Dell Unveils Lead-Free OptiPlex Chassis, Compliant with EU RoHS Directive

Strategic Insights -

Dell Inc. has introduced two new OptiPlex desktop systems, the GX520 and GX620, which feature lead-free power supplies, motherboards, and chassis, taking the company a step closer to compliance with the European Union's Restriction on the use of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. The new systems also boast improved deployment flexibility, performance, and reliability, making them ideal for corporate desktop environments. According to John Medica, senior vice president of Dell's product group, "The OptiPlex GX520 and GX620 underscore Dell's commitment to directly address real customer needs, be a leader in global environmental standards, and support relevant product innovation."

Key Takeaways:

  • The OptiPlex GX520 and GX620 are designed to enhance deployment flexibility, performance, and reliability, with features such as BTX chassis, dual-core processors, and lead-free components.
  • The systems comply with the EU RoHS directive, which requires electronics products shipped in the EU to eliminate or minimize several chemical compounds, including lead.
  • Dell's Restricted Materials Program prohibits the use of other restricted materials, such as cadmium, and the company meets international environmental standards like GreenPC and Energy Star.
  • The new systems share a single software image across all chassis, making deployments easy and cost-effective.
  • The OptiPlex GX520 and GX620 boast advanced security features, including Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2 technology and Dell DirectDetect, a diagnostic tool that helps IT personnel quickly identify system status.
  • The systems feature Dell HyperCool technology, which enables systems to run at cooler temperatures with less fan noise, contributing to reliability.
  • Dell continues its commitment to stability with the Stable Image Assurance program, which helps ensure no forced software image changes will occur.

Statistics:

  • The OptiPlex GX520 starts at a price of $549, while the GX620 begins at $579.
  • The systems support Intel Pentium 4 and Celeron D processors up to 3.4 GHz (GX520) and 3.8 GHz (GX620).
  • The GX620 features 40-250 GB SATA hard drives, while the GX520 has 40-160 GB SATA hard drives.
  • The systems support up to 2 GB DDR2 400 and 533 MHz shared RAM (GX520) and up to 4 GB DDR2 533 MHz shared RAM (GX620).
  • The OptiPlex GX620 features a 128 MB ATI Radeon X600 XE or Intel GMA 950 graphics card.

Sources:

  • IDC Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, Quarter 1, 2005
  • Dell Inc. press release
  • Dell website (www.dell.com/optiplex)
  • Dell website (www.dell.com/photos)
  • Dell website (www.dell.com/optiplexbtx)