Price: $2718 US as tested
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Not everybody has the time, knowledge, patience, or gumption to build their own system. Beyond the difficulty of putting the parts together, just choosing the parts can be an arduous experience. Not only do you have to choose what CPU, what chipset, what type of memory, and what type of video card, you also have to choose among various brands. It can be a time consuming, painstaking, confusing experience.

Which is why companies like Dell exist, because people are willing to pay to have someone else do the research, put it together, test it, install the OS, and back it up with a warranty in case something goes wrong. Yes, you usually pay a premium, but you save time and get some level of peace of mind.

Today, we're going to take a look at Dell's new Dimension 8100, the Pentium 4 powered, THX certified flagship of Dell's consumer desktop line. Dell calls it a "powerful system" that "redefines 'cutting-edge' technology." Dell is aiming it at those who want "enhanced multimedia, 3D and encryption, giving you a realistic, theater-like sight and sound experience right in your own home." We're going to look past all the marketing gobbledygook and THX badges to see just how good this Dell system really is.