There’s also the Corsair One, which is more compact than the XPS but also more expensive, as well as the Alienware Aurora R13, which has the same core specs and features as Dell’s desktop but within a bigger, flashier and gamer-focused design. Those who want to live in the Apple ecosystem and are seeking something smaller should check out the Mac Studio, which sacrifices upgradability for a tiny design that barely takes up desk space. If you’re looking for a Windows desktop that can be outfitted to handle heavy creative workflows and immersive PC gaming alike - and one that can be upgraded with newer parts over time - the Dell XPS Desktop is an excellent choice. The desktop’s fans became audible when running PC games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Dirt 5 - not to the point where it was completely obnoxious, but distracting enough to make me reach for my noise-canceling headphones. The larger, more thermally-efficient design allowed the XPS Desktop to stay relatively quiet during everyday multitasking, but Dell’s PC can still get loud under a heavy load. Those upgrades can quickly balloon the XPS Desktop’s price to the high $3,000s, but that’s largely in line with what you’ll pay for similarly powerful PCs. Those who want even more power can configure the machine with up to a blazing Intel Core i9 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, as much as 2TB of hard drive or SSD storage and the top-of-the-line Nvidia RTX 3090 graphics card for hardcore 4K gaming or intensive content creation. It’s also worth noting that this impressive performance came from a $1,762 configuration of Dell’s desktop with relatively modest specs. Both of those numbers are well above the minimum 60 fps that we consider optimal for a great gaming experience, but the XPS Tower’s added graphics muscle makes it the better machine for playing games - and, in some cases, doing demanding visual work such as 3D rendering. The XPS Tower was able to run the realistic, cinematic action of Shadow of the Tomb Raider at an average of 143 frames per second (fps), which translates to incredibly smooth gaming and trounces the 88 fps we got from the Mac Studio. Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1080p, max settings)ĭell’s tower also doubles as a reliable gaming PC, thanks to a dedicated Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti graphics card that’s well-equipped to run modern games at 1080p with all the visual bells and whistles cranked up. Just note that there’s no Blu-ray option for those who want to play or transfer higher-end video content. While I don’t know many folks who still rely on physical discs these days, the XPS Desktop’s optional DVD-RW drive could be useful to music producers or video editors who want to have a hard backup of their work. ![]() ![]() The Dell XPS Desktop also comes loaded with a disc drive - yes, those still exist. Our review unit’s Nvidia GeForce 3060 Ti graphics card packs three DisplayPort connections as well as an HDMI port, giving you plenty of options for connecting to one or more screens. Once you do make your way behind the PC, you’ll find a standard selection of ports that includes two USB 3 Type-A ports, two USB 2 Type-A ports, a USB 3 Type-C, an Ethernet jack and a full suite of audio ports for your sound system. Dell’s desktop features three USB 3 Type-A ports, a USB 3 Type-C port, an SD card slot and a headset jack right up front, which allowed me to hook up a mouse, microphone, webcam and a charging cable for my phone without having to reach around to the back of the computer. Wondering if the XPS Desktop deserves a spot in your home office? Here’s what I think after spending a few days working and playing on it.Īs someone who’s constantly switching out accessories for both work and play, I appreciate a PC with lots of easily accessible ports, and the XPS Desktop delivers those in spades. This all adds up to a great desktop machine for content creators and PC gamers alike, though its bulky (and occasionally loud) design might not be a fit for everyone. More importantly, you’ll barely have to touch any tools to open it up, meaning even non-techie users will be able to upgrade it should they find themselves needing more storage, memory or graphics muscle. It can handle serious creative workloads and immersive 4K gaming, thanks to support for the latest Intel processors and Nvidia and AMD graphics cards. The newest Dell XPS Desktop, while not the sexiest or smallest computer, delivers big on these two benefits. ![]() Compared to a laptop, they can generally be outfitted with added power, and more crucially, can be upgraded with better components over time to keep up with your needs. Traditional desktop computers still have a lot of value these days, especially at a time when working from home is the norm for many. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account
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