Entered CNET Catalog: 01/27/2007
SKU: DDCWBA3_7
Manufacturer: Dell, Inc.
Product summary
The good: Fast dual-core AMD CPU lends bang for the buck; Vista runs with no hitches; roomy 320GB hard drive will please digital media archivists.
The bad: Weak graphics card is fast enough for Vista, but that's about it, and there's no faster option available with this model.
The bottom line: Dell's Dimension E521 doesn't have many bells and whistles, but a powerful dual-core AMD processor lends it unexpected performance and strong bang for the buck. Its speed, Vista Home Premium's Media Center functions, and multiple storage options make this a strong PC for archiving and showing off your digital media.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 01/30/2007
We're used to seeing weak graphics cards in mainstream desktops, although we've been hoping that the hardware demands of Windows Vista would encourage vendors to take graphics a little more seriously. The ATI Radeon X1300 Pro 3D card is the best option Dell offers for the Dimension E521, and this surprised us because it's a HyperMemory card, which means, despite having its own 256MB of RAM, it will also bite off some of the system memory when the graphics need an extra boost. It's better than an integrated chip, at least, and Dell offset this issue by loading up our review unit with 2GB of 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM and pairing the memory with a powerful 2.6GHz Athlon 64 X2 5000+ processor. As our tests showed, that core configuration is powerful enough to get Vista to run well enough, as long as you keep your ambitions modest.
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Our application tests tell the most important story about the Dimension E521: its fast CPU pays off big in bang for the buck. Our major comparison system here is the Gateway DX420X, a $1,600 PC that has a faster Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 chip in it. Naturally, the more expensive Gateway PC beats the $1,000 Dell, but every test other than our game tests, it didn't win by much. The Dimension E521 came in at a near tie with the Gateway on our iTunes test, which shows us that Dell is offering a strong deal in overall computing with this PC.
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The one big drawback is that the Dimension E521's CPU can't make up for the weak graphics card. The Dell couldn't even manage a playable frame rate on our most forgiving Quake 4 test. Typically, we'd recommend just upgrading to a better graphics card on the configurator, but the ATI Radeon X1300 is the highest-end model Dell offers with the Dimension E521. The message, then, is that if you want even a passable game PC from Dell, you're better off looking at the XPS line.
If you're not into gaming, though, there's plenty this Dimension E521 can do. Its 320GB hard drive and combination of DVD burner and DVD/CD-RW optical drives make it more than capable for archiving your photos, music, and video files. Otherwise, this is a fairly spare PC, with no audio card, TV tuner, or other extras, in either hardware or software. You'll find the usual assortment of upgrades on Dell's Web site, including monitors, printers, software bundles, TV tuners, and so on. A single spare hard drive bay stands ready to accept a second drive if you decide you want more internal storage. There's room for one standard PCI card and a single x1 PCI Express card, so you have some leeway for pre- or post-purchase component upgrades as well. Dell also continues to run its aggressive, ever-changing offers with its systems. At the time of this writing, Dell was highlighting free shipping and handling and an instant $170 rebate on the Dimension E521.
As for Windows Vista on this machine, we can report that it runs well. We didn't notice any obvious compatibility issues with the hardware or the software that Dell sent us. But we did have some trouble with CNET's own multitasking test: It wouldn't run without freezing, which is why there's no chart with those results. Whether that was due to a problem with our test script or something else we can't say, but since an internally generated program was the only thing that wouldn't work, we're not inclined to blame this machine. You can also configure a Dimension E521 with Windows Vista Basic and the Business edition for the same price as an upgrade to Home Premium, although we'd miss the Media Center functions of Home Premium on either of those other versions.
Dell's one year of parts-and-labor coverage of the Dimension E521 is about average for systems in this class. Toll-free phone service is available 24/7, and included onsite repairs improve the outlook. As usual, Dell's Web site is valuable for its FAQs and other information, as well as for its live support chat. As always, we also like Dell's DellConnect service, which lets you turn your PC cursor over to a Dell technician (remotely and with your constant oversight) for remote control assistance.
Find out more about how we test desktop systems.
