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Dell G3 15 3500 laptop in review: Robust gaming notebook with 144 Hz screen

Room for two SSDs. The Dell G3 15 is a classic gaming notebook with a massive appearance and a fair amount of performance. Inside you'll find gaming-capable hardware, the heart of which is an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060. In our review, we show what the laptop from Dell has to offer for everyday use.
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2

In addition to Alienware notebooks, Dell also sells gaming laptops under its own brand name. This includes, among others, the Dell G5 15, which we were recently able to view in a pure AMD version. Now we'll take a look at the somewhat cheaper G3 series, of which we could already get an impression with the Dell G3 15 3590, for example. This series also includes our current test device, the Dell G3 15 3500, which offers an Intel Core i7-10750H, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060, 16 GB RAM and a 512 GB SSD in the configuration tested in this review.

With this equipment, it must be able to compete with the similarly priced competitors, which we have listed in the table below. Under each section you can also add other notebooks from our database for comparison.

Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2 (G3 15 3500 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-10750H 6 x 2.6 - 5 GHz, Comet Lake-H
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile - 6 GB VRAM, Core: 960 MHz, Memory: 1375 MHz, Nvidia 442.23, Intel UHD Graphics 630
Memory
16 GB 
, Dual-Channel
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, AU Optronics AUO80ED, IPS, glossy: no, 144 Hz
Mainboard
Intel HM470
Storage
SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI, 512 GB 
, 450 GB free
Soundcard
Intel Comet Lake PCH-H - cAVS
Connections
2 USB 2.0, 1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: combined 3.5 mm audio jack, Card Reader: SD
Networking
RealTek Semiconductor RTL8101/2/3 Family Fast Ethernet NIC (10/100MBit/s), Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 22 x 365 x 254 ( = 0.87 x 14.37 x 10 in)
Battery
68 Wh Lithium-Ion
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 0.9 MP, 16:9 (1280x720)
Additional features
Speakers: 2 speakers, stereo, Keyboard: chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 24 Months Warranty
Weight
2.34 kg ( = 82.54 oz / 5.16 pounds), Power Supply: 950 g ( = 33.51 oz / 2.09 pounds)
Price
1300 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
81.6 %
09/2020
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
2.3 kg22 mm15.60"1920x1080
81.2 %
08/2020
Nexoc GH5 515IG
i5-10300H, GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile
2.1 kg24.9 mm15.60"1920x1080
79.5 %
07/2020
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
R7 4800H, Radeon RX 5300M
2 kg22 mm15.60"1920x1080
80.6 %
06/2020
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
2.2 kg24.9 mm17.30"1920x1080

Case - Solid gaming laptop

Dell manufactures the G3 15 from a very robust plastic. This does not give way even under strong pressure and gives the gaming notebook an extremely robust impression. Although small decorative stripes here and there provide an eye-catcher, the G3 15 looks rather classic overall. The screen is also very torsion-resistant and can be opened with one hand without distorting it. The maximum opening angle is around 140°.

Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2

With a weight of approximately 2.3 kilograms, the G3 15 is not a light notebook and is also the heaviest from the range of similar tested devices. The same applies to the dimensions, with Dell's laptop surpassing its 15-inch competitors, especially in terms of thickness and width.

Size comparison

403.5 mm / 15.9 inch 280 mm / 11 inch 24.9 mm / 0.98 inch 2.2 kg4.85 lbs365 mm / 14.4 inch 254 mm / 10 inch 22 mm / 0.866 inch 2.3 kg5.16 lbs361 mm / 14.2 inch 258 mm / 10.2 inch 24.9 mm / 0.98 inch 2.1 kg4.57 lbs359 mm / 14.1 inch 254 mm / 10 inch 22 mm / 0.866 inch 2 kg4.32 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Ports - Dell G3 15 with Thunderbolt 3

The Dell G3 15 offers a good choice of ports. It is especially noticeable that numerous monitors can be connected to the gaming notebook. Not only is there an HDMI and a mini-display port available for this purpose but display devices can also be connected via the Thunderbolt 3 connector.

Left side: power connection, mini DisplayPort, HDMI, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, GigabitLAN, 1x Thunderbolt 3
Left side: power connection, mini DisplayPort, HDMI, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, GigabitLAN, 1x Thunderbolt 3
Right side: SD card reader, headset connection, 2x USB 2.0 type-A, cable lock
Right side: SD card reader, headset connection, 2x USB 2.0 type-A, cable lock

Memory card reader

The Dell G3 15's memory card reader does not fully accept SD cards, causing them to protrude approximately 1.5 cm beyond the edge. In addition, our reference memory card Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64GB UHS-II achieves slow speeds of 23.8 MB/s when copying and 27.1 MB/s when reading data.

SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
Average of class Gaming
  (19 - 202, n=104, last 2 years)
98.2 MB/s +313%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
81 MB/s +240%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
23.8 MB/s
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Average of class Gaming
  (26 - 269, n=95, last 2 years)
122.3 MB/s +351%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
86 MB/s +217%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
27.1 MB/s

Communication

Dell G3 15 users can connect via a LAN port, Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6. In combination with our reference router Netgear Nighthawk AX12, the gaming laptop achieves very good values of an average of 1,417 Mb/s for receiving and 1,337 Mb/s for transmitting data.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1400 MBit/s +5%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1337 (1299min - 1366max) MBit/s
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1190 MBit/s -11%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (49.8 - 1775, n=324)
1161 MBit/s -13%
Average of class Gaming
  (450 - 1412, n=14, last 2 years)
1006 MBit/s -25%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
651 (428min - 683max) MBit/s -51%
iperf3 receive AX12
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1417 (1363min - 1450max) MBit/s
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1400 MBit/s -1%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1340 MBit/s -5%
Average Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
  (136 - 1743, n=324)
1261 MBit/s -11%
Average of class Gaming
  (423 - 1700, n=14, last 2 years)
1203 MBit/s -15%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
931 (815min - 947max) MBit/s -34%
050100150200250300350400450500550600650700750800850900950100010501100115012001250130013501400Tooltip
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1416 (1363-1450)
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø929 (815-947)
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2 Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1337 (1299-1366)
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø651 (428-683)

Webcam

The Dell G3 15's webcam records images at a low 0.9 MP. Our test shots therefore show noticeable blurring and pale colours even under very good lighting conditions. Nowadays, this is the case with most current laptops.

ColorChecker
14.6 ∆E
11.8 ∆E
18.5 ∆E
19.1 ∆E
19.1 ∆E
14.7 ∆E
8.4 ∆E
23.9 ∆E
13.1 ∆E
15 ∆E
10.3 ∆E
9 ∆E
19.1 ∆E
11.1 ∆E
13.9 ∆E
4 ∆E
16.6 ∆E
18.4 ∆E
4.8 ∆E
10.6 ∆E
13.2 ∆E
14.2 ∆E
16.4 ∆E
11.8 ∆E
ColorChecker Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2: 13.82 ∆E min: 4.05 - max: 23.89 ∆E

Accessories

The Dell G3 15 only comes with the notebook itself and a suitable power supply unit. However, Dell offers numerous general and gaming-related accessories, which range from external input devices to carrying cases and monitors.

Maintenance

Users can open the bottom of the Dell G3 15 after removing all visible screws. The case is a bit obstructive, especially in the hinge areas, but it can be removed with a little patience. Afterwards, access to all internal components is possible, allowing the fans to be cleaned and the hard drive and RAM to be replaced or upgraded.

Dell G3 15 - Maintenance options
Dell G3 15 - Maintenance options
Dell G3 15 - Free SSD slot
Dell G3 15 - Free SSD slot
Dell G3 15 - Memory slots
Dell G3 15 - Memory slots

Warranty

Dell offers a 12-month warranty to buyers of the G3 15, which can be extended for an additional charge.

Input devices - gaming laptop with backlight

Keyboard

The keys on Dell's gaming laptop allow your fingertips to stay firmly in place and respond to input with a distinct pressure point. Frequent writers will also get along well with the keyboard, whereby the somewhat small Enter key takes some getting used to. The arrow keys are also narrower, but the free space around them prevents any mistakes.

Under poor lighting conditions, the two-stage white backlighting makes it easier to read the key labelling.

Touchpad

A ClickPad is available as a mouse replacement for users in the Dell G3 15. It is large enough and its smooth surface allows for easy navigation of the mouse pointer. The mouse buttons, which are positioned in the lower area, trigger with a quiet clicking sound and they offer an even pressure point on both sides.

Dell G3 15 - input devices
Dell G3 15 - input devices
Dell G3 15 - ClickPad
Dell G3 15 - ClickPad
Dell G3 15 - backlight
Dell G3 15 - backlight

Display - 144 Hz screen with good colours

Subpixels
Subpixels
Screen-bleeding
Screen-bleeding

The Dell G3 15's screen is made up of a 15.6-inch IPS panel and offers a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 144 Hz. The brightness is at a good level with an average of 298 nits and is therefore high enough for second place in our range of tested devices. However, this does not apply to the illumination of the panel, which is very low at 81%. With dark picture contents, light screen bleeding is also noticeable.

According to our measurements, Dell refrains from using PWM, which means that even users with sensitive eyes don't have to worry about problems when using this gaming laptop.

