TechRadar Verdict
Bargain PC, lots of storage space
Pros
- +
Good selection of software included
- +
Bargain price
Cons
- -
2.1 speakers
- -
Slow processor
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Don't be fooled by the compact size of the case - the Dell Inspiron 530 is more powerful than it looks.
In fact, it crams in an impressive amount of drives: one 18x DVD writer, a DVD-ROM to make life easier when copying discs and a couple of 320GB drives for good measure.
Lethargic processor
That's even more impressive when you realise that the Inspiron is £100 cheaper than the competition, but then there are corners cut elsewhere.
The system has a relatively lethargic Core 2 Duo E6550 processor, a 19-inch rather than 22-inch monitor and basic 2.1 speaker set.
The wired, Dell-badged keyboard is a little small, too. Still, you do get handy software, ranging from Microsoft Works 8.0 to Google Desktop, which is very useful for anyone who just wants to plug the PC in and get going.
Display resolution
Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
All-round performance isn't a strong point for this system. It's perfectly acceptable for many applications, though, and could be improved considerably if you had the drives set up in a RAID configuration.
Even now, with its 256MB GeForce 8600 GT delivering a creditable 4,524 and fourth place in 3DMark 2006, you'll have no problem with gaming performance.
The display might be an issue, however. While it produces sharp, clear images, the 1,440 x 900 widescreen resolution means that you'll have significantly more vertical scrolling to do than on the more usual 1,280 x 1,024 screens.
However, if you can live with that, and would appreciate the extra storage space, then the Inspiron 530 looks like a real bargain.
The TechRadar hive mind. The Megazord. The Voltron. When our powers combine, we become 'TECHRADAR STAFF'. You'll usually see this author name when the entire team has collaborated on a project or an article, whether that's a run-down ranking of our favorite Marvel films, or a round-up of all the coolest things we've collectively seen at annual tech shows like CES and MWC. We are one.