Dell XPS Desktop (8960) assessment: An RTX 40-Collection beast masquerading in a retro-looking case
It is typically the case that the extra highly effective a desktop PC is, the flashier its “gamer” design. Not everybody who wants a monstrous tower is a gamer, nonetheless, and never all players want the colourful aesthetic synonymous with the passion. Dell’s flagship desktop PC goals to cater to each teams with a modern and compact chassis that occurs to be filled with among the strongest internals you will get in a pc as we speak.
The Dell XPS Desktop (8960) is a monster in disguise; I spent a couple of weeks with it as my major pc to determine if it is well worth the lofty price ticket connected to it. Fortuitously, Dell hasn’t skimped on something, with the XPS Desktop delivering best-in-class efficiency, respectable thermal administration, and sufficient configuration choices when shopping for, with improve potential after supply to appease even probably the most hardcore PC fans.
This assessment was made doable by a assessment unit supplied by Dell. The corporate didn’t see the contents of the assessment earlier than publishing.
Dell XPS Desktop (8960): Pricing and availability
The Dell XPS Desktop (8960) is a premium tower PC by means of and thru, so count on a excessive price ticket to accompany its high-end elements.
Dell XPS 8960 specs
Beginning value: $1,549.99 at Dell
OS: Home windows 11 House (reveiwed at) | Professional
CPU: 14th Gen Intel Core i5-14600 | i7-14700 | i7-14700K (reviewed at) | i9-14900 | i9-14900K
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 | RTX 3060 | RTX 4060 | RTX 4060 Ti | RTX 4070 | RTX 4070 SUPER | RTX 4070 Ti | RTX 4080 | RTX 4080 SUPER (reviewed at) | RTX 4090 | AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX
RAM: 8GB | 16GB | 32GB (reviewed at) | 64GB DDR5-5600
Storage: 512GB | 1TB (reviewed at) | 2TB SSD | 4TB SSD
Community: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
Ports: 1x HMDI, 4x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 w/ Energy Share, 1x USB-C Gen 2 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 w/ PowerShare, 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2x USB-A 2.0, 1x 7.1 audio 6-connector stack, 1x SD card reader, 1x RJ45, 1x headphone jack, 1x Kensington Lock
Measurement: 37.29 (H) x 17.30 (W) x 42.67cm (D) (14.68 (H) x 6.81 (W) x 16.8in (D))
Beginning weight: 8.92kg (19lbs)
Being a Dell pc, it is out there everywhere in the world and might be buy straight from Dell, Amazon, Greatest Purchase, and different main tech retailers. Simply notice that sure configurations are solely out there at particular shops.
Dell’s flagship desktop begins at $1,549.99, which nets you a 14th Gen Core i7, an RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. When you max out each choice, you’ll be able to shortly elevate the Dell XPS Desktop to a hefty $3,329.99, however you are clearly getting a much more succesful PC with extra energy, reminiscence, storage, and options.
The XPS 8960 I particularly examined incorporates a 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700K processor with built-in Intel UHD Graphics, a discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD. It is a highly effective beast.
If you buy straight from Dell, you’ll be able to customise precisely what you need within the desktop. Nevertheless, I couldn’t discover the precise configuration that I reviewed promoting wherever on-line. The closest factor I discovered was this configuration, which had every little thing proper aside from having the decrease tier RTX 4080 GPU relatively than the RTX 4080 SUPER — it sells for $2,388.14 at Amazon.
What’s within the field? — You get the Dell XPS Desktop (8960), a chunky energy cable, a guide, and an antenna to spice up Wi-Fi. If you wish to pay further, you may as well embrace Dell’s entry-level wired keyboard and mouse. You could be higher off going with among the best PC keyboards or finest PC mice alongside your new PC, because the non-compulsory keyboard merely doesn’t do the Dell XPS Desktop justice.
This desktop is available in a number of totally different configurations.
Our advisable Dell XPS Desktop (8960) configuration:
Dell XPS Desktop (8960): Design and construct high quality
Let’s get this out of the way in which: the Dell XPS Desktop doesn’t appear to be you’d count on it to, contemplating the ability it is hiding inside its simplistic chassis. At first look, this tower PC could resemble the numerous, disposable Dell desktops that occupy each workplace constructing and faculty (and have helped Dell grow to be one of many largest PC producers). The Platinum colour even seems considerably like a retro 90s casing I might have seen in my childhood. However upon nearer inspection, you understand the Dell XPS Desktop does exude high quality at each flip.
