Dell XPS Desktop Review: Top Choice for Work and Play

Dell XPS Desktop Computer Tower for Business and Gaming, 13th Gen i7 16-Core PC Desktop, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, Lifetime Office, Killer Wi-Fi 6E, RJ-45, USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI thumbnail

8.5 / 10

ELEK SCORE

Dell XPS Desktop Computer Tower for Business and Gaming, 13th Gen i7 16-Core PC Desktop, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro, Lifetime Office, Killer Wi-Fi 6E, RJ-45, USB-C, DisplayPort, HDMI

View Product Price

Introduction

I've been using the Dell XPS 8960 for a few months now, and I can confidently say it brings a perfect balance of power and style to my workspace. This desktop is tailored for users like me who dabble in both high-performance gaming and professional tasks like video editing and business applications. With its sleek design and impressive specs, it stands out in a crowded market.

Key Features

13th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor: This 16-core powerhouse ensures that your demanding creative software runs flawlessly, whether you're gaming, streaming, or multitasking across various applications.
32GB DDR5 RAM: With up to 60% faster speeds than DDR4, this memory allows for smooth operation of all your graphics-heavy applications and games, making lag a thing of the past.
2TB SSD Storage: This high-speed PCIe NVMe storage provides ample space for applications, games, and files while also ensuring quick startup times and snappy data access.
Killer Wi-Fi 6E: Offering speeds 5x faster than Wi-Fi 5, this feature ensures seamless online gaming and smooth video streaming, making it perfect for gamers and content streamers.

Benefits

Increased productivity with faster processing and install times.
Enhanced gaming performance with high refresh rates and minimal lag.
Future-proofing due to expandability options.
Efficient multitasking capabilities that cater to both creative and professional applications.

Real-World Use Cases

Professional Video Editing: The powerful processor and sufficient RAM ensure that software like Adobe Premiere runs smoothly, even when working on high-resolution projects.
Intense Gaming Sessions: With the capable graphics and processing speed, I've enjoyed playing demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 without any hiccups.
Multimedia Streaming: Using the XPS for streaming shows while working on side projects has been effortless, thanks to its powerful multitasking capabilities.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exceptional performance for both gaming and professional workloads.
Stylish, modern design that fits well in any environment.
Low noise levels, even under heavy load.
Ample expansion options for future upgrades.

Cons

The sleek design may not appeal to users who prefer a more traditional desktop look.
Higher price point compared to basic desktops, but it's justified by the performance.
Limited gaming graphics capabilities for very high-end gaming needs.

Comparison

HP Omen 40L: While the HP Omen is geared more towards gamers with aggressive aesthetics and better graphics, the Dell XPS offers a more balanced approach suitable for workplace and gaming needs.
Apple Mac Studio: The Mac Studio leans heavily into creative applications, but lacks the gaming performance and expandability of the XPS, making the latter a more versatile choice.

Conclusion

Overall, the Dell XPS 8960 has significantly upgraded my computing experience with its blend of powerful hardware and elegant design. Whether for gaming or productivity tasks, this desktop has proven to be a reliable workhorse. I highly recommend this desktop to anyone looking for a premium performance machine.