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Dell Inspiron 14 3493 in Review: Dell's 14-Inch Laptop Neglects the GPU Department

Half-baked. Dell's 14-inch laptop shines with decent or even good battery life, an NVMe SSD and a powerful Ice Lake Core i7 processor. The dedicated GeForce MX230 graphics chip is only able to access its performance potential for a short amount of time due to thermal constraints. Thus, it is not really suitable for gaming.

With the Inspiron 14 3493, Dell has released a 14-inch laptop for the budget to mid-range category. The test device we have received is powered by a Core i7-1065G7 processor and a GeForce-MX230 graphics core. Competitors include devices such as the Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ, HP 14, Acer Swift 3 SF314-41, Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D and the Lenovo IdeaPad S340-14IWL.

Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Processor
Intel Core i7-1065G7 4 x 1.3 - 3.9 GHz, Ice Lake-U
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce MX230 - 2048 MB VRAM, Core: 1531 MHz, Memory: 1502 MHz, GDDR5, 64-bit interface, Nvidia 441.66, Optimus
Memory
8 GB 
, DDR4-2666, single-channel, two RAM slots (one occupied)
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 157 PPI, Chi Mei 140HCA, IPS, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel 495 (Ice Lake-U PCH-LP Premium)
Storage
Toshiba KBG40ZNS512G NVMe, 512 GB 
, M.2 slot, SATA slot (unoccupied), 417 GB free
Soundcard
Realtek ALC236 @ Intel Ice Point-LP PCH - cAVS
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 3 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: audio combo, Card Reader: SD, TPM 2.0
Networking
RealTek Semiconductor RTL8101/2/3 Family Fast Ethernet NIC (10/100MBit/s), Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/), Bluetooth 4.2
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 21 x 339 x 242 ( = 0.83 x 13.35 x 9.53 in)
Battery
42 Wh, 3500 mAh Lithium-Ion, 11.4 V
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: HD
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, McAfee Security (trial version), MS Office 365 (trial version), 12 Months Warranty
Weight
1.8 kg ( = 63.49 oz / 3.97 pounds), Power Supply: 314.1 g ( = 11.08 oz / 0.69 pounds)
Price
749 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
74.5 %
01/2020
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
i7-1065G7, GeForce MX230
1.8 kg21 mm14.00"1920x1080
83.8 %
08/2019
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
i5-8265U, GeForce MX230
1.5 kg19 mm14.00"1920x1080
81.9 %
06/2019
HP 14-dk0008ng
R7 3700U, Vega 10
1.5 kg20 mm14.00"1920x1080
82.7 %
11/2019
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
R5 3500U, Vega 8
1.5 kg18 mm14.00"1920x1080
84.8 %
06/2019
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
i7-8565U, GeForce MX230
1.6 kg17.9 mm14.00"1920x1080
84.6 %
05/2019
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
R5 2500U, Vega 8
1.5 kg16 mm14.00"1920x1080

Case - Dell Laptop with Plastic Chassis

The chassis of the Inspiron does not feature premium materials. Instead, Dell uses a matte black plastic case. The back of the lid and the top of the base unit feature a roughened texture. There is no maintenance hatch. Instead, the bottom plate has to be removed in order to access the components. More on that later. The battery is non-replaceable.

There are no flaws in terms of the construction quality. The clearances are perfect and the edges not sharp to the touch. However, the rigidity could be better. For example, the areas to the right and left of the keyboard on the base unit slightly yield under pressure. Additionally, it is susceptible to twisting. Here, a higher rigidity would have been desirable. The same holds true for the lid. That said, applying pressure to the back of the lid only results in a small distorted area in the center of the display.

The hinges hold the lid firmly in place and allow for minor teetering. The display can be opened to a maximum angle of about 135 degrees. With the right finger-hand-arm technique, the lid can be opened one-handed.

The Inspiron is slightly larger than its competitors. It also weighs in at around 200 to 300 grams (~7 to 10.6 oz) more.

Size Comparison

339 mm / 13.3 inch 242 mm / 9.53 inch 21 mm / 0.827 inch 1.8 kg3.97 lbs335 mm / 13.2 inch 234 mm / 9.21 inch 20 mm / 0.787 inch 1.5 kg3.31 lbs322 mm / 12.7 inch 212 mm / 8.35 inch 19 mm / 0.748 inch 1.5 kg3.31 lbs323 mm / 12.7 inch 228 mm / 8.98 inch 18 mm / 0.709 inch 1.5 kg3.31 lbs323 mm / 12.7 inch 231 mm / 9.09 inch 17.9 mm / 0.705 inch 1.6 kg3.53 lbs323 mm / 12.7 inch 221 mm / 8.7 inch 16 mm / 0.63 inch 1.5 kg3.24 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity - Inspiron without Type-C USB

The port selection of the Dell laptop does not stand out from the crowd. There are three USB Type-A ports (1x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1) on the 3493. Type-C ports are not available. For 750 Euros (~$835), the latter should have been included by default. An external monitor can be connected via HDMI. SD cards still protrude from the integrated card reader by about 13 mm (0.5 in) when fully inserted.

Left: AC adapter, HDMI, Fast Ethernet, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A), audio combo
Left: AC adapter, HDMI, Fast Ethernet, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A), audio combo
Right: Card reader (SD), USB 2.0 (Type-A), Cable lock slot
Right: Card reader (SD), USB 2.0 (Type-A), Cable lock slot

Communication

Dell appears to have cleaned out an old warehouse and found a few Fast Ethernet chips, which were immediately installed in the Inspiron. This is very unusual, since even budget devices are usually equipped with Gigabit Ethernet chips. At least the Realtek family device works without issues.

The Wi-Fi module integrates a Qualcomm chip (QCA9377). Aside from the Wi-Fi standards 802.11 a/b/g/n, it also supports the faster ac standard. Under optimal conditions (no other Wi-Fi devices in the vicinity, short distance between the laptop and the server), we recorded mediocre transfer rates.

Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Average of class Multimedia
  (285 - 1094, n=5, last 2 years)
789 MBit/s +159%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Realtek RTL8822BE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCIe Adapter
600 (501min - 662max) MBit/s +97%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
558 (428min - 613max) MBit/s +83%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
Intel 8265 Tri-Band WiFi (Oak Peak) Network Adapter
514 MBit/s +69%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
Intel Cannon Lake-H/S CNVi: WiFi
321 (249min - 389max) MBit/s +5%
HP 14-dk0008ng
Realtek 8821CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
309 (212min - 410max) MBit/s +1%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
305 (288min - 327max) MBit/s
iperf3 receive AX12
Average of class Multimedia
  (625 - 1675, n=5, last 2 years)
1127 MBit/s +238%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
Intel 8265 Tri-Band WiFi (Oak Peak) Network Adapter
635 MBit/s +91%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Realtek RTL8822BE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCIe Adapter
609 (572min - 625max) MBit/s +83%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174
450 (234min - 544max) MBit/s +35%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter
333 (322min - 341max) MBit/s
HP 14-dk0008ng
Realtek 8821CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC
271 (234min - 285max) MBit/s -19%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
Intel Cannon Lake-H/S CNVi: WiFi
251 (184min - 354max) MBit/s -25%
03570105140175210245280315350385420455490525560595630Tooltip
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø333 (322-341)
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T Realtek RTL8822BE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCIe Adapter; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø608 (572-625)
HP 14-dk0008ng Realtek 8821CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø271 (234-285)
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø450 (234-544)
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE Intel Cannon Lake-H/S CNVi: WiFi; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø250 (184-354)
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø305 (288-327)
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T Realtek RTL8822BE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCIe Adapter; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø600 (501-662)
HP 14-dk0008ng Realtek 8821CE Wireless LAN 802.11ac PCI-E NIC; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø309 (212-410)
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ Atheros/Qualcomm QCA6174; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø558 (428-613)
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE Intel Cannon Lake-H/S CNVi: WiFi; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø321 (249-389)

Webcam

The webcam allows for pictures with a maximum resolution of 1,280x720 pixels. The results look pale and washed-out.

Accessories

There are no accessories included apart from the usual documents (quick start guide, warranty information).

Maintenance

The hardware can be accessed after removing the bottom plate. In order to remove it, all screws on the bottom of the device have to be loosened. Subsequently, the bottom plate can be removed with the help of a sharp edge or a flat spatula - users should begin in the fan area. Afterwards, the RAM slots, SSD, battery, Wi-Fi module, fan and the BIOS battery can be accessed.

Warranty

The Inspiron comes with a one-year warranty - including pick-up service. It can be expanded to three years for about 73 Euros (~$81).

Input Devices - Inspiron 3493 without Keyboard Backlight

Keyboard

Dell equips the Inspiron with a non-backlit chiclet keyboard. The flat, slightly roughened keys offer short travel and a distinct actuation point. The keyboard area slightly yields while typing. However, this has not proven to be an issue. Overall, Dell has delivered a very passable keyboard for daily use. That said, it is not one of the best laptop keyboards.

Touchpad

A multi-touch enabled ClickPad with a surface area of about 10.5 x 6.5 cm (~4.13 x 2.56 in) serves as the mouse substitute. The large touchpad area gives users a lot of space for gestures. The smooth surface of the pad has good gliding properties. It registers inputs all the way to the edges. The touchpad has short key travel and a clear actuation point.

Input Devices
Input Devices

Display - Dell Computer with Dim IPS Panel

The matte 14-inch screen of the Inspiron has a native resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels. While we measured a good contrast ratio (1,329:1), the brightness (214.3 cd/m²) leaves something to be desired. In our comparison, the display of the 3493 is one of the models with the lowest brightness. We consider values of above 300 cd/m² good.

In battery mode, the maximum brightness (195 cd/m²) is even lower. This can be prevented by disabling the BIOS option "EcoPower". The maximum display brightness for battery mode and when plugged in can also be set from within the BIOS.

Unfortunately, the screen exhibits flickering at a frequency of 2,500 Hz at brightness settings of 20 percent and below. However, even sensitive users should not experience headaches or eye strain due to the very high frequency.

Subpixel array
Subpixel array
Backlight bleeding
Backlight bleeding
BIOS
BIOS
207
cd/m²
208
cd/m²
211
cd/m²
216
cd/m²
226
cd/m²
217
cd/m²
215
cd/m²
219
cd/m²
210
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Chi Mei 140HCA tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 226 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 214.3 cd/m² Minimum: 11.8 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 92 %
Center on Battery: 195 cd/m²
Contrast: 1329:1 (Black: 0.17 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 5.21 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 4.43
ΔE Greyscale 3.27 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
62% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
40% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
43.33% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
62.3% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
41.84% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.36
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
HP 14-dk0008ng
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
IPS, 1920x1080, 14.00
Display
-5%
-6%
-1%
-8%
5%
Display P3 Coverage
41.84
39.65
-5%
39.53
-6%
41.43
-1%
38.41
-8%
44.26
6%
sRGB Coverage
62.3
59.5
-4%
59.1
-5%
61.8
-1%
57.8
-7%
65.1
4%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
43.33
40.96
-5%
40.84
-6%
42.85
-1%
39.68
-8%
45.73
6%
Response Times
4%
10%
-23%
13%
-34%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
41 ?(23, 18)
40 ?(18, 22)
2%
38 ?(18, 20)
7%
38 ?(20, 18)
7%
36 ?(20, 16)
12%
42.4 ?(22.8, 19.6)
-3%
Response Time Black / White *
31 ?(18, 13)
29 ?(17, 12)
6%
27 ?(15, 12)
13%
27 ?(16, 11)
13%
27 ?(16, 11)
13%
32.8 ?(18, 14.8)
-6%
PWM Frequency
2500 ?(20)
250 ?(10)
-90%
198.4 ?(99)
-92%
Screen
7%
13%
-4%
-11%
0%
Brightness middle
226
274
21%
269
19%
233
3%
260
15%
287
27%
Brightness
214
255
19%
257
20%
219
2%
250
17%
276
29%
Brightness Distribution
92
89
-3%
89
-3%
75
-18%
87
-5%
86
-7%
Black Level *
0.17
0.305
-79%
0.2
-18%
0.14
18%
0.29
-71%
0.25
-47%
Contrast
1329
898
-32%
1345
1%
1664
25%
897
-33%
1148
-14%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
5.21
3.66
30%
3.68
29%
5.9
-13%
6.29
-21%
5.4
-4%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
22.15
7.54
66%
7.36
67%
22.8
-3%
14.77
33%
18.1
18%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
4.43
4.8
-8%
4.51
-2%
5
-13%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.27
1.45
56%
1.69
48%
4.8
-47%
4.65
-42%
3.1
5%
Gamma
2.36 93%
2.49 88%
2.49 88%
2.06 107%
2.73 81%
1.99 111%
CCT
6538 99%
6597 99%
6406 101%
6589 99%
7331 89%
6769 96%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
40
38
-5%
38
-5%
39
-2%
37
-7%
41.8
5%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
62
59
-5%
59
-5%
62
0%
58
-6%
64.6
4%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
2% / 4%
6% / 9%
-9% / -7%
-2% / -8%
-10% / -5%

* ... smaller is better

The color accuracy is decent ex-factory. Still, the deltaE-2000 color deviation value of just above 5 is higher than the ideal value (deltaE of less than 3). The display does not suffer from a blue tint. A calibration attempt results in a slight improvement of the display. Here, the color deviation drops to 4.43 and the grayscale is more balanced as well. The display does not fully cover the AdobeRGB (40 percent) or sRGB (62 percent) color space.

