Dell Dimension E521 review

Dell's Dimension E521 is the first Dell PC we've reviewed that uses an AMD processor, rather than an Intel chip.

Although not quite as fast as the Core 2 Duo E6300-based Evesham Solar XK, it was only a few points behind in our benchmarks. It's quick enough for all but the most demanding tasks.

Despite its power in Windows applications, this PC isn't suitable for gamers. The Radeon X1300 Pro graphics card managed only 15.4fps in our Doom 3 test and 10.5fps in our Call of Duty 2 benchmark. You'll have to lower the detail settings or replace the X1300 with a more powerful PCI Express graphics card for a smooth frame rate in the latest 3D games.

Like other Dimension series desktops, the E521 has a BTX-standard case. Although not totally silent, it is very quiet and we had to press our ear against the computer to hear anything louder than a low hum while it was running a processor-intensive video-encoding test. If you decide to fit a faster graphics card, you'll have to choose a model with a quiet cooling fan to maintain the peace and quiet.

If the 250GB hard disk isn't roomy enough for all your files, you're limited to adding only one more internal hard disk, as there's just one empty 3in drive bay. At least you won't have to fiddle with fitting screws: each disk clips into a mounting frame that is slid into the drive bay. There aren't any empty spaces for 5in drives, but the computer already has two optical drives, making it easy to copy discs. There's also a memory card reader.

Given that the E521 has Windows XP Media Center and a remote control, it's a bit of a shame that it doesn't come with a TV tuner. You can add one easily using one of the six USB2 ports, the empty PCI Express x1 slot or one of the two free PCI slots.

Although the graphics card has both DVI and D-sub ports, Dell's 19in 1,280x1,024 monitor can be connected using only D-sub. Images had a slight pinkish cast when we first connected it, but the auto-adjust feature corrected this. Both our greyscale and colour-transition tests were displayed remarkably smoothly. The base has little tilt and no height adjustment, however.

The monitor isn't widescreen so it's not ideal for watching movies, but it has a higher vertical resolution than a typical 1,440x900 widescreen 19in display and will suit those who regularly work on long text documents. If you use this computer to watch films, you'll appreciate the powerful bass of the 7.1 surround-sound Creative T7900 speakers.

Oddly, the Dimension comes with a wireless Logitech mouse but a Dell-branded USB keyboard. The mouse feels very comfortable and responsive, although its large size won't please those with small hands. The keyboard lacks feedback and feels spongy, but it does have a couple of handy USB1.1 ports and glow-in-the-dark media keys.

Unless you want to play games, the Dimension is a decent family PC that's quiet and performs well in Windows. If you aren't bothered by a little noise, though, Evesham's Solar XK is more attractive. It has fewer internal expansion options, but it's a bit quicker in Windows, has a dual digital TV tuner and costs significantly less.