BIOS: Technology Means Business

Dell recently added to its Dimension desktop range with three new models. Here we take a look at the top-of-the-line Dimension 9150 (from £669), a mid-tower machine which combines a contemporary look with powerful technology. The Dimension 9150 isn’t the fastest kid on the block in terms of gaming performance, but it includes pretty much everything you need for general computing duties.

Designed for high-performance multimedia and gaming, the Alpine White-and-Arctic Silver tool-less system uses the latest Intel dual-core processors and provides massive storage, dual optical drives and single PCI Express x16 graphics solutions. Ideal for home and small businesses looking for a robust and good value workhorse, the Dimension 9150 is a good balance between cost-efficiency and technology.

Dell combines its patented QuietCase technology and Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) internal design specifications to deliver a quieter and cooler system compared to previous models, which should also help to improve the reliability of the product. However, you can still hear the whirring of the hard disk drives (HDDs) while the computer runs, and the optical drives are exceptionally noisy. A stylish cutaway behind the front fascia allows the internal fans to vent the Pentium D’s heat.

The Dimension 9150 delivers the latest processor and graphics technologies (although it doesn’t support SLI or CrossFire) including Intel dual-core Pentium D processors (ours came with a 3.0GHz Pentium D 830), choice of Windows XP operating systems (Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 pre-installed here), 1024MB of dual-channel DDR2 533MHz memory (expandable to 4GB) and nVidia’s top-of-the-range GeForce 7800GTX 256MB graphics card.

Our review model (£1501) also included two 160GB SATA hard disk drives (7200rpm) configured in RAID 0 (upgradeable to 1TB), analogue PCI TV tuner card with infrared remote control (perfect for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005), optical wired USB mouse and excellent USB multimedia keyboard. These features provide the ability to run advanced productivity, intense graphics and enhanced multimedia applications effortlessly.

The system also features an Intel 945P Express chipset with integrated Intel XD anti-virus protection, 16x dual-layer DVD+/-RW and 16x DVD-ROM drives, and a 13-in-1 flash card reader for transferring digital images, music, and video files between the PC, camera and PDA. Seven USB ports (two at the front) enable connection to external peripheral devices, and there’s also a built-in V.92 data/fax/voice modem, 10/100Base-TX Ethernet NIC, integrated 7.1 audio solution (optional Creative PCI sound cards are available), and Dell 5650 5.1 speaker set with subwoofer.

Unfortunately there’s no FireWire port, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, but at least the microphone and headphone jacks are located at the front of the unit. In fact, there’s not even a PS/2, parallel or serial port. Our review model also came with a Dell 20-inch UltraSharp widescreen LCD monitor (2005FPW), but if you already have a monitor you can save yourself around £245.

Dell’s Dimension 9150 is very fast and efficient in handling all kinds of tasks from video and photo-editing to gaming (3DMark06 Pro score of 4203). The CPU also performs quietly and remains cool, thanks to its excellent cooling system, and the mid-tower shouldn’t take up too much desk or floor space. The tool-less case is a snap to open and close, and Dell has kept the system’s internal nice and tidy.

You should note however, that although there are three PCI slots in total, only one slot is free to due to the TV tuner and modem cards. There’s no second PCI Express slot either, so you’ll have to undergo a full motherboard upgrade if you get a taste for extreme gaming, and both of the 5.25-inch drive bays are occupied.

The Dimension 9150 is Dell’s top-end desktop PC. Sporting a new colour scheme and the BTX case first seen with the Dimension 9100, the company’s flagship desktop delivers high-end performance, enhanced multimedia technologies and proactive support to help you more easily manage digital content and information.

Although powerful and value-packed, hardcore gamers should opt for the company’s Dimension XPS (from £1139) gaming system, which supports nVidia SLI-enabled graphics cards. The Dimension 9150 won’t wow you with looks or cutting-edge performance, but for a reasonable price you get a solid, easy-to-access media centre for all your music, photos, and videos. [8]

[Best Desktop PC Pricing UK]
[Best Desktop PC Pricing US]

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