The color representation of the display can be adjusted according to the calibration performed by us with the help of our color profile. Users should ensure that their device is equipped with the same display model (manufacturer + model number) as our test device. Otherwise, the color accuracy can decrease as opposed to increase. Often times, screens from various manufacturers are used for the same laptop model.

CalMAN - color checker
CalMAN - color checker
CalMAN - grayscale
CalMAN - grayscale
CalMAN - saturation
CalMAN - saturation
CalMAN - color checker (calibrated)
CalMAN - color checker (calibrated)
CalMAN - grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN - grayscale (calibrated)
CalMAN - saturation (calibrated)
CalMAN - saturation (calibrated)

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
31 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 18 ms rise
↘ 13 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 81 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
41 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 23 ms rise
↘ 18 ms fall
The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 59 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is worse 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 detected 2500 Hz ≤ 20 % brightness setting

The display backlight flickers at 2500 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 20 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting.

The frequency of 2500 Hz is quite high, so most users sensitive to PWM should not notice any flickering.

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.

Dell equips the Inspiron 3493 with an IPS panel with good viewing angles. This ensures that the screen contents remain readable from every position. However, the outdoor visibility is adversely affected by the low luminance. Thus, the laptop is primarily suited to indoor use.

The Inspiron outdoors
The Inspiron outdoors
Viewing angles
Viewing angles

Performance - Inspiron 14 with Mid-Range Hardware

With the Inspiron 14 3493, Dell delivers a 14-inch laptop with enough power for internet and office applications. Our test device can be purchased for around 750 Euros (~$835). Other configurations are available as well. The starting price of the model without a dedicated GPU is 550 Euros (~$612).

CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
CPU-Z
GPU-Z
GPU-Z
HWInfo
LatencyMon
 

Processor

The Inspiron features the four-core Core i7-1065G7 CPU. Our test device implements a ULV model with a TDP of 15 watts. Dell allows for a temporary increase to up to 51 watts. The Core i7 has a base clock of 1.3 GHz. Via Turbo Boost, this can be increased to 3.5 GHz (on all four cores), 3.8 GHz (two cores) or 3.9 GHz (one core).

The Core i7 belongs to Intel's new Ice Lake generation. Intel promises an up to 18 percent higher average IPC performance for the underlying Sunny Cove architecture. Despite lower nominal speeds, the actual performance supposedly matches that of the previous generation (Whiskey Lake).

During the Cinebench multi-thread tests, the device runs at 3.2 GHz (mains) or 3 GHz (battery mode) for a short time. Subsequently, the clock rate drops to the 2.7 to 2.8 GHz and finally the 2.2 to 2.3 GHz range. During the single-thread tests, we observed clock speeds of 3.5 to 3.8 GHz (mains) and 700 to 3.9 GHz (battery mode).

Multi-thread (mains)
Multi-thread (mains)
Multi-thread (battery mode)
Multi-thread (battery mode)
Single-thread (mains)
Single-thread (mains)
Single-thread (battery mode)
Single-thread (battery mode)

By running Cinebench R15's multi-thread benchmark test in a loop for at least 30 minutes, we determine whether the Turbo Boost is permanently active while on mains. The scores drop from the first to the third loop and then stabilize at a relatively constant level. While the Turbo Boost is active, it does not reach its theoretical limits.

04080120160200240280320360400440480520560600640680720760Tooltip
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Core i7-1065G7: Ø585 (569.39-649.92)
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T Intel Core i5-8265U, Intel Core i5-8265U: Ø540 (522.94-666.01)
HP 14-dk0008ng AMD Ryzen 7 3700U, AMD Ryzen 7 3700U: Ø447 (422.06-536.95)
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Ryzen 5 3500U: Ø549 (530.85-646.18)
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE Intel Core i7-8565U, Intel Core i7-8565U: Ø654 (578.9-760.2)
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL AMD Ryzen 5 2500U, AMD Ryzen 5 2500U: Ø583 (578.22-612.26)
CPU clock speeds during the Cb15 loop
CPU clock speeds during the Cb15 loop
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
6406
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
20427
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
7083
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
182 Points
Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
650 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
82.9 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Help
Cinebench R15
CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (142.6 - 308, n=96, last 2 years)
249 Points +37%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
182 Points
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
Intel Core i7-8565U
175 Points -4%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (141 - 190, n=35)
174.2 Points -4%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U
155 Points -15%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
145 Points -20%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
139 Points -24%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
127 Points -30%
CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (580 - 4703, n=103, last 2 years)
2280 Points +251%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
Intel Core i7-8565U
760 Points +17%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U
666 Points +2%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
650 Points
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (288 - 836, n=36)
648 Points 0%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
646 Points -1%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
615 (576.4min - 616.38max) Points -5%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
537 Points -17%
Cinebench R10
Rendering Single 32Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (5791 - 10476, n=3, last 2 years)
7475 Points +6%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (7083 - 7390, n=4)
7254 Points +2%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
7083 Points
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U
6209 Points -12%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
4560 Points -36%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
4045 Points -43%
Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
Average of class Multimedia
  (34412 - 61674, n=3, last 2 years)
43500 Points +113%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (16551 - 26481, n=4)
21959 Points +7%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
20427 Points
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U
19959 Points -2%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
16980 Points -17%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
12881 Points -37%
Cinebench R20
CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Multimedia
  (341 - 812, n=94, last 2 years)
638 Points +66%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (358 - 474, n=31)
438 Points +14%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
385 Points
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
372 Points -3%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
357 Points -7%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U
325 Points -16%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
285 Points -26%
CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Multimedia
  (1192 - 11768, n=94, last 2 years)
5232 Points +261%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (1081 - 2024, n=31)
1510 Points +4%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1448 Points
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U
1412 Points -2%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
1363 Points -6%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
1294 Points -11%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
1047 Points -28%
Geekbench 3
32 Bit Multi-Core Score
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
14396 Points
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
 
14396 Points 0%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U
14138 Points -2%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
13081 Points -9%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
10238 Points -29%
32 Bit Single-Core Score
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
3863 Points
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
 
