Dell XPS 730 H2C boosts watercooling, video speed

Dell on Thursday refreshed its very highest-end gaming desktop with the launch of the XPS 730 H2C. Like the 720 H2C it replaces, the new model earns its name through a custom watercooling arrangement that allows for factory-overclocked, quad-core Core 2 Extreme processors. The new design is more efficient than the last and includes both dynamic speed that throttles cooling down in less demanding conditions and extra fan cooling for the CPU voltage components. A new coldplate both helps cool all four CPU cores and also helps ramp up the front side bus beyond stock levels.

Full specifications for the new system haven't been revealed, but will include NVIDIA's latest nForce 790i mainboard chipset as well as newer multi-card video options, including quad graphics through Radeon HD 3870 X2s or a dual-card setup through GeForce 8800 GTs in SLI mode. Higher-end systems are capable of playing very demanding games such as Crysis at the full 1920x1200 of large LCDs without sacrificing detail or a playable frame rate, Dell claims.

Dell prices the standard H2C at $4,999 and offers it either with a blue or red aluminum chassis. Orders should start later today and will see systems ship within the next few weeks. A standard version of the XPS 730 is already available in silver and typically sells for $3,999.

Filed under: computers
Other story tags: Intel, Dell, NVIDIA, AMD, Core 2, GeForce, ATI, Radeon