Dell Studio XPS 8000: Intel to the Core

Dell has ordered a whole fistful (it has Andre the Giant size fists) of Intel's new Core i7 and Core i5 CPUs and jammed them in a new addition to its desktop line-up, the Studio XPS 8000. Aside from the hot chips, the 8000 has a softer, friendlier chassis than many of Dell's pig-ugly past efforts.

The new Studio XPS 8000 case looks similar to the Studio XPS 435 system we reviewed a few weeks ago. We found that PC's rounded corners and gently curving lines one of Dell's better case designs, and we're delighted to see the same style extended to other systems in Dell's stable.

Perhaps more technically interesting than the case are the new CPU options available in these systems. Starting at £799 with the Core i5 750 processor, you also get a 320GB hard drive, 3GB of DDR3 1,066MHz RAM, a DVD burner, and a low-level ATI graphics card. Incidentally, if you were under the impression that Britain doesn't get ripped off as much these days, Dell's selling the same PC in the US with a 500GB hard drive and 4GB of RAM for $799 (£485) plus tax.

Its upgrade options include the new Core i7 chips and faster and better components all-round, including a GeForce GTS 240 card, an uncharacteristically robust gaming option for Dell's midrange line, and one that's capable of displaying games in 3D if you have a compatible monitor.

The Dell Studio XPS 8000 is on sale now direct from Dell.