System configurations:
Dell Dimension E521
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.6GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+; 2,048MB 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB ATI Radeon X1300 Pro HyperMemory graphics card; 320GB Western Digital 7,200rpm hard drive
Gateway DX420X
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP2; 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6600; Intel P965 Express chipset; 1,024MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 7900 GT; (2) 250GB Hitachi 7,200rpm hard drives
HP TouchSmart PC IQ770
Windows Vista Home Premium; 1.6GHz AMD Turion 64 X2 TL-51; 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 7600 Go; 320GB 7,200rpm hard drive
iBuyPower Value-640
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.13GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E6400; Intel P965 Express chipset; 1,024MB 677MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB Nvidia GeForce 7600 GS; 320GB Seagate 7,200rpm Serial ATA hard drive
Shuttle XPC X200M
Windows Vista Home Premium; 1.66GHz Intel T2300 Core 2 Duo; 1,024MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 256MB (shared) Intel 950 GMA graphics chip; 250GB 7,200rpm Seagate Barracuda hard drive
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33out of 33 user reviews
USB issues with Linux
Pros: It runs Windows fairly well
Cons: It can't run Linux or BSD. The mouse and keyboard will stop working after a few minutes of normal usage. I've heard that a bios update might fix the problem, but I haven't tried it yet.
out of 33 user reviews
Great system . rock solid 2 years and counting.
Pros: 5th Dell computer, and no problems with the E521. Upgraded CPU to an AMD 64 X2 5600 2.8Ghz, ATI 1600XL video, 4GB ram.
Cons: No real gripes with this system.
out of 33 user reviews
DELL IS THE WORST COMPUTER TO BUY!!!!
Pros: This computer has nothing on a 286. There is nothing good about this computer
Cons: Many, MANY compatibility issues running Micro$oft VISTA. Dell doesn't provide customer support or tech service. the numbers they give you for that are actually sales offices in India.
The warranty ran out and the quickly transferred the ownership to our name and said, "you need to pay for tech support now. we can help if you've a checkbook handy."
Updated on Jun 24, 2009Do not buy this computer or anything from Dell. the positive "user reviews" were written by Dell. It is junk and the customer support/tech service doesn't exist. your requests for help will be answered with, "would you like to buy an extra warranty ontop of the factory and extended you already bought." Dell is a horrible company and several state attorney general's offices have sued them for this!
out of 33 user reviews
my precious
Pros: wells i simply love it nothings gone wrong can play all my games on it.
Cons: when we bought it it didnt have an os
out of 33 user reviews
second rate equipment with poor service
Pros: nice monitor
Cons: repeated hardware failures; slow performance
out of 33 user reviews
Has been - still is - GREAT
Pros: Quick, responsive system
Cons: Doesn't shut down correctly.
I have only dealt with Dell on a couple of issues. The wait time, as always, was a problem but they always solved the problem. Now, the problem of having to do a hard shutdown was fixed temporarily, but continues to this day. Occasionally it shuts down correctly when I go through the system to do it.
However, we leave our computer running 24/7 so I rarely have to shut it down.
Overall, I am very pleased with this computer purchase.
out of 33 user reviews
EXCELLENT COMPUTER!!!
Pros: I love this computer, smooth, roomy, sexy
Cons: Cleaning the CPU fan!
I have a NVIDIA Video card, 22 inch monitor and it's absolutely great. I have never had a problem with dell's customer support except that you get someone who lives in india (not racial). But yes, they are helpful, Vista runs SMOOTH, if you set it to performance in the poweroptions in the control panel, i know that it says that it cuts down on energy savings, but its like 3 or 4 more watts that it uses, trust me my power bill didn't change a bit.
If you want an ABSOLUTELY GREAT computer, i FULLY recommend this one with some upgrades,
LIGHT SCRIBE and DVDS burn AWESOME, even when running a virus scan!!!!!!
Thanks for looking
Alex
out of 33 user reviews
I think this computer is awesome!
Pros: the computer is awesome!!!
Cons: it could be faster with more ram
out of 33 user reviews
Perfect PC
Pros: Speed fantastic - Monitor / great views 19"flat widescreen
Cons: None at this time
out of 33 user reviews
A Very Satisfactory Experience
Pros: Speedy with many media/audio inputs
Cons: I do not have anything negative to report
Of course, Dell Support is absolutely horrific. On a positive note, that situation has caused me to learn how to fix most ordinary computer glitches myself!!
