Dell Precision Series

Dell Precision 5550 P91F

The Dell Precision 5550 P91F is the latest to join the Dell family. Just like the Precision 5540 is the workstation version of the consumer XPS 15 7590, the new Precision 5550 is the workstation version of the XPS 15 9500. The competitors in this space include other ultra-thin workstations like the MSI WS series, the Acer ConceptD 3 Pro, the Razer Blade Studio, or the HP ZBook 15u series. This latest model has a full chassis update over the last generation Precision 5540, with essentially the same visual design and features as the XPS 15 9500. The bottom metal plate rises to cover the edges and corners. According to Dell, this will create a stronger chassis that is more resistant to bumps and bruises without deviating too far from the visual design of the previous generation. It should be noted that attempting to twist the base or lid does not show any more or less flexing than on the XPS 15 7590.

Apart from that, the next most noticeable feature have to be the redesigned hinges. Dell has ditched the long bar hinge of the previous design in favour of smaller and more inconspicuous dual hinges. This approach has allowed for a very narrow bottom bezel and a higher screen-to-body ratio as a result. Overall, in terms of hinge rigidity, it definitely remains satisfactory, with no creaking or teetering while adjusting angles. This obviously provides a premium user experience. The empty space down the two sides of the keyboard have been filled with speaker grilles, unlike on the Razer Blade Pro 17. The chassis materials are otherwise the same as before, and so do the textures of the black carbon-fiber palm rests and silver magnesium alloy outer lid.

Other definable unique properties of the Precision 5550 are largely internal, as it includes a Core i9-10885H vPro, a Xeon W-10855M, and Nvidia Quadro T1000 and T2000 Max-Q options that cannot be found on any XPS system. In terms of its connectivity, this workstation carries port options which include a single USB-3.2 Type-C port along with a SD-card slot and a universal audio port. Apart from that, there is also a single USB-3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port with Thunderbolt 3 and Power Delivery. In addition, there is an integrated fingerprint scanner. As for the audio, dual integrated speakers and dual integrated noise-cancelling digital array microphones are powered by MaxxAudio Pro by Waves. There is also an IR webcam. The Dell Precision 5550 weighs 1.84 kg and comes with a 90W/120W AC adapter, depending on the model you choose. In terms of the operating system, users get to choose between Windows 10 Pro, Home, Ubuntu, and RedHat 8.3. In a nutshell, the Precision 5550 is a great workstation to explore, though depending on the user’s choice and preference.

Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam

Specifications

Price comparison

Reviews

Dell Precision 7550

The Dell Precision 7550 is the latest to join the Dell family of laptops. For someone on the lookout for an ultra-thin gaming laptop or mobile workstations masquerading as Ultrabooks, the Dell Precision 7550 is the answer. This 15.6-inch laptop has been equipped with a chassis design that succeeds even the last generation Precision 7540 and was built from the ground up to be a full-size mobile workstation in contrast to devices that are all based on existing ultra-thin consumer designs, such as the Razer Blade 15 Studio, Precision 5550 or MSI WS66. As far as its design is concerned, the chassis is MIL-STD 810G certified and mostly made of metal for tougher first impressions compared to the heavy carbon-fiber-filled ThinkPad P53. While the body does feel slightly thick, it is for a better sense of longevity that is not normally seen on many consumer laptops. It is also worth noting that the chassis is indeed thicker than last year's Precision 7540 (27.4 mm vs. 25 mm), but still smaller in footprint due to the new narrow bezel design. In terms of connectivity, there is an SD-card reader, a 3.5mm combo audio and two USB-3.2 Gen-1 ports on the right side of the device. On the left side, there are two USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 and a Smart Card reader.

The keys on the keyboard are relatively quiet in clatter, with both firm and uniform feedback. It is also interesting to see that the NumPad keys are the same size as the main QWERTY keys, which is not always the case on laptops. Overall, the keyboard creates a pleasant typing experience for the users. As for the touchpad, it is relatively small (10 x 6.5 cm), but it makes up for this with dedicated mouse buttons in contrast to most ultra-thin workstations like the Precision 5550 or WS66. The glide is definitely smooth, with almost no sticking, even at slow speeds. On the other hand, the integrated mouse buttons are quiet in clatter with moderate travel, which results in softer and spongier feedback compared to the louder mouse buttons of the MSI WT75 series.

