Dell Precision 17 Gen 4

Basic Information

• Model: Dell Precision 7740.
• Release Date: The Dell Precision 7740 was released around September-October 2019.
• Minimum Requirements: Requires a 64-bit operating system to support 4GB or more of system memory.
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 10 Home (64-bit), Windows 10 Professional (64-bit), Windows 10 Pro for Workstations (64-bit), Ubuntu 18.04 LTS (64-bit), and Red Hat Linux Enterprise 8.0. It also supports Windows 11 and Windows 11 S-Mode.
• Latest Stable Version: Refers to the latest BIOS and driver updates available through Dell's support channels.
• End of Support Date: Dell's typical enterprise support lifecycle for Precision workstations is several years, often extending beyond the initial sale date. Specific end-of-support dates are managed by Dell's service agreements.
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly stated as a single date, but typically follows Dell's product lifecycle for enterprise hardware.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable for this type of enterprise workstation, which relies on OS and driver updates.
• License Type: Primarily comes with Windows 10 Professional or Workstations licenses; other pre-installed software may have specific licenses.
• Deployment Model: Mobile Workstation, designed for professional use in various environments.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Up to 9th Gen Intel Core i9 (e.g., i9-9980HK, i9-9880H), Core i7 (e.g., i7-9850H, i7-9750H), Core i5 (i5-9400H), and Intel Xeon E processors (e.g., E-2286M, E-2276M) with up to 8 cores.
• RAM: Up to 128GB DDR4 SDRAM across 4 SODIMM slots, with speeds up to 3200MHz. ECC memory is available with Xeon processors.
• Storage: Up to 8TB total storage, supporting up to four drives. Options include 2.5" 7200RPM SATA HDDs (up to 2TB per drive) and M.2 PCIe NVMe SSDs (Class 40/50, up to 2TB per drive). RAID 0, 1, and 5 configurations are supported.
• Display: 17.3-inch display options include:
  • HD+ TN (1600x900) Anti-Glare, 60% sRGB, 220 nits.
  • UltraSharp FHD IPS (1920x1080) Anti-Glare, 100% sRGB, 300 nits.
  • UltraSharp UHD IGZO (3840x2160) Anti-Glare, 100% Adobe RGB, 400 nits.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 or P630 (with select processors). Discrete options include AMD Radeon Pro WX 3200 (4GB GDDR5), Radeon Pro WX 7130 (8GB GDDR5), NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 (6GB GDDR6), NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 (8GB GDDR6), and NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 (16GB GDDR6).
• Ports: 3x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (one with PowerShare), 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x Mini DisplayPort 1.4, 1x RJ45 Ethernet, 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC card reader (UHS-II), 1x Headphone/Microphone combo jack, Power connector.
• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro/Workstations, Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
• Dimensions: Height: 25.3 mm (0.99 inches) to 30.3 mm (1.19 inches); Width: 414.2 mm (16.3 inches); Depth: 273.7 mm (10.7 inches).
• Weight: Starting at 3.08 kg (6.79 lbs) to 3.09 kg (6.81 lbs).

Analysis of Technical Specifications:

The Dell Precision 7740 is a high-performance mobile workstation designed for demanding professional applications such as CAD, video editing, VR/AI content creation, and scientific computing. Its strength lies in its extensive configurability, offering top-tier Intel Core i9 or Xeon processors and professional-grade NVIDIA Quadro RTX or AMD Radeon Pro graphics. The ability to house up to 128GB of RAM and 8TB of storage across multiple drives, including NVMe SSDs with RAID support, ensures ample resources for large datasets and complex projects. Display options, particularly the 4K UHD IGZO panel with 100% Adobe RGB coverage, cater to color-critical work. Connectivity is robust with multiple USB-A, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, and Mini DisplayPort outputs, supporting multiple external monitors, including 8K displays. The primary trade-off for this power and expandability is its significant weight and dimensions, positioning it more as a desktop replacement than a highly portable laptop.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Dell provides regular BIOS updates and driver releases for the Precision 7740 through its official support website.
• OS Support: Fully supports Windows 10 (Home, Pro, Workstations) and has official support for Windows 11, Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.0.
• End of Support Date: Specific end-of-support dates are determined by Dell's service contracts and product lifecycle policies.
• Localization: Available with various keyboard layouts and operating system language packs depending on the region of purchase.
• Available Drivers: All necessary drivers and utilities are available for download from the Dell Support website.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status:

The Dell Precision 7740 boasts excellent support and compatibility, typical of an enterprise-grade workstation. Dell provides comprehensive driver support for multiple operating systems, including Windows 10, Windows 11, and key Linux distributions, ensuring flexibility for professional users. The availability of drivers and BIOS updates directly from Dell's support site simplifies maintenance and ensures optimal performance and security. Dell's enterprise support infrastructure offers various service levels, providing reliable assistance for hardware and software issues. The system's compatibility with a wide range of professional software is ensured through ISV certifications. While specific end-of-support dates are tied to individual service agreements, Dell's commitment to long-term support for its Precision line is generally strong.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, Intel Platform Trust Technology, chassis wedge-shaped security lock slot, and support for Computrace. Optional features include a fingerprint reader (standard or FIPS-certified) and a smart card reader (contacted or contactless, with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Certification via Control Vault 3.0).
• Known Vulnerabilities: General OS and software vulnerabilities are addressed through regular updates from Microsoft, Linux distributions, and Dell firmware. No specific, unpatched hardware vulnerabilities unique to the 7740 are widely reported.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable; this is a commercial product.
• Certifications: ISV (Independent Software Vendor) certified for smooth operation with high-performance professional applications. FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification available for advanced authentication options.
• Encryption Support: Supports hardware-based encryption via self-encrypting drives (SEDs) and software-based encryption like BitLocker (with Windows Pro/Workstations).
• Authentication Methods: Password, optional fingerprint reader, optional smart card reader, and Intel vPro technology for remote management and security.
• General Recommendations: Keep BIOS and drivers updated, apply operating system security patches regularly, use strong passwords, and enable multi-factor authentication where possible.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating:

