Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 Notebook Review
For the original German review, see here.
The new Skylake models from the Inspiron 17 lineup are based on the same casing as the Broadwell models. We have already tested the Inspiron 17-5758. However, not only Dell has replaced the processors, but also swapped the graphics card. The GeForce 920M core has made way for a Radeon R5 M335 GPU. Our report reveals whether this has been a good move.
Laptops such as Acer's TravelMate P277-MG, HP's ProBook 470 G3, Acer's Aspire E5-752G, and HP's Pavilion 17 can be seen as rivals for the Inspiron.
We will not go into the details of casing, connectivity, input devices or speakers since this version of Inspiron and its predecessor feature an identical build. The corresponding information can be found in the review of the Inspiron 17-5758.
Display
Dell has equipped our review sample with a matte, 17.3-inch screen that has a native resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Lower priced Inspiron models are equipped with HD+ panels (1600x900 pixels). The Full HD screen's brightness (292.3 cd/m²) and contrast are both compelling. Unfortunately, the screen exhibits PWM flickering at a frequency of 200 Hz in brightness levels reduced to 90% and lower. This could affect sensitive users.
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Brightness Distribution: 84 %
Center on Battery: 304 cd/m²
Contrast: 822:1 (Black: 0.37 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 10.62 | 0.5-29.43 Ø4.87
ΔE Greyscale 11.78 | 0.5-98 Ø5.1
90% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
59% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
66.3% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
90.6% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
69.3% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.39
Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)
| Screen flickering / PWM detected | 200 Hz | ≤ 90 % brightness setting |
The display backlight flickers at 200 Hz (worst case, e.g., utilizing PWM) Flickering detected at a brightness setting of 90 % and below. There should be no flickering or PWM above this brightness setting. The frequency of 200 Hz is relatively low, so sensitive users will likely notice flickering and experience eyestrain at the stated brightness setting and below. In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 8519 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 343500) Hz was measured. | ||
The color reproduction in delivery state is disappointing. The screen displays a DeltaE 2000 shift of 10.62. This rate is acceptable in the low price range, but not in an 800-Euro (~$872) device. A rate less than 3 would be desirable. Beyond that, the screen exhibits a bluish tint. The screen cannot cover either the AdobeRGB or sRGB color spaces. The coverage rates are 59% (AdobeRGB) and 90% (sRGB).
Display Response Times
| ↔ Response Time Black to White | ||
|---|---|---|
| 24 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 7 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 17 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 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 51 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (20.8 ms). | ||
| ↔ Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey | ||
| 86 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined | ↗ 44 ms rise |  |
| ↘ 42 ms fall | ||
| The screen shows slow response rates in our tests and will be unsatisfactory for gamers. In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.165 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 99 % of all devices are better. This means that the measured response time is worse than the average of all tested devices (32.5 ms). | ||
A viewing angle dependent TN panel is installed in our review sample. However, it is one of the better examples of its kind. The horizontal viewing angle is generous. Several viewers can look at the screen simultaneously. Horizontal shifts lead to image distortions, but not as strongly as in other TN screens. The Inspiron can be used outdoors.