294
cd/m²
308
cd/m²
310
cd/m²
261
cd/m²
301
cd/m²
294
cd/m²
278
cd/m²
310
cd/m²
322
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics AUO80ED tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 322 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 297.6 cd/m² Minimum: 17 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 81 %
Center on Battery: 305 cd/m²
Contrast: 1309:1 (Black: 0.23 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 4.68 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 1.87
ΔE Greyscale 5.79 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
94% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
61% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
66.4% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
93.9% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
64.6% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.46
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
AU Optronics AUO80ED, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Nexoc GH5 515IG
LG Philips LP156WFC-SPD1, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AU Optronics B156HAN08.0 (AUO80ED), IPS-Level, 1920x1080, 15.60
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
AU Optronics B173HAN04.7, IPS, 1920x1080, 17.30
Display
-40%
-6%
-38%
Display P3 Coverage
64.6
37.91
-41%
62
-4%
39.47
-39%
sRGB Coverage
93.9
57
-39%
86.8
-8%
58.9
-37%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
66.4
39.19
-41%
62.7
-6%
40.77
-39%
Response Times
-182%
-22%
-188%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
14 ?(7, 7)
34.8 ?(17.6, 17.2)
-149%
16 ?(7.6, 8.4)
-14%
35 ?(17, 18)
-150%
Response Time Black / White *
8 ?(4, 4)
25.2 ?(15.2, 10)
-215%
10.4 ?(6, 4.4)
-30%
26 ?(14, 12)
-225%
PWM Frequency
Screen
-15%
-12%
-38%
Brightness middle
301
261
-13%
311
3%
263
-13%
Brightness
298
254
-15%
313
5%
246
-17%
Brightness Distribution
81
93
15%
88
9%
85
5%
Black Level *
0.23
0.23
-0%
0.43
-87%
0.47
-104%
Contrast
1309
1135
-13%
723
-45%
560
-57%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
4.68
4.71
-1%
4.5
4%
5.07
-8%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.87
3.67
-96%
2.65
-42%
4.9
-162%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
5.79
2.76
52%
3.3
43%
2.55
56%
Gamma
2.46 89%
2.42 91%
2.129 103%
2.37 93%
CCT
7706 84%
7090 92%
7227 90%
6446 101%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
61
36
-41%
63
3%
37
-39%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
94
56
-40%
86
-9%
59
-37%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
7.6
7.97
20.5
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-79% / -42%
-13% / -12%
-88% / -58%

* ... smaller is better

Colour-space coverage (sRGB) - 94%
Colour-space coverage (sRGB) - 94%
Colour-space coverage (AdobeRGB) - 61%
Colour-space coverage (AdobeRGB) - 61%

Thanks to a good contrast ratio of 1,309:1, a comparatively low black level of 0.23 cd/m² and good colour-space coverage of 94% (sRGB), colours on the Dell G3 15 are well distinguished from one another and black image content appears deep and rich.

CalMAN analysis also shows that colours are displayed with a reduced red component. However, this can be compensated for by calibration. The corresponding ICC file can be downloaded in the window at the top right of the graphic about the screen's distribution of brightness.

CalMAN - Colour fidelity
CalMAN - Colour fidelity
CalMAN - Greyscale
CalMAN - Greyscale
CalMAN - Saturation
CalMAN - Saturation
CalMAN - Colour fidelity (calibrated)
CalMAN - Colour fidelity (calibrated)
CalMAN - Grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN - Grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN - Saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN - Saturation (calibrated)

The Dell G3 15 is good for outdoor use due to its relatively high brightness value. However, users should still prefer shaded places, as screen contents are much harder to read in direct sunlight.

Dell G3 15 - Outdoor use
Dell G3 15 - Outdoor use
Dell G3 15 - Outdoor use
Dell G3 15 - Outdoor use

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 4 ms rise
↘ 4 ms fall
The screen shows fast response rates in our tests and should be suited for gaming.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 16 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
14 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 7 ms rise
↘ 7 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 22 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The IPS panel of the Dell G3 15 has a very stable viewing angle. Screen content can be viewed from almost any angle without being distorted or displayed with distorted colours.

Viewing-angle stability
Viewing-angle stability

Performance - Suitable for Full HD gaming

The Dell G3 15 is aimed at gamers and offers the corresponding hardware equipment. Besides the configuration tested here, models with Nvidia's GeForce GTX 1650 Ti and GeForce GTX 1660 Ti are also available. Additionally, an Intel Core i5-10300H is available as an alternative processor. In each variant Full HD gaming should be possible even with slightly higher graphics settings.

Dell G3 15 - CPUz
Dell G3 15 - CPUz
Dell G3 15 - CPUz
Dell G3 15 - CPUz
Dell G3 15 - HWInfo
Dell G3 15 - GPUz
 
 

Processor

The Intel Core i7-10750H used here is a processor with six cores that can process up to 12 threads simultaneously. The clock rates lie between 2.6 and 5 GHz, whereby the cooling system is largely responsible for how long high clock rates can be maintained. In our Cinebench R15 continuous load test, performance remains at a constant level at the beginning and drops by about 8% after a few runs.

In the individual CPU performance tests, the Dell G3 15 achieved average results. In comparison to comparable competition, it shows that other laptops with Intel Core i7-10750H tested by us are able to make better use of their processor.

