Newest Dell Workstation, Desktops Deliver Improved Performance Through Latest Chipset, Memory Technologies - Dell Computer's Dimension XPS B, Precision WorkStation 220 and OptiPlex GX300 Pentium III-based systems use Intel's new 820 chipset - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Nov 22, 1999

Dell Computer Corporation, the world's leading direct computer systems company, Monday announced powerful new platforms in its award-winning workstation and desktop PC product lines that deliver improved performance through the latest chipset and memory technologies.

The Dell Precision WorkStation 220, Dimension XPS B series of consumer desktop PCs and OptiPlex GX300 business desktop PC incorporate memory technology from Rambus (Nasdaq:RMBS) and Intel's new 820 chipset. Dell is taking orders for the Dell Precision WorkStation 220 and Dimension XPS B series beginning today, with availability planned in December. The OptiPlex GX300 will be available at a later date. Dell holds the No. 1 position in the U.S market for both desktop PC(1) and NT workstation(2) sales.

With a maximum data transfer rate of up to 1.6 GB per second, the Rambus DRAM, referred to as RDRAM, is significantly faster than traditional 100MHz and 133MHz SDRAM. The 820 chipset includes a 133MHz front side bus and 4X Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) support, which will bring improvements in overall system performance.

"Customers will realize an improvement in performance with this technology, particularly when they are simultaneously running multiple software applications," said Carl Everett, senior vice president, Personal Systems Group. "It will have its greatest impact as customers increase their system processor speeds and migrate to new operating systems, such as Windows 2000, which require more internal system bandwidth to run efficiently."

Dell Precision WorkStation 220 The Dell Precision WorkStation 220 can be custom-configured with single or dual Intel Pentium III processors at speeds up to 733 MHz. Priced beginning at $2,005(3), the Dell Precision WorkStation 220 can be configured to user specifications including up to 72 GB(4) of hard disk storage, up to 512 MB of Rambus memory and a choice of graphics cards for exceptional 2D, OpenGL 3D and multi-monitor graphics performance.

A full list of prices and configurations for all Dell Precision WorkStations can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.dell.com/us/en/bsd/products/series_wsx10_workstations.htm.> Dell Precision WorkStations are intended for professional users who demand exceptional performance in the computer-aided design (CAD), digital content creation (DCC), geographic information systems (GIS), computer animation, software development and financial analysis markets. Dell Precision WorkStations are designed to be compatible with Windows 2000.

Dimension XPS B Series For consumer and small business customers, the Dimension XPS B Series is Dell's most powerful desktop PC offering Intel Pentium III processors up to 733 MHz, up to 512 MB of Rambus memory, 8X(5) DVD ROM drive, Iomega Zip 250 MB drive, and hard drive capacities up to 37.5 GB(4). Prices for the Dimension XPS B Series begin at $1,899(6). The Dimension XPS T also offers the new 32MB NVIDIA geFORCE 4X AGP graphics card, which provides rich 3D multimedia capabilities for games, Web design and digital imaging.

All Dimension PCs include a standard three-year hardware limited warranty(7) with one-year onsite service(8) and lifetime toll-free telephone service and support. More information on Dimension desktops can be found at http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/series_dimen_desktops.htm.> OptiPlex GX300 The OptiPlex GX300 delivers scalability and power to today's corporate and institutional customers by supporting single or dual Pentium III processors at speeds up to 733 MHz and up to 512 MB of Rambus ECC memory. Additional high-performance features include EIDE ATA-66 hard drives or Ultra 2 SCSI hard drives, an Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) slot that allows customers to choose their preference of 4X AGP controller cards, and other high-performance peripherals.

Dell's OptiPlex PCs deliver a dependable network-ready design to customers who want maximum productivity, serviceability and lasting value on their desktops. Current OptiPlex systems carry the NSTL Hardware Tested Year 2000 Compliant logo and are optimized to run Microsoft Windows NT Workstation and when available, Windows 2000 operating systems. More information on the OptiPlex family can be found at http://www.dell.com/us/en/biz/products/series_optix_desktops.htm

Ranked No. 78 among the Fortune 500 companies and No. 210 in the Fortune Global 500, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $23.6 billion for the past four quarters. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained through its toll-free number 800/388-8542 or by accessing the Dell World Wide Web site at www.dell.com.

(1) IDC U.S. Q2 Quarterly PC Tracker, 9/99. For more information, contact International Data Corp., PC Tracking, 2131 Landings Drive, Mountain View, CA 94043.