Dell Dimension C521 - Expert Reviews

Pros: Slim design, media card reader, quiet operation

Cons: Single hard drive bay, limited expansion options

Verdict: The Dell C521 is a reasonable performer for the price. On top of the 17in LCD, keyboard and mouse, the inclusion of a media card reader accommodates the growing use of digital cameras with home computers. Test results indicate it will work well for ...

Review summary: AMD-based PC that's small and compact with enough power to suit undemanding users

Pros: Small; quiet; respectable performance for the size; good value

Cons: Lacking in extra features; not much internal expandability

Verdict: Good value and fine as a family PC, but ask too much of it and the Dell C521 will show its weaknesses

Review summary: Moderately priced, slim-line Dell combines attractive looks and a balance of performance and expandability.

Pros: Case mounts horizontally or vertically Reasonable performance for the price

Cons: Limited internal expansion room

Review summary: AMD-based PC that's small and compact with enough power to suit undemanding users

Verdict: Following the trend of the new Dell Dimension casing, the C521 comes in a compact white and silver chassis that stands upright to save space.

Review summary: Apple made news earlier this year by switching entirely to an Intel-based platform. Now Dell is making news by (finally) adding AMD processors to its stable of multimedia-oriented PCs. The Round Rock, Texas-based company's first AMD effort, the Dell ...

Pros: Compact form factor. AMD processor. Humongous 320GB hard drive. Desktop components. Single TV tuner. Good USB multimedia keyboard/mouse combo. Quiet, thanks to BTX design and slow-turning fans.

Cons: Compact form factor necessitates half-height cards. Slower than Intel Core 2 Duo systems. TV tuner isn't HDTV/ATSC-compatible. Ugly external IR receiver for MCE remote. Short, 90-day security subscription.

Verdict: An AMD processor in a Dell? Who'd have thunk it? Compact and versatile with a decent bang for the buck, the Dell Dimension C521 is a good first AMD effort from Dell.