Dell Precision 5510 Workstation Review

The casing of Dell's Precision 5510 features an outstanding build and very high-quality materials. Aluminum and carbon emit a very agreeable appearance without compromising the restrained looks expected in the business sector. Although the stability can be classified as very good, it does not quite achieve the standard of a MacBook Pro 15 Retina in a direct comparison. The display's lid is slightly more pliable, and the base unit also yields a little. However, that is not really decisive. The weight of 2.02 kg (~4.4 lb; test weight) is relatively low and, together with the small dimensions, provides good transport preconditions. A few millimeters and grams more are not really important here. However, the vast difference to standard workstations, such as HP's ZBook 15, Lenovo's ThinkPad W541 or Toshiba's Tecra W50, are decisive. They are often one or two centimeters taller and over a kilogram heavier.

Communication

The communication configuration is within the normal range, and provides the necessary business foundation with dual-band AC Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and a 720p webcam. A cabled network connection can be set up via the included USB Type C Ethernet adapter, which supports Gbit networks. According to the specification sheet, it is always shipped with the Precision 5510. The Wi-Fi connections in conjunction with a FritzBox 7490 was decent and still displayed two bars at a distance of approximately 15 meters (~49 ft; separated by two walls) indoors. The subjective connection quality and stability also convinced us in this scenario.

Security

The review sample features a TPM 1.2 module and the option of Computrace service (data backup, device tracking / retrieval) for different periods of time, as well as the usual password options on BIOS and system level. Dell does not offer a fingerprint reader or SmartCard reader for the Precision 5510.

Accessories

Dell offers a Thunderbolt docking solution that is to be available in 2016 as the key accessory. Apparently it is to replace the usual proprietary docking stations across the categories. It enables connecting peripherals, including 4K monitors, quickly and easily. Furthermore, the buyer can choose between different adapters for HDMI and USB ports. Bags, mice, keyboards, monitors, drives, and much more complete the accessories portfolio. 

Of course it is also possible to use universal accessories from third-party manufacturers, which sometimes involves a price advantage. However, they do not always provide the full range of functions. Apple's Multi-AV adapter, for example, is identified as a USB adapter and thus adds an extra USB port while the HDMI port remains without function and cannot be utilized.

Maintenance

As usual for Dell, the Dell Precision 5510 Owner's Manual explains precisely how to access individual components, and how to replace or upgrade them. Unfortunately, the manual has not yet been fully adapted for the Precision 5510, but rather corresponds to Dell XPS 15. Since neither the XPS nor the Precision have dedicated maintenance hatches, the entire base plate has to be removed to access the components. After that, the user can easily access each hardware component.

The buyer should consider the one or other device-specific feature during the configuration/upgrading/ordering. An M.2 PCIe SSD can only be combined with an additional 2.5-inch drive in conjunction with the smaller 56-Wh battery. Conversely, the big 81-Wh battery can only be selected alongside an M.2 PCIe SSD. Basically, there is simply not enough room for all three options.

Warranty

Dell's Precision 5510 is shipped with a 12-month Pro Support (including PC's remote monitoring) and on-site service for the next business day, which can be changed to a 3 year base support for the next business day at no extra cost. Extending the base support to 5 years, for example, costs 153 Euros (~$168; net), and adds up to 458 Euros (~$503; net) with Pro Support.

Dell offers its Precision 5510 with either a Full HD IPS screen or an IGZO 4K panel. The latter adds approximately 245 Euros (~$269; net) to the purchase price. It is equipped with a glossy multi-touch surface and has a particularly large color gamut. We have previously tested the Full HD model in the review of Dell's XPS 15 where it achieved decent rates.

Our Dell Precision 5510 is equipped with the high-resolution UHD screen. The option of using the fingers, it’s very high pixel density of 282 PPI that leads to a very sharp and fine reproduction and the extremely high color gamut are particularly compelling. In contrast to the Full HD screen, a reflective surface is implemented due to the multi-touch surface covered by Corning Glass NBT. Dell does not apply an AR layer as, for example, found in the latest Retina MacBooks. Thus reflections are slightly stronger than in models with a corresponding finish. 

In our measurements, the IGZO screen achieves a maximum of 391 cd/m² in its center. This decreases slightly toward the edges and reaches 339 cd/m² in the lower left corner. Overall, the illumination is a decent 87%. Large scale clouding or striking backlight bleeding is not seen even on single-colored contents. The minimum brightness (level 1) of 45 cd/m² might be too bright for some users in dark environments. We measured 153 cd/m² in level 4, which we also used for our real world tests in the Battery Runtime chapter.

Mobile Xeon processors were introduced to the extensive portfolio with Intel's latest processor generation change to Skylake. In addition to the high performance, the main argument to opt for such a processor is the possibility of installing an ECC working memory.

This is particularly useful when the system interacts intensely with a lot of working memory, incessant calculations, and the highest possible error prevention is important. Erroneous files and calculations can lead to crashes, which have a major impact on workflow. Besides servers, workstations in particular used in the fields of engineering, design, science or for financial analysis are typical systems where an ECC memory makes sense.

Unfortunately, Dell does is not seem to be planning an ECC RAM for its Precisions 5510s, thus eliminating one argument for Intel's Xeon E3-1505 in our review sample. Consequently, the only remaining distinguishing feature is the marginally higher clock of 100 MHz for the surcharge of approximately 100 Euros (~$110) over Intel's Core i7-6820HQ. Otherwise, the 45-watt CPU offers Hyperthreading with up to 8 threads and Turbo Boost that accelerates the processor's base clock of 2.8 GHz up to 3.7 GHz in single threading applications.