3863 Points 0%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U
3674 Points -5%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3478 Points -10%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
3003 Points -22%
Geekbench 4.4
64 Bit Multi-Core Score
Average of class Multimedia
  (28928 - 38187, n=2, last 2 years)
33558 Points +131%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (14557 - 18849, n=6)
17869 Points +23%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U
15387 Points +6%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
14557 Points
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
11783 Points -19%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
10356 Points -29%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
8907 Points -39%
64 Bit Single-Core Score
Average of class Multimedia
  (6029 - 7531, n=2, last 2 years)
6780 Points +29%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (5239 - 5771, n=6)
5587 Points +7%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
5239 Points
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U
4630 Points -12%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3893 Points -26%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
3709 Points -29%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
3445 Points -34%
Geekbench 5.0
5.0 Multi-Core
Average of class Multimedia
  (4955 - 14690, n=18, last 2 years)
9717 Points +188%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (3375 - 4839, n=6)
4436 Points +31%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
3375 Points
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3067 Points -9%
5.0 Single-Core
Average of class Multimedia
  (1279 - 1898, n=18, last 2 years)
1611 Points +36%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (1184 - 1334, n=6)
1295 Points +9%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7
1184 Points
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
886 Points -25%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Total
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
1443 ms * -43%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U (Edge 44)
1405 ms * -40%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (Edge 44)
1266 ms * -26%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U (Edge 44)
1201 ms * -19%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7 (Edge 44)
1007 ms *
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (788 - 1249, n=30)
912 ms * +9%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
Intel Core i7-8565U
730 ms * +28%
Average of class Multimedia
  (363 - 1016, n=94, last 2 years)
554 ms * +45%
Octane V2 - Total Score
Average of class Multimedia
  (43921 - 109055, n=42, last 2 years)
86597 Points +136%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
Intel Core i7-8565U
43069 Points +17%
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (25166 - 53081, n=17)
37201 Points +1%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7 (Edge 44)
36679 Points
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U (Edge 44)
30859 Points -16%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (Edge 44)
28573 Points -22%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U (Edge 44)
23657 Points -36%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
21539 Points -41%
JetStream 1.1 - Total Score
Average of class Multimedia
  (367 - 459, n=3, last 2 years)
424 Points +60%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7 (Edge 44)
265.6 Points
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7
  (205 - 273, n=16)
256 Points -4%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
Intel Core i7-8565U
243 Points -9%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U (Edge 44)
235.5 Points -11%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (Edge 44)
207.7 Points -22%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U (Edge 44)
177 Points -33%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
118.2 Points -55%

* ... smaller is better

System Performance

The system is smooth and responsive. We did not encounter any issues. The performance of the laptop suffices for office and web applications. Furthermore, it achieves good results in the PCMark benchmarks. The system performance is higher with the system memory in dual-channel mode. In order to achieve this, a second RAM module needs to be installed.

The RAM runs in single-channel mode
The RAM runs in single-channel mode
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
3355 points
PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2
3948 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
4955 points
PCMark 10 Score
3862 points
Help
PCMark 10
Score
Average of class Multimedia
  (4039 - 8670, n=82, last 2 years)
6552 Points +70%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
GeForce MX230, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
4011 Points +4%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
Vega 8, R5 3500U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
3907 Points +1%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
GeForce MX230, i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS512G NVMe
3862 Points
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX230
 
3862 Points 0%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
GeForce MX230, i5-8265U, Kingston RBUSNS8180DS3256GJ
3847 Points 0%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
Vega 8, R5 2500U, SK Hynix SC313 HFS256G39TNF
3534 Points -8%
HP 14-dk0008ng
Vega 10, R7 3700U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
3522 Points -9%
Essentials
Average of class Multimedia
  (8480 - 12420, n=82, last 2 years)
10417 Points +24%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
GeForce MX230, i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS512G NVMe
8415 Points
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX230
 
8415 Points 0%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
GeForce MX230, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
8222 Points -2%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
GeForce MX230, i5-8265U, Kingston RBUSNS8180DS3256GJ
8113 Points -4%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
Vega 8, R5 3500U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
7877 Points -6%
HP 14-dk0008ng
Vega 10, R7 3700U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
7050 Points -16%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
Vega 8, R5 2500U, SK Hynix SC313 HFS256G39TNF
6756 Points -20%
Productivity
Average of class Multimedia
  (5462 - 11186, n=82, last 2 years)
8685 Points +26%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
GeForce MX230, i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS512G NVMe
6868 Points
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX230
 
6868 Points 0%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
GeForce MX230, i5-8265U, Kingston RBUSNS8180DS3256GJ
6380 Points -7%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
GeForce MX230, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
6373 Points -7%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
Vega 8, R5 3500U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
5952 Points -13%
HP 14-dk0008ng
Vega 10, R7 3700U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
5459 Points -21%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
Vega 8, R5 2500U, SK Hynix SC313 HFS256G39TNF
5425 Points -21%
Digital Content Creation
Average of class Multimedia
  (3861 - 13548, n=82, last 2 years)
8566 Points +217%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
Vega 8, R5 3500U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
3453 Points +28%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
GeForce MX230, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
3344 Points +24%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
Vega 8, R5 2500U, SK Hynix SC313 HFS256G39TNF
3269 Points +21%
HP 14-dk0008ng
Vega 10, R7 3700U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
3082 Points +14%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
GeForce MX230, i5-8265U, Kingston RBUSNS8180DS3256GJ
2986 Points +10%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
GeForce MX230, i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS512G NVMe
2706 Points
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX230
 
2706 Points 0%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Multimedia
  (4484 - 5525, n=9, last 2 years)
5075 Points +51%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
GeForce MX230, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
3641 Points +9%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
GeForce MX230, i5-8265U, Kingston RBUSNS8180DS3256GJ
3609 Points +8%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
Vega 8, R5 3500U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
3566 Points +6%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
Vega 8, R5 2500U, SK Hynix SC313 HFS256G39TNF
3420 Points +2%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
GeForce MX230, i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS512G NVMe
3355 Points
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX230
 
3355 Points 0%
HP 14-dk0008ng
Vega 10, R7 3700U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
3325 Points -1%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Average of class Multimedia
  (3115 - 6078, n=9, last 2 years)
5278 Points +7%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
GeForce MX230, i7-8565U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
5133 Points +4%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
GeForce MX230, i5-8265U, Kingston RBUSNS8180DS3256GJ
4967 Points 0%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
GeForce MX230, i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS512G NVMe
4955 Points
Average Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX230
 
4955 Points 0%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
Vega 8, R5 3500U, WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
4633 Points -6%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
Vega 8, R5 2500U, SK Hynix SC313 HFS256G39TNF
4420 Points -11%
HP 14-dk0008ng
Vega 10, R7 3700U, Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
4418 Points -11%

Storage Solution

The system drive is an NVMe SSD from Toshiba. The M.2-2230 model has a total capacity of 512 GB. Of that, about 417 GB is available to users ex-factory. The remainder is occupied by the Windows installation and the recovery partition. The transfer rates are good. Additionally, the storage can be expanded with a 2.5-inch drive. A SATA connector and the required mounting frame are available.

