Today we’ll be taking a look at another prebuilt system in this Dell Inspiron i3847-6934BK Desktop review.
Dell’s Inspiron series of computers are a versatile and configurable option for those who are looking for an out-of-the box solution with no hassle.
Overview: Dell Inspiron i3847-6934BK PC
Dell’s Inspiron 3847 series of desktop PCs comes with a range of different specifications, ranging from the 4th generation i3 through to i7 series Intel processor, 8 to 16 GB RAM, and 1 to 2 TB hard drive, depending on the specific model you opt for. This review covers the i3847-6934BK, which is has an Intel i5 processor, 12GB RAM and 2TB hard drive (model number i3847-6934BK).
We also compared this prebuilt desktop to another popular prebuilt PC in the same price range – the ASUS M32CD, as well as our $500 gaming build (just for good measure).
Pros
- Comes preloaded with Windows 10
- 2TB storage
- 12GB RAM
- Good peripheral support, including an 8-in-1 card reader, 8xUSB ports, HDMI, VGA
- In-built wireless card and bluetooth
- 1 year limited hardware warranty
Cons
- ‘Older’ Haswell Intel processor
- No dedicated graphics card
- Smaller PSU requires upgrade if you want to install dedicated graphics
Performance
As usual, the first thing we wanted to look at is how this PC’s hardware performs. When it comes to value for money, it is a well-rounded package.
The processor in this computer has good performance, being a quad-core Intel i5-4460. This is a little bit of an older process, released in May 2014, but it has a good benchmark score according to CPU Bench. The clock speed is 3.2GHz with turbo up to 3.4Ghz.
We compared the processor in the Dell Inspiron i3847 to the ASUS M32CD, and it slightly outperforms the ASUS machine. However, it should be noted that the i5-4460 is the previous generation Haswell processor. The M32CD uses the latest generation Skylake architecture, which we think is more advantageous in this case.
Like most prebuilt general-purpose PCs, the Dell Inspiron i3847-6934BK doesn’t have any dedicated graphics card, instead making use of the integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 that come with the processor. It should be able to handle low end gaming and run videos/media quite smoothly.
We like that this particular model of the Dell Inspiron comes with 12GB of DDR3 RAM (for reference, the ASUS M32CD only comes with 8GB). For the average user, this is more than enough to suit even heavy multitasking use.
You also get a very decent amount of storage in the 2TB 7200rpm hard drive.
A read/write CD and DVD optical drive, onboard wireless, and bluetooth serve to round off the rest of this package quite nicely.
Check out the user reviews on Amazon >>
Usage
This computer package easily caters for the everyday user and with it’s i5 processor and 12GB of RAM, it can handle multitasking with minimal lag or stuttering. It’s also a nice compact size due to the minitower desktop form factor.
For those who are looking for a computer for general use including tasks like using office applications, watching videos, internet browsing, videochat/skype and even higher end software packages such as photoshop and AutoCAD, this version of the Dell Inspiron will serve you quite well.
Gaming Performance
This is not really a gaming computer, but straight out of the box it will be able to handle less demanding games fairly easily and will even run some steam games (though don’t expect to run too smoothly on maximum settings given its lack of a dedicated graphics card).
If you’re looking for a computer which will handle more demanding games well, you’d be better off with something like our $500 Gaming PC Build, or even the ASUS M32CD which can be upgraded with a video card.
There is limited information on the OEM motherboard used in the Dell Inspiron available slots, but there is at least one PCIe x16 slot to accept a graphics card, should you wish to install one.
Here’s how the onboard graphics stack up, when we looked at the benchmark scores. We’ve compared it to our $500 gaming build and the ASUS M32CD for reference.
Screens/Video
You can run a dual screen setup on this computer via the single VGA and single HDMI output ports.
If you want to run any more than two displays this may be possible via a USB/display port adapter option, as the onboard graphics specification states that the integrated graphics processor can apparently support up to 3 displays.
Upgrading the Inspiron i3847-6934BK
Dell have created the Inspiron as an expandable PC, so you’ll find spare space for adding additional drives (there is 1 spare bay for an additional optical disc drive, and another spare bay available for a second SATA hard drive or SSD).
The Inspiron i3847 is actually a good candidate for upgrading if you want to try and turn this one into a gaming PC, you can by adding in a decent graphics card.
We have had advice that if you want to upgrade the graphics in this computer, the video card can be up to 9.5″ maximum in size.
If you do have many future upgrades planned you’ll probably want to check out the motherboard slots available – we’ve not been able to get official specifications on the motherboard internals, but some sources indicate that there is only one full size PCIe x16 port, so it may be difficult to run multiple cards.
Graphics Cards For the Dell Inspiron i3874 Desktop Computer
A common upgrade for this computer is to add a dedicated graphics card, which will turn it into a fairly decent gaming machine.
Just be aware that the power supply in this desktop is a little on the small side (300W), so depending on your choice of graphics card, you may also need to upgrade the power supply.
The GTX 750 Ti is one of the more powerful cards which can fit into the i3874 without needing to upgrade the power supply.
Some examples of other graphics cards that will fit include the following (but not limited to):
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- GeForce GT 730 (can use with existing PSU)
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- GTX 750Ti (most powerful card which will fit with the existing PSU’s capabilities)
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- GTX 950 (may be able to get away with using the existing PSU, but would recommend upgrading it for optimal performance)
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- GTX 970 (will need to upgrade the PSU) – this card should just fit at 9.5″ length, but be sure to measure the available space inside the case first to be sure, as it’s pretty close.
AMD Radeon R9 380
The video below shows how to install a new graphics card and power supply in the Dell Inspiron, but you can also refer to the owner’s manual which has a pretty good set of instructions on the PC’s internals and how to install/remove hardware components.