The mobile Xeon achieves very good results in our processor benchmarks. 1.6 points are achieved in Cinebench R11.5 (single thread) and 7.93 points in multithread. However, our tools did not display the promised maximum clock of 3.7 GHz in the various benchmark tests (SuperPi, Cinebench) or in practical tasks (iTunes audio conversion). 3.5 GHz was the maximum in every case. Extensive CPU comparisons can be made using our CPU benchmark chart.

The user will have to count on a significant clock reduction under the base rate when both processor and graphics unit are fully utilized. We simulate this using the Prime95 and FurMark tools. The CPU clock gradually reaches 2.4 GHz after only 7 minutes in this worst case scenario. However, this clock speed is then maintained stably and does not drop any further. The CPU clock permanently fluctuates between 3.2 GHz and 3.4 GHz in the more realistic load test that we simulate by running the SPECviewperf 12 benchmarks several times. The short intervals for loading the Viewsets and the not fully loaded system are thus enough to achieve higher clock rates in permanent use.

In general, the system does not calculate faster than 1.6 GHz in battery mode. This state does not change even when connecting to the power supply, making it necessary to reboot the laptop. A BIOS update, like the one available for the XPS 15, might improve this. Consequently, only 2.92 rather than the otherwise possible 7.93 points are achieved in Cinebench R11.5 (multithread) in battery mode.

One significant unique feature over Dell's XPS 15 is the graphics unit installed in the Precision 5510. Nvidia's Quadro M1000M is one of the new professional graphics chips based on Maxwell that, compared with the long-time used former generation based on Kepler, now presents a much higher performance with improved efficiency. Thanks to Nvidia's Optimus array, the processor-integrated Intel HD Graphics P530 GPU can be utilized for less demanding tasks in the Precision 5510.

Of the familiar consumer graphic chips from the GeForce lineup, the professionally aligned Quadro line primarily differs in modified BIOS, special drivers and a configuration designed for overall stability. The comprehensive software certifications that ensure a problem-free interaction between hardware and software are also important in the corporate sector. The special drivers are primarily noticed in software optimized for OpenGL in terms of performance. Modes of calculations that do not belong to the official OpenGL standard could be used here and thus generate a good portion of higher performance. Technically, the Quadro M1000M is based on the GM107 graphics chip, has 512 Shader units, 2 GB of GDDR5 graphics memory, and a 128 bit memory bus. The normal base clock of 993 MHz regularly, and sometimes permanently, increased to 993 MHz in the test. Compared with the more prominent GeForce chips, the Quadro M1000M is positioned between Nvidia's GeForce GTX 950M and GTX 960M.

We test the performance in the professional field with the SPECviewperf benchmarks. They essentially deal with the fields of CAD, CAM, geology and medical MRI. The results of these tests show how much higher the performance is compared with former Quadros, as well as the FirePro M5100 by AMD. The former models are sometimes clearly defeated in all sectors. Even partial tests where AMD solutions traditionally score much better now are taken by Nvidia's Quadro M1000M. Compared with the direct predecessor Nvidia Quadro K1100M that is still installed in Dell's Precision M3800, the frame rates are almost doubled in every case.

System Noise

Dell's Precision 5510 is basically a quiet member of its category despite its small size and high-performance components. Our review sample is virtually noiseless during low load or even short load periods. The fans first speed up and cause a noise level of 42 dB(A) when medium load is demanded for more than one or two minutes. This operating noise is still quite tolerable thanks to the fans' sonorous and steady speed. The cooling requirement increases under full load, and the noise level reaches 46.78 dB(A), which can be distracting over a prolonged period. However, its restrained noise characteristic makes it easier to tolerate than from some rivals with high-pitched fan and electronic noises.

Despite the multimedia genes that our review sample has inherited from the XPS lineup, the sound output is somewhat scanty. Although a high and distortion-free maximum volume of 84 dB(A) (pink noise) is reached, a subwoofer that covers the low ranges is missing. Basically, the user gets plenty of trebles, sufficient mids but few basses. A good speaker performance for common business applications, such as presentations or video conferencing, is available. However, it is recommended to use headphones or an external sound system for multimedia purposes, such as gaming or watching videos.

As before, Dell combines the headphone-out with the microphone-in in the Precision. Headsets with dedicated plugs will either need an adapter or will have to be replaced. The internal microphone in our review sample did not cause any problems.

Dell has created an extremely appealing office device with the Precision 5510. In addition to eye-catching features that are primarily due to the slim build and high-quality materials, the build quality and casing stability are also highly impress.

Overall, the review sample's performance is very good, although performance losses have to be accepted in extreme conditions unlike many comparison devices. However, we did not detect performance loss in more realistic scenarios even after prolonged periods of load.

A significant highlight of Dell's Precision 5510 is undoubtedly the extremely successful UHD IGZO panel. Its large color gamut, good contrast, decent brightness and outstanding color accuracy after calibration are compelling. The only drawback is its relatively high power consumption that is significantly responsible for the rather average battery life.

Nevertheless, three to four and a half hours of battery life are possible with the right settings depending on the use scenario. This, together with the relatively low test weight of 2.02 kg (~4.4 lb), provides for above-average mobility preconditions particularly in the category comparison.

Although the connectivity is not ideal for a mobile workstation, it includes a versatile port in the form of Thunderbolt 3. It covers several important transfer standards at once, and can thus also easily replace proprietary docking ports.

Some business features have been omitted in this XPS 15 scion. A fingerprint reader and SmartCard reader are just as absent as a dedicated DisplayPort or mobile broadband module.

The buyer gets a versatile and very good-looking mobile workstation for the relatively high price of approximately 3200 Euros (~$3512/ test configuration). Whether or not it is ultimately the right office device is usually a matter of personal needs, demands and preferences.