Gateway Parts

Upgrading from a Gateway P-6860 FX Laptop to a Dell - Studio XPS Desktop?

Well the title says it all pretty much. I'm looking to upgrade and a friend of mine was telling me about the Dell XPS studio. Has anyone heard anything good about it? I like the fact that it's got the i7 processor, but I don't like that it's got ATI in it, more of an Nvidia fan. I heard that Dell has done away with having to use specific parts though so would I be able to throw in a better power supply/ other parts? Below are the links to each computer. Gateway (current): http://reviews.cnet.com/4507-3121_7-32976305.html Dell (upgrade): http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+Studio+XPS+Desktop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i7+Processor/9697488.p?id=1218153426530&skuId=9697488&st=XPS&cp=1&lp=1

Public Comments

1. the studios are absolutely great, and it would be a great buy. As far as the graphics go, ati is just as good as nvidia in performance, and pricewise. But if you want to switch to nvidia after the fact just find out what type of connector the card has and then visit this website for the best selection and prices on graphics cards: http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=48&name=Desktop-Graphics-Video-Cards
2. Dell desktops are upgradeable. The OEM power supply is typically just enough to supply the original components, so new video cards typically require new power supplies. The Radeon HD 5770 is a solid card, somewhere between a GeForce GTS 250 and GTX 260 in performance. It can handle pretty much any game thrown at it. I might be tempted to try to upgrade that Gateway processor to a 2.6 GHz, Socket P Core 2 Duo T7800 processor for $250 for portable gaming. http://www.impactcomputers.com/459465-001.html If you want to get a custom built gaming system, and don't like Dell's Alienware prices, you could check out one of the other gaming system manufacturers where you can specify an nVidia graphics card: http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/Configurators.aspx?mid=525 http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Rattler/