I love my E521. Whether I want to hook-up my digital cameras or create Mp3's, this machine makes it very easy.
I've added Bose speakers and the audio is superb.
For the money, this is a wonderful machine for your average home user.
out of 33 user reviews
After years of Dell - I am switching to HP
Pros: Dell service did replace computer after 14 months of problems
Cons: constant "hang time" with this computer. Enough that i went out and purchased an HP 500$ laptop which works more efficiently and at 3rd of the cost of the Dell.
out of 33 user reviews
Great system, Great Price
Pros: Quiet, Inexpensive, Good Processor, Nice Hard drive size, Memory options (4 Slots supports PC 6400)
Cons: Power Supply, Graphics card options
Now on to the system: While this isn't an extreme gaming computer, the PCI E will not suport dual size slot cards or longer cards due the layout of the case (BTX) the machine is also a SATA only machine therefore there will be some problems upgrading the power supply. The system I purchased came with a 5000+ Athlon Dual Core Processor, 160GB HD, DVD RW, 1 GB of Ram (5300). I replaced the ram with two 1 GB Patriot 6400 (total 2GB ram) added a video card nVidia GeForce 8600GT 256MB DX10 DDR3 this is probably the best card the comp can handle staying within the 300w minimum requirements, The comp can easily handle a 350W card (the power supplies on dells tend to be rated conservatively) and the minimum requirements on cards tend to be conservative as well. There are some 7900GS cards this machine can handle.
8600GT paired with the Athlon 5000+ you should be able to play some of the latest games on this machine not at full settings but decent.
For $589.99 (price after upgrades) it's not the most extreme gaming machine out there but it's a better option than some machines that cost twice as much.
Some final thoughts, CNET gave this computer a review of 7.2 this is mostly based on the weak graphics card options back in January, the 8600GT was released in May and is at least 10 times better than the GeForce 7300LE/ATI x1300pro, unfortunately the graphics card carries a huge chunk of the machine's price tag $99.99-$169.99.
out of 33 user reviews
Inexpensive not Cheap
Pros: Quality machine for little money...
Cons: None as of yet...
out of 33 user reviews
Great machine with little upgrades
Pros: Smooth, processors run cool, sexy tower
Cons: cleaning the CPU fan, Windows Vista
I think Dell made the right choice to add AMD to there lineup, Great running machine and runs both XP and Vista well. I suggest 2 gigs if you plan to run only Vista, tends to lag down when you use Media center. With two gigs it’s quick and fast and never lags.
AND Athlon 64X2 4600, 250 gig HD, 2 gigs of ddr2 ram. All around from Gamer to everyday tasks this PC can do it all whit the upgraded Graphics card and power supply, blazing fast cpu’s and nice system all around, I’ve had mine for 5 months now and don’t regret buying it. Bounced around in shipping for a week and she’s still rock solid. For the price you can’t go wrong.
Mine was $1200, came with the 20” LCD
out of 33 user reviews
AWESOME DELL
Pros: everything is good
Cons: There are none
out of 33 user reviews
Worst computer I've ever owned
Pros: Does some things faster than my old computer - when it works.
Cons: Too numerous to name or even remember.
First problem : My internet connection would mysteriously just disconnect even though I was using the same ISP I'd always used. Dell support didn't know what the problem was, but offered various dubious solutions which didn't work. I quickly learned that Dell support techs know less about computers than I do. I finally just replaced the modem with and old cheap one I had laying around. That fixed it.
Next problem : half the time when I started up the computer, the machine would come to life but the monitor would remain black. If
I shut it down then started it again, eventually it would work and everything came on. This was not a problem with the monitor, as eventually, if the machine booted correctly, the display was fine.
After that, the computer just crashed. Pressing the power button would make things whir for a few seconds, then nothing. Dell had to come out and replace the motherboard. Now it's up and running, but now the DVD drive won't burn...