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 TN LED, 1920x1080 | Dell Inspiron 17-5758 IPS, 1920x1080 | HP ProBook 470 G3 UWVA TN LED, 1920x1080 | Acer TravelMate P277-MG-7474 TN LED, 1920x1080 | Lenovo B70-80 80MR0006GE TN, 1600x900 | HP Pavilion 17-g054ng TN-Panel, 1920x1080 | Acer Aspire E5-772G-70VP TN LED, 1920x1080 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 3% | -1% | 2% | -16% | 1% | 1% | |
| Display P3 Coverage | 69.3 | 69.6 0% | 65.1 -6% | 69.9 1% | 54 -22% | 66.1 -5% | 69.4 0% |
| sRGB Coverage | 90.6 | 94.3 4% | 92 2% | 92.1 2% | 81 -11% | 96.1 6% | 91.9 1% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 66.3 | 69 4% | 66.5 0% | 67.3 2% | 55.5 -16% | 68.1 3% | 67.3 2% |
| Response Times | 30% | 1% | |||||
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 86 ? | 35 ? 59% | 27 ? 69% | ||||
| Response Time Black / White * | 24 ? | 24 ? -0% | 28 ? -17% | ||||
| PWM Frequency | 200 ? | 100 -50% | |||||
| Screen | -1% | 20% | 3% | -19% | 17% | -12% | |
| Brightness middle | 304 | 276 -9% | 314 3% | 336 11% | 252 -17% | 294 -3% | 243 -20% |
| Brightness | 292 | 258 -12% | 291 0% | 319 9% | 236 -19% | 270 -8% | 284 -3% |
| Brightness Distribution | 84 | 87 4% | 88 5% | 84 0% | 90 7% | 86 2% | 79 -6% |
| Black Level * | 0.37 | 0.38 -3% | 0.32 14% | 0.43 -16% | 0.51 -38% | 0.31 16% | 0.45 -22% |
| Contrast | 822 | 726 -12% | 981 19% | 781 -5% | 494 -40% | 948 15% | 540 -34% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 10.62 | 9.38 12% | 3.43 68% | 9.26 13% | 12.66 -19% | 3.72 65% | 12.04 -13% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 11.78 | 11.81 -0% | 3.72 68% | 10.09 14% | 13.37 -13% | 5.23 56% | 13.25 -12% |
| Gamma | 2.39 92% | 2.03 108% | 2.39 92% | 2.57 86% | 1.93 114% | 2.4 92% | 2.6 85% |
| CCT | 12997 50% | 8966 72% | 6764 96% | 12421 52% | 6491 100% | 7270 89% | 14950 43% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 59 | 61 3% | 59.8 1% | 60 2% | 52 -12% | 61.9 5% | 60 2% |
| Color Space (Percent of sRGB) | 90 | 94 4% | 92 2% | 92 2% | 76 -16% | 95.9 7% | 92 2% |
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | 1% /
-0% | 16% /
17% | 2% /
2% | -18% /
-18% | 9% /
13% | -6% /
-9% |
* ... smaller is better
Performance
The Inspiron 17 is a 17.3-inch all-rounder. The laptop has enough computing power for routine use, and can render the conditional game. Our review sample carries a price tag of approximately 800 Euros (~$872). Other models are available in Dell's shop. The cheapest model (500 Euros/~$545) currently on the market is equipped with a Core i3-4005U processor from the Haswell generation.
Processor
A Core i5-6200U (Skylake) dual-core processor powers the Inspiron. It is a mid-range CPU that will satisfy most users' needs. It is one of the frugal ULV processors, and has a TDP of 15 watts. The processor's base clock of 2.3 GHz can be boosted to 2.7 GHz (both cores) or 2.8 GHz (one core only) via Turbo. Turbo is utilized in both AC and battery mode. The improved Skylake architecture and the somewhat higher clock speeds are noticed in the better scores of the CPU tests we perform compared with the Broadwell predecessor (Core i5-5200U). It scores 10 to 15% better.
| Geekbench 3 | |
| 32 Bit Single-Core Score (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Asus F751LB-T4030H | |
| HP Pavilion 17-f217ng | |
| 32 Bit Multi-Core Score (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Asus F751LB-T4030H | |
| HP Pavilion 17-f217ng | |
| JetStream 1.1 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| Peacekeeper - --- (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Asus F751LB-T4030H | |
| HP Pavilion 17-f217ng | |
* ... smaller is better
System Performance
The laptop runs smoothly; we did not encounter any problems. The PCMark benchmarks scores are good. Thanks to its AMD graphics core, the Inspiron scores particularly well in the PCMark 8 Home partial benchmark. The benchmark clearly benefits from AMD GPUs. It is possible to increase the system's performance. Replacing the HDD with an SSD would lead to a faster system and shorter load times.
| PCMark 7 Score | 2843 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 3232 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 3873 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 4234 points | |
Help | ||
Storage Device
A 2.5-inch hard drive from Seagate serves as the storage device. It spins at 5400 revolutions per minute and has a capacity of 1 TB. CrystalDiskMark records a read speed of 91.85 MB/s, and HDTune delivers an average transfer rate of 80.6 MB/s. These are both good rates for a 5400 RPM hard drive.
