Dell Precision 1s

Basic Information

The Dell Precision 5690 is a high-performance mobile workstation, succeeding the Dell Precision 5680. It is designed for demanding professional workloads, including 3D rendering, engineering, and data science.

• Model: Dell Precision 5690
• Version: Not explicitly stated, but features Intel "Series 1 Ultra" processors (Meteor Lake).
• Release Date: 2024
• Minimum Requirements: Specific minimums are not detailed, but configurations start with Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD.
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 11, Windows 11 Pro.
• Latest Stable Version: Refers to the latest available hardware and software configurations offered by Dell for the 5690 model.
• End of Support Date: Specific end of support for the 5690 is not publicly listed. However, Dell's Precision brand is being retired in 2025, to be supplanted by the Dell Pro Max workstation line.
• End of Life Date: The Precision brand itself is scheduled to be phased out in January 2025.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not specified for the hardware; dependent on OS and software lifecycle.
• License Type: Typically includes an OEM Windows license embedded in the motherboard.
• Deployment Model: Supports ProDeploy in Unified Workspace for preconfigured systems and driver packs for Microsoft End Point Manager Configuration Manager (MEMCM), Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), and Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT).

Technical Specifications

The Dell Precision 5690 offers robust configurations tailored for professional use.

• Processor: Intel Meteor Lake CPUs, including Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, Ultra 7 155H, Ultra 7 165H, and Ultra 9 185H. These are AI-enhanced processors.
• RAM: LPDDR5 memory, available up to 64GB.
• Storage: M.2 PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, configurable up to 1TB or potentially higher (e.g., two 512GB NVMe SSDs in RAID 0 for tested units).
• Display: 16-inch display with options for WUXGA (1920 x 1200) non-touch IPS or UHD+ (3840 x 2400) OLED touchscreen panels. Both typically feature a 60Hz refresh rate.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel graphics or optional NVIDIA RTX Ada Generation Laptop GPUs, up to NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada Generation with 16GB GDDR6 memory. NVIDIA GeForce RTX A1000 6GB is also an option.
• Ports: Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort functionality, one HDMI 2.1 port, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
• Operating System: Windows 11 Pro.
• Dimensions & Weight: Described as "reasonably portable" and "under a briefcase-friendly five pounds." (For reference, the 14-inch Precision 5490 is 0.75 x 12.2 x 8.3 inches and 3.29 lbs).

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The Dell Precision 5690 is a powerful mobile workstation, leveraging Intel's latest AI-enhanced Meteor Lake processors and NVIDIA RTX Ada Generation GPUs to handle intensive tasks. The availability of up to 64GB LPDDR5 RAM and fast PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs ensures quick data access and smooth multitasking. Display options cater to different professional needs, from a sharp WUXGA IPS panel to a high-resolution UHD+ OLED touchscreen, though the 60Hz refresh rate might be a limitation for some users. The port selection, including multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI 2.1, provides excellent connectivity for peripherals and external displays.

Support & Compatibility

Dell provides comprehensive support for its Precision line, including driver management and operating system compatibility.

• Latest Version: Refers to the Dell Precision 5690 model itself, released in 2024.
• OS Support: Primarily supports Windows 11 and Windows 11 Pro. Dell also offers support for various Linux distributions on its Precision workstations, such as Ubuntu and Red Hat Enterprise Linux for other models.
• End of Support Date: While specific EOL for the 5690 is not detailed, the Dell Precision brand is slated for retirement in 2025. Dell's general product lifecycle policy outlines stages from active to end of life.
• Localization: Dell products and support are available globally, with localized drivers and documentation.
• Available Drivers: Dell provides dedicated driver packs for Precision models, facilitating deployment and ensuring compatibility with supported operating systems. Drivers are available for download from Dell's support website.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The Dell Precision 5690 benefits from Dell's robust enterprise support ecosystem, including extensive driver availability and compatibility with current Windows operating systems. The availability of driver packs simplifies large-scale deployments in enterprise environments. However, the announced retirement of the "Precision" brand in 2025 introduces uncertainty regarding long-term branding, though Dell states it will be supplanted by the "Dell Pro Max" line, indicating a continuation of high-performance workstations. Users should monitor Dell's official announcements for specific end-of-support timelines for the 5690 model.

Security Status

Dell Precision workstations incorporate multiple layers of security features, from hardware to software.

• Security Features: Dell Trusted Devices, Dell SafeBIOS, Dell SafeID, Dell SafeSupply Chain, Intel BIOS Guard, Intel Boot Guard, TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chips, Dell ControlVault technology (dedicated processor for authentication and certificate storage), FIPS 201-certified fingerprint sensors, PIV-compliant smart card readers, and intelligent privacy features like Onlooker Detection and Look Away Detect.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Dell actively addresses vulnerabilities through BIOS updates and security patches.
• Blacklist Status: No general blacklist status is indicated for the Dell Precision 5690.
• Certifications: Independent Software Vendor (ISV) certifications ensure compatibility and optimized performance with leading professional applications. Intel vPro platform verification is also available.
• Encryption Support: Supports full-disk encryption, file and folder encryption, and encrypted solid-state drives (SSDs).
• Authentication Methods: Fingerprint readers, smart card readers, and Dell ControlVault for strong authentication.
• General Recommendations: Dell recommends maintaining updated BIOS and drivers, utilizing endpoint security solutions, and adhering to a 3-5 year replacement cycle for optimal security and performance.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

The Dell Precision 5690 offers a high level of security, integrating hardware-based protections like TPM and Dell ControlVault with software solutions such as Dell SafeBIOS and Dell Endpoint Security Suite (optional). The focus on supply chain security (Dell SafeSupply Chain) and intelligent privacy features further enhances its security posture. ISV certifications also ensure that professional applications run securely and reliably. Regular updates and adherence to Dell's security recommendations are crucial for maintaining this strong security rating.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Dell Precision 5690 is engineered for high performance in demanding professional applications.

