Dell XPS 15/17 Refresh gets Sandy Bridge and 3D Vision

Dell has just released new versions of their XPS 15 and XPS 17 laptops while apparently phasing out the 14-inch model. From a gamer’s perspective, the new XPS machines offer a number of welcome upgrades – particularly the 17-inch variant.  For example, the XPS 17 can be equipped with a capable upper mid-range Nvidia GeForce GT555M with a full 3GB of graphics memory. This one should (theoretically) be able to deliver at least 10,000 points in 3DMark 06 and play all the latest titles without breaking much sweat.

The 3GB graphics card comes in handy for the optional Nvidia 3D Vision kit (coupled witha mandatory 1080p Full HD, 3D-capable display). Another positive surprise is that the XPS 17 starts at just $899, or $1,099 with the 3D kit. That is quite an attractive price point considering its hardware.

The XPS 15 is not quite as powerful in terms of graphics horsepower, and there’s no 3D Vision kit available. It can be equipped with either a GeForce GT525M or a GT540M – both with 96 shaders, DX11 capability and a 128-bit memory bus, but the GT540 has higher clocks and more memory (2GB instead of 1GB). Both of these GPUs are perfectly fine for gaming, although not necessarily with all the detail settings on high. The XPS 15 starts at $1,049 and is available with 1080p displays and a wide range of other optional upgrades.

Another important change is of course that these laptops are equipped with the latest Sandy Bridge platform form Intel, which is now back on track after its major setback a few weeks ago (although it has not been re-introduced to Dell’s Alienware line yet). The new processors deliver several improvements, including better performance, improved Turbo Boost functionality and an integrated graphics core that takes over to save power when the dedicated GPU is not in use.

The preliminary ship date for both of the new XPS laptops is 16 March.

Jesper Berg
Jesper Berg

Gaming hardware enthusiast since the 80286 era.

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