As for the display, the Precision 7550 has been equipped with a similar 4K UHD AU Optronics B156ZAN IPS panel as the Inspiron 15 7577 but with improvements on brightness and colour coverage. In terms of its performance, this model has been equipped with the Xeon W-10885M CPU that has shown excellent overall performance stability. As far as the battery is concerned, the Precision 7550 carries a rather large 95Wh battery which is respectable at almost 9 hours of real-world WLAN use. It is also worth noting that charging from empty to full capacity takes about two hours. Overall, this is definitely a great mobile workstation to be explored, depending on the user’s choice and need.

Hands-on article by Jagadisa Rajarathnam

Specifications

Price comparison

Average Score: 90% - very good

Reviews

Dell Precision 7550
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
Since the Precision 7550 fits into the top echelon of laptop workstations, with King Kong components and heart-attack prices, it's mildly disappointing that Dell opted for the detuned rather than full-boat version of the Quadro RTX 5000 GPU. But unless you're actually counting frames per second, it's hard to criticize a system that competes with HP's and Lenovo's best.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/05/2021

Dell Precision 7550
Source: PC Mag Archive.org version
Since the Precision 7550 fits into the top echelon of laptop workstations, with King Kong components and heart-attack prices, it's mildly disappointing that Dell opted for the detuned rather than full-boat version of the Quadro RTX 5000 GPU. But unless you're actually counting frames per second, it's hard to criticize a system that competes with HP's and Lenovo's best.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 01/05/2021

90% Dell Precision 7550 review
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
In case you couldn’t tell, I’m loving the Dell Precision 7550 for its customization options, amazing 4K display, and long battery life that will last you a full workday. However,the laptop can get pricey depending on how it's configured and the display could be more colorful.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/25/2020
Rating: Total score: 90%

90% Dell Precision 7550 review
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
In case you couldn’t tell, I’m loving the Dell Precision 7550 for its customization options, amazing 4K display, and long battery life that will last you a full workday. However,the laptop can get pricey depending on how it's configured and the display could be more colorful.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 09/25/2020
Rating: Total score: 90%

Dell Precision 7670

Specifications

Price comparison

Reviews

How to open Dell Precision 16 7670 - disassembly and upgrade options
Source: Laptop Media
Support, online available, Short, Date: 03/03/2023

▶ load Youtube video

Dell Precision 16 7670 review – is CAMM memory here to stay?
Source: Laptop Media
Dell Precision 16 7670’s IPS panel has a WUXGA resolution, high maximum brightness, comfortable viewing angles, and a good contrast ratio. Furthermore, its backlight doesn’t use PWM for brightness adjustment, while the full sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 color coverage ensure extremely vibrant colors. They are even somewhat accurate with our Gaming and Web design profile installed. By choosing this display, you will get the benefit of better battery life. We got about 10 hours and 30 minutes of Web browsing, or nearly 9 hours of video playback. What is more interesting, is the choice of memory. Here, you do not only get the opportunity to upgrade your RAM, but you also get to pick the memory type. They are all consisting of DDR5 chips, but the way the modules are mounted to the memory sticks differs. Dell tries to push the CAMM type, which provides higher density, but a more difficult installation. Instead of the “plug and play” SODIMM slots, you need to use a screwdriver. However, for those of you who prefer the tried-and-trusted SODIMM slot, you can do it by either ordering your laptop pre-equipped with the adapter or buying and installing the adapter yourself. Now, let’s talk about performance. Yes, the new-gen products are already here, but we are pretty happy with what the Precision 16 7670 is capable of doing. Well, it doesn’t manage to maintain the full 95W TGP of its RTX A1000 GPU in gaming. But, as you know, this is not a gaming graphics card. And the needs of a professional GPU are more different, as you would more often need to calculate stuff, not in real-time. With IR face recognition and an optional 5G connectivity, the laptop establishes itself as a top dog in the branch. However, we have to say that its price quickly creeps up if you add a high-tier CPU and GPU. However, we guess it might be worth it.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/03/2023

