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Our version of the Dell XPS 8300 is based around the Intel Core i5 2500 processor which is a 3.3ghz processor, capable of a turbo frequency of 3.7ghz. It is built on 32nm architecture with 6 megabytes of shared Level 3 cache. This is not the unlocked ‘k' version, but Dell don't allow for overclocking anyway in their bios, so it makes little odds.
The motherboard is a Dell branded H67 Sandybridge model. There is 6GB of 1333mhz DDR3 installed via a 2x2GB and 2x1GB configuration. The memory is set to 9-9-9-24 @ 2T timings.
The Nvidia GTX 560 ti is a very capable graphics card and one that gamers have adopted en masse. It is built around 40nm architecture and features 352 unifed shaders with 1.25GB of memory connected via a 320 bit memory interface. The core clock operates at 732mhz and the GDDR5 memory at 950mhz.
The drivers were a little outdated (270.57), so we updated them manually to 280.26 WHQL.
We wouldn't normally mention it, but we feel Dell have the pricing of the GTX 560 ti configured wrongly. According to their system builder this card costs £370 more when upgrading from the onboard Intel HD2000.
Software:
Windows 7 64 Bit
SiSoft Sandra
Cinebench R11.5 64 bit
Cyberlink Media Espresso
Cyberlink PowerDVD Ultra V11
PCMark 7
3DMark 11
HQV Benchmark V 2.0
From Dust
Resident Evil 5
Dead Island
Technical Monitoring and Test Equipment:
Thermal Diodes
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
Extech digital sound level meter & SkyTronic DSL 2 Digital Sound Level Meter
Kill A Watt Meter
All results are gained from multiple test runs to ensure any abnormalities are removed before publication.
It looks great, but the upgrades ruin the price. at £500-700 its a good deal, but I would have to get a GFX for it myself and fit it. their tool is ludicrous.
It is a common problem with many companies including Apple. They release a standard build which offers good value, then by the time you add all the cool bits, the price is over the odds.
I do like this computer too, but for £1,300 there are better systems available, and most of them include a monitor too !
I bought one of these last week for my parents. I didnt include the RAID 0 or the graphics card and the price was good. They love it, and its ideal for their living room. It is very small.
When I saw £429 I thought, wow thats good., then saw the spec and the final price and almost fainted.
If they included a 24 inch screen it would still seem very expensive, without a monitor its ridiculous.
it is a nice system and the review shows the good parts, but I could build it better and for £500 less. It only has a one year warranty as standard too, which is pretty stingy.
Im not against Dell, but people who know a lot more about computers dont like their pricing system, its almost as bad as Apples
over £1300 without a screen and and SSD. WTF.
6 out of 10 for this. I dont care if its quiet or small. Its way overpriced. The scoring on Kitguru is generally too high. I dont mind the system, but it cant get 8 out of 10 at over £1,300! I could get a high spec gaming laptop for this price!
I really like seeing these reviews because I am sure others, like me can’t build a PC. part of the price is for support too. Its important for people like me to know they will be looked after.
I have bought Dell systems for 10 years and I have never had a problem. I would buy these also if I had the budget right now.
Its a hell of a nice looking PC, especially for Dell. However, and its a big however. what is up with the price?
Why do you have a drop-down box to change pages on a review? This is extremely irritating and it doesn’t seem to be designed to force users to see more ads. So…why?
Also why use unspecific language such as “several” when you can be exact? We are looking at a picture that obviously shows TWO USB ports on the front of the case, and you write “…panel which holds hides several USB ports.” Again, why?
Other than that, thanks for including the extra information, especially the exact specs of the power supply.