Dell installs an M.2-2230 SSD. Alternatively, M.2-2280 models can be used as well
Dell installs an M.2-2230 SSD. Alternatively, M.2-2280 models can be used as well
There is space for an additional 2.5-inch storage drive
There is space for an additional 2.5-inch storage drive
Toshiba KBG40ZNS512G NVMe
Sequential Read: 1718 MB/s
Sequential Write: 1206 MB/s
512K Read: 1426 MB/s
512K Write: 1280 MB/s
4K Read: 45.28 MB/s
4K Write: 118.8 MB/s
4K QD32 Read: 563 MB/s
4K QD32 Write: 438.2 MB/s
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Toshiba KBG40ZNS512G NVMe
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Kingston RBUSNS8180DS3256GJ
HP 14-dk0008ng
Samsung PM871b MZNLN128HAHQ
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
WDC PC SN520 SDAPNUW-512G
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
SK Hynix SC313 HFS256G39TNF
Average Toshiba KBG40ZNS512G NVMe
 
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
-60%
-58%
-15%
-2%
-59%
-9%
Write 4K
159.6
79.7
-50%
90.6
-43%
134.3
-16%
160.8
1%
72.3
-55%
126.4 ?(89.3 - 207, n=14)
-21%
Read 4K
53.5
28.14
-47%
33.17
-38%
43.56
-19%
50.5
-6%
30.77
-42%
50 ?(40.3 - 61.3, n=14)
-7%
Write Seq
1174
450.9
-62%
483
-59%
1434
22%
1458
24%
468.1
-60%
1207 ?(315 - 1552, n=13)
3%
Read Seq
1648
434.7
-74%
511
-69%
1448
-12%
1447
-12%
518
-69%
1567 ?(1236 - 1858, n=13)
-5%
Write 4K Q32T1
420.8
228.5
-46%
170.7
-59%
239.1
-43%
406.5
-3%
214.2
-49%
347 ?(162.5 - 510, n=14)
-18%
Read 4K Q32T1
564
244.1
-57%
235
-58%
327.6
-42%
476.8
-15%
241.1
-57%
425 ?(331 - 640, n=14)
-25%
Write Seq Q32T1
1231
478.4
-61%
496.5
-60%
1456
18%
1458
18%
482
-61%
1224 ?(259 - 1521, n=14)
-1%
Read Seq Q32T1
2274
456.6
-80%
534
-77%
1734
-24%
1743
-23%
537
-76%
2278 ?(1815 - 2375, n=14)
0%

GPU Performance

The installed GeForce MX230 graphics chip supports DirectX 12 and runs at a base clock of 1,519 MHz. Via Boost, this clock speed can be increased to up to 1,531 MHz. As long as the GPU remains below a certain temperature and energy consumption thresholds, it can run at even higher speeds. We measured a maximum clock speed of 1,653 MHz. The GPU has access to fast GDDR5 memory (2,048 Mb). The integrated Iris Plus Graphics G7 is enabled; the laptop uses Nvidia's graphics switching technology "Optimus".

Since the GPU is not able to continuously run at full speed, the 3DMark benchmark scores stay below the GPU's capabilities. The GPU also fails the 3DMark stress test. We will take a close look at these issues in the "Gaming Performance" section below.

Cloud Gate
Cloud Gate
Sky Diver
Sky Diver
Fire Strike
Fire Strike
Stress test (Sky Diver)
Stress test (Sky Diver)
Stress test (Time Spy)
Stress test (Time Spy)
3DMark 11 Performance
3316 points
3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score
47692 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
10313 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
2041 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
786 points
Help
3DMark 11 - 1280x720 Performance GPU
Average of class Multimedia
  (3408 - 60250, n=87, last 2 years)
18296 Points +475%
Lenovo Yoga C940-14IIL 81Q9
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
4630 Points +46%
Lenovo Yoga C940-14IIL
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
4613 Points +45%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
4612 Points +45%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
4512 Points +42%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7 (Dual-Channel)
4087 Points +29%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Radeon RX Vega 10, AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
4056 Points +28%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
3949 Points +24%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
NVIDIA GeForce MX230, Intel Core i7-8565U
3582 Points +13%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
3565 Points +12%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
NVIDIA GeForce MX230, Intel Core i5-8265U
3399 Points +7%
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX230
  (3180 - 3582, n=6)
3392 Points +7%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
NVIDIA GeForce MX230, Intel Core i7-1065G7
3180 Points
3DMark
1280x720 Cloud Gate Standard Graphics
Average of class Multimedia
  (14679 - 150699, n=61, last 2 years)
57744 Points +332%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
18528 Points +39%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Radeon RX Vega 10, AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
18378 Points +37%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
NVIDIA GeForce MX230, Intel Core i7-8565U
17999 Points +35%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
17892 Points +34%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
17712 Points +32%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
17661 Points +32%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7 (Dual-Channel)
16344 Points +22%
Lenovo Yoga C940-14IIL 81Q9
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
16268 Points +22%
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX230
  (13376 - 17999, n=6)
15921 Points +19%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
NVIDIA GeForce MX230, Intel Core i5-8265U
15803 Points +18%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
NVIDIA GeForce MX230, Intel Core i7-1065G7
13376 Points
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Average of class Multimedia
  (1835 - 46022, n=87, last 2 years)
13540 Points +525%
Lenovo Yoga C940-14IIL
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
3156 Points +46%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
3062 Points +41%
Lenovo Yoga C940-14IIL 81Q9
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
2973 Points +37%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
2874 Points +33%
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
NVIDIA GeForce MX230, Intel Core i7-8565U
2729 Points +26%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Radeon RX Vega 10, AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
2581 Points +19%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
NVIDIA GeForce MX230, Intel Core i5-8265U
2566 Points +18%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7 (Dual-Channel)
2496 Points +15%
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX230
  (2168 - 2755, n=6)
2479 Points +14%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
2433 Points +12%
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 2500U
2381 Points +10%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
NVIDIA GeForce MX230, Intel Core i7-1065G7
2168 Points
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Average of class Multimedia
  (622 - 17620, n=87, last 2 years)
5121 Points +634%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
847 Points +21%
Lenovo Yoga C940-14IIL
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
835 Points +20%
Lenovo Yoga C940-14IIL 81Q9
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
825 Points +18%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
NVIDIA GeForce MX230, Intel Core i5-8265U
786 Points +13%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Radeon RX Vega 10, AMD Ryzen 7 3700U
779 Points +12%
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX230
  (698 - 837, n=4)
758 Points +9%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000), AMD Ryzen 5 3500U
742 Points +6%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7 (Dual-Channel)
736 Points +5%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
NVIDIA GeForce MX230, Intel Core i7-1065G7
698 Points
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Intel Core i7-1065G7
685 Points -2%

