A supremely powerful, upgradeable desktop tower that can handle it all without begging for your attention.
This review was made possible by a review unit provided by Dell.
The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.
In addition to the tower, the box contained a Wi-Fi antenna booster, a power cable, and a set up manual.
Just note that certain configurations are only available at specific stores.
It’s a powerful beast.
However, I could not find the exact configuration that I reviewed selling anywhere online.
What’s in the box?
This desktop comes in several different configurations.
It’s more than capable of handling everything you could throw at it, from gaming to creation.
This simple metal faceplate is one of the only signs of the Dell XPS Desktop’s high price tag.
The Platinum color even looks somewhat like a retro 90s casing I would have seen in my childhood.
But upon closer inspection, you realize the Dell XPS Desktop does exude quality at every turn.
Dell went for a minimalist design with the XPS Desktop.
There are large fans at the front and back of the XPS 8960.
The Dell XPS Desktop is svelte, professional, and surprisingly compact considering the power within.
The build quality is expectantly fantastic, with no glaring gaps or separations between the chassis panels.
And the Dell XPS Desktop is certainly properly cooled.
The Dell XPS 8960 CPU performance trounces that of the latest Razer Blade 18.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Once I did, there was no way I could mistake that sound for anything else.
These fans are loud, reaching a peak of 65.5 dB.
Fortunately, that just doesn’t seem to be the case.
In Cinebench R24’s CPU rendering test, the Dell XPS 8960 proved that it means business.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Two large, loud fans mean the Dell XPS Desktop stays cool and performant even during stress tests.
It’s a bit odd, but the numbers don’t lie.
Unsurprisingly, the places that get the hottest are the CPU and vent areas.
The Dell XPS Desktop performed amazingly in every gaming test we threw at it.(Image credit: Windows Central)
The fans may be obnoxiously loud at full speed, but it’s never for too long.
This was also something we noticed in the previous 2023 version of the XPS 8960.
Want to hook up multiple monitors?
CrossMark shows the Dell XPS Desktop means serious business.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Finally, there are noThunderbolt 4ports on the Dell XPS Desktop.
Of course, you could easily fix this by getting one of thebest Thunderbolt docks.
The side panel is easily removed, and no special tools are needed to get inside.
PCIe 4.0 is no joke, and the Dell XPS Desktop’s SSD performance proves that.(Image credit: Windows Central)
Things have been decently rearranged compared to the previous 2023 option.
These fans are big and loud when they’re needed.
The power supply is at the bottom, with the Dell XPS Desktop supporting up to 1,000W.
The Dell XPS 8960 transcoded a 4K version of Tears of Steel in the second fastest time of any computer we’ve tested.(Image credit: Windows Central)
The layout makes sense, and nothing is annoying to access.
Okay, that’s not shocking at all, actually.
The dreaded McAfee antivirus once again makes an appearance as a preinstalled app.
(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
There’s also the Dell Digital Delivery app to reinstall McAfee.
Finally, there’s MaxxAudioPro, which can help fine-tune any speakers you plug into the desktop.
Dell, you get a passing grade for the XPS Desktop software experience.
The CPU area peaked at 154 degrees F when performing a 20-minute CPU stress test.(Image credit: Windows Central)
There are still many excellent options for those who want a great PC already built for them.
Now, anyone who specifically wants a gaming desktop should take a look at myASUS ROG G22CH review.
This compact gaming desktop is available in several different configurations, including options with RTX 30-Series and 40-Series GPUs.
The outside of the Dell XPS 8960 peaked at 85 degrees F.(Image credit: Windows Central)
One piece of advice is to consider whether or not you need the latest and greatest hardware.
You could even stick with the predecessor to this tower PC, the Dell XPS Desktop (8950).
There’s a reason it has dominated our list of thebest desktop PCsfor so long.
The XPS 8960 offers plenty of helpful ports including a 7.1 audio 6-connector stack.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
In my testing, it offered solid performance for just about any task, including some gaming.
It sells for$1,979.99 at Best Buy.
Dell XPS Desktop (8960): Should you buy it?
(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
The Dell XPS Desktop (8960) is a phenomenal machine, full stop.
The Dell XPS Desktop accomplishes that with no complaints.
Just be prepared to pay the price to own it.
You can add more storage space with the second (unused) SSD slot.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
The RTX 4080 absolutely dominates the inside of the Dell XPS Desktop.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
There are two HDD slots near the top of the XPS 8960 if you want to add more storage.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
Make sure to follow the instructions and unlock the various parts when upgrading the desktop.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
The CPU-cooler certainly does the trick.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
You’ll need to use a screwdriver to unlock the side panel.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
Illustrated instructions on the side panel’s interior show to how properly remove various parts.(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
The XPS 8960 has a rather unassuming case.
If you’d rather not have a larger desktop PC, you might be interested in a more minimalistic All-in-One like the new OmniStudio X 31.5".
Gazing upon the Dell XPS 8960.