Graphics Card
The graphics core is the Inspiron's biggest modification compared to its predecessor. Dell has replaced the GeForce 920M core with a Radeon R5 M335 GPU in the laptop. It is a lower mid-range model that supports DirectX 12. The core has a maximum clock of 1070 MHz, and is supported by 4096 MB of DDR3 graphics memory. The 3DMark scores of the Radeon R5 M335 GPU are slightly below that of Nvidia's GeForce 920M graphics core.
A look at our comparison chart shows that in the 3DMark benchmarks HP's ProBook 470 G3 configured with a Radeon R7 M340 scores much better than the Inspiron. The name of the GPU in the ProBook suggests that its performance is just slightly higher than that of the M335 core. However, this is not the case: Although the R7 M340 clocks at a marginally lower speed (1020 MHz), it can access a faster graphics memory (1000 MHz vs. 900 MHz). The graphics memory also has a wider interface (64-bit vs. 32-bit).
Intel's HD Graphics 520 graphics core is also installed in the Inspiron. Both GPUs create a graphics switching solution (Enduro). Intel's core is responsible for routine use and battery mode, while the Radeon core takes care of performance-driven applications like computer games. Switching between both cores is automated, but does not work as smoothly as that of Nvidia's counterpart (Optimus). Occasionally, the user has to intervene manually.
| 3DMark 05 Standard | 10717 points | |
| 3DMark 06 Standard Score | 5921 points | |
| 3DMark Vantage P Result | 4772 points | |
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 1889 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 40597 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 4167 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 824 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Extreme Score | 411 points | |
Help | ||
| 3DMark 06 - 1280x1024 Standard Score AA:0x AF:0x (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Asus Asuspro Essential P751JF-T2007G | |
Gaming Performance
The Inspiron can be described as partially gaming suitable. The laptop can render many games smoothly, but in low resolutions and low to medium quality settings. The screen's full resolution (Full HD) can hardly ever be used. The GPU is too weak even in low resolutions/quality settings for power-hungry games like "The Witcher 3" or "Just Cause 3".
Although the graphics core can still position itself just behind Nvidia's GeForce 920M in the 3DMark benchmarks, the difference is usually greater in gaming routine. Seldom can AMD's core stand up to it. Thus, Dell has reduced the gaming performance of the Inspiron 17-5759 compared with the Inspiron 17-5758. The available gaming performance is too low for an 800-Euro (~$872) all-round laptop. The performance would not be satisfactory even if the predecessor's graphics core were installed. We would expect a GeForce 930M or 940M graphics core.
Many potential Inspiron buyers will ask if a model without a dedicated GPU would be a better choice. Generally, the frame rates of the HD Graphics 520 graphics core are roughly on par with that of the Radeon graphics core. Intel's GPU is sufficient for the occasional game. We recently performed several gaming tests in both single and dual channel modes on HP's ProBook 430 G3 (Core i5-6200U, HD Graphics 520). The results can be found in the comparison chart.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diablo III (2012) | 66.7 | 41.8 | 32.4 | 20.4 |
| Counter-Strike: GO (2012) | 108.7 | 68.1 | 48.3 | 26.4 |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 57.8 | 29.1 | 22.3 | 11.6 |
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 44.9 | 25.6 | 21.4 | 7.8 |
| Thief (2014) | 20 | 12.8 | 10.4 | 5.2 |
| Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014) | 33.9 | 30.2 | 12.4 | |
| GRID: Autosport (2014) | 132 | 46.1 | 21.6 | 12.6 |
| Sims 4 (2014) | 145.9 | 41.8 | 17.7 | 14.7 |
| Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (2014) | 21.5 | 14.5 | 8.1 | 6.3 |
| Alien: Isolation (2014) | 31.6 | 22.1 | 12.1 | 8.3 |
| F1 2014 (2014) | 83 | 56 | 31 | 12.5 |
| Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014) | 34.1 | 22.1 | 7.3 | 4.9 |
