Dell XPS 630 Desktop Computer (Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, 500GB HDD, 2GB)
We have a feeling that Dell is going to sell a lot of XPS 630 systemsThis new midrange desktop brings over many of the features we like about Dell's XPS 720, but in a more manageable sizeThe price starts at $1,249 at launch, and for that you get the sleek angled case, a well-organized interior, a quad-core CPU, and a fast 3D graphics cardBump the price to $1,619 and you get our review system, which includes a second graphics card for even better gaming powerCompared to other systems in its class, the XPS 630 did very well on our benchmarks, which sealed the deal for usThis system was built for strong gaming bang-for-the-buck, and Dell most definitely achieved that goal, making this system an Editors' Choice winner
The XPS 630 combines familiar characteristics of a few desktops we've reviewed recentlyLike the Gateway FX7020 and the Uberclok Ion, the XPS 630 is a sub-$2,000 gaming PC with a quad-core processor, respectable gaming capabilities, and a spacious 500GB hard driveVelocity Micro's ProMagix E2055 is also similar to this Dell system in price, although it has dual-core CPU with a faster clock speedWhen you compare the Velocity system with the XPS 630, it becomes apparent that the Dell is a more well-rounded PC, despite the fact that the Velocity has the edge in a few component categories
| Dell XPS 630 | Velocity Micro ProMagix E2055 | |
| Price | $1,619 | $1,499 |
| CPU | 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 | 3.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 |
| Memory | 2GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM | 3GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM |
| Graphics | (2) 512MB Nvidia GeForce 8800 GT | 256MB ATI Radeon HD 3850 |
| Hard drives | 500GB, 7,200 rpm | 500GB, 7,200 rpm |
| Optical drive | Dual-layer DVD burner | Dual-layer DVD burner, DVD-ROM drive |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Operating system | Windows Vista Home Premium | Windows Vista Home Premium |
The biggest differences between the two systems, configuration-wise, are in their processors and their graphics cards, although the memory matters alsoThe CPU difference is especially interesting, because it represents something of a philosophical gap in desktops right nowWould you rather have a faster dual-core CPU, which will give you lots of speed on most current applications, or would you prefer a slightly slower (although similarly priced) quad-core processor, to the benefit of the few multithreaded programs and games out there right now, and with the promise of more to come in the future? Dell will let you configure the XPS 630 with an array of Core 2 Duo CPUs shortly after launch, so if you like the idea of an XPS 630 with a dual-core chip, you'll have that option soonFor our money, even though the Velocity Micro desktop wins out on a few benchmarks, we'd still go quad-core, largely for the future-proofing aspect