Power Supplies for the Dell Inspiron i3847
If you are planning on upgrading to one of the higher-end graphics cards, you’ll need to upgrade your power supply. Below are a few options which can work.
If you’re going to go with a GTX950 or GTX960, the EVGA 500W W1 is a good choice– Check it out on Amazon here. You may be able to even get away with the more demanding GTX970 on this power supply as well, but it would be right on the edge of the power supply’s limits.
For cards like the nVidia like the GTX970, GTX980 or GTX980Ti, then we suggest you opt for an even larger power supply such as the ThermalTake 650w – See it here on Amazon.
If you need more ideas on budget gaming PCs, don’t forget to check out our gaming PC builds section.
Dell Inspiron i3847-6934BK Specifications
Model Number:
i3847-6934BK
Operating System:
Windows 10 Home
CPU:
4th Generation Haswell Intel QuadCore i5-4460 Processor, 3.2GHz up to 3.4GHz turbo, LGA1150
Graphics:
On-board graphics adapter model: Intel HD Integrated Graphics 4600
On-board graphics adapter outputs supported: DisplayPort (DP), Embedded DisplayPort (eDP), VGA, HDMI
On-board graphics adapter base frequency: 350 MHz
Can handle a max output of 4096 x 2304 pixels @24Hz (HDMI), or 1920 x 1200 pixels @60Hz (VGA) resolution
Motherboard:
Like most prebuilt machines, this desktop looks like it has an OEM motherboard, which means limited information on the particular model number.
Intel® H81 PCH chipset
Minitower Desktop form factor
Motherboard Slots/Connectors:
Micro Card Reader 8:1
Integrated 8-in-1 Media Card Reader
2 DIMM Slots
Two PCIe x1 slots
One PCIe x16 slot
3 SATA connectors
Ports:
Front
2 x USB 2.0
Rear
4 x USB 2.0
2 x USB 3.0
1 x HDMI
1 x VGA
1 x RJ-45 LAN port (10/100/1000 Ethernet)
Cooling:
One case fan
Memory:
12GB, 1600MHz, DDR3
Maximum supported memory: 16 GB (requires separate RAM upgrade)
Storage:
2TB 7200 rpm Hard Drive
Power Supply:
300 Watts
Wireless:
Bluetooth 4.0 via 1705 WLAN card
Dell Wireless-N 1705 802.11bgn + Bluetooth 4.0, 2.4 GHz, 1×1
Optical Drive:
Tray load DVD Drive (Reads and Writes to DVD/CD)
Dimensions/Weight:
Height: 14.5″ (368mm)
Width: 7″ (177.8mm)
Depth: 17″ (431.8mm)
All specification details above were taken from here (Dell website)
You can find a copy of the 3847 owner’s manual here.
Summary
Dell’s Inspiron i3847-6934BK desktop computer is a very well-rounded mid-range computer which offers excellent performance for the everyday user, and even can be a good option for gamers (with a few tweaks if you plan on playing more demanding games). Specification wise, overall it is quite similar to the popular ASUS M32CD desktop. While this particular Inspiron package offers more RAM and hard drive storage than the M32CD, its processor is an older generation, so all else being equal we would opt for the latest Skylake architecture processor found in the M32CD.
The lack of a dedicated graphics card is a flaw but only really for those who plan on doing demanding gaming or video processing/editing.
The PC is able to be upgraded quite easily, with spare space for a graphics card, additional storage drive and optical drive. With the preloaded Windows 10 and easy setup, this is a good deal if you can get it on sale.
Hi: I’m trying to boost this a little with an SSD and, maybe, more RAM. Does RAM have to be paired or can I have a 4GG and an 8GB for 12? I’ve got 8 at the moment. Thanks!
Hi George,
Ideally RAM should be installed in matching pairs. This means not just the same size but also the same frequency (in MHz) and Latency (The CL numbers you might see mentioned). The best way to go about a RAM upgrade would be to install a new matching kit of memory which from the factory ensures the modules are not just the same specs but also produced around the same time from the same components. You can also try to buy the same model of memory that you already have installed if it’s available.
However, you can install a non-matching stick of RAM as you’re asking and I’d say that 90% of the time you will be fine. I have done this countless times as I usually have random sticks of spare memory lying around. I’ve done exactly what you’re asking before and upgraded a single 8GB stick computer with an additional 4GB stick and everything was fine.
Typically your motherboard will “slow down” the faster memory module to match the slower module to allow them to work together. For example, if your current 8GB stick is 2100MHz CL9 and you install a new 4GB stick which is 2400MHz CL7 the motherboard will “slow down” or “Underclock” the 4GB stick to match the 8GB stick (2100MHz CL9).
So in short: If you’re willing to risk the memory not working then you can try it and you’ll probably be fine but if you want to be sure, go with a matching kit of new memory.
Hopefully this answers your question, let us know if you still need help.
can i fit this card amd randeon rx 480 8 gb sapphire with 750 wyatt supply
Hi Waqar,
That’s a tough one. The RX 480 is about 9.5 inches long and would be very tight if you managed to get it to fit in the case. Different manufacturers can sometimes modify the length of the card with different fans etc too.
I recommend the NVIDIA GTX 1050 for the PC as it’s nice and short.
This would only require a 500W power supply (or even a little less). A 750W power supply will work but is overkill for this machine.
Have a Corsair TX 650W power supply to use. Any suggestions on a graphics card for the i3847? I realize the 9″ limitation.
Thank You Very Much,
John
I recommend the Nvidia GTX 1050. It’s a stubby little card at only 5.7 inches but performs very well and is great value for money.