| Evolve (2015) | 22.2 | 14.5 | 8.5 | 5.2 |
| Battlefield Hardline (2015) | 47.6 | 33.2 | 10.2 | 6.3 |
| Dirt Rally (2015) | 114.2 | 29.4 | 15.6 | 12.5 |
| The Witcher 3 (2015) | 17.2 | 11.3 | 6.4 | 2.9 |
| Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) | 17 | 14 | 7 | 3 |
| Metal Gear Solid V (2015) | 40.2 | 26.4 | 9.9 | 7.1 |
| World of Warships (2015) | 49.6 | 34.6 | 17.5 | 12.3 |
| FIFA 16 (2015) | 58.3 | 39.7 | 18.4 | |
| Anno 2205 (2015) | 28.9 | 15.8 | 6.8 | 3.1 |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015) | 34.8 | 19.8 | 9.6 | 6.1 |
| Star Wars Battlefront (2015) | 33.7 | 20.6 | 9.3 | 6.1 |
| Rainbow Six Siege (2015) | 39.4 | 24.8 | 12.4 | 9.9 |
| Just Cause 3 (2015) | 23.1 | 19 | 9.2 | 6.3 |
| Tomb Raider | |
| 1024x768 Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| Acer Aspire E17 E5-752G-T7WY | |
| Lenovo B70-80 80MR0006GE | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Asus F751LB-T4030H | |
| HP Pavilion 17-f217ng | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| 1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX AF:4x (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| Lenovo B70-80 80MR0006GE | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Asus Asuspro Essential P751JF-T2007G | |
| Asus F751LB-T4030H | |
| HP Pavilion 17-f217ng | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| Wolfenstein: The New Order - 1280x720 Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| Dell Inspiron 17-5758 | |
| Asus F751LB-T4030H | |
| GRID: Autosport | |
| 1024x768 Ultra Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| Lenovo B70-80 80MR0006GE | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| Lenovo B70-80 80MR0006GE | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Acer Aspire E5-772G-70VP | |
| Asus Asuspro Essential P751JF-T2007G | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| Dirt Rally | |
| 1024x768 Ultra Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| Dell Inspiron 17-5758 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| Acer TravelMate P277-MG-7474 | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Asus F751LB-T4030H | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| Dell Inspiron 17-5758 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| Acer TravelMate P277-MG-7474 | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Asus Asuspro Essential P751JF-T2007G | |
| Asus F751LB-T4030H | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| Diablo III | |
| 1366x768 Medium / low (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| Dell Inspiron 17-5758 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| HP Pavilion 17-f217ng | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| 1366x768 High AA:on (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| Dell Inspiron 17-5758 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| HP Pavilion 17-f217ng | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| Sims 4 - 1366x768 Medium Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| Dell Inspiron 17-5758 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| Lenovo B70-80 80MR0006GE | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| Battlefield Hardline - 1024x768 Low Graphics Quality (DX11) (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| Dell Inspiron 17-5758 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| HP Pavilion 17-g054ng | |
| Asus Asuspro Essential P751JF-T2007G | |
| Asus F751LB-T4030H | |
| HP Pavilion 17-f217ng | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| Star Wars Battlefront - 1024x768 Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| FIFA 16 | |
| 1280x720 Low Preset (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| 1366x768 High Preset AA:2x MS (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| World of Warships | |
| 1366x768 Low Preset AF:Trilinear (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| 1366x768 Medium Preset AF:Trilinear (sort by value) | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 | |
| HP ProBook 470 G3 | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
| HP ProBook 430 G3 P5T00ES | |
Emissions
System Noise