The Dell Precision 7740 offers a robust suite of security features suitable for enterprise environments. Hardware-level protections like TPM 2.0 and optional FIPS-certified fingerprint and smart card readers provide strong authentication and data integrity. The availability of self-encrypting drives enhances data protection. Dell's commitment to ISV certifications ensures that the system runs critical professional applications securely and reliably. While no system is entirely immune to vulnerabilities, the 7740's comprehensive security options, combined with Dell's regular updates and enterprise management tools (like Intel vPro), provide a high level of security for sensitive data and demanding workloads.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Cinebench R15 Graphics: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 achieved 205 fps.
  • Geekbench 4 (Core i9-9980HK): Single-core scores around 5,738; Multi-core scores around 27,793. (Note: Geekbench 5/6 scores would be higher due to different scaling).
  • Cinebench 20 Multi-core: Intel Core i9-9980HK scored 4150; Intel Xeon E-2276M scored 2700.
  • 3DMark Time Spy (Graphics): NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 scored 9332; RTX 4000 scored 7284; RTX 3000 scored 5589.
  • SPECviewperf 13: Results were strong for graphics performance in professional applications like 3D Max, CATIA, Creo, etc.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Capable of handling graphically intensive applications like Google Maps Globe, OBS, Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Photoshop with ease. Excellent for VR and AI content creation, video editing, and 3D rendering. Users report it remains powerful enough for demanding tasks even after years of use.
• Power Consumption: Max power consumption for GPUs ranges from 60-80W (RTX 3000) to 80-110W (RTX 4000/5000) and 130W (Radeon Pro WX 7100). The system uses a 240W AC adapter. Battery life is limited under heavy load (e.g., 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes in performance/video encoding modes for a 97Wh battery).
• Carbon Footprint: Estimated product carbon footprint is 463 kgCO2e +/- 126 kgCO2e, based on a 4-year product lifetime and EU use location. This is comparable to driving 1134 miles in a passenger car.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Outperforms slimmer laptops like the 16-inch MacBook Pro in graphics benchmarks. Positioned against other high-end mobile workstations like HP ZBook and Lenovo ThinkPad P series, offering competitive performance, especially with top-tier configurations.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status:

The Dell Precision 7740 is an exceptionally powerful mobile workstation, delivering performance comparable to desktop systems. Its combination of 9th Gen Intel Core i9/Xeon processors and NVIDIA Quadro RTX GPUs provides outstanding computational and graphical horsepower, making it ideal for the most demanding professional applications, including VR, AI, and complex design tasks. Benchmark scores consistently place it at the high end of its class, particularly in graphics-intensive workloads. While its power consumption is high and battery life is limited under full load, this is expected for a machine designed as a desktop replacement. The advanced cooling system helps maintain performance under sustained stress. Its carbon footprint is in line with other high-performance enterprise laptops, with Dell providing transparency on its environmental impact.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews consistently highlight the Dell Precision 7740's exceptional performance and robust build quality. Many users praise its ability to handle resource-intensive tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and running multiple demanding applications simultaneously without slowdowns. The bright and sharp 4K display options are frequently cited as a major strength, especially for creative professionals. The extensive customization options for CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage are also highly valued, allowing users to tailor the machine to specific needs.

However, common weaknesses include its significant weight and large dimensions, making it less portable for frequent travel. Battery life is generally considered a drawback, particularly when running demanding applications, often requiring it to be tethered to a power outlet. Some users note that while the cooling system is effective and keeps the system relatively quiet under load, the sheer power can still generate heat.

Recommended use cases for the Precision 7740 include engineers, architects, content creators, data scientists, and anyone requiring a powerful desktop-replacement workstation for high-end graphics, VR, AI, and other compute-intensive tasks.

Summary

The Dell Precision 7740 stands as a formidable mobile workstation, meticulously engineered for professionals who demand uncompromising performance and reliability. Its core strengths lie in its highly configurable architecture, featuring up to 9th Gen Intel Core i9 or Xeon processors, massive DDR4 memory capacity (up to 128GB), and professional-grade NVIDIA Quadro RTX or AMD Radeon Pro graphics. This combination delivers exceptional power for complex tasks such as 3D rendering, VR/AI development, and advanced data analysis. The workstation offers extensive storage options, including multiple NVMe SSDs with RAID support, ensuring rapid data access and ample space for large projects. Display options, particularly the 4K UHD IGZO panel, provide stunning visual fidelity crucial for color-critical work. Connectivity is comprehensive, supporting multiple high-resolution external displays.

While the Precision 7740 excels in raw power and expandability, its primary weaknesses are its substantial weight and limited battery life under heavy load, positioning it as more of a portable desktop replacement than a lightweight travel companion. However, for users whose priority is uncompromised performance and workstation-class capabilities on the go, these trade-offs are often acceptable. Dell's robust enterprise support, including extensive driver availability and ISV certifications, further enhances its appeal for professional environments.

In conclusion, the Dell Precision 7740 is highly recommended for professionals in engineering, architecture, media creation, and scientific research who require a powerful, reliable, and highly customizable mobile workstation to tackle the most demanding applications. Its performance capabilities, coupled with strong security features and comprehensive support, make it an excellent investment for enterprise asset management.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.