Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Dell Inspiron E530s Slimline Desktop PC

The Bottom Line
Dell's Inspiron E530s slimline design helps reduce the overall size of the system but it retains much of the performance and features of its full sized version. This is a great low cost system for those looking to save a little desktop space but dont want to sacrifice performance.

Pros

* Full Desktop Components
* Relatively Low Cost
* Includes LCD Monitor

Cons

* Half-Height Card Slots Limit Expansion Possibilities
* Lacks FireWire Port

Description

* Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 Dual Core Desktop Processor
* 1GB PC2-5300 DDR2 Memory
* 320GB 7200rpm SATA Hard Drive
* 16x DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Burner
* Intel GMA X3100 Integrated Graphics
* Dell SE198WFP 19" LCD Monitor
* 10/100 Ethernet
* Six USB 2.0 Ports
* 14.2" x 17.1" x 3.9"
* Vista Home Premium, Works 8

Guide Review - Dell Inspiron E530s Slimline Desktop PC

9/25/07 – Dell's Inspiron E530s is a slimmed down version of their standard E530 desktop computer system. Its slender case design helps reduce the size of the overall system, but retains all the desktop components found in its full sized version.

Powering the Inspiron E530s is the Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor lineup. The base configuration includes the budget oriented E4400 that still performs quite well. It is matched up with one gigabyte of PC2-5300 DDR2 memory. This is sufficient for Windows Vista to operate, but users are recommended to upgrade to two full gigabytes.

Storage is quite strong with the Inspiron E530s. The larger slimline case has an advantage in the amount of space it can have for drives. This means it contains a full size dual-layer desktop DVD burner. It also can handle multiple desktop hard drives. Dell packs in a standard 320GB 7200rpm hard drive that is sufficient for most applications and has options for upgrades for those needing more.

Graphics wise, the Inspiron E530s uses the new Intel GMA X3100 integrated graphics. While its 3D performance is still quite low, it does feature improved support for items such as streaming video that make it a good choice. There is a PCI-Express x16 graphics slot in the computer, but its half-height design severely limits the options of graphics cards that can be installed. Don't expect to get any high-end PC graphics cards that can fit in the slot.

Included with most Dell systems is their great lineup of LCD monitors. In the case of the Inspiron E530s, it comes with a 19” SE198WFP widescreen display. The best part however is the price for this package that is significantly lower than many comparable small desktop systems.

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