is an interesting experience. Since the TV is only 1080i, text is not so crisp as I would like, certainly easy to read, just not pop off the screen dazzling. Some websites however are just spectacular. Its great for E-mail, or office apps as well, although on the big screen its not exactly private.
I have no idea what cpu or memory some of these other posters have, but for the price, performance, functionality and most of all the size, it has been just a great machine for me.
out of 22 user reviews
Mediocre design, decent performance
Pros: much smaller and sleeker design
Cons: design really not thought out very well
out of 22 user reviews
below expectaion
Pros: it kind of works, good tech support
Cons: slow, defective hardware,
out of 22 user reviews
Good PC, but runs very hot
Pros: Fast enough, dependable
Cons: Runs very hot, very crowded inside
Has anyone else had similar issues or even tested their computer?
Dave
http://www.davescomputerserv.com
out of 22 user reviews
Great Desktop Computer
Pros: Quiet, sleek, fast performance
Cons: n/a,n/a,n/a,n/a,
I am very satisfied with the purchase.
out of 22 user reviews
Not so hot . . .
Pros: Nice screen
Cons: Hardward problems
out of 22 user reviews
Average PC.
Pros: nothing much to say
Cons: nothing much to say
out of 22 user reviews
Excellent for Business Use
Pros: Small Footprint.
Cons: requires a good deal of ventilation.
Let’s be honest, who uses 512mb or less memory in today’s world?
While there is little room for expansion, these are a great for business use where most users do not require high end graphics and sound cards. I’ve found the system performance to be best with the onboard graphics and sound ports.
Pros: A small footprint for those already cluttered desktops. The smallest units have a bracket that allows you to install these on the front of the desk or attach them to the wall to save even more space.
Cons: I have not encountered and real issues with these systems as of yet. The do however require a good deal of ventilation.
out of 22 user reviews
P4 3.4GHz Model
Pros: Nice Chassis, ports and decent performer.
Cons: no Firewire built in!
out of 22 user reviews
Horrible, slow and needs attention
Pros: It's quiet,easy access case
Cons: Crashes fairly often,runs pretty slow and will not read more then one firewire device @ a time.
out of 22 user reviews
Performance is horrible
Pros: none that I can see
Cons: slow as molasses
out of 22 user reviews
Perfect for even the most complecated tasks
Pros: ultra fast, quiet, reliable machine
Cons: lack of hard drive bays and no media reader.. tech supports in india
out of 22 user reviews
Awesome Office Desktop
Pros: Small, Very quiet, and fast with professional software. Good input/output options for an office environment. Computer stand is well designed for keeping wires neatly arranged.
Cons: Limited upgradability due to compact size
The only real downsides to this machine are that the amount you can upgrade it is limited by the size of the box, and the range of outputs, which is sufficient for business operations, only supports basic entertainment options. This machine does what it was designed for very well.
out of 22 user reviews
Good looking business system
Pros: Neat quiet system, 3 yr on-site cover reassuring
Cons: No feet for upright orientation of system unit, keyboard not the best
I chose the DVD/1Gb RAM/80Gb HD/ 128Mb video card system in order to future-proof it.
It has a variable speed fan which calls for cooling as required, a neat laptop style DVD and plenty of connectivity, clearly labelled.
The widescreen allows you to have several progams open and visble at the same time.
I also purchsed the "soundbar" that clips to the base of the screen and an optional 5 speaker sound system. This give very good music sound quality, the bass adds depth.
I have used the technical helpline on one occasion, in order to get the sound system working. The helpline is for business systems (3 yr onsite) only and was answered quickly.
The advisor was possibly based in India; he was clear, patient and accurate in his advice and solved the problem.
The whole system (with MS Works, i.e. Word, Autoroute, Encarta, MS Money etc) would have been £2,000, although I paid much less than that for a perfect system that had possibly been a return.
I will probably replace the keyboard, as, although it looks neat, the action is too long and not delicate, like, say, the Sony wireless that I have.
All in all, very happy so far and recommended.
out of 22 user reviews
Another Dell Box
Pros: Not Packard-Bell
Cons: No Local Support
