Dell Dimension XPS D300

Dell Dimension XPS D300

The $2999 Dell Dimension XPS D300 is our number one power machine for the second month in a row, despite a stiff challenge from its near-twin, the $3199 Dimension XPS D333, which we also looked at this month. The two systems feature almost identical configurations, including second-generation DVD-ROM drives for playing all those multimedia titles due to hit stores this summer. The main difference is price. Although the D333 achieved a record-setting PC WorldBench score of 281--9 points higher than the D300's 272--it's a mere 4 percent faster. Since that's hardly worth a $200 premium, the D300 continues to enjoy center stage.

Another reason for the D300's continuing reign is its built-in Iomega Zip drive--an amenity that its 333-MHz sibling lacks. The 9.1GB hard disk is also the largest we've seen. The sharp 17-inch monitor provides ample viewing area but lacks sophisticated controls. The system comes with two Microsoft applications: Office 97 Small Business Edition and the Streets Plus mapping package. The 4MB STB Velocity 128 3D graphics card performed well in our 2D and 3D tests, and it supports Accelerated Graphics Port texturing features that some AGP cards don't. Creative Labs' Sound Blaster AWE64 board provides top-notch wavetable audio and MIDI playback, and gets a boost from the nifty Altec Lansing speaker-subwoofer set.

Upgrading the D300 takes some planning and isn't always as easy as we'd like. The case is hard to open, due to some difficult-to-grip tabs on its side-opening panel. A modem and sound card take up both ISA slots, leaving just two PCI slots free. And there's only one available memory socket, though it takes DIMMs, which you can add singly (unlike SIMMs, which have to be installed in pairs).

The company's support policies are strong; Parts are covered for three years and labor for one, and toll-free phone support is available around the clock.

SUMMARY

PRO: Outstanding performance and value CON: Limited expandability