Once the computer expires and an increasing number of annoying problems make me unable to make it to the shop with issues soon, it’s time to start shopping for a new desktop computer. My most recent ‘time for a new computer’ experience led me to the DELL XPS 8300.
In both design and function, the most powerful computer I’ve ever had and with the specific ability to “build” and available at a discounted price, I think I’ve made the smartest choice.
While they are becoming more expensive most of the time, many electronics have become less expensive as the market has become more competitive. Computers are probably the best example of this economically counter-intuitive phenomenon. The DELL desktop that replaces this xps 8300, a DELL Inspiron 530 was also a great value back in 2008; it provided less power, less speed and fewer features for a price that was about 40% higher than this new XPS 8300.
The best bottom-line values on desktop-computers are probably found by purchasing one of the larger devices that are pre-built. This way you buy it off the shelf (or online) as the company decided to make it. If you want changes or additions, you need to see about these yourself after the purchase. I prefer the ability to customize the computer according to my needs and preferences so that what is delivered is exactly what I want from day one.
The main DELL XPS 8300 comes very well designed for most users. Some of the modifications I chose included increased available RAM (RAM) from 8GBs to 12GBs (the XPS 8300 has a mind-boggling capacity of 32GBs!) included a Firewire card and ports (for faster downloads from my video camera), a. two USB 3 ports (for the latest generation of USB devices) an upgraded built-in Wireless-N mini-card (the antenna is internal) to easily connect it to my home wireless networks and a second optical drive (CD/DVD) to copy the disc directly from one to the other.
Powered by a second generation Intel iCore7-2600 processor running at 3.4 GHz and with 8GB of RAM in the basic system set, this machine will be fast enough most of the time. By adding 4GB of RAM, I can do multiple functions without any slowdown. It probably wasn’t really necessary – but it seemed like a good idea when it went well.
The system comes with a large and bright 24″ monitor (2420L) which makes an amazing difference when watching video. There were three surprises about this system. The first two came with the monitor. One discovery was that the connection cable was supplied. Analog VGA type, rather than digital ( DVI-D) of the advanced (DVI-D) type.
The second is actually the first, in the process of organizing. I already owned a good monitor, so I asked about removing this one from my order – remaining or saving a small amount of money. I was told that this system was on a special system that the monitor came with. For without the monitor included for me to store and deliver, it would have cost me more! I was astonished. Since then I have given the second monitor to a family member who is happy to have it and I am delighted with the sharp and undistorted wide view provided by this new 2420L monitor.
The third surprise was that while the system was announced to have one 1TB (1000 GB) hard (“C”) drive, there are also two 500 GB he acts so connected that they function as one. If you ever wanted to add hardware memory to this computer, you would need to go through whether an external hard drive as the bay is not available to one “inside” box” add. This is not a suitable problem as a Terabyte (TB) is a huge amount of space.
The standard package included 4 USB 2 ports. I added 2 USB 3 ports and a Firewire (EEE-1394) card with 2 ports for faster video transfers from my DVC (Digital Video Camera.) Audio signals are included as are the HDMI cable ports, especially useful with non-network HDTV access.
I kept the mouse keyboard and the supplied (wired) instrument and kept it in the box as I did. I prefer the wireless Logitech K340 keyboard and the M510 wireless mouse. Feeling tied down has never been one of my favorite feelings!
With a small and discreet Bluetooth dongle from IOgear inserted into one of the eight available USB ports, the wireless WP-300 headphones from Creative Labs work perfectly
The game does not exist, I chose not to upgrade the included, integrated video card (NVIDIA GeForce GT 530) with a more powerful class and discrete is preferred by “power gamers” who require more intensive video processing. It seemed unnecessary for my needs – but it was useful for you!
DELL has completed the job of observing the current technology and over the years it has been more productive to what seems to increase the value more and more every day. While some consumer magazines have reported that their service is subpar compared to other manufacturers, I have not found that to be the case. This is my fourth DELL system and I expect the same responsive service as I received with my three previous systems.
One final note:
For many years I was afraid to open the box, to open the computer case, to clean it, to change it. install it I once got it. Until now, however, the SPX8300 has had to open the case with complicated screws that are always too easily lost. Now, the case is simply secured by sliding it into place. No screws to open or lose. Don’t sweat.
I feel like I got a lot of computer money. My final cost, including two-day shipping, was just under $1,300. There is no price for ugly, but the price of ugly football. I am happy to be able to offer my highest recommendation.