Gaming Performance

In theory, the installed hardware should be able to run a lot of the games in our database smoothly. This is not the case in practice however, since the graphics chip is only able to run at high speeds for short periods of time. Afterwards, it throttles heavily and proceeds to run at lower and very inconsistent speeds. As a result, the frame rates vary widely as well.

In order to exemplify this, we ran "Overwatch" for around 60 minutes at HD resolution (1,366x768 pixels) and medium detail settings. The character controlled by the player was not moved throughout the entire test period. The graph below illustrates the fluctuations. The recorded sensor data suggests the presence of thermal GPU throttling.

We performed the same test with the integrated Iris Plus Graphics G7 GPU (dual-channel mode; we installed a second RAM module) and compared the results. While the GPU is not able to show its full potential, it at least runs at a consistent speed. The frame rates are playable and consistent. As our regular readers know, we usually test for frame rate stability by running "The Witcher 3". Since the game would not start on the Inspiron, that was not possible in this case. We have tried multiple different driver versions and combinations (iGPU and dGPU). A driver update may fix this issue in the future.

0510152025303540455055606570Tooltip
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF GeForce MX230, i7-1065G7, Toshiba KBG40ZNS512G NVMe: Ø28.9 (9-73)
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), i7-1065G7; Dual-Channel: Ø51.7 (38-62)
GPU readings during the Overwatch test (MX230)
GPU readings during the Overwatch test (MX230)
GPU readings during the Overwatch test (Iris Plus Graphics G7, dual-channel)
GPU readings during the Overwatch test (Iris Plus Graphics G7, dual-channel)
BioShock Infinite - 1366x768 High Preset
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
Intel Core i7-8565U, NVIDIA GeForce MX230
79.2 fps +28%
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
Intel Core i5-8265U, NVIDIA GeForce MX230
72.7 fps +18%
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX230
  (61.8 - 79.8, n=5)
72.7 fps +18%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX230
61.8 fps
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
61.5 fps 0%
Lenovo Yoga C940-14IIL
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
61.2 fps -1%
Lenovo Yoga C940-14IIL 81Q9
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
59.9 fps -3%
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
AMD Ryzen 5 3500U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 2000/3000)
53.4 fps -14%
HP 14-dk0008ng
AMD Ryzen 7 3700U, AMD Radeon RX Vega 10
51.3 fps -17%
HP Spectre x360 13-aw0013dx
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
47.3 fps -23%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU) (Dual-Channel)
43.6 fps -29%
Overwatch - 1366x768 Medium (Render Scale 100 %) AA:FX AF:2x
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7, NVIDIA GeForce MX230
83 fps
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX230
  (78.3 - 83, n=2)
80.7 fps -3%
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU) (Dual-Channel)
67.7 fps -18%
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 15 i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7, Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU)
64 fps -23%
low med. high ultra
Tomb Raider (2013) 150.8 74.4 55.4 26.1
BioShock Infinite (2013) 148.5 71.3 61.8 26.2
Overwatch (2016) 101 83 39.1 23
Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019) 55.5 12.3 5.8 3.5

Emissions - Dell PC with Room for Improvement

System Noise

While idling and under low loads, the fans tend to be idle - the device is completely silent. Under load, the fan becomes active. During the stress test, the fan noise can reach up to 43.3 dB(A). In this case, the laptop emits constant static noise. Depending on the user's position, the whining of the fans can become more or less severe.

Noise Level

Idle
30.3 / 30.3 / 30.3 dB(A)
Load
42.9 / 43.3 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Audix TM1, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 30.3 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2037.331.631.934.335.12538.935.635.634.135.93139.739.4373638.74033.531.330.333.832.7503532.330.932.235.8633031.929.23130.98031.530.628.528.230.11003029.428.329.329.312529.629.329.629.335.616026.325.824.324.328.820025.82523.122.423.825024.52522.322.423.1315272721.221.222.340027.126.520.720.420.850025.925.819.519.520.563026.626.419.118.719.880027.226.818.918.318.8100032.532.118.117.720.8125032.832.317.617.721.3160030.129.817.517.119.8200031.931.517.717.421.3250030.831.117.717.421.4315031.931.817.717.620.9400032.932.918.117.722.4500034.432.718.21822630032.832.418.31824.6800029.929.418.218.324.51000025.725.218.318.121.81250021.921.718.318.2201600020.320.518.218.220.4SPL43.442.930.630.434.1N4.44.31.51.42.1median 29.6median 29.3median 18.3median 18.2median 21.4Delta2.831.92.31.6hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseDell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
i7-1065G7, GeForce MX230
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
i5-8265U, GeForce MX230
HP 14-dk0008ng
R7 3700U, Vega 10
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
R5 3500U, Vega 8
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
i7-8565U, GeForce MX230
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
R5 2500U, Vega 8
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX230
 
Average of class Multimedia
 
Noise
3%
6%
4%
3%
10%
4%
11%
off / environment *
30.3
30
1%
30.6
-1%
30.4
-0%
30.6
-1%
29.5
3%
30.2 ?(29.9 - 30.6, n=5)
-0%
24.1 ?(19.4 - 29.6, n=92, last 2 years)
20%
Idle Minimum *
30.3
30.5
-1%
31.4
-4%
30.4
-0%
30.6
-1%
29.5
3%
30.4 ?(30 - 30.6, n=5)
-0%
24.6 ?(20.1 - 31.8, n=92, last 2 years)
19%
Idle Average *
30.3
30.5
-1%
31.4
-4%
30.9
-2%
30.6
-1%
29.5
3%
30.4 ?(30 - 30.6, n=5)
-0%
25.1 ?(20.1 - 31.8, n=92, last 2 years)
17%
Idle Maximum *
30.3
30.5
-1%
31.4
-4%
30.9
-2%
31.2
-3%
30.4
-0%
30.5 ?(30 - 31.2, n=5)
-1%
26.6 ?(20.1 - 36.8, n=92, last 2 years)
12%
Load Average *
42.9
38.2
11%
32.5
24%
36.3
15%
36.5
15%
31.5
27%
37.5 ?(33.5 - 42.9, n=5)
13%
39.8 ?(24.2 - 59.7, n=91, last 2 years)
7%
Load Maximum *
43.3
40.2
7%
32.5
25%
36.6
15%
39.7
8%
33.5
23%
39.6 ?(36.8 - 43.3, n=5)
9%
47.6 ?(29.6 - 62.9, n=92, last 2 years)
-10%