010020030040050060070080090010001100120013001400150016001700Tooltip
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2 Intel Core i7-10750H, Intel Core i7-10750H: Ø1119 (1067.81-1225.19)
Nexoc GH5 515IG Intel Core i5-10300H, Intel Core i5-10300H: Ø836 (815.48-892.15)
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, AMD Ryzen 7 4800H: Ø1697 (1664.03-1741.33)
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS Intel Core i7-10750H, Intel Core i7-10750H: Ø1205 (1105.06-1307.79)
Cinebench R20: CPU (Single Core) | CPU (Multi Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Single 64Bit | CPU Multi 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 -mmt1 | 7z b 4
Geekbench 5.5: Single-Core | Multi-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Gaming
  (169 - 855, n=243, last 2 years)
690 Points +48%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
478 Points +3%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
477 Points +2%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (431 - 504, n=43)
473 Points +2%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
466 Points
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
462 Points -1%
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Gaming
  (930 - 13769, n=243, last 2 years)
7152 Points +159%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
3956 Points +43%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
2888 Points +4%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (1749 - 3325, n=43)
2848 Points +3%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
2766 Points
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
2013 Points -27%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Gaming
  (79.2 - 318, n=247, last 2 years)
265 Points +37%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (184 - 213, n=45)
196.7 Points +1%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
195.8 Points +1%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
194 Points
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
186 Points -4%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
186 Points -4%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Gaming
  (400 - 5663, n=248, last 2 years)
2986 Points +144%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
1741 (1664.03min - 1741.33max) Points +42%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
1308 Points +7%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (804 - 1418, n=50)
1263 Points +3%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
1225 (1072.67min - 1192.89max) Points
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
892 Points -27%
Blender / v2.79 BMW27 CPU
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
539 Seconds * -31%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
411 Seconds *
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (322 - 587, n=43)
389 Seconds * +5%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
379.1 Seconds * +8%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
284 Seconds * +31%
Average of class Gaming
  (87 - 1259, n=241, last 2 years)
208 Seconds * +49%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 -mmt1
Average of class Gaming
  (2685 - 7581, n=242, last 2 years)
6034 MIPS +26%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (4504 - 5470, n=43)
5114 MIPS +7%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
5086 MIPS +6%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
4919 MIPS +3%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
4799 MIPS
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
4584 MIPS -4%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4
Average of class Gaming
  (11386 - 140932, n=241, last 2 years)
74398 MIPS +180%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
47520 MIPS +79%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (26040 - 37345, n=43)
33946 MIPS +28%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
32386 MIPS +22%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
26535 MIPS
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
22791 MIPS -14%
Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core
Average of class Gaming
  (158 - 2193, n=246, last 2 years)
1786 Points +46%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (1114 - 1333, n=43)
1263 Points +4%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
1227 Points +1%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
1220 Points
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
1210 Points -1%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
1154 Points -5%
Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core
Average of class Gaming
  (1946 - 22200, n=246, last 2 years)
13156 Points +111%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
7453 Points +20%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
6317 Points +1%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
6234 Points
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (4443 - 6674, n=43)
6135 Points -2%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
4722 Points -24%
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 / 4k Preset
Average of class Gaming
  (3 - 37.6, n=245, last 2 years)
20.5 fps +149%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
11.7 fps +42%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (5.54 - 11.6, n=43)
9.61 fps +17%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
9.41 fps +14%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
8.24 fps
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
7.01 fps -15%
LibreOffice / 20 Documents To PDF
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
93.9 s * -66%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
56.9 s * -0%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
56.7 s *
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (43.1 - 99.2, n=43)
53.3 s * +6%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
50.2 s * +11%
Average of class Gaming
  (32.8 - 332, n=239, last 2 years)
49.6 s * +13%
R Benchmark 2.5 / Overall mean
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H
0.647 sec *
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H
0.626 sec * +3%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H
0.625 sec * +3%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (0.578 - 0.708, n=42)
0.611 sec * +6%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
0.597 sec * +8%
Average of class Gaming
  (0.3609 - 4.47, n=242, last 2 years)
0.4753 sec * +27%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
1225 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
121 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
194 Points
Help

System performance

The Dell G3 15 achieved a good overall result in the PCMark 10 system performance test. It was able to assert itself against our range of tested devices, especially in the discipline "Digital Content Creation", and it also achieved a good "Productivity" value. The gaming laptop ran smoothly at all times in everyday testing and showed neither micro stutters nor unnecessary loading times.

In our CPU benchmark list you can see the results other notebooks achieved in our tests.

PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Gaming
  (4477 - 9852, n=208, last 2 years)
7531 Points +28%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI
5875 Points
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
Radeon RX 5300M, R7 4800H, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
5639 Points -4%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (4984 - 6268, n=9)
5455 Points -7%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-1T00
5201 Points -11%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, i5-10300H, Samsung SSD 860 Evo 512GB
4936 Points -16%
Essentials
Average of class Gaming
  (7334 - 12334, n=207, last 2 years)
10665 Points +12%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
Radeon RX 5300M, R7 4800H, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
9833 Points +3%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-1T00
9624 Points +1%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI
9545 Points
Average Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (9029 - 10047, n=9)
9536 Points 0%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, i5-10300H, Samsung SSD 860 Evo 512GB
8947 Points -6%
Productivity
Average of class Gaming
  (6161 - 11833, n=207, last 2 years)
9670 Points +25%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-1T00
8261 Points +7%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (7562 - 8261, n=9)
8000 Points +3%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI
7748 Points
Nexoc GH5 515IG
GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, i5-10300H, Samsung SSD 860 Evo 512GB
7327 Points -5%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
Radeon RX 5300M, R7 4800H, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
6893 Points -11%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Gaming
  (5288 - 18475, n=207, last 2 years)
11325 Points +52%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI
7441 Points
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
Radeon RX 5300M, R7 4800H, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
7178 Points -4%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (4567 - 8094, n=9)
5879 Points -21%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, i5-10300H, Samsung SSD 860 Evo 512GB
4980 Points -33%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-1T00
4804 Points -35%