Dell went for a minimalist design with the XPS Desktop. This strategy will undoubtedly attraction to numerous individuals who aren’t followers of the “gamer” aesthetic that dominates the highly effective PC sector. The brand new technology incorporates a very comparable design to the earlier model, with mild updates to make the chassis even cleaner.
The Dell XPS Desktop is svelte, skilled, and surprisingly compact contemplating the ability inside.
The Dell XPS Desktop (8960) employs a easy, largely steel chassis (with some plastic), fantastically lined ports and vents, and a tastefully adorned “XPS” emblem. It seems nice, albeit understated, and I by no means as soon as fearful this desktop would not final for years to come back. The construct high quality is expectantly unbelievable, with no evident gaps or separations between the chassis panels. The Dell XPS Desktop’s ft additionally do a tremendous job of gripping onto surfaces, making certain there is not any sliding round in your desk.
Dell could not totally keep away from the lights of a gaming PC, although; granted, you would be forgiven should you missed it. Tucked away behind the PC’s aspect vent is the “GeForce RTX” emblem of the highly effective GPU glowing with knowledgeable white gentle. Total, Dell did a terrific job designing and establishing this pc — it is svelte, skilled, and surprisingly extra compact than my custom-built PC (operating far inferior {hardware}).
Dell XPS Desktop (8960): Efficiency and thermals
As anticipated, the Dell XPS Desktop is an absolute powerhouse. Regardless of its simplistic outer shell, the XPS Desktop is filled with probably the most highly effective {hardware} from Intel and NVIDIA. I did not get probably the most potent configuration from Dell (outfitted with a Core i9 and an RTX 4090), but the XPS Desktop nonetheless excelled at each benchmark and scored among the many finest that Home windows Central has ever examined.
A speedy PCIe 4.0 SSD meant very respectable learn and write speeds of seven,131MB/s and 6,482MB/s, respectively, placing the XPS Desktop proper in keeping with the perfect. Efficiency-wise, the Dell XPS Desktop (8960) impressed at each flip, with its 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700K typically trouncing thirteenth Gen Core i9s in benchmarks like Geekbench 6 and Cinebench. Talking of Geekbench 6, the Dell XPS Desktop earned a single-core rating of two,828, a multi-core rating of 18,507, and a GPU (OpenCL) rating of 252,123 — all of which aren’t solely increased scores than the 2023 XPS 8960 earned however the highest scores we have seen but in these assessments.
In each take a look at I threw at it, the XPS Desktop was solely crushed by the likes of the Razer Blade 18 (with a 14th Gen Core i9 and a cellular RTX 4090) and a handful of over-the-top {custom} PCs. Even the Razer Blade 18 could not sustain with the XPS Desktop when it got here to 3DMark’s Time Spy benchmark, with the superior thermal efficiency of Dell’s desktop doubtless permitting its technically inferior Core i7 and desktop-grade 4080 SUPER to drag forward of the Core i9 and cellular 4090 in Razer’s flagship gaming laptop computer. The XPS Desktop additionally trounced the Razer Blade 18 in Geekbench 6’s GPU take a look at, proving that the correctly cooled 4080 SUPER within the desktop PC presents a a lot better expertise than the cellular 4090.
Picture 1 of 6
And the Dell XPS Desktop is definitely correctly cooled. I will be frank: I needed to attempt to get this desktop’s followers to spin up noticeably. More often than not, Dell’s flagship tower PC is so silent that you could barely hear it operating in any respect, even when gaming or operating some benchmarks. It wasn’t till I started operating extra intense benchmarks like 3DMark and stress testing the CPU with Cinebench that I may get the XPS Desktop followers to show up correctly. As soon as I did, there was no manner I may mistake that sound for anything. These followers are loud, reaching a peak of 65.5 dB. Nonetheless, even when pushing the pc to its utmost limits, the followers by no means spun up at max velocity for greater than a minute or so at a time, so the noise by no means lasted lengthy.
At first, I used to be involved that Dell was prioritizing silence over thermal efficiency an excessive amount of, which can result in undesirable throttling throughout prolonged gaming periods or different duties. Fortuitously, that simply does not appear to be the case. The CPU’s liquid cooling mixed with the 2 huge followers’ quiet airflow appears to do the trick generally, with max fan velocity quickly holding the pc cool throughout high-performance duties.
Picture 1 of 3
Two giant, loud followers imply the Dell XPS Desktop stays cool and performant even throughout stress assessments.
