CNET Editor's rating: 7.3 out of 10
Reviewed by
Rich Brown
Review date: 04/18/08
Release date: 06/26/07
The good: Discrete graphics card has its own memory, so it won't steal from the system RAM; built-in Bluetooth.
The bad: The Inspiron 530 was outperformed on a few tests by a system that costs $100 less.
The bottom line: PC vendors have very few tricks remaining to differentiate their systems from the competition, which makes the built-in Bluetooth in the Dell Inspiron 530 unique. There's little else that makes this system stand out, but if you need Bluetooth in your budget desktop, we can recommend no other.
Since Dell has stopped selling its AMD-based Inspirons, that leaves the Intel-powered Inspiron 530 and 530s leading its budget desktop charge. The Inspiron 530 is a modest $539 configuration that offers some surprising features for the price. Hewlett-Packard competes very well in this price range too, but Dell's one differentiator is that it has Bluetooth built into its media card reader. The Bluetooth module makes this Inspiron 530 an excellent anchor for your other devices, as well as a reasonable affordable budget desktop. If you need such a system, we recommend it.
The $500 desktop is becoming a bit of a luxury these days, with plenty of $300 and $400 PCs out there providing perfectly serviceable computing. The starting point for the configurable Inspiron 530 is about $379, which includes a Celeron processor, Windows Vista Basic, and a configuration that, in general, looks a lot like the recently reviewed HP Pavilion a6400z. Bumped up to this $539 configuration, the Inspiron 530 provides a little bit more performance, as well as a few more features. The lesson is that if all you need is a spare Windows PC, a lower-end configuration will get the job done, but if you spend a little bit more, you can turn on Vista's snappy visual effects, get some wireless connectivity, and enjoy better performance overall.
Dell Inspiron 530
HP Pavilion a6400z
Price
$539
$340
CPU
1.8GHz Intel Pentium E2160
1.8GHz AMD Sempron 2100
Memory
2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
2GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Graphics
128MB Nvidia GeForce 8300 GS
128MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 6150SE
Hard drive
320GB, 7,200 rpm
250GB, 7,200 rpm
Optical drives
16x dual-layer DVD burner
16x dual-layer DVD burner
Operating system
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Basic
Compare the Inspiron 530 with the Pavilion a6400z and we can see the basic differences between budget and budget. The extra money spent on this Dell configuration gets you a more capable dual-core CPU, a larger hard drive, as well as a full-fledged graphics card. Make no mistake, as configured this Inspiron 530 is no gaming PC. The chief benefit of its low-end GeForce 8300 GS card is that it has its own memory, unlike a built-in graphics chip such as the one in the HP. With its own memory, the GeForce card won't siphon off the main system RAM for video purposes. Between the better CPU and the discrete graphics card, the Dell most definitely will get you faster performance than the less-expensive HP configuration.
Adobe Photoshop CS3 image-processing test (Shorter bars indicate better performance)
You can see the performance disparity between the $539 Dell and the $340 HP on every benchmark test. We can't say we're surprised that the more expensive computer won, but Dell didn't exactly bury the HP system. Our results show that the Dell will probably save you a few seconds here and there as you go about your day-to-day computing tasks such as photo editing and converting audio files. For pure bang for the buck, that $429 eMachines T5246 looks like a better deal, at least as far as raw performance since it actually beats the Dell on two of our four tests. While the T5246 is no longer on sale, we suspect eMachines' $400 replacement, the T5254, will fare similarly well (we're reviewing that system next). That means that although the Inspiron 530 does offer some performance benefit for its added cost, it still has more persuading to do. Whether it will sway you depends on what other gadgets you own.
We've mentioned the Inspiron 530's graphics card, and that it likely helps overall performance, even though it's not suited for 3D gaming. HP offers a similar low-end 3D card upgrade on its Intel-powered Pavilion a6410t series systems (the Intel-based counterpart to the AMD-powered Pavilion a6400z mentioned above), so that's no great differentiator for the Dell. The two also compete on hard-drive size and other basic features, right down to the wireless mouse and keyboard set.
The Dell's biggest standout feature is the Bluetooth module built into the Inspiron 530's media card reader. HP doesn't have a similar upgrade. By adding Bluetooth, Dell invites you to use the Inspiron 530 as a ready-to-go nerve center for any Bluetooth-capable devices you might own, including cell phones and printers. Alternatives include adding a USB Bluetooth receiver to the HP or any other system, but at the expense of a USB port. We search for, but could not find a third-party media card reader with Bluetooth built-in that you could add yourself. However, even if you could find one, we suspect most of you shopping for a budget PC are happy to let Dell do that work instead.