DPC latency

In our test, the Dell G3 15 shows very high interruption times and should therefore not be used for real-time processing.

LatencyMon - stats
LatencyMon - stats
LatencyMon - drivers
LatencyMon - drivers
DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI
8016 μs *
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
Radeon RX 5300M, R7 4800H, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
1423 μs * +82%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-1T00
675 μs * +92%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, i5-10300H, Samsung SSD 860 Evo 512GB
255 μs * +97%

* ... smaller is better

Storage solution

Dell installs a 512 GB SSD from SK Hynix in the G3 15. This is not one of the fastest models on the market but still achieves solid read and write rates in our benchmark tests.

Our HDD/SSD benchmark list shows what performance can be expected from comparable mass storage devices.

Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Samsung SSD 860 Evo 512GB
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-1T00
Average SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
-33%
74%
35%
6%
Write 4K
99.6
89.6
-10%
118.3
19%
140
41%
111 ?(77.8 - 157.3, n=7)
11%
Read 4K
38.8
40.88
5%
43.73
13%
49.04
26%
42.6 ?(32.8 - 49.8, n=7)
10%
Write Seq
1117
518
-54%
2854
156%
1963
76%
1037 ?(851 - 1117, n=7)
-7%
Read Seq
1030
539
-48%
2302
123%
1455
41%
1100 ?(1008 - 1183, n=7)
7%
Write 4K Q32T1
445.2
304
-32%
418.5
-6%
398.2
-11%
410 ?(308 - 475, n=7)
-8%
Read 4K Q32T1
331.8
329
-1%
517
56%
461.9
39%
444 ?(332 - 601, n=7)
34%
Write Seq Q32T1
1102
529
-52%
3008
173%
1969
79%
1072 ?(1043 - 1102, n=7)
-3%
Read Seq Q32T1
2227
561
-75%
3568
60%
1927
-13%
2269 ?(2154 - 2311, n=7)
2%
AS SSD
-30%
114%
45%
13%
Seq Read
1305
524
-60%
2730
109%
1804
38%
1458 ?(1172 - 1975, n=7)
12%
Seq Write
767
495
-35%
2513
228%
1922
151%
900 ?(678 - 1064, n=7)
17%
4K Read
41.84
38.93
-7%
61.4
47%
38.21
-9%
49 ?(41.8 - 53.7, n=7)
17%
4K Write
90.1
87.3
-3%
156.1
73%
105
17%
114.9 ?(90.1 - 123.2, n=7)
28%
4K-64 Read
773
380
-51%
1780
130%
976
26%
776 ?(703 - 819, n=7)
0%
4K-64 Write
711
335.7
-53%
1920
170%
1150
62%
744 ?(689 - 810, n=7)
5%
Access Time Read *
0.09
0.073
19%
0.063
30%
0.061 ?(0.04 - 0.09, n=6)
32%
Access Time Write *
0.04
0.039
2%
0.025
37%
0.045
-13%
0.03329 ?(0.031 - 0.04, n=7)
17%
Score Read
945
471
-50%
2114
124%
1194
26%
970 ?(904 - 1055, n=7)
3%
Score Write
878
472
-46%
2327
165%
1747
99%
949 ?(878 - 1034, n=7)
8%
Score Total
2290
1198
-48%
5518
141%
3563
56%
2401 ?(2290 - 2562, n=7)
5%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-32% / -32%
94% / 97%
40% / 41%
10% / 10%

* ... smaller is better

SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 2227 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 1102 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 331.8 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 445.2 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 1030 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 1117 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 38.8 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 99.6 MB/s

Continuous read: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8

No graph data

Graphics card

Dell uses an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 in our test model of the G3 15. This graphics card is also suitable for more complex 3D applications but doesn't achieve quite as good benchmark results as other notebooks with this graphics unit. In the 3DMark tests the values are up to 10% below the average of other laptops with this GPU that we tested.

Our GPU benchmark list shows how the installed Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 compares with other graphics cards.

