The Dell XPS 8960 is the latest iteration in Dell’s XPS desktop lineup, now powered by Intel’s 13th Gen processors. Known for its blend of power, sleek design, and versatility, the Dell XPS 8960 is aimed at professionals, creatives, and gamers who demand top-tier performance. In this review, we will explore the design, performance, features, and overall value of the Dell XPS 8960 and see how it stands up to the competition.
In this Dell XPS 8960 Review, we’ll take a look at:
Design and Build Quality
The Dell XPS 8960 continues the tradition of premium design for which the XPS series is known. With a sleek and modern chassis, this desktop is as visually appealing as it is powerful.
Exterior Design
The Dell XPS 8960 features a minimalist design with clean lines and a matte black finish, making it an elegant addition to any workspace or home office. The front panel has a subtle brushed aluminum accent, giving the desktop a refined look. The compact size of the chassis is impressive, considering the powerful hardware housed within it, and the desktop is designed to fit comfortably under or on top of a desk.
Build Quality
Dell has built the XPS 8960 with durability in mind. The sturdy construction ensures that the desktop can handle the rigors of daily use while maintaining a high-end feel. The materials used are of premium quality, focusing on durability and heat management. The side panels are easy to remove, providing quick access to internal components for upgrades or maintenance.
Port and Connectivity Options
The Dell XPS 8960 is equipped with a wide range of connectivity options. The front panel includes several easily accessible ports, such as USB-C, USB-A, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The rear panel offers additional connectivity, including HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and more USB ports. The desktop also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 for fast and reliable wireless connections, ensuring you have all the options needed for peripherals, external storage, and networking.
Performance and 13th Gen Intel Processors
The Dell XPS 8960 is powered by Intel’s 13th Gen processors, which deliver significant performance improvements over previous generations. Whether you’re a creative professional, gamer, or power user, this desktop is built to handle the most demanding tasks easily.
Intel 13th Gen Processor Options
The Dell XPS 8960 has various processor options, from the Intel Core i5 to the high-performance Intel Core i9. The 13th Gen processors are based on Intel’s latest architecture, offering improved multi-threading performance, higher clock speeds, and better energy efficiency. This makes the XPS 8960 a powerhouse for multitasking, content creation, and gaming.
Graphics and Gaming Performance
For users who require robust graphics performance, the Dell XPS 8960 can be configured with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series GPUs. These graphics cards provide exceptional performance for 3D rendering, video editing, and AAA gaming at high settings. Combining the 13th Gen Intel CPU and the latest RTX GPUs ensures smooth frame rates, even in the most demanding games, and provides the power needed for creative applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and Blender.
Memory and Storage
The Dell XPS 8960 supports up to 128GB of DDR5 RAM, providing ample memory for even the most intensive applications. Whether running multiple virtual machines, working on large datasets, or editing high-resolution video, the XPS 8960 ensures you have the memory to keep everything running smoothly. The desktop also offers multiple storage options, including PCIe NVMe SSDs for fast boot times and quick access to your files. With up to 4TB of storage, you’ll have plenty of space for all your projects, games, and media.
Cooling and Thermal Management
High-performance desktops require effective cooling solutions, and the Dell XPS 8960 excels in this area. Dell has implemented an advanced thermal design that ensures the system remains cool and quiet, even under heavy workloads.
Airflow and Heat Management
The Dell XPS 8960 features a redesigned cooling system that optimizes airflow through the chassis. The desktop has multiple fans and strategically placed vents that direct heat away from critical components. This efficient airflow design helps maintain optimal temperatures, preventing thermal throttling and ensuring consistent performance during extended use.
Quiet Operation
Despite its powerful hardware, the Dell XPS 8960 operates quietly thanks to its effective cooling system. The fans are intelligently controlled to ramp up only when needed, keeping noise levels low during everyday tasks. Even when pushing the system to its limits, the noise remains unobtrusive, making it suitable for use in quiet environments like home offices or creative studios.
User Experience and Expandability
The Dell XPS 8960 is designed with user convenience and expandability in mind, making it easy to upgrade and customize as your needs evolve.
Easy Upgrades
The XPS 8960 features a tool-less design, allowing you to access the chassis’s interior easily. Whether you need to add more RAM, upgrade the GPU, or install additional storage, the process is straightforward and user-friendly. The desktop also includes plenty of expansion slots for future upgrades, ensuring your system can grow with your needs.
Software and Customization
The Dell XPS 8960 comes pre-installed with Windows 11, providing a modern and intuitive user experience. Dell’s included software suite, including Dell Optimizer, helps enhance system performance by intelligently adjusting settings based on your usage patterns. This software also provides tools for managing power settings, optimizing battery life, and improving overall system efficiency.
Value for Money
The Dell XPS 8960 is a premium desktop, but it offers excellent value for users who require top-tier performance and reliability. With its powerful hardware, sleek design, and expandability, the XPS 8960 is a long-term investment that can handle the demands of creative professionals, gamers, and power users alike.
Competitor Comparison
Compared to other high-end desktops, such as the HP Omen 45L and the Apple Mac Studio, the Dell XPS 8960 stands out for its performance, design, and expandability combination. While the HP Omen 45L offers strong gaming performance, it lacks the refined design and professional appeal of the XPS 8960. The Apple Mac Studio, on the other hand, excels in creative applications but comes with a significantly higher price tag and less flexibility in terms of upgrades.
Long-Term Reliability
Dell’s XPS series is known for its durability and reliability, and the XPS 8960 is no exception. With high-quality components, robust build quality, and excellent thermal management, this desktop is built to last. Dell also offers comprehensive support options, including extended warranties and on-site service, ensuring your investment is protected.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful 13th Gen Intel processors for exceptional performance.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series GPUs for top-tier gaming and creative work.
- Premium design with a sleek and compact chassis.
- Excellent cooling and quiet operation even under heavy workloads.
- Tool-less design for easy upgrades and customization.
- Wide range of connectivity options with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2.
Cons
- Premium price point may be prohibitive for some users.
- Limited color options for those seeking customization.
- Not as portable as smaller form-factor desktops or laptops.
Conclusion
The Dell XPS 8960 is a powerhouse desktop that delivers on all fronts, offering top-tier performance, a sleek design, and excellent expandability. Whether you’re a creative professional, a gamer, or someone who needs a reliable system for demanding tasks, the XPS 8960 is a versatile machine that can handle everything. While it comes with a premium price tag, cutting-edge hardware, thoughtful design, and long-term reliability make it a worthwhile investment for those who need the best.
Summary of Dell XPS 8960 Features
Feature | Description |
Processor Options | Intel 13th Gen Core i5, i7, and i9 processors |
Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series GPUs for gaming and creative work |
Memory | Up to 128GB DDR5 RAM |
Storage | PCIe NVMe SSDs up to 4TB |
Cooling System | Advanced thermal design with efficient airflow and quiet operation |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and more |
Operating System | Windows 11 |
Best For | Creative professionals, gamers, power users |
Dell XPS 8960 FAQ
What processor is included in the Dell XPS 8960 Desktop?
The Dell XPS 8960 Desktop features a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, providing high performance for every day and demanding tasks.
How much memory does the Dell XPS 8960 Desktop have?
This desktop comes with 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient handling of memory-intensive applications.
What kind of graphics card is equipped in the Dell XPS 8960 Desktop?
It has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, making it suitable for high-end gaming, video editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks.