Dell's XPS desktop computers were once cutting-edge gaming machines; in recent years, however, the company has introduced new XPS PCs that are not just for gaming, such as the XPS 420 series. These desktop computers feature quad-core processors, oodles of RAM, and respectable system components, and are relatively affordable to boot.

The glossy black tower with which Dell's XPS 420s ship provides more than just a unique look; there's a 3X2-inch LCD built into the top front of the tower that lets you access Vista's Sidebar Gadgets even when the system is in sleep mode. This lets you view photos, listen to music or check e-mail at a glance. It's a bit gimmicky, but it definitely adds to the coolness factor of these computers.

It's what's inside the tower that really impresses us, though. The baseline processor in the XPS 420 is an Intel Core 2 Q6600, a 2.4GHz quad-core CPU that really boosts performance for graphics and video-editing software as well as the latest 3D games. You can bump this processor up to an even faster quad-core CPU, but it'll cost you.

Dell provides a hefty amount of RAM to work with that processor: you get 3GB of 667MHz DDR2 memory with these computers. This insures that even your memory-hungry applications will run ideally. You can also upgrade to even faster 800MHz memory for a nominal fee.

Storage space starts out at a respectable 320GB on a single 7,200rpm hard drive. This gives you nearly a third of a terabyte of room with which to store your documents and media. Some high-end multimedia users may need a bit more space and speed than this, however, so Dell offers optional upgrades to 500GB, 750GB or 1TB, as well as RAID options for faster storage, but these can increase the overall system price rather dramatically.

The optical drive is a standard DVD writer that lets you burn to dual-layer media. If you so choose, you can upgrade to a drive that plays Blu-ray media or one that can burn Blu-ray discs.

The standard graphics card is ATI's Radeon HD 2400 PRO with 128MB of dedicated video memory; this is a good mainstream card that will handle most 3D games quite well. Hardcore gamers may want to upgrade, however, and Dell provides a good set of options: you can double the video memory and get the Radeon HD 3650 or go with the high-end NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT, which features 512MB of video memory.

Dell allows you to add a TV tuner for a reasonable starting price. You can also choose to enhance these computers with Dell's unique video Xcelerator, which is hardware that helps offload the work from the CPU when converting video and adds RCA and S-video output ports to the front of the tower. This feature is helpful to users who convert video files for burning to DVD, uploading to the Web or playing on portable devices such as a Zune or video iPod.

There's no monitor included with these systems at their baseline price, but Dell provides a nice selection of displays from which to choose if you wish to add one. The manufacturer also offers some monster displays, such as the 27-inch UltraSharp widescreen LCD and the 1800MP Projector, but expect to pay a pretty penny for upgrades such as these.

The default keyboard and optical mouse that ship with these desktop computers are rather bland and you'll also have to pay extra for adding a media card reader or Bluetooth, but if you're looking for a powerful, robust home multimedia PC, the Dell XPS 420 desktop computers will certainly satisfy.


Pros: Excellent core power, unique tower and options
Cons: Monitor not included

Warranty
1 year, limited