OK machine, but be aware of cut-down components
Written: Aug 05 '00
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Pros: Good overall package
Cons: System cards may lack features of retail versions - Lack bundled software
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| RonDConsult's Full Review: Dell Dimension XPS B1000 |
My machine is a Dell XPS T600, but the comments apply to all Dell models. Like many buyers, I “built” my last Dell computer by carefully selecting individual components. In fact, I studied the details of several of these components on their respective web sites. I was dismayed to find out however, that the cards installed in the machine are inferior to the retail (boxed) versions. Instead, they are cut-down, lower budget versions. For example, my Dell XPS 600 came with a Diamond Viper 770D Ultra. The “D” (for Dell) version lacks many of the features of the 770 Viper Ultra retail counterpart. Missing are features such as a cooling fan, over-clocking capability, and a software bundle (games, demo programs, etc.). When I downloaded the “In Control” tools from the Diamond website, the software behaved differently than advertised (no over-clocking display) due to the reduced capabilities of the 770D card. Same story with the Creative Labs SoundBlaster Live sound card. All of the bundled software included with the retail version is absent in the product installed on the Dell machine. No big deal? Maybe not, but I enjoy all of the demo-ware that comes with the boxed product. Much of it is designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the component card.
On the other end of the purchase spectrum, many neighborhood computer assemblers will install the fully featured, boxed product, giving you all of the manufacturers advertised capabilities along with the software bundles. Consumers should simply be aware of this fact before purchasing a Dell, Gateway, or other big name brand. After noting this, my next purchase will likely be a locally assembled computer. I’m no longer willing to settle for stripped-down cards lacking the software and performance features of their retail counterparts.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 1500
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Intel Pentium III
Processor speed: 501-600
RAM: 128
Internal Storage: Zip Drive
Hard Drive (GB): 9-12
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Epinions.com ID:
RonDConsult
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