The Dell XPS 8300 is an Intel Sandy Bridge PC that packs a brand-new 3.4GHz Intel Core i7-2600 CPU within its all-white casing.
The chip is but a stone's throw away from being Intel's top-of-the-line part, as its bigger brother - the i7-2600K - adds an unlocked CPU multiplier to the equation (overclockers, rejoice). For all intents and purposes, the Dell XPS 8300's processor shares the crown of best on the market right now. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this means that the Dell XPS 8300 is difficult to get hold of because of the Intel Sandy Bridge motherboard recall. Contact Dell for further information.
Accompanied by eight gigabytes of DDR3-1333 memory, the Sandy Bridge (second-generation Core) CPU helps the Dell XPS 8300 make short work of our WorldBench 6 tests. It earned a score of 162 - you'd be hard pressed to find any rival in the XPS 8300's price range coming close, though systems based on overclocked Sandy Bridge processors do post higher scores (with higher prices to match).
See also: HP and Dell respond to Sandy Bridge recall
The only real scuff mark on the Dell XPS 8300's benchmarks comes from our graphics tests. The system's aging AMD Radeon HD 5870 GPU is a very good one, but its average recorded frame rate of 120.7 on Unreal Tournament 3 (at 2560 by 2100 resolution, high quality) is hardly a category-leading mark.
You'll still be able to crank the next-generation titles you throw at the XPS 8300, but its benchmarking results are among the lower scores of all the performance PCs we've tested over the past year.
A two-terabyte hard drive is an excellent addition for such an inexpensively priced desktop, as is Dell's inclusion of a Blu-ray combo drive. While these are generally standard add-ons in the performance PC category, we nevertheless appreciate that Dell didn't try to cannibalize features in order to keep its costs down.
One feature that really stands out as something unique in this category is Dell's choice of wireless-N networking as a supplement to its existing wired gigabit setup. That's not a make-or-break element that will suddenly inspire millions to rush out and pick up a Dell XPS 8300, but it does give the system just that much more versatility in one's home. Take that, wires.
And while we're on the subject of versatility, the Dell XPS 8300 is stuffed to the brink with connection options for just about anything you throw at it, though the front of the case could stand a few more connections: it has two USB ports and a multiformat card reader.
Turn the system around, though, and you find four USB ports, one USB 3.0 port, one eSATA port, one SPDIF optical connection, one gigabit ethernet connection, and integrated connections for 7.1 surround sound, all making for a truly diverse PC. As for video, the system's graphics card supports two DVI connections, an HDMI connection, and a DisplayPort connection - the holy trinity of video options. We couldn't ask for much more.
The system's all-white chassis is a bit of an Apple-esqe departure from the designs we're used to seeing in the performance category. Nevertheless, we like it overall. The practicalities of working inside the XPS 8300 are a little less pleasing. Not only is the system full of screws, instead of tool-free accessories, but you don't actually get all that much to work with compared with competing performance desktops.
Only one of two 5.25-inch bays are free for new devices, and only two of three hard drive bays could benefit from extra storage. A single, lonely PCI Express x1 slot represents all the add-ons you'll be able to stick on the motherboard in addition to the existing AMD GPU.
Dell continues its all-white motif with a glossy, bleached mouse that accompanies the system. It's generic in functionality, but we do like its look - just different enough from the old bargain-bin black that we're so used to seeing on competing systems. The Dell XPS 8300's keyboard is black with a white trim, but, more important, it packs a few additional function buttons for launching applications and controlling media and volume.
NEXT: Our expert verdict >>
Comments
Matt Egan said: Im having to think back here but isnt the point that the product starts at that price
Kris said: The Link you provide Matt seems to link to the I5 not i7 which means the others are right unless youve made a msitake in your link
Matt Egan said: Its 549 inc VAT on the Dell website today albeit with less memory an i7 chip and a smaller hard drive
Matt Egan said: Today and on the publish date this model starts at 549 inc VAT httpconfigureeurodellcom
Matt Egan said: Not sure about those maths Ian
Matt Egan said: Today and the day this review went live the i5 version starts at 549 on Dells website httpconfigureeurodellcomThat said it really ought to say From 550 inc VAT and I will amend this now
Keith said: Price quoted is STILL incorrect Price on Dell site today 26th July 2011 is 79899
Ian said: Sahme that the cheapest you can obtain it from the Dell website is UKP 89899 over 605 more expensive
guest said: does anyone know if i can add a nvidia quadro to this machine
jackxp7 said: Thank youDell XPS 8300 is priced at an eye-poppingly low 1399 httpwwwtechnews5com2011XPS 8300 packs a brand-new 34GHz Intel Core i7-2600 CPU within its all-white casing The chip is but a stones throw away from being Intels top-of-the-line part as its bigger brother -- the i7-2600K -- adds an unlocked CPU multiplier to the equation overclockers rejoice For all intents and purposes the XPS 8300s processor shares the crown of best on the market right now
George Falconer said: How did PC Advisor arrive at the around 550 incl price - lowest this is with an i5 cpu is 59899