ToddKS,

Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.

Click the links below to view the specs for each system.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dimxps/en/index.htm

 

Thanks, Jesse...
The XPS info seems to be a bit out dated, since it indicates it can only accept up to 3.2 GHz processors.

But, I am looking for, in layman's terms, why would I buy an XPS machine instead of an 8400? What's the drive to me, the consumer, to spend the extra money?
Sales chat is down right now (maybe all day to day for Prez's day).. So I thought someone out here already knew that the XPS's whatzits and widgets are better because..., so spend the extra moolah.

I did notice that is has a really spiffy-looking case that has a colored light on it, controlled by a switch in the BIOS...
Anything else?

Oh.. and that XPS document listed AGP 8x for the video.. the new ones use PCI x16, now, I think.

I believe the XPS can be configured with the 3.46 EE processor and the 8400 cannot.

So in terms of cost efficiency, the 8400 is probably the smarter buy.

If you absolutely need blazing performance (or just have the cash to get a machine that is more "unique"), then I guess the XPS is the way to go.

If you are willing to wait, the occasional 40% off coupon on discount sites can bring the XPS down to around 8400 prices. (I got my XPS4 for $1800 with a 30% off coupon and I am pretty pleased with it!)

One last thing, the XPS has a faster customer support line but since I haven't had to use it yet, I can't verify it. (Supposedly, they have an XPS only line so when you enter your express service code, you'll be routed to that department should you have a XPS express service code!)

I bought mine on special for $1274 shipped as shown below, less the Seagate 200GB drive and the display.  I couldn't believe the price and was thinking I'd get a dreaded "pricing error" e-mail from Dell.

One big plus in many people's opinion is the special XPS support line.  I called it once, got an immediate answer with no waiting, and it was answered in Nashville.  For what it's worth.

 

The XPS has the INTEL 925xe chip set that can support a 1066 front side bus speed. Which could help with future processor upgrades. Be warned that processor changes will void the warrently or so I have been told. Special service is an other selling point. It comes standard with the Audigy sound card. I believe that is possible might have better cooling and a more powerful power supply???

It does have a more powerful PSU to allow for future upgrades and I also believe the cooling is better. The downside is that the XPS case is massive compared to an 8400 case and some say it is louder (because of the extra fans). The size is a problem if you are considering the XPS for a dorm room but I have had no problems with the fan noise from the XPS. It sounds like any other computer to me!