How to open Dell Precision 16 7670 - disassembly and upgrade options
Source: Laptop Media
Support, online available, Short, Date: 03/03/2023

▶ load Youtube video

Dell Precision 16 7670 review – is CAMM memory here to stay?
Source: Laptop Media
Dell Precision 16 7670’s IPS panel has a WUXGA resolution, high maximum brightness, comfortable viewing angles, and a good contrast ratio. Furthermore, its backlight doesn’t use PWM for brightness adjustment, while the full sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 color coverage ensure extremely vibrant colors. They are even somewhat accurate with our Gaming and Web design profile installed. By choosing this display, you will get the benefit of better battery life. We got about 10 hours and 30 minutes of Web browsing, or nearly 9 hours of video playback. What is more interesting, is the choice of memory. Here, you do not only get the opportunity to upgrade your RAM, but you also get to pick the memory type. They are all consisting of DDR5 chips, but the way the modules are mounted to the memory sticks differs. Dell tries to push the CAMM type, which provides higher density, but a more difficult installation. Instead of the “plug and play” SODIMM slots, you need to use a screwdriver. However, for those of you who prefer the tried-and-trusted SODIMM slot, you can do it by either ordering your laptop pre-equipped with the adapter or buying and installing the adapter yourself. Now, let’s talk about performance. Yes, the new-gen products are already here, but we are pretty happy with what the Precision 16 7670 is capable of doing. Well, it doesn’t manage to maintain the full 95W TGP of its RTX A1000 GPU in gaming. But, as you know, this is not a gaming graphics card. And the needs of a professional GPU are more different, as you would more often need to calculate stuff, not in real-time. With IR face recognition and an optional 5G connectivity, the laptop establishes itself as a top dog in the branch. However, we have to say that its price quickly creeps up if you add a high-tier CPU and GPU. However, we guess it might be worth it.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 03/03/2023

Dell Precision 5480

Specifications

Price comparison

Average Score: 80% - good

Reviews

80% Dell Precision 5480 Review
Source: PC Mag
As laptops go, mobile workstations are ultra-engineered and ultra-expensive, built to run and run while tackling the most demanding tasks. The Dell Precision 5480 doesn't dazzle us with sheer performance, with a Core i9 CPU that barely outstrips a Core i7 and merely great instead of stupendous graphics, but it's miles more portable than the 16- and 17-inch workstations at the head of the class. We doubt Pixar artists would choose it for 3D animation, but architects or engineers who need to bring drawings to clients' offices will be delighted with it.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/20/2023
Rating: Total score: 80%

80% Dell Precision 5480 Review
Source: PC Mag
As laptops go, mobile workstations are ultra-engineered and ultra-expensive, built to run and run while tackling the most demanding tasks. The Dell Precision 5480 doesn't dazzle us with sheer performance, with a Core i9 CPU that barely outstrips a Core i7 and merely great instead of stupendous graphics, but it's miles more portable than the 16- and 17-inch workstations at the head of the class. We doubt Pixar artists would choose it for 3D animation, but architects or engineers who need to bring drawings to clients' offices will be delighted with it.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/20/2023
Rating: Total score: 80%

Comment

Dell: Dell is a U.S. manufacturer (based in Texas) of computer hardware founded in 1984 and is one of the largest international manufacturers in terms of both market share and notebook models. Its product line includes desktops, notebooks, storage systems, monitors, servers, printers, consumer electronics and peripherals. Dell offers laptops that are suitable for various applications, such as business laptops, gaming laptops, ultra portables and workstations. Dell's business laptops from the Latitude and Precision series are an option for professional users and businesses.

In 2023, Dell had an approximate 17% market share of global PC sales, ranking #3 after Lenovo and HP.

For gaming enthusiasts, Dell's Alienware brand is for gaming notebooks.

Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.

NVIDIA Quadro T2000 Max-Q: Mid range dedicated graphics card for laptops based on the desktop GTX 1660 Ti and therefore the Turing architecture without raytracing and Tensor cores. The performance of the Max-P variant should be similar to an older GTX 1070.

With these GPUs you are able to play modern and demanding games fluently at medium detail settings and HD resolution.

NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Max-Q: Professional high-end laptop graphics card based on the TU104 chip with 3,072 shaders and 16 GB GDDR6 VRAM. Compared to the normal mobile variant, the Max-Q variants are clocked lower and work in a more efficient state. Currently, we know of three variants with different clock speeds and power consumptions (80, 85 and 90 W).

NVIDIA RTX A2000 Laptop GPU: Mid-range professional laptop graphics card based on the Ampere GA107 chip with 2,560 CUDA cores. Similar to the consumer GeForce GTX 3050 Ti with certified drivers. Available in different performance variants ranging from 35 - 95 W TGP (max. power consumption).

These graphics cards are able to play the latest and most demanding games in high resolutions and full detail settings with enabled Anti-Aliasing.

NVIDIA NVIDIA RTX 3000 Ada Generation Laptop GPU: A higher-end professional graphics card for use in laptops that sports 4,608 CUDA cores and 8 GB of ECC GDDR6 VRAM. It would be fair to say that this is a GeForce RTX 4070 (Laptop) in disguise. Brought into existence in 2023, the RTX 3000 leverages TSMC's 5 nm process and Nvidia's Ada Lovelace architecture to achieve very decent performance combined with moderate power consumption. This graphics card is fast enough to run many games at 1440p with quality set to High. The Nvidia-recommended TGP range is very wide at 35 W to 140 W leading to bizarre performance differences between different systems powered by what is supposed to be the same graphics card.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

Intel Comet Lake:

i7-10875H: On Coffee Lake architecture based processor for big and heavy laptops. Integrates eight processor cores clocked at 2.3 - 5,1 GHz (all 8 cores up to 4.3 GHz) that support HyperThreading. Manufactured in an improved 14nm process (14nm++).

W-10885M: On Coffee Lake architecture based processor for big and heavy laptops. Integrates eight processor cores clocked at 2.4 - 5.3 GHz that support HyperThreading. Manufactured in an improved 14nm process (14nm++). The Intel Xeon W-10885M supports the management features vPro, TXT and SIPP and is the professional version of the Intel Core i9-10885H. 

Intel Alder Lake-S:

i7-12850HX: Alder Lake based mobile CPU with 8 performance cores and 8 efficient cores. The performance cores offer hyper threading, leading to 24 threads that can be processed. The CPU clocks from 1.5 to 4.8 GHz. The CPU supports vPro and ECC memory but no CPU overclocking.

Intel Raptor Lake-H:

i9-13900H: Alder Lake based mobile CPU with 6 performance cores and 8 efficient cores. The performance cores offer hyper threading, leading to 20 threads that can be processed. The CPU clocks with up to 5.4 GHz. Compared to the i9-13900HK no easy overclocking supported, but instead full vPro management feature-set.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

14.00:

14 inch display size represents a middle ground between the small subnotebook formats and the screens of the standard 15 inch laptops.

The reason for the popularity of mid-sized displays is that this size is reasonably easy on the eyes, provides good resolutions with usable detail sizes, yet does not consume too much power and the devices can still be reasonably compact. 

In the past, 14-inch devices were very rare, but now they are the standard for laptops after the 15-inchers. 

16.00:

This range for display formats was and is a rarity. It is larger than the general standard of 15 inches, but not yet in the range of large workstations. One usually has higher screen resolutions available, but portability suffers from that.

» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.

1.604 kg:

2.825 kg:

With this weight, a laptop is rather heavier than average. Devices in this range shine more with screen size and performance than with mobility.

86.51%: This is an above-average rating. Nevertheless, it should not be forgotten that about one fifth of all tested models receive a better rating.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

Devices from a different Manufacturer and/or with a different CPU

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Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

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