Studio XPS 8000/9000?

[robs10]

I guess you could consider me due for a new computer. My 9 year old Dell Dimension 4100 with a PIII and 512 of RAM is not cutting it anymore. I'm ready to upgrade my experience now that Windows 7 is out. I considered an iMac but feel an AIO is not for me, not to mention not a great value.

I am not a gamer, but might try some NASCAR types with my son down the road. The primary load on the system will be photo editing and drawing on a Wacom tablet. I will also want to finally edit a pile of home movies on those mini digital tapes that I really couldn't do on my old Dimension. I would also like to be able to watch the occasional TV show or movie, so multi media capabilities should be good.

I checked out the Studio XPS 8000/9000 and wondered what folks who have them think of them for graphics. Does the video card selection/PS combo make a good PC for my uses, and which video card?
Thanks!

[aquaracer13]

I do not have either computer but was considering the same choices as well. The main things that you should use in making your choice are the type of processor and type of video card. The XPS 9000 uses the i7 processors, so if you get one with the highest end processor and the nVidia GTX260, you'll have more than enough power for everything you need. I believe they come with a 475 W PSU. However, it could get hotter, so the fan noise could be louder.

The XPS 8000 uses the newest Lynnfield processors, which are more efficient and less power hungry than the ones offered in the XPS 9000, but are still pretty fast. You could build it with the same GTX260 card in, but the PSU is only 350 watts. Little less power, but more efficient and quieter. That said, it could still serve your needs.

I'm leaning towards the XPS 9000 myself. I always like nVidia graphcis cards over ATI, but for speed, Dell won't offer anything higher than the nVidia GTX260 since it would take too much power that the PSU offered in either one couldn't probably supply under load.