The problems are endless (I haven't mentioned all of them) and have been since I bought the thing in November. I have programs that hang all the time when I try to close them, granted that may be Windows messing up, but that's still part of the system Dell sold me.
Thinking of buying a Dell? DON'T. I cannot warn you strongly enough. Surf over to the Dell User support forums and you'll see I'm not alone with my problems. Do NOT waste your money, like I did.
out of 33 user reviews
Extremely pleased!
Pros: Excellent value. Quiet. Excellent service!
Cons: None to this point
What changed my mind was my daughter's experience just before I bought the E521. She had come back from a semester studying in Rome and her laptop had all sorts of problems hooking back up to our home network. I was beside her as she called Dell support. All I can tell you the experience was like the "good old days." She was back up and running in no time. It was just excellent.
As a result, I purchased this medium-end Dell. I actually had a small problem with the video driver when I set it up. I called Dell tech support and had it fixed in no time. Since them it has been great.
I'll be looking for a Dell laptop when my son goes to college in the Fall.
out of 33 user reviews
Like a Bic lighter sometime's you get one that works?
Pros: Hmm, I'm Thinking ? For the money you would be better off to check out the
Cons: Dude it's a Dell ,
Like a Bic lighter sometimes you get one that works good and other times not.
For the money you would be better off to check out the
iMac 17" - Intel Core 2 Duo 1.83 GHz
1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2MB L2 cache, 512MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 160GB SATA hard drive, DVD/CD-RW Combo, 17" TFT display, iSight, Intel GMA 950, Gigabit Ethernet, Built-in AirPort Extreme, OS X 10.4 It will last for years with out upgrading every 2 months ..
out of 33 user reviews
Good PC, But Starting to Worry About Dell
Pros: Great PC for the money. Hard to beat the price, I feel.
Cons: Rattling sounds and Customer Service
The system works fine. The price is right and overall I think it's worth every penny. I didn't get the speakers; to be frank, I didn't like the looks of them. The keyboard is sufficient, but it's nothing to brag about.
Dell MUST have a design or assembly problem with this system, though. One of my case panels rattled like a cymbal; the noise was loud enough for me to consider it unacceptable. From seeing the forum posts for this system, it's clear that my rattling problem is not unique; MANY other posters complained about precisely the same problem. I don't know whether there's a fix for it that they can suggest over the phone or e-mail; I imagine you might have to argue with Customer service to make them take a system back for a rattle problem, but I didn't wait for them to come up with a solution; I made my own unauthorized fix and now the rattle is completely gone.
This is my second Dell system. The English-speaking folks in foreign countries might work well as tech support for e-mailed support requests, but for phone support, in my view this is a persistent problem. Although my tech support rep spoke English better than many Americans, there were still some words that were so heavily accented, I just couldn't make him out, sometimes.
Although you shouldn't ignore my rattle problem, for purposes of this review, I'll overlook the rattle and give the system a "9" based on my value-for-cost judgment. However, I wish Dell would give their live tech support department more attention. I hope the angry-sounding comments we see here are rare exceptions.
P.S.: Vista works well, but I've always felt that change for the sake of change is utterly dumb ... and that's how I feel about the vastly different look and organization of Vista's various interfaces.
out of 33 user reviews
This is a great mid-range computer for your money
Pros: Powerful processor, many configuration capabilities
Cons: Had some minor problems with Vista's display drivers, weak graphics card
out of 33 user reviews
I love my E521, but I do not love Dell
Pros: Package provides great speed and very good graphics. The Image on my 24" Ultrasharp monitor is best I have ever experienced.
Cons: Dell loaded wrong version of McAfee, did not send mouse and keyboard with computer and I had to return speakers.
Having said all that, the system is now running great. I am overwhelmed by the power of a great monitor coupled with the best graphics card I have ever experienced. I am keeping this computer.
out of 33 user reviews
empty offer
Pros: Good deal if available at $649 as adverised
Cons: the stated price $649 is non existent ! the real price with the stated specs is $1029 @ Dell
this price $649 you cnet folks advertise is not existent with Dell. With the above specifications the price jumps to $1029 not the advertized price $649.
Just incase there is some tricks to this majic price, I went to the local mall Dell booth and we tried it with all the discount they will offer me and the price would not be less than $1000.
