Dell Precision 5470 Gen 1

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core H-series processors, including Core i5-12500H, i5-12600H, i7-12700H, i7-12800H, and i9-12900H. These are 45W CPUs with up to 14 cores and 20 threads, capable of turbo frequencies up to 5.0 GHz.

• RAM: LPDDR5 memory, integrated/soldered onto the motherboard, operating at 5200 MHz. Configurations include 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB.

• Storage: Single M.2 PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD slot, supporting both M.2 2230 and M.2 2280 form factors. Storage capacities are available up to 4 TB. Some configurations may include Gen3 drives.

• Display: 14-inch, 16:10 aspect ratio. Options include a Full HD+ (1920x1200) non-touch anti-glare panel or a Quad HD+ (2560x1600) touch-enabled panel with anti-reflection and anti-smudge coatings. Both display options feature 500 nits brightness and a 60 Hz refresh rate. Color gamut coverage is 100% sRGB, with approximately 80% DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB.

• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics are standard. Optional discrete graphics include the NVIDIA RTX A1000 with 4 GB GDDR6 memory.

• Ports: Four Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort functionality, one universal headphone/microphone combo jack, one MicroSD card slot, and one wedge-shaped lock slot. An optional SmartCard reader is available.

• Wireless: Intel AX211 supporting Wi-Fi 6E (2x2 MIMO) and Bluetooth 5.2.

• Camera: 720p HD IR Camera with an Ambient Light Sensor (ALS).

• Battery: 4-cell, 72 Whr Li-ion battery.

• Dimensions & Weight: Measures 31.06 x 21.03 x 1.895 cm (12.22 x 8.27 x 0.74 inches) and weighs 1.48 kg (3.26 lb).

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The Dell Precision 5470 Gen 1 is a compact mobile workstation designed for demanding professional tasks. Its reliance on 12th Gen Intel H-series processors provides significant computational power, making it suitable for CPU-intensive applications. The inclusion of LPDDR5 RAM at 5200 MHz ensures fast memory access, though its soldered nature means no post-purchase upgrades are possible. The single PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD slot offers high-speed storage, crucial for large datasets and quick application loading. The display options provide excellent visual fidelity, particularly the QHD+ touch panel, which is ideal for creative work. The NVIDIA RTX A1000 discrete GPU offers entry-level professional graphics capabilities, sufficient for light 2D/3D design and video editing, but it is not a high-end solution for graphically demanding tasks. The port selection, while modern with four Thunderbolt 4 ports, lacks traditional USB-A or HDMI, necessitating adapters or docking stations for many peripherals. The Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 ensure robust wireless connectivity. The 720p webcam is functional but could be improved for modern video conferencing standards. Its compact dimensions and relatively light weight for a workstation emphasize portability.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Supports Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.2, and Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.

• End of Support Date: Dell provides ongoing driver and system updates through its support channels; specific end-of-life dates for hardware are typically aligned with product lifecycle policies.

• Available Drivers: Drivers and firmware updates are available via the Dell Support website and Dell SupportAssist application.

• Management Tools: Integrates with Dell Optimizer for Precision, offering performance optimization and system insights. It also supports Dell Command suite tools, including Configure, Monitor, Update, Deploy, PowerShell Provider, and Intel vPro Out of Band for centralized management.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The Dell Precision 5470 Gen 1 offers broad operating system compatibility, supporting current Windows versions and popular Linux distributions, which is essential for professional environments. Dell's robust support ecosystem, including the Dell Support website and SupportAssist, provides access to necessary drivers and diagnostic tools. The integration with Dell Optimizer and the Dell Command suite enhances manageability for IT departments, allowing for streamlined deployment, monitoring, and maintenance. While a specific end-of-support date is not publicly highlighted, Dell's enterprise-focused support infrastructure suggests long-term driver and firmware availability, crucial for a workstation-class device.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button, an IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition, an optional SmartCard reader, and a wedge-shaped lock slot.

• Software Security: Comes with options for McAfee Small Business Security (trial/subscription). It leverages Intel Guard Technologies (SGX, Data Guard, Boot Guard, BIOS Guard, OS Guard, Secure Key) and Intel Runtime BIOS Resilience. Additional enterprise security options include Absolute Endpoint Visibility and Control, VMware Carbon Black Endpoint Standard, Secureworks Threat Detection and Response, Dell Encryption Enterprise/Personal, VMware Workspace ONE, and Netskope. Dell Supply Chain Defense is also a feature.

• Intelligent Privacy Features: Incorporates Dell's Intelligent Privacy features, such as Onlooker Detection (texturizes or activates Safe Screen when an intruder is detected) and Look Away Detect (darkens the screen based on user behavior).

• Vulnerabilities & Recommendations: No specific widespread vulnerabilities are noted in general reviews. Recommendations include utilizing the integrated hardware security features like the fingerprint reader and IR camera for strong authentication. Regular software updates, driver updates, and leveraging Dell's security management tools are advised for maintaining a robust security posture.

