Dell's Core i7-powered XPS 730x reviewed: potent and pricey, like it should be

Whenever Intel (or AMD, for that matter) drops a wicked quick new chip, everyone knows it ain't gonna be cheap. Critics over at Computer Shopper would like to remind you to keep that in mind as you scope out Dell's Core i7-powered XPS 730x, 'cause the thing sports a price tag that's rather absurd. Dollars and cents aside, the machine is about as powerful as one could hope, offering enough muscle to churn through the most demanding of games. The biggest issue these reviewers had was that many other capable Core i7 rigs could put up similar FPS numbers for substantially less dough, and in the end, it didn't find the flash in Dell's enclosure to be worth the surcharge. Granted, that didn't stop the beast from snagging an 8.1 out of 10 on the review scale, but that's probably assuming you've got the disposable income lying around and ready to burn.

[mark @ Nov 20th 2008 4:35AM]

Too fast to play Doom :(

[Karthik @ Nov 20th 2008 4:37AM]

If your so conscious about the dosh.. get the Studio XPS.. much more bang for the buck

[MarbleMind @ Nov 20th 2008 5:03AM]

Potent, pricey and pug-ugly.

[dra @ Nov 20th 2008 5:09AM]

I wonder how they chose 5GB for the RAM. I can't imagine they're able to run that memory in dual/triple channel

[Josh @ Nov 20th 2008 11:52AM]

it's not 5GB. you can choose either 3GB or 6GB of triple-channel DDR3

[Tom @ Nov 20th 2008 6:08AM]

Yes, $3,800 is way too much for this PC, especially when you can get the Studio XPS Desktop with the same i7 processor, 4GB RAM AND a 23" LCD for just $999 at Dell. Here's the link to this deal: http://www.techdealdigger.com/deals/dell-studio-xps-999-at-dell-home--home-office/5059

[Jon @ Nov 20th 2008 7:55AM]

Deal dint work .. Boo

[Raptor777 @ Nov 20th 2008 4:21PM]

Ditto Expired link and You call that a gaming rig? Crysis on HD3450 = FAIL

[uranutan3 @ Nov 20th 2008 6:39AM]

Gaming prebuilts are for kids with rich parents.

[Jon @ Nov 20th 2008 7:42AM]

Wow !! a dell post and so far there has been no " I can build thing thing myself on newegg for 250 bucks " I think its a record

[Mobius_1 @ Nov 20th 2008 8:01AM]

And no "can it play Crysis?"

Or maybe they are too busy commenting on the Storm review to be reading this ;)

[Dubb @ Nov 20th 2008 9:38AM]

It most definitely could be built cheaper. Certainly not for $250, that's just ridiculous.

[anonomous @ Nov 20th 2008 10:16AM]

i have a XPS 730 with a qx9770. its awesome, i can run crysis at very high @ 1680x1050 and its totally silent.

I can also put the fans and liquid cooling system on full blast while the processor runs @ 4.4Ghz yet stay below 70 degrees C
If ANY part in the 730 fails within the next 3 years, dell replaces it for FREE. i.e. if the processor blows, they install another one within a week.

you don't apecciate it until you own one. OEM gaming PCs are soooooo under rated.

[Rob @ Nov 20th 2008 12:18PM]

Sheeeeettttt Mannnn.... I can build one of those for about $250 off NewEgg !!!!!

[Greyone @ Nov 20th 2008 2:29PM]

why does everyone think that when you build your own, there is no warranty ? It's just that there is a warranty on each part, instead of one from the manufacturer.

[silverblackvoid @ Nov 21st 2008 12:34AM]

that case looks fuckin sweet:)