EBT2250 is XPS 8970

Do you know what is the difference between QBT2250 and EBT2250? I got a new EBT2250 recently, and something is not right with its PSU fans; they run nonstop, even at idle. So I am trying to find out if I can replace the two small fans inside the PSU.

I think I made a typo of “QBT2250”.

I don't know?

I've got an XPS8940 and Dell Tower Plus EBT2250.

The case appears to be the same dimensions but overall, I can't say that is a measure of anything?

The EBT2250 shipped with newer h/w of course than that 8960 did, especially with respect to the CPU and video card as well as RAM speed. Even the network adapter.

I would assume though if Dell didn't do the rebranding, it might have been called the XPS8970?

This was basically asked before ---> https://www.dell.com/community/en/conversations/xps-desktops/simple-question-whats-the-equivalent-to-xps-desktop-in-2025/6800f44b5f0d8708ec1be322

Why Dell changed the name? Suspect marketing had a lot to do with it, and selling to corporations... 

See other ideas on this ---> https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/6/24325799/dell-pro-max-premium-plus-ces-laptop-pc-rebrand-announcement

I prefer the XPS name though... I knew what it was targeted too. 

8940 is quite different from 8950/8960.

EBT2250 uses same metal chassis as 8950/60 with different bezel and mobo of course, but PSU are essentially interchangeable all proprietary based on 8/10/12 pin scheme. https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/dell-ebt2250-desktop/dell-tower-plus-ebt2250-owners-manual/removing-the-power-supply-unit?guid=guid-0a59cd9c-44f1-433b-b58b-a4f4daf809fa&lang=en-us

@redxps630​ 

I knew the 8940 wasn't an exact 'move up', there were incremental changes in the later versions.

Still in terms of 'lineage' I feel the EBT2250 is the 'next' generation of XPS's.

Dell doesn't sell the Dell Pro line differentiation by model number, but name, Tower, Slim, Pro, etc., but they do list the model # with it... and I assume will increment by 10 probably, most end now with 50 or 55.

It does to me at least, make it harder if I want a PC well suited for gaming... I'd have to did into the configurations and options it seems.

But even the XPS series, a new model might retain XPS in the name, but they are different when the next model... some due to staying in step with newer standards and increased CPU and Video card capabilities, and even RAM speeds, not to mention Wifi speeds.

To me, the case is the least important part of the next model/name. 

actually in my observation backed by fact, 8940 to 8950 is a somewhat quantum leap change.  8940 uses older Dell proprietary 6 pin psu and 8950 has 10 pin (based on new 8 pin scheme).  the psu form factor are significantly changed too.  PSU from Dell TFX to something like a box of crackers form for lack of a better description.

basically there is a watershed change between 10/11th gen and 12th gen Intel based Dell.  the former with the last model being 8940 and the latter the first being 8950.  that change coincides with significant change of socket from 1200 (which has same cooler as 1151) to 1700.  A whole new cooler design along with new psu and new mobo form factor and new much longer chassis depth.  it went from 308 mm in 8940 to 427 mm depth in 8950.  It is a foot longer.  This means it can support a longer high end gpu.  8940 was not a thrill case design to many users but 8950 case was when it came out.

Dell typically keeps the same metal chassis and reiterate for several models before using a newer design.  in case of EBT2250 despite its "new" model name is essentially 8970 which is incremental from 8960.

@redxps630​ 

I guess I don't sweat the case as much as what is inside. I've built a few PC's in my lifetime. Having lived in Austin in the late '90's many computer stores there sold parts. I was able to pick and choose what I wanted. One place, the last time I built one, as I recall for $200 would assemble, install Windows, and test and a 2 year warranty. So I called out what I wanted and paid $200. Best deal I ever made, a little over a year later the motherboard died... replaced free of charge.

Now, back to the EBT2250... I've benchmarked it against my 8940. 8940 had a fast SSD installed in it aftermarket. Added 16GB's of RAM too. Changed out the M.2 Wifi adapter for an Intel BE200 Wifi7 adapter (same as in the EBT2250).

Yes, in some tests, the EBT2250 is faster, especially the video, EBT2250 has the stock Nvidia RTX4060 8GB card (std. Mar. this year) while my XPS has an Nvidia RTX2060 6GB card.

Graphics of course better on the EBT2250, but other performance tests, minor changes due to faster RAM and the Intel i7 265 Ultra vs. the XPS 11th Gen i7.

Again, using a browser, feels the same on both, opening Word, same it sames... even booting isn't much different. 

Both have large monitors and running 3840x2160 resolution.

I want to put MS Flight Sim on the EBT2250 but my wife will not let me :-)... I lost my 2020 version license # so I'd need to buy the 2025 version but I am quite sure the EBT2250 would run rings around my XPS, both in frames and screen appearance of the scenery and overall.

I'm still happy with my 8940, does what I want, but might get a new PC next year, but considering the EBT2250's 'feel' and performance, unless one runs benchmarks or has a dire need for more power/performance, it might not be something I'll do.

Of course, as the XPS ages, and if problems happen, I'd go new in a heart beat.

I've got sitting in a closet and XPS8700 and XPS8500 with 2 21 inch monitors with sound... never had the need or desire to cannibalize either for part. Not even the DVD drive that the EBT2250 front bezel doesn't even have a slot covering on it. For the RARE time I need a DVD/CD I've got an OLD USB one to use :-)

agree at work I use i7-8700 PC for some time and they offer a new i7-14000K PC so it sounds so much better but IT told me I would not notice difference.  to many users doing ordinary task, perhaps a i7-4790 with SSD is fast enough.  I definitely do not feel 8700 being slow for my work but I do not game or play 4K or create content.

XPS8700 and XPS8500: these used to be the mainstream microATX with reasonable standard case until Dell came up with the poor design of 8910-8930 ostensibly better looking out side but poor air flow and hard to mod/service internally.  when I see a 8910-8930 all I want is take out the mobo and put in a better case.