* ... smaller is better

Temperature

The Inspiron during our stress test
The Inspiron during our stress test

The Dell computer performs the same in our stress test (running Prime95 and FurMark for at least an hour), regardless of whether it is on mains or in battery mode. In the beginning, the processor runs at 2.1 GHz to 2.2 GHz. Over the course of the first 10 minutes, the clock speed steadily falls until it eventually settles at 1 GHz. Subsequently, it even falls below this value from time to time. Initially, the graphics core runs at 139 Mhz. As the CPU clock falls, the GPU clock climbs to up to 500 MHz. This stress test is an extreme scenario that does not occur during daily use. We use this test to determine whether the system is stable when subjected to maximum stress.

Certain spots on the laptop become fairly hot. For instance, we recorded a temperature of more than 50 °C (~122 °F) on the bottom of the device in the fan area. Under these conditions, placing the device on your lap is discouraged. However, the temperatures during day-to-day use are no cause for concern.

Max. Load
 42.4 °C
108 F
44.4 °C
112 F
38 °C
100 F
 
 39 °C
102 F
41.4 °C
107 F
32 °C
90 F
 
 27.9 °C
82 F
26.2 °C
79 F
25.3 °C
78 F
 
Maximum: 44.4 °C = 112 F
Average: 35.2 °C = 95 F
36.3 °C
97 F
52.2 °C
126 F
40.7 °C
105 F
27 °C
81 F
44.1 °C
111 F
36.8 °C
98 F
23.3 °C
74 F
27.3 °C
81 F
27.4 °C
81 F
Maximum: 52.2 °C = 126 F
Average: 35 °C = 95 F
Power Supply (max.)  42.4 °C = 108 F | Room Temperature 22.8 °C = 73 F | FIRT 550-Pocket
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 35.2 °C / 95 F, compared to the average of 31.2 °C / 88 F for the devices in the class Multimedia.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 44.4 °C / 112 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 52.2 °C / 126 F, compared to the average of 39.1 °C / 102 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 23.6 °C / 74 F, compared to the device average of 31.2 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 27.9 °C / 82.2 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (+0.9 °C / 1.6 F).
Heat development top (load)
Heat development top (load)
Heat development bottom (load)
Heat development bottom (load)
Heat development top (idle)
Heat development top (idle)
Heat development bottom (idle)
Heat development bottom (idle)
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
i7-1065G7, GeForce MX230
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
i5-8265U, GeForce MX230
HP 14-dk0008ng
R7 3700U, Vega 10
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
R5 3500U, Vega 8
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
i7-8565U, GeForce MX230
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
R5 2500U, Vega 8
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX230
 
Average of class Multimedia
 
Heat
-1%
9%
6%
-3%
6%
1%
-5%
Maximum Upper Side *
44.4
45.2
-2%
39.6
11%
37.1
16%
45.2
-2%
44.3
-0%
44.1 ?(40.3 - 45.4, n=5)
1%
43.9 ?(26 - 67, n=95, last 2 years)
1%
Maximum Bottom *
52.2
42.7
18%
37.1
29%
39.6
24%
43.8
16%
45
14%
44.1 ?(37.4 - 52.2, n=5)
16%
46.5 ?(25 - 69, n=95, last 2 years)
11%
Idle Upper Side *
25
27.6
-10%
25.8
-3%
26.8
-7%
27.4
-10%
23.9
4%
26.5 ?(25 - 27.6, n=5)
-6%
28.5 ?(21.2 - 41.7, n=93, last 2 years)
-14%
Idle Bottom *
25.1
27.8
-11%
25.3
-1%
27.2
-8%
28.7
-14%
23.5
6%
26.7 ?(25.1 - 28.7, n=5)
-6%
29.3 ?(21.4 - 39.8, n=93, last 2 years)
-17%

* ... smaller is better

Speakers

The stereo speakers of the Inspiron are located near the front on the bottom of the device. While they produce an acceptable sound, they lack bass. Users should use headphones or external speaker for a better audio experience.

dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2032.334.332.3254034.140314136414038.333.838.35039.732.239.76333.13133.18031.128.231.110032.629.332.612529.829.329.816024.124.324.120023.522.423.525022.622.422.63152221.22240025.120.425.150023.219.523.263023.818.723.880034.518.334.5100035.517.735.5125030.717.730.7160028.917.128.9200031.917.431.9250032.617.432.6315032.917.632.9400037.317.737.35000371837630024.11824.1800027.318.327.31000032.118.132.1125003518.2351600034.118.234.1SPL45.130.445.1N4.81.44.8median 30.7median 18.2median 30.7Delta5.12.35.134.733.834.734.334.334.33937.33931.533.431.532.133.232.129.429.829.428.227.728.23025.7303525.53536.424.936.434.524.234.544.423.344.452.222.252.258.921.258.960.42060.464.919.564.967.818.767.863.818.363.861.91861.962.717.462.76217.6626117.66163.917.963.958.917.958.960.418.260.45818.25855.318.155.35418.25447.618.247.648.818.248.87430.67431.21.331.2median 58.9median 18.2median 58.982.18hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseDell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCFLenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (40.97 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 5.6% lower than median
(-) | bass is not linear (16.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 4% away from median
(-) | mids are not linear (26.8% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 4.1% away from median
(-) | highs are not linear (30.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(-) | overall sound is not linear (45.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 100% of all tested devices in this class were better, 0% similar, 0% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 18%, worst was 45%
Compared to all devices tested
» 95% of all tested devices were better, 0% similar, 5% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE audio analysis

(-) | not very loud speakers (67.8 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 20.1% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (11.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 3.9% away from median
(±) | linearity of mids is average (7.1% 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
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (23.1% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 78% of all tested devices in this class were better, 6% similar, 16% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 18%, worst was 45%
Compared to all devices tested
» 64% of all tested devices were better, 6% similar, 30% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy Consumption - Good Battery Life