If you do have a mind to upgrade, the Dell gives you some flexibility. There's room for one additional PCI expansion card, and there's also four memory slots. Our configuration came with two of them populated, but it's nice to know that you can add more RAM without throwing your current memory away. There's also room to add a second hard drive, although you'll need to mount it by screwing its underside into the metal panel that serves as the drive cage. That installation method might be a little unorthodox, but it's certainly not the worst we've seen.
For service and support, Dell offers the traditional one-year-parts-and-labor warranty, along with its 24-7 toll-free phone support. Online you get the usual support pages tied to your configuration's unique ID number. Dell also includes a reasonably helpful support application on the system that helps you maintain your PC's drive space and overall health. We're also glad to see Dell ship this system with little in the way of superfluous icons on the desktop, unlike HP, which is the worst offender in this area.
Acer Aspire M5100
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.19GHz AMD Phenom 9500; 3GB DDR2 667MHz SDRAM; 256MB (shared) ATI Radeon HD 1250 graphics chip; 500GB 7,200 rpm hard drive
Apple Mac Mini
Apple OS X; 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo; 1GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 64MB (shared) Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics chip; 120GB 5,400rpm Hitachi hard drive
Dell Inspiron 530
Windows Vista Home Premium; 1.8GHz Intel Pentium E2160; 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM 128MB Nvidia GeForce 8300GS graphics; 320GB 7,200rpm Hitachi hard drive
eMachines T5246
Windows Vista Home Premium; 2.21GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+; 2GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 6100 graphics chip; 400GB 7,200rpm Western Digital hard drive
HP Pavilion a6400z
Windows Vista Home Basic; 2.1GHz AMD Sempron X2 2100+; 2GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM; 128MB (shared) Nvidia GeForce 6150 SE graphics chip; 250GB 7,200rpm Hitachi hard drive
2 out of 10 - Terrible Great computer; terrible support
I have quit buying expensive computers since I no long play graphic-intensive games. On the plus side, the Dell Inspiron ...
I have quit buying expensive computers since I no long play graphic-intensive games. On the plus side, the Dell Inspiron meets my needs for word processing, email, music, video, and remote connect to my work computer. On the negative side, the computer arrived with a subtle hardware fault since it wouldnâ??t boot reliably. I called Dell but didnâ??t pursue the problem seriously until I couldnâ??t boot at all and lost all my files. Since the diagnostics couldnâ??t find any problems, I reinstalled Vista from the hard drive and then from the Dell disks as instructed by Dell support. This didnâ??t solve the problem. I felt as if the support staff would have the cost of a service call taken out of their salaries if they authorized one. After a full month of calling technical support, being put on hold, and performing multiple tests, I finally was promised a home visit. While the technician didnâ??t arrive the first time, he did the second and replaced my hard drive in around ten minutes. Since then, the computer works just fine though Iâ??ve purchased an external hard drive to back up my files.
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by rholley13 (see profile) -
May 18, 2008
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
1 out of 10 - Abysmal Customer Service Disaster
I recently purchased a very well equipped Dell 530 ? Intel Quad Core, 3 GB Ram, 24 inch flat panel. As ...
I recently purchased a very well equipped Dell 530 ? Intel Quad Core, 3 GB Ram, 24 inch flat panel. As far as the hardware itself goes, it has met my expectations for a mid-priced computer.
However, I cannot recommend Dell due to its absolutely abysmal customer service. To Dell?s credit, calls and emails are answered promptly, but it?s moot as no one there has any interest in actually resolving issues. Overall, the approach seems to be to wear down the customer with indifference and bureaucracy.
In my case, I ordered an accessory keyboard after the computer purchase (the base Dell keyboard is one weak link in the 530). When I received the item, the invoice was for a different amount than the website had indicated. No problem, I called Dell and was promised that a credit would be issued. Never came. Subsequent interactions have been a customer service nightmare.
Apparently there are limitations that make it nearly impossible for the CSRs to actually do anything constructive. So they lamely suggest calling back to get another agent when they can?t help correct what is a pretty clear billing error. Dell?s escalation center has been no better. Mainly cut-and-paste responses. Completely unhelpful, but somewhat amusing as they reference other customer?s products (like memory) and generally fracture the standards of proper grammar.
I?ve seen absolutely no interest in delivering true customer service. It?s sad; this is my 6th Dell in the last 10 years, and I have to say my last. I urge you to shop elsewhere. Dell is good is all goes well, but if it doesn?t, the company is just too difficult.
