Dell Dimension XPS (Gen 4)

Dell's fourth generation Dimension XPS performance desktop continues to provide a high level performance desktop system that doesn't break the bank compared to the prestige manufacturer's. While not as fast as some other systems on the market, it still provides a good overall level of performance that can be used for more than just games.

12/21/04 - Dell's Dimension XPS Generation 4 is not much different from the third generation model that introduced a lot of new features. The only real different is the move from a 925X to 925XE chipset that allows for the higher front side bus speeds of the latest processors.

While the Dimension XPS Gen 4 can use the new 1066MHz bus speed processor, it still uses the lesser Pentium 4 550 for its base. This is matched up to 1GB of PC2-4300 DDR memory would match up well with the new bus speed support. While this isn't the fastest available, it still performs very well.

Storage is strong for the Dimensions XPS Gen 4. A 148GB RAID0 array provides the fastest performance available for the hard drives. Users who want to save some cash can elect to use a single drive instead. Optical storage is handled through a 16x DVD+/-R burner and a 48x CD-RW drive.

Graphics are very important with the performance desktop computers and the XPS Gen 4 doesn't disappoint. It uses an NVIDIA GeForce 6800 graphics card with 256MB of memory. It also comes standard with a 17" Dell E173FP flat panel LCD monitor as well.

Overall, the Dimension XPS Gen 4 is not a major leap over the previous version, but then again, the previous version was still a very good system. Options remain very wide to allow for a wide variety to budgets. This makes the Dimension XPS Gen 4 a good selection for those if they want a top of the line system or a less expensive but strong desktop PC.