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Dell Dimension XPS B1000r
March 14, 2000
The Dell Dimension XPS B series, Dell Computer Corp.'s high-end desktop line, demonstrates the power behind the combination of fast Pentium III chips, the Intel 820 chip set, and fast system and graphics memory. The Dell Dimension XPS B1000r ($4,299 direct) is a peak performer.
The Dell Dimension XPS B1000r includes 128MB RDRAM, a faster kind of memory than the SDRAM found in most desktop systems, including the 1-GHz Athlon systems reviewed here. The B1000r has a Maxtor 40GB hard disk and gets an extra boost from a proprietary graphics card based on the nVidia GeForce 256 graphics chip set with 64MB DDR memory?twice that of any other system reviewed here.
Not surprisingly, all this adds up to a very high-performance system; the B1000r nearly made a clean sweep of our performance tests. On this high-performance foundation, Dell adds a DVD-ROM drive, a CD-RW drive, a Harmon Kardon 595 three-piece speaker system, and a high-quality, 19-inch Sony Trinitron monitor. The system also includes a 56K modem and a 10/100 Ethernet adapter.
In an age when sub-$1,000 PCs have grabbed a big slice of the overall market, PCs costing $4,000 and up will appeal only to a small segment of buyers. But if price is no object, the Dell Dimension XPS B1000r is your system hands-down.
Product: Dell Dimension XPS B1000r
Rating:
Direct price: $4,299 as tested
Configuration Tested: Pentium III/1000, 128MB RDRAM, Maxtor 54098U8 40GB hard disk, proprietary graphics card with 64MB DDR memory, 12X/32X DVD-ROM drive, 32X/8X/4X CD-RW drive, Harmon Kardon 595 speakers, and 19-inch Sony Trinitron P991 monitor |
