Dell's Optiplex series is a well-known line of business computers.
Dell's Optiplex 320 series is a line of business-oriented computers available in both desktop and mini-tower form factors. The series was introduced in 2005, and utilizes Dell's BTX case design, which allows for improved cooling over previous versions. Specifications vary from model to model, as the series provides buyers with numerous office configurations.
Processors and RAM
The Optiplex 320 series is designed around Intel Celeron, Pentium 4 and Pentium D processors. The motherboards have two DIMM slots for DDR-2 SDRAMs, providing up to 2GB of system RAM. Some users have reported using a pair of 2GB SDRAMS for a total of 4GB RAM, but were unable to do so if an aftermarket video card had been installed.
Video and Networking
These machines feature the ATI Radeon X300 video chipset integrated into the motherboard, utilizing up to 224MB of the system's RAM for video. Some configurations also include a separate Radeon X1300 video card in one of the system's PCI expansion slots. This provides S-video and digital video connections for TV output and allows the systems to run dual-monitor configurations for advanced users. The built-in 10/100 network controller uses a Broadcom chipset, with wireless 802.11g networking or a V.92 data/fax modem as available options.
Drives
The motherboards on these systems support both parallel and serial ATA drives, and provide an IDE connection for legacy hardware. Standard configurations include 7200 RPM SATA hard drives of 40GB, 80GB and 160GB capacity. Desktop models provide a total of two drive bays and support only one hard drive; mini-towers provide three drive bays and support dual hard drives. Systems have four options for optical drives: 48X CD-ROM; 16X DVD-ROM; 48X32 CDRW/DVD combo drive; or 16X DVD-RW.
Other
Optiplex 320 systems include integrated 24-bit audio, with a variety of speaker options. Desktop models offer two low-profile PCI expansion slots and one PCI Express X16 slot; mini-towers include two full-height PCI and one full-height PCI Express X16 expansion slot. The BIOS and hardware support the USB 2.0, PCI 3.2, SATA 1.0 and 2.0 and PCI Express X16 1.0a specifications. Systems were shipped with Windows XP or XP Professional, though they were marketed as Vista Ready with an upgrade to system RAM. Full specifications remain available from Dell's website.
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