• Benchmark Scores: While specific comprehensive benchmark scores for the 5690 are not fully detailed, the NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU (an option) achieves scores like 3DMark Wild Life at 24499, Fire Strike at 9754, and Time Spy at 4300. The system is noted to be "half a step down in performance" from the HP ZBook Fury 16 G10, but more portable.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Described as "ultra-high performance" for intensive multitasking, 3D rendering, and simulation workloads. It handles demanding workloads like 3D graphics and simulations effectively. AI-optimized architecture and powerful GPUs provide significant speedups for AI tasks, with GPU acceleration offering up to 6.4x faster performance than CPU-only configurations in machine learning model training.
• Power Consumption: Not explicitly detailed, but features like Intel Meteor Lake CPUs are designed for efficiency. Battery life is noted as "fantastic" and capable of lasting nearly 14 hours for video playback.
• Carbon Footprint: Not explicitly detailed, but Dell emphasizes sustainability in its product development.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Outperforms systems with 11th Gen Intel Core i9 processors. It is compared favorably against the HP ZBook Fury 16 G10 in terms of portability versus raw power. The 5690 is a more premium and better workstation laptop than the Dell Precision 3591.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

The Dell Precision 5690 delivers excellent performance for its target audience of creative professionals and engineers. Its combination of Intel Meteor Lake CPUs and NVIDIA RTX Ada Generation GPUs provides substantial processing and graphical power, particularly for AI and demanding applications. While some thermal throttling can occur under heavy load, its overall capability for complex tasks is high. The impressive battery life further enhances its utility as a mobile workstation. It stands as a strong contender in the high-end mobile workstation market, balancing power with portability.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback for the Dell Precision 5690 highlights its strengths in performance and portability, with some areas for improvement.

• Strengths:
  • Powerful Performance: Users praise its ability to handle demanding workloads like 3D graphics, simulations, and AI development.
  • Excellent Battery Life: Noted for fantastic battery life, lasting comfortably through a full workday or extended video playback.
  • Premium Build Quality: The Precision line is known for excellent build quality and durability.
  • Good Port Selection: Includes multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI 2.1.
  • High-Quality Displays: Offers bright and sharp display options, including UHD+ OLED.
  • AI-Ready: Optimized for AI development and machine learning.
• Weaknesses:
  • Thermal Throttling: Some reviews indicate thermal throttling under sustained heavy load.
  • Serviceability: Can be difficult to open for user-replaceable components without potentially damaging retention clips.
  • 60Hz Refresh Rate: All available displays are 60Hz, which might be a drawback for some users.
  • Configuration Complexity: Configuring the laptop on Dell's website can be challenging due to numerous options and restrictions.
  • Basic FHD+ Display: The base FHD+ display is considered somewhat lackluster for the price point.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Professionals in design, CGI rendering and animation, engineering, and data science.
  • Users requiring a powerful yet portable workstation for demanding applications on the go.
  • AI developers and researchers needing robust computing power for training complex AI algorithms.
  • Business users requiring a reliable and secure laptop for general productivity and specialized tasks.

Summary

The Dell Precision 5690 emerges as a formidable mobile workstation, designed to meet the rigorous demands of enterprise professionals. Its core strength lies in its powerful internal components, featuring Intel's latest AI-enhanced Meteor Lake CPUs and NVIDIA RTX Ada Generation Laptop GPUs, which deliver exceptional performance for tasks such as 3D rendering, complex simulations, and AI development. The system offers flexible configurations with ample RAM and fast SSD storage, ensuring smooth operation even with intensive multitasking. Display options are high-quality, ranging from WUXGA IPS to UHD+ OLED, though limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Connectivity is robust, with multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI 2.1.

From a support and compatibility standpoint, the 5690 benefits from Dell's comprehensive enterprise ecosystem, including readily available drivers and support for current Windows operating systems. However, the impending retirement of the "Precision" brand in 2025, to be replaced by "Dell Pro Max," introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding future branding, though the commitment to high-performance workstations remains.

Security is a strong suit, with a multi-layered approach encompassing hardware-level protections like TPM and Dell ControlVault, alongside software features such as Dell SafeBIOS and intelligent privacy options. This makes the 5690 a secure choice for handling sensitive professional data.

Performance benchmarks and real-world usage confirm its capability to handle demanding workloads efficiently, with significant advantages in GPU-accelerated AI tasks. User feedback generally praises its power, excellent battery life, and premium build quality, making it a highly recommended choice for professionals who need a potent and portable workstation. Criticisms include potential thermal throttling under extreme loads, challenging serviceability, and the 60Hz refresh rate on all display options.

In conclusion, the Dell Precision 5690 is an excellent choice for enterprise users requiring a high-performance, secure, and portable workstation for specialized and demanding applications. Its strengths in processing power, graphics, and security outweigh its minor drawbacks, making it a valuable asset for professionals in fields like engineering, design, and AI development. The 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.