Dell Inspiron 518 Expert Reviews

The Inspiron 518 is a welcome update to Dell's traditional, mainstream desktop line. Basic configurations start at $399, although our $784 review unit is a competitive showcase of some of Dell's more advanced configuration options. We wish Dell sold ...

If excellent everyday performance on a budget is your desire, this PC is a good choice.

Strong performance ; Good documentation and support

Needs better cable tie-offs ; Mediocre gaming scores

All in all, the Inspiron 518 is a strong system with a nice mix of performance, bundled software, and smart design

If you want everyday value performance that's a cut above the norm, take a look at the Inspiron 518. Sporting a 2.4-GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 CPU, 3GB of PC6400 DDR2 memory, and a 320GB Western Digital Caviar SE16 hard drive (7200 rpm, 16MB cache), ...

Strong performance Good documentation and support

Needs better cable tie-offs Mediocre gaming scores

All in all, the Inspiron 518 is a strong system with a nice mix of performance, bundled software, and smart design

The Dell Inspiron 518 ($764 direct) is the newest member of Dell's value-oriented line. Although it's positioned as a "value" PC, it's got a quad-core processor for chewing through those videos you want to upload to your Web site. The system is well ...

No crapware. Top-mounted USB ports and tray. Great multimedia keyboard and optical mouse. Discrete 3D graphics card. Fifteen-month subscription to Internet Security. Quad-core processing power.

3D graphics boost is mild.

The Dell Inspiron 518 is sleek, midpriced, and equipped with a quad-core processor. Just don't expect to upgrade it too extensively.

If excellent everyday performance on a budget is your desire, this PC is a good choice.

Performance aside, this Inspiron looks nicer than the MicroFlex, with clever design flourishes such as a recessed storage tray area on the top of the system. That tray adds two easily accessible USB ports to the two on the face of the unit. The Dell's ...