- Dual Core Processor
- Monitor Included
- Overall Good Pricing
- General Performance Lower Than Single Core Processor
- Only 512MB Base Memory
- Poor Default Graphics Card
- Intel Pentium D 820 (2.8GHz) Dual Core Processor
- 512MB PC2-4200 DDR Memory
- 160GB 7,200rpm SATA Hard Drive
- 16x DVD+/-RW and 16x DVD-ROM Drives
- Intel HDA Audio
- ATI Radeon X300SE Graphics with 128MB Memory
- v.92 56Kbmps Modem, 10/100 Ethernet Port
- Dell E773 17" CRT Monitor
- Seven USB 2.0 Ports
- Windows XP Home and Word Perfect Word Processor
6/20/05 - One would think that the Dell XPS line of computers would be the first to adopt new technologies, but surprisingly it is the Dell Dimension 9100 desktops that are the first to use the new dual core processors.
Powering the Dimension 9100 is the fairly low end Pentium D 820 (2.8GHz) processor. This is a low speed processor but it has dual cores which helps on multitasking. Unfortunately, the processor is slower for most single threaded applications, making it better for people who use a lot of applications simultaneously. This is matched up with 512MB of PC2-4200 DDR memory that is matched to the processor.
Storage on the 9100 is pretty good. While it doesn't have the fastest or highest capacity hard drive, the 160GB SATA hard drive does provide more than enough for the average user. The 16x DVD+/-RW burner will help those looking to create data, music or video DVDs and CDs quickly.
Graphics are very mixed for the system. It comes standard with a 17” monitor while most companies don't even offer one. The problem is the graphics card. Most consumers who are buying performance computers are looking to also use them for 3D gaming or other graphics intensive applications. The Radeon X300SE is a very limited graphics card that has mediocre 3D performance.
Overall, the Dimension 9100 is a well rounded system that will work for most users. While it isn't the best suited in its base configuration for gaming, the upgrade options from Dell can quickly correct this.
