Dell Dimension C521 desktop computer Review

My wife's four year old Intel Celeron-processor based custom-made computer was getting slower and slower (it seems) as the days passed, so we finally decided to purchase her a new one.  I knew I wanted a Dell primarily because I get a nice little discount through work, but I didn't rule out Hewlett Packard either.   

I spent two weeks on-line configuring different systems that both fit my specifications: (Dual-core 64-bit processor with at least 1MB cache, SATA hard drive backbone, 1GB DDR2 dual channel memory, DVD/RW drive, and 19 inch LCD).  I needed a box that was robust enough to run Windows Vista, yet small enough to fit on my wife's desk, but checked in at under $1000.00.  I looked at several models from Dell, and Hewlett Packard, but in the end I settled on the Dell Dimension C510 mini-tower computer.   

My Viewpoint

Dell designed the Dimension C521 as an entry-level media-center computer, but we did not but it for that use.  However, the computer shipped with Windows Vista Home Premium pre-installed.  The Operating System (OS) includes Windows Media Center which includes enhanced media tools; whatever! 

The C521 incorporates the new BTX computer hardware design into its rather slim mid-tower case.  The case itself is a sleek white and silver cassis with large cooling vents cut into the front sides of the case (BTX Standard), allowing the fan to draw in a large volume of air.  The BTX design calls for more venting slots in the case and a single large fan to keep the innards of the computer cool.  The result is a very quite system. 

Because of the cases design the lone DVD player is installed vertically and there is only room for one 3.5 inch slot.  Inside there is room for only one hard drive, and (3) half-height expansion slots.  So upgrading and or expanding the Dimension C521 might prove problematic.  Word to the wise: buy a large hard drive from the start if you order one of these babies. 

I was disappointed that the Dimension C521 only has (6) USB 2.0 ports; (4) in the back and (2) in the front.  This may seem like a lot at first glance until you stop and consider that almost everything peripheral shipped that attaches to the outside of the computer does so via USB.  The Dimension C521 lacks traditional 9-pin DIN connection for mouse and keyboard, and it lacks 9-pin serial ports and a traditional parallel port for connection a printer. 

Note: The lack of an adequate number of USB ports is why I opted for the Dell UltraSharp 1907FP LCD Flat Panel Display; it has (4) USB 2.0 ports arrayed around the bezel.         

Dell offers an array of both AMD and Intel dual core 32-bit and 64-bit processors for the C521.  I choose the AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ (2.20GHz 512K x2 Cache) because it is good balance between cost and performance.  Some of Intel's Dual-core processors offer more onboard cache, but I figured 512K cache would prove more than enough for my wife's less demanding needs.  As would the 1.0GB of RAM (there are a total of four open slots) and 250GB hard drive.    

So far my wife's only compliant about the system concerns the OS, not the system itself, though early on we did have a problem with the computer hanging at reboot, but that was resolved by tweaking the BIOS and turning off USB as a boot option.

The Dell Dimension C521 Slim-line Mini-tower is powerful home workstation that is more than adequate for Windows Vista and Media Center duties.  Though limited in expandability, for the price (just under $1,000.00 including 19" flat panel monitor) the Dell Dimension E521 is a relatively inexpensive high performance workhorse that will more than meets my wife's current and future computing needs.