3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Gaming
  (1029 - 72070, n=246, last 2 years)
39499 Points +106%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (19143 - 24662, n=40)
21459 Points +12%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-10750H
20511 Points +7%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-10750H
19143 Points
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Radeon RX 5300M, AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
14437 Points -25%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, Intel Core i5-10300H
12447 Points -35%
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Gaming
  (15902 - 193851, n=157, last 2 years)
134064 Points +41%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-10750H
102488 Points +8%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-10750H
95036 Points
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (55324 - 116593, n=36)
93235 Points -2%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, Intel Core i5-10300H
64543 Points -32%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Radeon RX 5300M, AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
55837 Points -41%
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Gaming
  (781 - 53059, n=250, last 2 years)
28955 Points +95%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (14768 - 18358, n=43)
16301 Points +10%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-10750H
15642 Points +5%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-10750H
14848 Points
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Radeon RX 5300M, AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
10550 Points -29%
Nexoc GH5 515IG
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, Intel Core i5-10300H
9311 Points -37%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Gaming
  (224 - 22547, n=248, last 2 years)
11781 Points
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (5660 - 6910, n=41)
6206 Points
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, Intel Core i7-10750H
5736 Points
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Radeon RX 5300M, AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
3539 Points
Nexoc GH5 515IG
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, Intel Core i5-10300H
3381 Points
3DMark 11 Performance
16634 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
31580 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
13566 points
Help

Gaming performance

With the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060, most current games can be played smoothly with high graphics settings and in Full HD resolution. Accordingly, the titles we tested ran smoothly with high frame rates and did not show any frame drops or similar.

The performance that can be expected in other titles from Nvidia's GeForce RTX 2060 can be seen in our GPU games list.

The Witcher 3 - 1920x1080 Ultra Graphics & Postprocessing (HBAO+)
Average of class Gaming
  (8.61 - 216, n=245, last 2 years)
114 fps +125%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
63 fps +25%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (50.6 - 74, n=40)
61.1 fps +21%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
50.6 fps
Nexoc GH5 515IG
Intel Core i5-10300H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile
38.5 fps -24%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, AMD Radeon RX 5300M
38.3 (31min) fps -24%
Far Cry 5 - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset AA:T
Average of class Gaming
  (14 - 218, n=135, last 2 years)
124.3 fps +55%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (76 - 90, n=9)
83.3 fps +4%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
80 fps
Dota 2 Reborn - 1920x1080 high (2/3)
Average of class Gaming
  (29.9 - 244, n=253, last 2 years)
149.7 fps +28%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
123.8 (109.6min) fps +6%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
117 (102.5min) fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (85.4 - 128, n=18)
112.9 fps -4%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, AMD Radeon RX 5300M
97.9 (85.2min) fps -16%
X-Plane 11.11
1920x1080 high (fps_test=3)
Average of class Gaming
  (12.4 - 166.2, n=259, last 2 years)
99.9 fps +38%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
75.8 fps +5%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
72.4 fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (55.6 - 79.9, n=18)
70.7 fps -2%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, AMD Radeon RX 5300M
34.9 fps -52%
1920x1080 med (fps_test=2)
Average of class Gaming
  (13.7 - 193.1, n=249, last 2 years)
125.7 fps +48%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
85.2 fps
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
84.1 fps -1%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (63.5 - 95, n=18)
82.7 fps -3%
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, AMD Radeon RX 5300M
39.5 fps -54%
Doom Eternal - 1920x1080 Ultra Preset
Average of class Gaming
  (22.2 - 198.4, n=6, last 2 years)
142 fps +44%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
  (98.7 - 138, n=10)
121.7 fps +23%
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
108.9 fps +10%
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
98.7 fps
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, AMD Radeon RX 5300M
fps -100%

In the extended test with The Witcher 3 on the graphics setting "Ultra", the Dell G3 15 shows only slight variations in graphics performance over a long period. At the end of the approximately one-hour test, however, a clear drop can be noticed, which then stabilises between 30 and 40 fps. This means that fluid gaming is still possible, but users must expect performance drops after long playing times for very demanding titles.

0510152025303540455055Tooltip
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2 GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI: Ø50.7 (2-58)
low med. high ultra
The Witcher 3 (2015) 50.6
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 139 125 117 111
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 104 85.2 72.4
Far Cry 5 (2018) 80
Doom Eternal (2020) 98.7

Emissions - The Dell G3 15 runs hot

Noise emissions

The Dell G3 15's fans can become very loud with up to 48.7 dB(A) under load. The resulting noise is even but can't be easily faded out in the ambient noise. Users should therefore consider external headphones to counteract the noise level.

