If you're thinking about the Dell XPS 8960 Desktop for gaming, it generally does a solid job. But, let's get into the details. According to the manufacturer's product description, this desktop is designed to be easy to upgrade.
It has three PCI Express slots (one PCI Express x16 and two x4), so you can add extra graphics or sound cards, and it also features two M.2 slots for faster SSDs. There are up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM supported by the two memory slots, which should be more than enough for most gaming setups. Plus, it comes with two 3.5-inch bays in the top panel for additional storage, making it pretty straightforward to expand your space for games and data.
On the flip side, our research shows some limitations. The motherboard and power supply are proprietary, meaning they're not easily replaceable or upgradeable. This might be a concern if you plan to do a lot of future modifications.
Some users have pointed out that upgrading the GPU can be a bit tricky due to a large bracket that secures the GPU to the chassis. One user even mentioned that the proprietary components usually require Dell OEM parts, which could limit your options.
On a brighter note, the performance right out of the box is pretty impressive. The base models come with Intel's latest processors and either NVIDIA or AMD GPUs, so you should be able to run most modern games at high settings without much trouble.
The DDR5 RAM helps with quick multitasking and responsive gameplay, and the M.2 SSD options mean fast load times for your games and apps. However, the proprietary nature of some of the parts and the challenging process for GPU upgrades are things to keep in mind.
If future-proofing is important to you, these factors could be potential drawbacks.
In summary, the Dell XPS 8960 gives you good gaming performance and is easy to upgrade in terms of RAM and storage. But think about the limitations with proprietary components and the complexity of certain upgrades, especially the GPU and power supply.
It's a strong and versatile desktop, but weighing these aspects against your future needs will help you decide if it's the right fit for you.