Please remove this misguiding advertisement of yours with all the nice reviews and rating such as " strong bang for the buck"
out of 33 user reviews
Terrible customer service.
Pros: Good price
Cons: Terrible customer service.
out of 33 user reviews
Versatile All around PC
Pros: Vista compatable Speedy AMD proccesor
Cons: ATI radeon x1300 pro is the highest GRX card you can choose from
This computer can run games like counter strike source on medium high setting but not high ultra settings. It can run a game like world of warcraft flawlessly on high settings.Doom3 doesnt run well on this computer due to the fact that its open gl and this graphics card doesnt do well with that.
*Final Word*
If your looking for a cost friendly mainstream gaming PC then get the Dell Dimension E521.
out of 33 user reviews
great buy for the money
Pros: easy to use, easy to upgrade, great CPU chip
Cons: made by dell, dont ask it to be something it's not
out of 33 user reviews
Great bang for the buck!
Pros: Fast processor - runs Vista without any hitches
Cons: Vista is new for be ready to deal with it.
out of 33 user reviews
Excellent value for home office use.
Pros: Very fast and fewer needs to restart than my previous system.
Cons: Dell Customer Service is an oxymoron.
out of 33 user reviews
Dell quality is terrible! Perhaps Michael Dell will fix this, but he hasn't yet
Pros: Nice looking system, good monitor
Cons: Would not accept 4GB RAM, tech support hard to understand / poor, sonic solutions driver incompatibility occurred on startup, and more
The next problem involved a lack of memory, so Dell sent me 4 new GB of memory (the original 2 were to be returned, even though they were the same) which I installed with Tech Support on the phone. The machine would not start after installing the RAM, so Tech Support had me change configurations (e.g. 3GB of new, 4 GB of new, a mixture of 2 old and 2 new). Only after going back to 2 GB, would the PC again start. Dell Tech Support diagnosed this as a bad motherboard, and told me they would ship a new one this past Monday. I was contacted by their service tech on Tuesday, and we scheduled installation for Wednesday afternoon. When he arrived, he came in with a box that read "REFURBISHED" in big bold letters! I called Dell and told them that was unnaceptable, and that I had finally had enough. They gave me an RMA number, told me to write this number on all of the boxes, and asked whether I wanted UPS to pick up the boxes Thursday or Friday (today). I told them today. I went to lunch, came home, and saw the UPS truck leaving the neighborhood, and asked if he had stopped by my address and picked up the shipment. He said no, that Dell did not provide him any service tags to do so. I had to call Dell back, and learned that Andrew in Customer Support made a mistake and did not send this info to UPS, so they're now re-scheduled for Monday. There were many more other problems with the order, but the above should be enough to give you an idea of what I have gone through. I hope Michael Dell sees this so he can get things fixed, otherwise, Dell has a troubling future.
out of 33 user reviews
Worst Customer Service Ever!!!!
Pros: Try calling Dell
Cons: Worst customer service ever!
out of 33 user reviews
Got mine with the NVidia 7300
Pros: Lightning Fast
Cons: OK graphics
The system is super fast and most importantly I can truly multi-task.
I like it so far...well worth the $799 CDN I paid for the same system as tested except for the following:
- Geforce 7300 instead of ATI 1300
- 250GB HD instead of 320 GB
out of 33 user reviews
Dell is a consumer's nightmare
Pros: ummmm.....you tell me the pro's. I have yet to discover one
Cons: Customer Service, quality
out of 33 user reviews
With XP and graphics upgrade, this machine is great
Pros: Fast, inexpensive basic system
Cons: now ships with Vista
out of 33 user reviews
Very Good System
Pros: Fast and Reliable
Cons: Freezes Occasionally
Same setup except video card(Geforce7300LE turbocache)256MB(128MB deadicated) Dell set it up with 512MB total video RAM
Waiting for my express upgrade to see how it is with Vista
Note: DELL VISTA UPGRADE PROGRAM is a joke.
Found out today(1/30/07) will not receive upgrade for 6-8 weeks. Should of waited to buy, would have had it with Vista installed next week if I had waited and not trusted DELL.
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