Dell's new XPS model

TheZestyLemon

Dell recently launched their new XPS model. The new XPS 8500 has an i7 in all models. RAM varies from 4gb to 16gb. In the lower end model, it comes with a gt 620 1gb and in the higher end, an AMD Radeon HD 7770 2gb.

More info here: http://www.dell.com/ie/p/xps-8500/fs

Haven't seen any reviews yet seen as it's just out so I don't know what to say about it. What do ye think about it just by looking at it?

Torqay

The design is fugly as hell, the power botton on the top of the case, what were the thinking?

TheZestyLemon

Yeah, it's strange they'd put the power supply at the top of the case. That's pretty weird, considering it's one of the heaviest parts. I personally don't mind the design.

TerrorFirmer

Overpriced as always. Considering the basic model costs just short of a grand, the fact that it could barely play any modern games on low settings with that GT620 is a bit of a joke. As the price goes up, the performance of the respective included cards are still a joke relative to the price of the machine. The 7770 isn't even a particularly good card, it's affordable budget. Will never understand why people buy these machines. OK, not everyone wants to build, but most companies have a building service for a few euro...you'd save a ridiculous amount of money.

Torqay

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

the fact that it could barely play any modern games on low settings with that GT620 is a bit of a joke.

Since Dell have acquired Alienware, they don't advertise their XPS as gaming computer anymore.

TerrorFirmer

Torqay wrote: »

Since Dell have acquired Alienware, they don't advertise their XPS as gaming computer anymore.

Regardless, just shy of a grand for that first machine is a bad joke.

Torqay

I wouldn't buy one either, the only thing they have going for them is their return service. If you're living in the middle of nowhere it saves you two trips into town if something's wrong with the machine.

Khannie

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

Regardless, just shy of a grand for that first machine is a bad joke.

Agreed. I've been looking at them in work today because I need a new machine and have been given the thumbs up to source one. We use Dell so I was waiting on the new XPS to come out. Disappointed tbh. You can't even change the RAM spec on them! (else I'm blind)

Torqay

Khannie wrote: »

You can't even change the RAM spec on them! (else I'm blind)

Nope, but 16 GB is possible with an aftermarket upgrade.

uncle_sam_ie

Torqay wrote: »

I wouldn't buy one either, the only thing they have going for them is their return service. If you're living in the middle of nowhere it saves you two trips into town if something's wrong with the machine.

I've herd their RMA has gone to hell since they out sourced it. Anyway, they're overpriced for what your getting

Tea_Bag

Jesus wept.

TheZestyLemon

Tea_Bag wrote: »

Jesus wept.

That was full of win.

EmilAndresen

I bought the 8500 which you're describing (the top model in the 8500 range, that is) and would have to say that it's lightning fast. I'm not a hard-core gamer but I've been playing Portal 2 and Call of Duty Black Ops at high settings and it has been fine.

Here's something objective you might find useful, the Windows Experience Index:

Overall: a very respectable 7.5 (out of a maximum possible score of 7.9)

Processor: 7.6
RAM: 7.6
Graphics: 7.5
Gaming graphics: 7.5
Primary hard disk: 7.9

I've always found there to be a lot of anti-Dell comments which make their way onto forums and I've come to suspect this is largely about prejudice against Dell. Bear this in mind when you hear people saying it's a 'horrible' system.

You might find this site useful too: http://www.weishare.net/ - I just used it to compare the i5 processor recommended in another response to the i7 in the Dell (guess what, the i7 is significantly better).

yoyo

EmilAndresen wrote: »

I bought the 8500 which you're describing (the top model in the 8500 range, that is) and would have to say that it's lightning fast. I'm not a hard-core gamer but I've been playing Portal 2 and Call of Duty Black Ops at high settings and it has been fine.

Here's something objective you might find useful, the Windows Experience Index:

Overall: a very respectable 7.5 (out of a maximum possible score of 7.9)

Processor: 7.6
RAM: 7.6
Graphics: 7.5
Gaming graphics: 7.5
Primary hard disk: 7.9

I've always found there to be a lot of anti-Dell comments which make their way onto forums and I've come to suspect this is largely about prejudice against Dell. Bear this in mind when you hear people saying it's a 'horrible' system.

You might find this site useful too: http://www.weishare.net/ - I just used it to compare the i5 processor recommended in another response to the i7 in the Dell (guess what, the i7 is significantly better).

The WEI benchmark isn't really a good way to rate machines, as its quite limited. I'm not sure but I think Futuremarks 3DMark is still a good tool for benchmarking.
While the machine may perform well you could probably build a better one for much less, that is what users above are getting at. While I have no problems myself with Dell their desktops are restricted upgradability wise mostly, non standard PSUs, small cases etc.

Nick

PMT2305

EmilAndresen wrote: »

I bought the 8500 which you're describing (the top model in the 8500 range, that is) and would have to say that it's lightning fast. I'm not a hard-core gamer but I've been playing Portal 2 and Call of Duty Black Ops at high settings and it has been fine.

Here's something objective you might find useful, the Windows Experience Index:

Overall: a very respectable 7.5 (out of a maximum possible score of 7.9)

Processor: 7.6
RAM: 7.6
Graphics: 7.5
Gaming graphics: 7.5
Primary hard disk: 7.9

I've always found there to be a lot of anti-Dell comments which make their way onto forums and I've come to suspect this is largely about prejudice against Dell. Bear this in mind when you hear people saying it's a 'horrible' system.

You might find this site useful too: http://www.weishare.net/ - I just used it to compare the i5 processor recommended in another response to the i7 in the Dell (guess what, the i7 is significantly better).

I have my Dell XPS since just before Christmas. If a genie appeared out of a lamp in front of me and granted me ONE wish, it would be to turn the clock back and get an IMAC. It has been a nightmare from the day it arrived. A beautiful looking machine, and the monitor and soundbar I chose are second to none, but it has been blue screen crashing since the day it arrived.

Endless phone calls to Dell where they try to fob you off and say ohhh its a software issue and we only cover hardware issues followed by the inevitable call from the middle of India from customer services followed. A blistering row on the phone resulting in them sending out an engineer to me to replace the hard drive and two weeks later.......the thing has been daily crashing again since mid January.

So.....there is very valid reason to display predjudice against Dell. NEVER ever will I have anything to do with them again.

BostonB

Why didn't you take them to the small claims court after the 3 repair?