The Inspiron's fan is usually inactive while idling, and only the hard drive's noise is audible. Replacing it for an SSD would ensure silence. The level increases to 44.2 dB(A) in the gaming tests, which is acceptable. This level is not surprising since both the CPU and GPU clock at full speed. The medium load rate is more surprising where the laptop produces almost as much noise. The fan management apparently needs a bit of tweaking here because the laptop does not warm up excessively even during full load.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 33.9 / 33.9 / 33.9 dB(A) |
| HDD |
| 33.9 dB(A) |
| DVD |
| 37.1 / dB(A) |
| Load |
| 43.8 / 44.2 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Audix TM1 Arta (15 cm distance) | ||
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 6200U, Radeon R5 M335 | Dell Inspiron 17-5758 5500U, GeForce 920M | HP ProBook 470 G3 6500U, Radeon R7 M340 | Acer TravelMate P277-MG-7474 5500U, GeForce 940M | Lenovo B70-80 80MR0006GE 5200U, GeForce 920M | HP Pavilion 17-g054ng A10-8700P, Radeon R8 M365DX | Acer Aspire E5-772G-70VP 5500U, GeForce 940M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 2% | 14% | 1% | 6% | 8% | 5% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 33.9 | 31.6 7% | 30 12% | 33.5 1% | 33 3% | 30.8 9% | 32 6% |
| Idle Average * | 33.9 | 31.6 7% | 30 12% | 33.5 1% | 33.5 1% | 30.8 9% | 32.3 5% |
| Idle Maximum * | 33.9 | 32.9 3% | 30 12% | 33.6 1% | 34.1 -1% | 31.2 8% | 32.6 4% |
| Load Average * | 43.8 | 45.4 -4% | 35.1 20% | 43.3 1% | 35.8 18% | 37.8 14% | 41.2 6% |
| Load Maximum * | 44.2 | 45.6 -3% | 38.9 12% | 43.6 1% | 40.7 8% | 43.4 2% | 41.6 6% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
The Inspiron performs our stress test (Prime95 and FurMark run for at least one hour) differently in AC and battery mode. The graphics core clocks at 400 MHz and the processor at 2.7 GHz in battery mode. The GPU runs at full speed when the power supply is connected (1070 MHz). The processor continues to clock at 2.7 GHz, but suddenly throttles to 400 MHz time and again. However, this is not a permanent condition. Later in the test, it runs at a constant 2.7 GHz. It cannot be said that the laptop heats up excessively. We recorded temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius (~104 degrees Fahrenheit) on only two measuring points.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 38.7 °C / 102 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 46.6 °C / 116 F, compared to the average of 39.2 °C / 103 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 24.2 °C / 76 F, compared to the device average of 31.3 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 31.9 °C / 89.4 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 (-3.1 °C / -5.6 F).
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 6200U, Radeon R5 M335 | Dell Inspiron 17-5758 5500U, GeForce 920M | HP ProBook 470 G3 6500U, Radeon R7 M340 | Acer TravelMate P277-MG-7474 5500U, GeForce 940M | Lenovo B70-80 80MR0006GE 5200U, GeForce 920M | HP Pavilion 17-g054ng A10-8700P, Radeon R8 M365DX | Acer Aspire E5-772G-70VP 5500U, GeForce 940M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | -21% | -17% | 2% | -6% | -1% | -20% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * | 38.7 | 54.1 -40% | 43 -11% | 36.2 6% | 40.2 -4% | 38.2 1% | 46.9 -21% |
| Maximum Bottom * | 46.6 | 43 8% | 45.8 2% | 47.4 -2% | 41.7 11% | 34.2 27% | 54.7 -17% |
| Idle Upper Side * | 25.2 | 33.3 -32% | 32.5 -29% | 25.7 -2% | 30.8 -22% | 30.8 -22% | 32.6 -29% |
| Idle Bottom * | 27.9 | 32.8 -18% | 35.6 -28% | 26.1 6% | 30.4 -9% | 30.5 -9% | 31.3 -12% |
* ... smaller is better
Energy Management
Power Consumption
We measured an idle power consumption of up to 12.3 watts. This rate is acceptable. However, it confirms our previous findings: Skylake laptops require somewhat more energy while idling than the former generation. The Inspiron, for example, was slightly less hungry. Our review sample's power consumption increases to 55 watts in the stress test. The predecessor's requirement is lower because its CPU is throttled in the stress test. The power supply has a nominal output of 65 watts.