It’s kind of odd, however the numbers do not lie. I ran Cinebench R24’s CPU stress take a look at for 20 minutes, and the Dell XPS Desktop maintained a cool ~65-68 levels Celsius (150-154 levels Fahrenheit). Unsurprisingly, the locations that get the most well liked are the CPU and vent areas.
I have been utilizing the Dell XPS Desktop (8960) as my private work and gaming pc for almost two weeks, and it has by no means let me down performance-wise. The followers could also be obnoxiously loud at full velocity, but it surely’s by no means for too lengthy. The one real concern I ever had was that, at some factors throughout my benchmarking and stress testing, I may hear a rattling noise from throughout the Dell XPS Desktop, often proper earlier than or proper after the followers spun up. This was additionally one thing we observed within the earlier 2023 model of the XPS 8960. It does not appear to have an effect on something and at all times goes away as shortly as I discover it, however it’s undoubtedly nonetheless there.
Dell XPS Desktop (8960): Ports
Picture 1 of 2
As anticipated for a contemporary, high-end tower PC, the Dell XPS Desktop is mainly dripping with ports. There are many choices on the entrance and rear of the PC, with a mixed 7 USB Sort-A and a couple of USB Sort-C ports, in addition to a devoted SD card slot and a mixture headphone/mic 3.5mm port. Wish to hook up a number of displays? There are 3 DisplayPort 1.4 and 1 HDMI 2.1 port simply on the GPU, and a fourth DisplayPort 1.4 separate from the GPU.
If I needed to complain, although, it is that the USB ports on the again really feel ever so barely too shut to one another, making it troublesome to entry particular person cables and operating the danger that one thing may not match. I additionally want one of many USB Sort-A ports on the entrance was on the again as an alternative, as my setup makes use of 5 (two for my headphone stand/port hub, two for my keyboard, and one for my mouse). That is a private request, in fact, however I doubt I am the one one; two USB Sort-A ports and a USB Sort-C port really feel like lots to have on the entrance of the PC.
Lastly, there are not any Thunderbolt 4 ports on the Dell XPS Desktop. That is not more likely to trouble many, as having Thunderbolt would doubtless imply sacrificing different ports, and a lot of the makes use of for Thunderbolt are to complement laptops and compact computer systems with the capabilities desktop PCs have already got, like devoted GPUs and further ports. After all, you may simply repair this by getting among the best Thunderbolt 4 hubs.
Dell XPS Desktop (8960): Upgradeability
Picture 1 of 7
Many pre-built desktop PCs aren’t designed with future upgradeability in thoughts, which might restrict the pc’s longevity. It is one purpose why many select to construct their very own PCs, however Dell did a good job making certain the Dell XPS Desktop is definitely accessible and upgradeable. The aspect panel is definitely eliminated, and no particular instruments are wanted to get inside. The Dell XPS Desktop does come outfitted with a Kensington Lock, although, so it’s possible you’ll have to loosen the screw on that earlier than you will get inside.
Issues have been decently rearranged in comparison with the earlier 2023 choice. As soon as in, you will discover two huge followers (one pulling cool air straight onto the GPU and one other pushing the recent air out of the again of the gadget) and — no less than in present configurations — a liquid cooling system or an Superior CPU air cooling system for the Intel CPU. Solely two followers could concern some potential patrons, however as I famous within the efficiency part, this desktop does not wrestle to maintain its elements cool. These followers are large and loud once they’re wanted.
Close to the highest, you will discover two HDD slots, and there are additionally two SSD slots (one used, one out there in my case) between the RAM slots and the Wi-Fi card to your storage wants. The facility provide is on the backside, with the Dell XPS Desktop supporting as much as 1,000W. The format is sensible, and nothing is annoying to entry. Better of all, there are illustrated directions on the inside panel explaining the right way to accurately take away totally different components should you do need to improve something.
Dell XPS Desktop (8960): Software program expertise
In a ‘surprising’ improvement, the Dell XPS Desktop (8960) runs… the 64-bit model of Home windows 11. Okay, that is not surprising in any respect, truly. Home windows 11 runs very nicely on the Dell XPS Desktop (because it ought to, contemplating this {hardware}), and every little thing is working because it ought to.
The dreaded McAfee antivirus as soon as once more makes an look as a preinstalled app.