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by g112233 (see profile) -
May 14, 2008
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
2 out of 10 - Terrible crappy support
thier warrenty sucks you have to pay for shipping, Dell screwed me with the pc, I cannot even upgrade it ...
thier warrenty sucks you have to pay for shipping, Dell screwed me with the pc, I cannot even upgrade it with a new mother board
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by wkduff (see profile) -
July 14, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Kick butt system for the price, can't build it this cheap piece mealing it for parts online.
When you go to dell go to their small business website section to get their best deals, http://configure.us....
When you go to dell go to their small business website section to get their best deals, http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DDDADG4&s=dhs&dgc=CJ&cid=24471&lid=730577 for Vista Premium and http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DDDADGX&s=dhs&dgc=CJ&cid=24471&lid=712629 for XP Home. This computer is fast, quite modern, and at least future proof for the next 2-5 years with the exception of the graphics card (future demands may require more), power supply (most good graphic cards require a 500 watt supply), memory (to push it 8 gb supported by the board), and Operating System (32 bit OS restricted to 3 gb of ram, adding more will not allow it to be addressed, will need to spring for 64 bit to resolve this to take advantage more than 3 gb).
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by Forked_Tongue (see profile) -
June 18, 2008
3 out of 10 - Poor Buyer BEWARE!
I had hoped to love this machine....I don't. Have only had it a few days but have already ...
I had hoped to love this machine....I don't. Have only had it a few days but have already gotten two blue error screens because a problem was detected and Windows had to shut down to prevent damage. The latest error says my device driver is stuck in an infinite loop. I contacted Dell for tech support by e-mail (wait was forever via phone) and explained that I am not very tech savvy and am definitely not interested in undertaking a self service repair on a brand new machine. I received a reply back instructing me to uninstall a long list of items and then reinstall the entire operating system. This is a brand new machine and I don't think assuming it would work correctly for more than a few days is an unrealistic expectation. If I was interested in learning to do self repair I could have just kept my old computer. Very disappointed with the quality of the product as well as the lack of customer service at Dell.
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by Gyra-tampabay (see profile) -
June 7, 2008
10 out of 10 - Perfect The Dell Inspiron 530 is a great value ultimate entertainment powerhouse!
This Mid-Tower Dell Inspiron is very sleek and compact. Almost can fit anywhere you want it to. It offers great ...
This Mid-Tower Dell Inspiron is very sleek and compact. Almost can fit anywhere you want it to. It offers great graphics, excellent unbelievable performance, Mid-Gaming Graphics and Options, wonderful value and upgrades, super-sleek, excellent stuff. Ahh, I just love this system, it also out-performed even gaming systems I tested. This system is so Ultimate you won't believe your eyes! This system gets an Editor's Chioce! !
3 out of 10 - Poor Defective Device
Got it today. It won't turn on. Green light is lit in the back, but pushing the power button ...
Got it today. It won't turn on. Green light is lit in the back, but pushing the power button does nothing. I wrote this review in case other defective units are going out.
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by mmichaels (see profile) -
May 23, 2008
1 ( 0 ) x Front accessible - 3.5" x 1/3H,
2 ( 1 ) x Internal - 3.5" x 1/3H,
2 ( 1 ) x Front accessible - 5.25" x 1/2H
Expansion Slots Total (Free)
1 ( 1 ) x PCI Express x1,
4 ( 2 ) x Memory - DIMM 240-pin,
2 ( 2 ) x PCI,
1 ( 0 ) x Processor - LGA775 Socket,
1 ( 0 ) x PCI Express x16
Interfaces
2 x Display / video - DVI-Analog/Digital - 29 pin combined DVI,
1 x Audio - Line-out - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x Audio - Line-in - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x Audio - Line-out (side surround) - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
8 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A ( 4 in front ),
1 x Display / video - S-video output,
1 x Audio - Line-out (rear) - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45,
1 x Audio - Line-out (center/subwoofer) - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x Audio - Line-out/headphones - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm ( 1 in front ),
2 x Microphone - Input - Mini-phone 3.5 mm ( 1 in front )
Power
Power device type
Power supply
Voltage Required
AC 120/230 V
Power provided
300 Watt
Operating System / Software
OS Provided
Vista Home Premium
Software
Microsoft Works 9.0,
McAfee SecurityCenter (Trial),
Drivers & Utilities
Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support
1 year warranty
Service & Support Details
Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year - On-site,
Technical support - Phone consulting - 1 year
Greenpeace 'Guide to Greener Electronics'
Greenpeace 'Guide to Greener Electronics' manufacturer rating (Mar 2008)
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