Noise characteristics
Noise characteristics
Noise characteristics while playing The Witcher 3
Noise characteristics while playing The Witcher 3

Noise Level

Idle
27.1 / 27.1 / 30.8 dB(A)
Load
45.3 / 48.7 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 26.7 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2034.930.531.830.834.92537.232.53940.537.23135.734.135.237.935.74031.63127.326.431.65035.428.731.831.135.46328.628.834.627.128.68025.723.924.32725.710026.524.42219.326.512528.626.421.722.428.616026.824.619.72026.820026.824.318.518.326.825028.724.416.215.128.731529.326.816.114.229.34003228.414.513.23250031.728.61413.831.763032.12913.913.632.180033.231.41413.733.2100036.433.21414.236.4125039.135.914.614.539.1160036.733.81514.636.7200040.537.21514.540.525003936.114.914.539315038.234.314.914.438.2400036.531.915.114.536.5500036.331.715.314.936.3630033.83015.51533.8800030.926.515.614.730.91000028.925.815.514.728.91250025.323.715.114.825.3160002123.114.814.121SPL48.745.327.226.748.7N6.34.80.90.86.3median 32median 28.6median 15.1median 14.5median 32Delta4.54.41.20.84.5hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseDell G3 15 3500-G4DG2

Temperatures

Stress test
Stress test

Our measurements show that the Dell G3 15 has surface temperatures of up to 58.6 °C (137.48 °F) under load. Thus, the gaming notebook warms up quite strongly, with the warmest points being on the underside of the base unit. However, the wrist-rests always remain moderately warm, which doesn't limit the use of the laptop. However, a placement on the thighs is not recommended for prolonged gaming.

At the beginning of our approximately one-hour stress test, the temperatures inside the gaming laptop temporarily rise up to 100 °C (212 °F). However, the fans quickly push this value back down to below 80 °C (176 °F) and an average of 90 °C (194 °F) is maintained until the end of the approximately one-hour test. The clock rates drop to around 2.5 GHz, which is only slightly below the base rate. As the notebook could still be operated smoothly during the test, users do not have to expect restrictions due to too high temperatures.

Max. Load
 49.8 °C
122 F
50.3 °C
123 F
48.1 °C
119 F
 
 42.5 °C
109 F
50.1 °C
122 F
43 °C
109 F
 
 28.5 °C
83 F
31.8 °C
89 F
30.1 °C
86 F
 
Maximum: 50.3 °C = 123 F
Average: 41.6 °C = 107 F
58.4 °C
137 F
46.6 °C
116 F
49 °C
120 F
50.1 °C
122 F
58.6 °C
137 F
47.7 °C
118 F
27 °C
81 F
29 °C
84 F
27.6 °C
82 F
Maximum: 58.6 °C = 137 F
Average: 43.8 °C = 111 F
Power Supply (max.)  37.4 °C = 99 F | Room Temperature 23.9 °C = 75 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 41.6 °C / 107 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F for the devices in the class Gaming.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 50.3 °C / 123 F, compared to the average of 40.4 °C / 105 F, ranging from 21.2 to 68.8 °C for the class Gaming.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 58.6 °C / 137 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 31 °C / 88 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(-) Playing The Witcher 3, the average temperature for the upper side is 44.1 °C / 111 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (35.8 °C / 96.4 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-6.9 °C / -12.4 F).
Thermal imaging in idle mode - top side
Thermal imaging in idle mode - top side
Thermal imaging in idle mode - bottom side
Thermal imaging in idle mode - bottom side
Thermal imaging in The Witcher 3 - top
Thermal imaging in The Witcher 3 - top
Thermal imaging in The Witcher 3 - bottom
Thermal imaging in The Witcher 3 - bottom

Speakers

Speaker characteristics
Speaker characteristics

The Dell G3 15's speakers offer a medium volume and a wide sound spectrum but lack deep frequencies. This makes the gaming laptop suitable for occasional playback of media content, but users should use external speakers or headphones in the long run.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2033.530.833.52536.640.536.63134.537.934.54028.626.428.6503931.1396331.927.131.98025.92725.910023.319.323.312525.922.425.916026.42026.420032.918.332.92504315.14331555.614.255.64006513.26550061.513.861.563060.713.660.780064.913.764.9100071.614.271.6125071.314.571.3160069.714.669.7200069.814.569.8250064.814.564.8315067.914.467.9400066.614.566.6500066.714.966.7630059.91559.9800064.614.764.61000065.614.765.61250072.814.872.81600073.314.173.3SPL8026.780N45.40.845.4median 64.9median 14.5median 64.9Delta10.70.810.735.840.839.644.432.536.23642.343.746.132.137.232.135.430.431.83036.129.444.52853.325.965.123.767.320.571.820.47222.771.918.774.917.969.418.870.518.27417.672.517.664.117.766.917.968.517.96817.873.417.871.217.871.617.670.717.663.631.383.11.760.8median 18.2median 69.43.26.6hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseDell G3 15 3500-G4DG2MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2 audio analysis

(±) | speaker loudness is average but good (73.3 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 30.4% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.8% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (6.6% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 1.8% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (6.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (21.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 76% of all tested devices in this class were better, 6% similar, 18% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 18%, worst was 132%
Compared to all devices tested
» 58% of all tested devices were better, 7% similar, 36% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 19.8% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (12.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.7% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2.6% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (5.9% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (14.6% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 25% of all tested devices in this class were better, 7% similar, 68% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 18%, worst was 132%
Compared to all devices tested
» 15% of all tested devices were better, 4% similar, 82% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Power management - Five hours battery operation in Wi-Fi

Energy consumption

Dell G3 15 3500 - Power supply
Dell G3 15 3500 - Power supply

Our measurements certify that the Dell laptop has an average power consumption both in idle and under load. In comparison to the range of similar tested devices, the G3 15 3500 is somewhat more economical, especially in idle, and it only has to admit defeat to the Acer Nitro 5 AN517.

