http://consumer.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTA0MSwxLCxoY29uc3VtZXI= (http://consumer.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTA0MSwxLCxoY29uc3VtZXI=)
Interesting article, and hope they follow through, because as of late was really starting to dislike Dell's product lines for the home user.
If Dell wants gamers they have to start making flexible motherbaords that aren't too picky when it comes to RAM and other hardware.
My last experience with a Dell home PC (ok like 6 years ago, but I've heard similar tales of recent Dell boxen 'round da web). Was bad when it came to USB and RAM (both were power problems). I had some problems with the AGP slot too.
That article suggests things like you have experienced are being addressed in their designs. It doesn't specifically state those, but sounds like they would be part of the larger picture for gamer sales at least.
Is that not why they boaught Alienware?
A system without a "Try AOL free" icon on it? From Dell? I'm impressed!