Refurb Dell XPS Gen 4?

[Gooberlx2]

Anyone think the refurb Dell XPS Gen 4 (or higher end 8400s) from Dell outlet are worth it?

For example:

Dimension XPS Generation 4 (System Identifier EJAVV8GP)
Dimension XPS Generation 4 Desktop: Pentium 4 Processor 550 with HT Technology (3.40GHz, 800 FSB)
Microsoft Windows XP Home

System Price $1,699.00
Promotion Discount ($400.00)
Discounted Price $1,299.00

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home
Memory: 512 MB DDR2 NON-ECC SDRAM 533MHz (2 DIMM)
Floppy Drive: 1.44 MB Floppy Disk Drive
Hard Disk Drive: 160 GB EIDE SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
Video: 256MB Nvidia GeForce 6800 GTO Graphics Card
Sound Card: Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS (D) Card w/Dolby 5.1, IEEE 1394 capability
DVD Drive: 16x DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability

Not a bad price I think. I'm not so sure I could build much better for the money.

And here's a pretty loaded 8400

Dimension 8400 (System Identifier FXA55LEC)
Dimension 8400 Desktop: Pentium 4 Processor 540 with HT Technology (3.20GHz, 800 FSB, 1MB)
Microsoft Windows XP Home

System Price $1,734.00
Promotion Discount ($400.00)
Discounted Price $1,334.00

Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Home
Memory: 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM 400MHz (2 DIMMs)
Floppy Drive: No Floppy Drive
Hard Disk Drive1: 160 GB EIDE SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
Hard Disk Drive2: 160 GB EIDE SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
Video: 256MB Nvidia GeForce 6800 GTO Graphics Card
Modem: 56Kbps Data/Fax Modem
Sound Card: Sound Blaster Audigy 2 (D) Card w/Dolby 5.1, and IEEE 1394 capability
DVD Drive: 16X DVD ROM Drive + 16x DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability

Out of these two the 8400 seems like the much better buy...in anycase, I think I'm getting lazy and don't care to put in the work to build my own computer anymore. Anyone know how loud the XPS is? I'm thinking of using whatever system I get (whether I build or get a Dell) as a HTPC as well. Lastly, I've heard that the 6800GTOs are crippled. Any truth to this? Just how much worse would they perform?

 

[Gooberlx2]

No thoughts? I'm surprised. Maybe not enough people own XPSes. I suppose the upgradeability is there on these 8400s and XPSes....but by going socket 939 I could take advantage of dual core down the road.

hmmm....decisions decisions

 

[RaiderJ]

I think for a gaming machine (especially for $1000+), an Athlon64 is a must. Not sure how much 2GB of RAM for an A64 would run, but I think the rest of the components listed could be added in for that price or better.

I think the GTO card refers to a Dell OEM 6800 - 12 pipes instead of 16.

 

[BentValve]

Well this is Anandtech , a community of PC Geeks who generally build their own PCs so not many own a Dell.

That being said you can do alot better building your own then the configurations and prices you have listed.

 

[DJVIC]

Just bought a refurb. XPS for around $1065 Shipped with better options such as,
1GB of DDR2 and DVD-RW but regular 6800 though. In my opinion, it's a nice deal, and it came out at least $200 cheaper than just buying parts and build it your own.

Hope this helps on all future potential XPS owners,