The included power supply turns out to be very large, and with an output power of 240 watts it is large enough to guarantee a safe power supply.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.5 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 7 / 10.2 / 15 Watt
Load midlight 147 / 197 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Nexoc GH5 515IG
i5-10300H, GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, Samsung SSD 860 Evo 512GB, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
R7 4800H, Radeon RX 5300M, Samsung PM981a MZVLB1T0HBLR, IPS-Level, 1920x1080, 15.60
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-1T00, IPS, 1920x1080, 17.30
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
 
Average of class Gaming
 
Power Consumption
32%
-12%
14%
-32%
-52%
Idle Minimum *
7
3
57%
11
-57%
5.4
23%
11.5 ?(2.9 - 41, n=36)
-64%
13.7 ?(2 - 64, n=191, last 2 years)
-96%
Idle Average *
10.2
7
31%
14
-37%
9.8
4%
16.5 ?(5.9 - 45.3, n=36)
-62%
18.9 ?(6.5 - 67, n=191, last 2 years)
-85%
Idle Maximum *
15
16
-7%
25
-67%
10.9
27%
23.7 ?(8.5 - 47.1, n=36)
-58%
26.5 ?(9 - 101.1, n=191, last 2 years)
-77%
Load Average *
147
85
42%
72
51%
104
29%
107.5 ?(82 - 147, n=37)
27%
111.7 ?(32.1 - 202, n=191, last 2 years)
24%
Witcher 3 ultra *
131
86
34%
100
24%
134.3
-3%
Load Maximum *
197
134
32%
163
17%
193
2%
199.7 ?(145 - 243, n=37)
-1%
249 ?(64.5 - 418, n=190, last 2 years)
-26%

* ... smaller is better

Battery life

In our hands-on Wi-Fi test, the Dell G3 15 achieves a runtime of a little more than five hours. Thus, it can't use its 68 Wh strong battery as well as similarly equipped competing devices, but it scores better than the average of all gaming laptops we tested.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
7h 29min
WiFi Websurfing
5h 14min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 33min
Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, 68 Wh
Nexoc GH5 515IG
i5-10300H, GeForce GTX 1650 Mobile, 48.96 Wh
MSI Bravo 15 A4DCR
R7 4800H, Radeon RX 5300M, 51 Wh
Acer Nitro 5 AN517-52-77DS
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, 57.48 Wh
Average of class Gaming
 
Battery Runtime
33%
-22%
34%
10%
Reader / Idle
449
893
99%
418
-7%
661
47%
548 ?(57 - 1290, n=90, last 2 years)
22%
WiFi v1.3
314
384
22%
268
-15%
396
26%
366 ?(57 - 745, n=191, last 2 years)
17%
Load
93
73
-22%
53
-43%
120
29%
86 ?(36 - 173, n=155, last 2 years)
-8%

Pros

+ solid casing
+ good maintenance possibilities
+ one Thunderbolt 3 connector
+ good Wi-Fi performance

Cons

- slow memory card reader
- moderate battery life
- light screen-bleeding

Verdict - Dell's gaming laptop is suitable for everyday use

In review: Dell G3 15 3500. Test device provided by:
In review: Dell G3 15 3500. Test device provided by:

In our test, the Dell G3 15 3500 proves to be a very solid gaming notebook. This not only applies to the performance but also to the casing. The robust plastic provides a lot of stability, so we would certainly transport the G3 15 without hesitation. When compared to the competition, the design does not set new standards, but it doesn't have to. With its good maintenance options and a Thunderbolt 3 connector, there is also potential for future upgrades. 

The Dell G3 15 is a robust gaming laptop with enough power for high graphics levels in Full HD resolution. 

However, there are also minor weaknesses to be found with the Dell G3 15 3500. These include, for example, the slow memory card reader, which allows SD cards to protrude well beyond the edge of the case. The battery life should also be a bit better in view of the available 68 Wh, and the screen is also not first class with its tendency towards screen bleeding. But for the reasonable price tag, all this is quite bearable.

Dell G3 15 3500-G4DG2 - 09/07/2020 v7
Mike Wobker

Chassis
78 / 98 → 79%
Keyboard
79%
Pointing Device
84%
Connectivity
66 / 80 → 82%
Weight
61 / 10-66 → 91%
Battery
65 / 95 → 68%
Display
83%
Games Performance
87%
Application Performance
88%
Temperature
80 / 95 → 84%
Noise
78 / 90 → 86%
Audio
65%
Camera
33 / 85 → 38%
Average
73%
82%
Gaming - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Dell G3 15 3500 laptop in review: Robust gaming notebook with 144 Hz screen
Mike Wobker, 2020-09-14 (Update: 2020-09-14)