The Bottom Line
- Includes Monitor
- Dedicated PCIe Graphics Card
- Lacks FireWire
- Productivity Software Extra
- Speakers Sold Seperately
Description
- Intel Pentium 4 541 (3.2GHz) Processor
- 512MB PC3200 DDR Memory
- 160GB 7,200rpm SATA Hard Drive
- 16x DVD+/-RW DL DVD Burner and 16x DVD-ROM
- Intel High Definition 5.1 Audio
- ATI Radeon X300SE PCIe Graphics Card with 128MB Memory
- 17" E773 CRT Monitor
- v.92 56Kbps Mode and 10/100 Ethernet
- Eight USB 2.0 Ports and 9-in-1 Reader
- Windows XP Home and Word Perfect Word Processor
Guide Review - Dell Dimension 5100
8/22/05 – Powering the Dell Dimension 5100 is the older Pentium 4 541 (3.2Ghz) processor. While this is not a 64-bit compatible CPU, there is little need for desktop PCs to migrate to the 64-bit software platform yet. The system comes with the average 512MB of PC3200 DDR memory that should be sufficient for most applications the computer would be used for.
Storage on the Dimension 5100 is average. The hard drive is a bit smaller at 160GB, but this is still plenty of storage space for music, photos and even movie files. The system includes a 16x DVD-ROM drive and a 16x DVD+/-RW dual layer DVD burner. This allows the system to create music or movie DVDs and CDs. For getting files off of digital peripherals, a 9-in-1 media card reader is also included.
Graphics is where the Dimension 5100 sets itself apart from other mainstream desktops. While many competing systems come with a 16x PCI-Express slot for a graphics card, they still use integrated graphics. The Dell Dimension 5100 comes with a ATI Radeon X300SE graphics card. While not the fastest when it comes to 3D graphics, it still has more features than the integrated graphics. In addition to the graphics card, the Dimension 5100 is a more complete system because it also includes a 17” CRT monitor.
There are some problems with the system though. In particular, the software packages that are included are very limited. It also does not have FireWire that can make importing digital video to the PC more difficult.
