How difficult is it to add your own components to a Dell XPS Gen4 Desktop?

[bgc99]

I've been considering building myself a new system, but Dell looks to have a pretty good deal on the XPS Gen4 right now. Adding things like a 2nd stick of memory and a DVD burner would be cheaper if you did it after the purchase though, so I'm wondering how hard it is to work inside that case if anyone knows.

Thanks,
BGC

 

[ShellGuy]

Shouln't be that hard in my mind. I have worked on Dell servers before and they were nice and roomy. So I would suspect their gameing desktops are the same nice and neat inside. If worse came to worse you could take out the PSU and such to get to the drive bays and mem slots.


Will g

 

[fbrdphreak]

Only thing I would worry about is non-standard mobo size or non-standard PSU size

 

[simms]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
Only thing I would worry about is non-standard mobo size or non-standard PSU size

Dell is NOTOURIOUS for this, so watch out.

 

[Trippytiger]

My friend has an older XPS (case looks the same, though) and it is so nice inside. I'm pretty sure the 5.25" bays are tool-less, and they swing out with door (awesome), so they're easily accessible, as is most of the motherboard. The memory slots are easy to get to, as well, though one of them is at a really sharp angle to avoid clearance issues with the drives. It's freaky, actually; looks like it's broken. The whole internal layout is really nice and well thought out, IMO.

I don't think the motherboard is exactly a standard ATX type, and the PSU is definitely not normal, but I can't imagine that it would be a problem for you if you're just looking to upgrade the memory and add a drive or two.

 

[katwomansz]

Just to let you all know. Dell continues its use of many proprietary parts.
You'll never see another power supply like that used in the Dell XPS.
Its a whole separate flat compartment in the bottom of the case with 2 fans blowing from front to back.

I was thinking of building my own after constantly upgrading my older computers.
But for the price of the parts Dell gives you a deal with their volume buys. Just beware of that their video and Audio cards may have the same name as retail boxed versions but often is missing features. In my case features I did not want or need, so Dell saved me $$ there.

 

[mdahc]

First of all, if you're going with Dell XPS, then I'd wait until they convert the chassis and PSU to BTX. They've already made the BTX move on their high-end and mid-range Dimension, Optiplex, and PowerEdge (uniprocessor) lines. So you'd logically expect them to transition the XPS line as well. Although I hate it because of the upgrade costs, BTX is the future of the Intel camp no matter how much resistance is put forth.

Secondly, if you're really into gaming, then the (socket 939) Athlon64 and SLI is really the way to go. For the amount of money they charge, you could build a killer SLI/SLI ready (or Radeon X850) rig, not to mention that your most important components (i.e. CPU, motherboard, PSU, graphics card, HDD) would already include a 3 yr. warranty whereas you'll have to pay more just for a 1 yr. Dell warranty.

Example:
Athlon64 Config
AMD Athlon64 3500+ (Venice core): 225.90 (ZZF)
Asus A8N-SLI Premium: 168.00 (ZZF)
Corsair VS1GBKIT400 (1GB CAS 2.5 DDR400): 90.50 (ZZF)
Leadtek Geforce 7800 GTX: 495.00 (ZZF)
Soundblaster Audigy2 ZS: 83.99 (ZZF)
Samsung SpinPoint P HD160JJ (160GB HDD w/SATA 3Gbps, NCQ): 108.95 (ZZF)
NEC ND-3540A dual layer DVD±RW: 47.25 (ZZF)
Antec P180 case: 132.95 (Techonweb)
OCZ Modstream 520W PSU: 94.00 (Monarchcomputer)
Logitech Internet Pro Keyboard & Optical Mouse Combo: 19.99 (ZZF)
Windows XP Home Edition OEM: 84.99 (ZZF)
Total: $1551.52

Dell XPS Gen5 Config as of 8/6/05
Intel Pentium4 640 (3.2GHz)
Dell motherboard w/Intel 955X chipset
1GB DDR2 533
ATI Radeon X850 XT PE
Soundblaster Audigy2 ZS
160GB SATA 150Mbps w/NCQ
dual layer DVD±RW
Dell proprietary case and proprietary 460W PSU
Dell USB keyboard and optical mouse
Windows XP Home Edition OEM
3 yr. std. warranty
Total: $1780.68 + $19 Handling Fee (WTF?) + tax

Even if you add a monitor, the DIY config stil comes out cheaper, and just like katwomansz states, the Dell PSU is proprietary. Thus, if you ever want to upgrade and need more power, you're SOL. Doesn't sound like much of a deal to me.