Dell Brings Core i5 and i7 to Studio XPS Desktops

Dell's new XPS Studio 8000 and 9000 desktops feature Intel's latest Core i7 and Core i5 processors, a range of graphics options, and prices starting at $799.

Computer maker Dell has wasted no time getting out the door with new systems offering Intel’s latest desktop processors, announcing its new Studio XPS 8000 and 9000 models, available with either Intel Core i5 or the latest Intel Core i7 processor. The Studio XPS 9000 is a full-sized traditional PC tower, while the Studio XPS 8000 is more of a mini-tower design for the space conscious—or folks who don’t see themselves loading up with oodles of hard drives and PCI cards. The XPS Studio 9000 will debut as a replacement for the Studio XPS 435, and Dell is positioning both as high-end multimedia machines.

The XPS Studio 8000 is available with either Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors (both are quad-core) and either ATI or Nvidia graphics options (including the ATI HD 3450 and Nvidia’s GT220, GTS240, and GTX260 graphics cards). The Studio XPS 800 supports up to two internal hard drives (RAID configurations are supported), along with an eSATA port, a whopping 8 USB 2.0 ports (four in back, two in front, and two on top), gigabit Ethernet, a IEEE 1394 port, and a 19-in-1 media card reader. The unit also features a top-mounted power button, along with top-mounted mic and headset connectors: Dell’s product pictures might show the 8000 on a desktop, but the connector profile is clearly meant to be under a desk. Available options include a 6× Blu-ray burner and a 16× DVD±RW drive (there’s room for two optical drives) and a TV tuner.

The Studio XPS 8000 is available now at prices starting at $799.