The 4rce is with DELL
Written: Sep 27 '01
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Pros: Fastest OEM Pentium 4 system to date, elegant case and many available options.
Cons: More expensive than other systems
The Bottom Line: If you crave computing power but don't want to build a system yourself, the Dell Dimension 8200 is your solution. It's elegant in design, fast, and includes great service/support.
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| KarsinTheHutt's Full Review: Dell Dimension 8200 Series |
The Dell Dimension 8100 was a good high-end system, but it was somewhat ungainly in appearance and took up more space than Dimension 4100 systems. The follow on to the 8100, the Dimension 8200, is essentially the same except that it uses the same slick case as the new Dimension 4300.
All things considered, the Dell Dimension 8200 is a formidable system that offers the best features possible in an Intel Pentium 4 based system.
Technical Specifications
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 Processor 1.8-2 GHz
Chipset: Intel i850
Memory: 256 or 512 MB PC800 RDRAM
Storage: 7200RPM ATA100 drives between 20 and 80 GB,
Drive Bay Options: Dual optical drives for CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, or Combo DVD/CD-RW.
Sound: Premium Soundblaster and Turtle Beach® soundcards and Harmon Kardon speakers with subwoofers for high-quality sound.
Video Cards: GeForce2 GTS, ATI Radeon, or GeForce3
Other Notable Features: 2 Front mounted USB ports, 2 rear USB ports
Essentially, the 8200 offers the same basic features as the 4300, except that it uses higher bandwidth RDRAM, which takes full advantage of the Pentium 4’s 400 MHz Front Side Bus. Also, the base configurations ship with much more powerful parts, such as an ATI Radeon instead of an older ATI Rage Ultra.
Physical Characteristics:
The 8200 uses the same case as the 4300, and features the same convenient front-mounted USB ports. The case itself is an elegant plastic and steel shell supported by a steel structure, making it light, durable, and easy to transport. Like all other Dell cases, the 8200’s case can be opened without tools, and a convenient clamshell design makes upgrades easy for novices and experts alike.
Speakers were also stylish and lightweight. The default Harmon Kardon HK-695 speakers (2 satellites and 1 subwoofer) feature a svelte, reduced-footprint, design that does not compromise sound quality. Most users will appreciate the futuristic yet functional design of the HK-695.
Performance:
Quite simply the 8200 is the highest performing consumer desktop Dell has ever sold. In games and multimedia applications, the 8200 easily beats the 4300 series desktop, and crushes the 4100 series systems. Quake III and later generation games run incredibly fast, and MPEG4 encoding is much less of a chore than it was with Pentium III systems.
Other Notes:
Dell now offers 3 types of warranties on its Dimension Desktops. There are 1, 2, and 3-year warranties, each costing progressively more money. If you are fairly comfortable with installing and restoring Windows, system drivers, and physical components such as RAM, I would recommend going with a shorter warranty (this will actually save you quite a bit of cash). If you have no idea what I am talking about, purchase the 2 or 3-year warranty just in case you really need help down the road.
With the impending launch of Windows XP, all Dimesion 8200 systems shipping can be customized to include Windows XP. This is CONFIRMED. You can also opt for the older Windows ME, but Dell will give you a voucher for a copy of XP should you want to upgrade.
Conclusion:
The Dell Dimension 8200 is basically an 8100 system outfitted with improvements that first made their way into the middle end 4300 systems. Front mounted USB ports, along with a smaller, quieter chassis, make the 8200 much easier to use.
Gamers and users of multimedia editing applications can’t go wrong with an 8200 system. These users might pay a bit more for the i850 chipset and RDRAM, but these high bandwidth components are more than worth the $100 price premium.
People who don’t need bleeding edge performance might want to consider a Dimension 4300 system. While the 4300 may use slower SDRAM, it still provides good value and all the ease-of-use features of the Dimension 8200.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 2000
Operating System: Windows
Processor: Other
Processor speed: over 1000
RAM: 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 41-50
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Epinions.com ID:
KarsinTheHutt
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Member: Karsin Eng
Location: United States of America
Reviews written: 83
Trusted by: 19 members
About Me:
I am a part time computer hobbyist and moderator at forum.thinkpads.com
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