| Off / Standby | 0.42 / 0.7 Watt |
| Idle | 6.2 / 11.6 / 12.3 Watt |
| Load |
36 / 55 Watt |
   
| |
Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Metrahit Energy | |
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 6200U, Radeon R5 M335 | Dell Inspiron 17-5758 5500U, GeForce 920M | HP ProBook 470 G3 6500U, Radeon R7 M340 | Acer TravelMate P277-MG-7474 5500U, GeForce 940M | Lenovo B70-80 80MR0006GE 5200U, GeForce 920M | HP Pavilion 17-g054ng A10-8700P, Radeon R8 M365DX | Acer Aspire E5-772G-70VP 5500U, GeForce 940M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 19% | -7% | -16% | 23% | -3% | -21% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 6.2 | 4 35% | 5.7 8% | 5.4 13% | 4.4 29% | 4.1 34% | 6 3% |
| Idle Average * | 11.6 | 9.2 21% | 11.3 3% | 12.6 -9% | 7.7 34% | 9.6 17% | 12.2 -5% |
| Idle Maximum * | 12.3 | 9.4 24% | 12.2 1% | 14.3 -16% | 7.9 36% | 11 11% | 14.5 -18% |
| Load Average * | 36 | 40.4 -12% | 44.8 -24% | 52.1 -45% | 33.6 7% | 57.6 -60% | 54 -50% |
| Load Maximum * | 55 | 40.8 26% | 66.3 -21% | 67.5 -23% | 49.8 9% | 65.7 -19% | 73.7 -34% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Runtime
Overall, the battery life is satisfactory. The Inspiron slightly outruns its predecessor in most tests. The Inspiron achieves a runtime of 5:01 hours in our real world Wi-Fi test. This test simulates the load needed for opening websites using the "Balanced" profile and a screen brightness of approximately 150 cd/m². Dell's laptop manages 4:25 hours with a charged battery in our video test. We test the video playback time by running the short movie "Big Buck Bunny" (H.264 encoding, 1920x1080 pixels) in a loop. The wireless modules are disabled, and the screen's brightness is set to approximately 150 cd/m².
| Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118 40 Wh | Dell Inspiron 17-5758 40 Wh | HP ProBook 470 G3 44 Wh | Acer TravelMate P277-MG-7474 37 Wh | Lenovo B70-80 80MR0006GE 41 Wh | HP Pavilion 17-g054ng 41 Wh | Acer Aspire E5-772G-70VP 37 Wh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | 3% | -2% | -15% | 9% | -21% | -11% | |
| Reader / Idle | 578 | 448 -22% | 490 -15% | 482 -17% | 437 -24% | 473 -18% | 454 -21% |
| H.264 | 265 | 270 2% | 228 -14% | ||||
| WiFi v1.3 | 301 | 243 -19% | 277 -8% | 247 -18% | 335 11% | 216 -28% | 259 -14% |
| Load | 71 | 107 51% | 81 14% | 64 -10% | 100 41% | 53 -25% | 72 1% |
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The new Inspiron 17 model is equipped with a Skylake processor. This leads to enhanced application performance. However, Dell downgrades the graphics performance. Overall, the installed Radeon R5 M335 graphics core is weaker than the GeForce 920M in the predecessor. Thus, the gaming performance is reduced from one Inspiron generation to the next. The laptop usually operates quietly and barely heats up. It also has enough storage capacity: The laptop offers a 1 TB hard drive. Thanks to the maintenance hatch, it is easy to replace. The battery life is overall satisfactory. The keyboard will not win any awards. Although it is the same unit as in the predecessor, the keyboard rocks considerably due to the lack of a support on the underside.
The matte Full HD panel's high brightness and good contrast are pleasing. Although it is a viewing angle dependent TN screen, it is one of the better models. The viewing angles are wider than we are used to from TN models. Unfortunately, the screen displays PWM flickering at a brightness of 90% and lower (200 Hz).
Dell has basically built a decent all-rounder. However, the weak Radeon graphics core does not really fit into the picture. It hardly offers more than Intel's integrated graphics core in dual-channel mode in terms of gaming performance. The buyer will normally be better off with a cheaper Inspiron model without a dedicated GPU.
It should be noted that the lower priced models are equipped with HD+ panels (1600x900 pixels). Buyers who value a Full HD screen will have to take our review sample.
Dell Inspiron 17 5759-5118
- 12/31/2015 v4 (old)
Sascha Mölck
Price comparison
