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Dell Computer released two new Dimension desktop computers aimed at the computer gaming and video editing markets today.

Interested buyers of the Dimension 4550 and 8250 will be able to build their own systems using Intel's Pentium 4 processors at speeds of up to 2.8 GHz and graphics cards from ATI Technologies and NVidia.

High-end 3D games and video editing are two of the most processor-intensive applications for PCs, and those users typically look for as much processing power as they can afford, a Dell spokesperson says.

Memory Matters

The 4550 will use Intel's 845PE chip set, which Intel is also announcing today, says a Dell spokesperson. It supports faster memory--DDR333--than Intel's other 845 series chip sets, which support up to DDR266 memory, he says.

Both PCs are built from the same minitower chassis, with the 4550 offering six USB 2.0 ports, and the 8250 eight USB 2.0 ports.

A sample configuration of the 4550 with a 2.4-GHz Pentium 4 processor, 128MB of DDR synchronous dynamic RAM, a 20GB hard drive, and a CD-ROM drive will cost $869, Dell says in a statement. The 8250 costs $1379 for a sample configuration with a 2.66-GHz Pentium 4, 256MB of Rambus dynamic RAM, a 40GB hard drive, and a DVD-ROM drive.

Serious About Gaming

High-end gamers usually buy from lesser-known PC manufacturers that build systems specifically for graphics-intensive games, such as Alienware or Falcon Northwest Computer Systems. But Dell's build-to-order distribution system will appeal to gamers who like to add components beyond the needs of casual PC users while keeping costs down, says Stephen Baker, director of research at NPD Techworld in Reston, Virginia.

The two new PCs will replace Dell's existing Dimension 4500 and 8200 PCs, a Dell spokesperson says.

Wireless gamers will be able to purchase Dell's new TrueMobile wireless router and a companion wireless USB adapter. Both work with 802.11b networks, also known as Wi-Fi. The router is available for $129, and the adapter costs $69.

While its competitors struggle with a weak PC market, Dell continues to post strong results. The company, based in Round Rock, Texas, raised its guidance for its third-quarter revenue this week.