Other than that, Dell does bake in numerous totally different apps and packages onto the XPS Desktop, together with (sadly) McAfee Antivirus and Net Advisor. There’s additionally the Dell Digital Supply app to reinstall McAfee. Different Dell apps like MyDell, and SupportAssist are additionally onboard, in addition to commonplace Intel apps like Command Heart. Lastly, there’s MaxxAudioPro, which may help fine-tune any audio system you plug into the desktop.
None of that is too egregious, and most (if not all) might be uninstalled must you want to liberate some house. A few of them are helpful, like SupportAssist and Dell Replace, which may help maintain you up to date with all the most recent drivers. Dell, you get a passing grade for the XPS Desktop software program expertise.
Dell XPS Desktop (8960): Competitors
You may at all times select to construct your personal PC, which may prevent cash and allow you to customise completely every little thing about your tower, however this is not affordable for everybody. There are nonetheless many wonderful choices for many who need a terrific PC already constructed for them. The very best pre-built gaming PCs are a terrific place to start out, as many will supply the identical deal with efficiency because the Dell XPS Desktop (8960).
Now, anybody who particularly desires a gaming desktop ought to check out my ASUS ROG G22CH assessment. This compact gaming desktop is out there in a number of totally different configurations, together with choices with RTX 30-Collection and 40-Collection GPUs. You will discover one with an Intel Core i7-14700F, RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD promoting for $1,364.47 at Amazon.
One piece of recommendation is to think about whether or not or not you want the most recent and best {hardware}. A part of why the Dell XPS Desktop reviewed right here is so costly is as a result of it makes use of the latest 14th Gen Intel CPUs and NVIDIA RTX 40-Collection GPUs. It can save you your self lots of of {dollars} by shopping for a nonetheless very succesful PC operating last-generation {hardware}. The HP Omen 45L is a unbelievable place to start out, with a stable (extra gamer-fied) design and countless configuration choices.
You can even stick to the predecessor to this tower PC, the Dell XPS Desktop (8950). With an almost equivalent, minimal chassis design and extra choices for lower-end configurations, the older Dell XPS Desktop continues to be an superior alternative. There is a purpose it has dominated our checklist of the perfect desktop PCs for thus lengthy. Positive, the newer 8960 will virtually definitely usurp it, however the thirteenth Gen Intel CPUs and NVIDIA RTX 40-Collection GPUs contained in the 8950 are nonetheless extremely succesful (and it saves you cash).
After all, in order for you a strong pc however do not need to need to buy all the separate components, then you definately could be considering an all-in-one (AIO) PC. I just lately did our HP OmniStudio X 31.5″ AIO assessment, and I discovered this to be a unbelievable pc that gives every little thing you want. The configuration I reviewed options an Intel Core Extremely 7 155H AI processor together with an RTX 4050 GPU, 32GB DDR5, and 1TB SSD. In my testing, it supplied stable efficiency for nearly any process, together with some gaming. It sells for $1,979.99 at Greatest Purchase.
Dell XPS Desktop (8960): Do you have to purchase it?
✅ You can purchase the Dell XPS Desktop (8960) if …
- You want a strong, premium desktop PC for artistic work, excessive productiveness, and gaming
- You desire a easy, understated design that is nonetheless top quality
- You are prepared to pay a premium for a high-end, pre-built desktop with the most recent internals
❌ You shouldn’t purchase the Dell XPS Desktop (8960) if …
- You are searching for the very best worth
- You desire a flashy design with RGB lighting
- You desire a pure gaming PC filled with gaming-specific options
The Dell XPS Desktop (8960) is an outstanding machine, full cease. It excels at productiveness, creation, at gaming, and every little thing else you’ll be able to throw at it. There are extra spectacular computer systems in quite a lot of facets, particularly {hardware} design, however the XPS Desktop is not out to be the flashiest tower PC on the market — it is a software, albeit a really highly effective and costly one, and it is meant to do its job.
The Dell XPS Desktop accomplishes that with no complaints. Its demure design disguises the immense energy stashed inside, but it surely does not stop the pc from smashing benchmarks and dealing with prolonged gaming periods. After all, you will be paying a fairly penny for the privilege of getting this pc in your desk, so think about how essential design is to you and whether or not you really need all this energy (no less than till Dell releases new configurations with this chassis).
Dell’s flagship desktop PC is for many who want a pc that may do all of it however with out an overstated design. It is quiet (largely), modern, and capable of just about do all of it, because of the most recent internals from Intel and NVIDIA. Simply be ready to pay the worth to personal it.