Analysis on the Security Status

The Dell Precision 5470 Gen 1 provides a comprehensive suite of hardware and software security features, aligning with enterprise-grade requirements. The biometric authentication options (fingerprint and IR camera) offer convenient and secure login. The optional SmartCard reader enhances access control for sensitive environments. Integration with Intel's hardware-level security technologies and a range of Dell and third-party security software solutions (like Carbon Black and Secureworks) provides multi-layered protection against various threats. The Intelligent Privacy features are a notable addition, proactively safeguarding sensitive on-screen information. While no specific critical vulnerabilities are widely reported, adherence to best practices for system updates and security software management is crucial for ongoing protection.

Performance & Benchmarks

• CPU Performance: Exhibits strong multi-core performance. Benchmarks include Cinebench R23 multi-core scores around 51808 and GeekBench 5 multi-core scores around 10977-11040. It generally outperforms systems with 11th Gen Intel Core i9 processors.

• GPU Performance: The NVIDIA RTX A1000 (4GB) is an entry-level professional GPU. Benchmark scores include 3DMark Wild Life at 24499, Fire Strike at 9754, and Time Spy at 4300. While capable for professional 2D/light 3D tasks, it is not designed for high-end graphics rendering or intensive gaming and can be outclassed by more powerful consumer GPUs like the RTX 4060/4070.

• Storage Performance: Equipped with PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, delivering high sequential read speeds up to 7127 MB/s and write speeds up to 5327 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark.

• Real-world Performance: Achieves excellent scores in productivity tests, with PCMark 10 scores around 6500. It performs well in content creation tasks, including video encoding, demonstrating faster HandBrake H.265 4K video encoding times compared to a 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Max chip.

• Battery Life: Offers impressive battery longevity for a workstation, with up to 15 hours in video rundown tests and approximately 10 hours for typical office applications.

• Thermals: Features advanced thermal management. Early review units experienced overheating issues due to a manufacturing defect (sticker blocking air intake), but this is not indicative of general design flaws.

• Comparison with Similar Devices: Positioned as a highly portable workstation. It offers comparable CPU performance to larger mobile workstations but its discrete GPU is less powerful than those found in higher-tier or larger models. It can outperform some competitors, like the 14-inch MacBook Pro, in specific content creation benchmarks.

Analysis of the Performance Status

The Dell Precision 5470 Gen 1 delivers robust performance, particularly in CPU-intensive workloads, thanks to its 12th Gen Intel H-series processors. This makes it highly effective for tasks requiring significant processing power, such as complex computations, software development, and multi-tasking with demanding applications. The fast LPDDR5 RAM and PCIe Gen4 storage further enhance overall system responsiveness and data handling. While the NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU is a professional-grade solution, its 4GB VRAM and entry-level positioning mean it is best suited for light to moderate graphical tasks, 2D CAD, and some video editing, rather than heavy 3D rendering or high-fidelity gaming. The exceptional battery life is a significant advantage for mobile professionals. Thermal management is generally effective, though early production issues highlight the importance of proper quality control. Overall, the Precision 5470 strikes a balance between portability and workstation-class performance, excelling in CPU-bound professional applications.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for the Dell Precision 5470 Gen 1 generally highlight its strengths in portability and raw CPU power for its size. Users appreciate its sleek and robust design, often comparing its aesthetics to Dell's XPS consumer line. The InfinityEdge display, especially the QHD+ touch option, receives praise for its visual quality and brightness. Excellent battery life is a frequently cited positive, making it a strong choice for professionals on the go. The keyboard is also well-regarded for its typing experience.

However, common criticisms revolve around the limited port selection, specifically the absence of traditional USB-A or HDMI ports, which necessitates the use of adapters or docking stations. The soldered RAM is a point of concern for users who prefer upgradeability, emphasizing the need to choose sufficient memory at the time of purchase. The NVIDIA RTX A1000, while a professional GPU, is sometimes seen as underwhelming for its price point, especially for users with highly demanding graphics workflows. Some users have reported isolated issues, including motherboard malfunctions, SSD errors, and audio driver crashes, though these appear to be less widespread and may relate to specific batches or software configurations.

Summary

The Dell Precision 5470 Gen 1 stands as a highly capable and exceptionally portable mobile workstation. Its primary strength lies in its powerful 12th Generation Intel H-series processors, which deliver outstanding performance for CPU-intensive professional applications. Coupled with fast LPDDR5 memory and a high-speed PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, the system offers a responsive and efficient computing experience. The 14-inch InfinityEdge display options, particularly the QHD+ touch panel, provide a vibrant and sharp visual workspace, ideal for creative professionals. Furthermore, its impressive battery life sets it apart, offering extended productivity on the go.

However, the Precision 5470 has notable limitations. The most significant is its constrained port selection, relying exclusively on Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) for connectivity, which necessitates adapters for legacy peripherals. The RAM is soldered, precluding future upgrades, making the initial configuration choice critical. While the NVIDIA RTX A1000 discrete GPU is suitable for entry-level professional graphics tasks, it may not meet the demands of users requiring intensive 3D rendering or complex simulations. Some user feedback indicates potential reliability concerns with certain components, though these are not universally reported. Despite these drawbacks, the Precision 5470 excels as a compact powerhouse for professionals prioritizing portability without sacrificing significant CPU performance.

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.