Energy Consumption

There are no surprises when it comes to the energy consumption of the Inspiron. We recorded a consumption of 5.9 watts during idle - a good result. During the stress test (running Prime95 and FurMark for at least an hour), this value increases to up to 60.2 watts. Meanwhile, the AC adapter is rated for 65 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.37 / 0.36 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 4.7 / 6.6 / 5.9 Watt
Load midlight 56 / 60.2 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 Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
i7-1065G7, GeForce MX230
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
i5-8265U, GeForce MX230
HP 14-dk0008ng
R7 3700U, Vega 10
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
R5 3500U, Vega 8
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
i7-8565U, GeForce MX230
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
R5 2500U, Vega 8
Average NVIDIA GeForce MX230
 
Average of class Multimedia
 
Power Consumption
-6%
6%
-6%
17%
-4%
3%
-83%
Idle Minimum *
4.7
4.7
-0%
4.8
-2%
5.7
-21%
2.5
47%
5.3
-13%
3.77 ?(2.5 - 4.7, n=5)
20%
7.28 ?(2.2 - 34.6, n=93, last 2 years)
-55%
Idle Average *
6.6
6.7
-2%
7.1
-8%
7.6
-15%
5.1
23%
7.8
-18%
6.16 ?(5.1 - 6.7, n=5)
7%
11.8 ?(4.6 - 43, n=93, last 2 years)
-79%
Idle Maximum *
5.9
7.5
-27%
7.3
-24%
9
-53%
5.6
5%
8.46
-43%
7.06 ?(5.6 - 8.3, n=5)
-20%
14.6 ?(5.6 - 44.9, n=93, last 2 years)
-147%
Load Average *
56
54.4
3%
34
39%
40.1
28%
47.5
15%
36.9
34%
49.6 ?(43 - 56, n=5)
11%
77.3 ?(14.3 - 147, n=92, last 2 years)
-38%
Load Maximum *
60.2
63
-5%
45
25%
42.4
30%
64.5
-7%
49.4
18%
63.3 ?(60.2 - 67.3, n=5)
-5%
119.3 ?(44 - 247, n=92, last 2 years)
-98%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

In our real-world Wi-Fi test, the Inspiron 14 lasts 6:30 h. In this test, we simulate a web browsing load with the help of a script. The "Balanced" profile was selected and the display brightness reduced to approximately 150 cd/m². The 14-inch laptop lasts 8:38 h in our video test. This test consists of playing the short film Big Buck Bunny (H.264 codec, FHD) in a loop. For this test, we selected the "Energy Saver" mode, disabled the wireless module and reduced the display brightness to 150 cd/m².

The battery has a capacity of 42 Wh
The battery has a capacity of 42 Wh
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
13h 50min
WiFi Websurfing (Edge 44)
6h 30min
Big Buck Bunny H.264 1080p
8h 38min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 38min
Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF
i7-1065G7, GeForce MX230, 42 Wh
Asus VivoBook 14 X412FJ-EB023T
i5-8265U, GeForce MX230, 37 Wh
HP 14-dk0008ng
R7 3700U, Vega 10, 41.04 Wh
Acer Swift 3 SF314-41-R8HZ
R5 3500U, Vega 8, 48 Wh
Lenovo Ideapad S340-14IWL-81N70056GE
i7-8565U, GeForce MX230, 52.5 Wh
Huawei MateBook D 14 W00D-53010GXL
R5 2500U, Vega 8, 57.4 Wh
Average of class Multimedia
 
Battery Runtime
-8%
-18%
27%
15%
26%
22%
Reader / Idle
830
705
-15%
1393
68%
1137
37%
933 ?(506 - 1571, n=25, last 2 years)
12%
H.264
518
415
-20%
680 ?(319 - 1481, n=49, last 2 years)
31%
WiFi v1.3
390
359
-8%
432
11%
497
27%
361
-7%
542
39%
560 ?(262 - 1204, n=92, last 2 years)
44%
Load
98
50
-49%
82
-16%
101
3%
96.9 ?(39 - 215, n=73, last 2 years)
-1%

Pros

+ matte IPS display
+ NVMe SSD
+ additional SATA bay
+ decent to good battery life

Cons

- dim display
- GPU unable to access its full performance
- no keyboard backlight
- Fast Ethernet port
- no USB Type-C port

Verdict

The Dell Inspiron 14 3493 (4KWCF), courtesy of:
The Dell Inspiron 14 3493 (4KWCF), courtesy of:

The 14-inch laptop is powered by a Core-i7-1065G7 processor and a GeForce-MX230 GPU. While the CPU performs well and offers enough performance for office workloads and web browsing, the GeForce GPU disappoints. Its clock speed begins to fluctuate after a short time. Thus, playing games is not possible. The only sensible use case for the GPU are applications that only stress it briefly.

The integrated Iris Plus Graphics G7 GPU is not able to fully exhaust its capabilities either and does not run at its maximum speed. That said, it provides a more consistent performance level, which makes gaming at least somewhat possible. However, this requires a second RAM module in order to be able to benefit from dual-channel mode. Otherwise, the frame rates do not make for a pleasant gaming experience.

The Inspiron 14 3494 does not provide prospective buyers with many good arguments for a purchase. GPU issues aside, the port selection is unsatisfactory and partially outdated.

Thanks to an NVMe SSD, the system is smooth and responsive. Swapping the SSD is possible as well. Additionally, the Inspiron can be fitted with a 2.5-inch drive. The required SATA connector and mounting frame are available. In both cases, removing the bottom plate is necessary. The Full HD IPS display shines with a matte surface, good viewing angles and a good contrast ratio. On the other hand, the brightness level is too low relative to the price category of the device. The color-space coverage is nothing to write home about, either. The non-backlit keyboard has proven itself to be suitable for day-to-day use. Furthermore, the battery life is decent or even good. The port selection is only average, however. More specifically, the 3493 does not have a USB type-C port and only supports Fast Ethernet.

Dell Inspiron 14 3493-4KWCF - 01/13/2020 v7
Sascha Mölck

Chassis
72 / 98 → 74%
Keyboard
74%
Pointing Device
87%
Connectivity
43 / 80 → 53%
Weight
65 / 20-72 → 87%
Battery
74 / 95 → 78%
Display
78%
Games Performance
54 / 90 → 60%
Application Performance
83 / 90 → 92%
Temperature
89%
Noise
82 / 95 → 87%
Audio
36%
Camera
26 / 85 → 31%
Average
66%
75%
Multimedia - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Dell Inspiron 14 3493 in Review: Dell's 14-Inch Laptop Neglects the GPU Department
Sascha Mölck, 2020-01-14 (Update: 2022-10- 6)