Dell Precision 5470 Gen 2

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core H-series processors, including options from Intel Core i5 to Intel Core i9-12900H. The i9-12900H features 14 cores (6 Performance cores, 8 Efficient cores) and 20 threads, with speeds up to 5.0 GHz.
• RAM: LPDDR5 5200 MHz, integrated and soldered to the system board. Configurations range from 8 GB to a maximum of 64 GB (e.g., 2 x 4 GB, 2 x 8 GB, 2 x 16 GB, 2 x 32 GB).
• Storage: Single M.2 slot supporting PCIe NVMe Gen4 x4 SSDs, with capacities up to 4 TB. Options include M.2 2230 and M.2 2280 form factors, and self-encrypting drive (SED) variants.
• Display: 14-inch InfinityEdge display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. Available options include:
  • FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 60 Hz, anti-glare, non-touch, 500 nits brightness, 100% sRGB coverage.
  • QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 60 Hz, anti-reflection, touch-enabled, 500 nits brightness, 100% sRGB coverage, with active pen support.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Discrete graphics options include the NVIDIA RTX A1000 Laptop GPU with 4 GB GDDR6 memory.
• Ports: Four Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports, all supporting Power Delivery and DisplayPort. One universal audio jack. One MicroSD card reader. An optional SmartCard reader is available.
• Wireless: Intel Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2.
• Battery: 4-cell, 72 Whr Li-ion battery.
• Dimensions & Weight: Measures 310.60 mm (width) x 210.35 mm (depth) x 11.09 mm (front height) - 18.95 mm (rear height). Weighs 1.48 kg (3.26 lb).

Analysis of Technical Specifications: The Dell Precision 5470 packs high-performance 12th Gen Intel H-series processors into a compact 14-inch chassis, offering significant CPU power for demanding tasks. The inclusion of LPDDR5 5200 MHz RAM provides fast memory access, though its soldered nature prevents user upgrades. The single PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD slot ensures high-speed storage, but limits internal storage expansion to one drive. Display options are excellent, featuring high resolution, brightness, and color accuracy suitable for creative professionals. The discrete NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU provides entry-level workstation graphics capabilities, enhancing performance for professional applications beyond integrated graphics. The port selection, while modern with four Thunderbolt 4 ports, lacks traditional USB-A or HDMI, necessitating adapters for many peripherals. Its compact dimensions and relatively light weight make it highly portable for a workstation-class device.

Support & Compatibility

• OS Support: The Dell Precision 5470 supports a range of operating systems, including Windows 11 Pro (with Downgrade Rights), Windows 11 Home (with Downgrade Rights), Windows 11 Pro National Education, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.x, and Ubuntu Linux 20.04.
• End of Support Date: Specific end-of-support dates are not publicly listed in the provided information. Dell typically provides long-term support for its Precision workstation line.
• Available Drivers: All necessary drivers and system updates are available for download from the official Dell Support website.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility: The Dell Precision 5470 offers broad operating system compatibility, catering to a wide array of professional users who may require Windows or Linux environments for their workflows. Dell's commitment to providing drivers and support resources through its official channels ensures that users can maintain and troubleshoot their systems effectively. While a definitive end-of-support date is not specified, the Precision series generally receives extended support, which is crucial for enterprise deployments and long-term asset management.

Security Status

• Security Features: The Precision 5470 incorporates robust security measures, including a discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 with FIPS 140-2 certification. It features a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button for secure logins and an IR camera for Windows Hello facial recognition. Dell's Intelligent Privacy features, such as Onlooker Detection and Look Away Detect, enhance data privacy by texturizing or darkening the screen when an unauthorized person is detected or the user looks away. Additional features include Dell SafeID, SafeBIOS, and an optional SmartCard/ControlVault 3 reader. A wedge-style lock slot provides physical security.
• Vulnerabilities: No specific, widely reported vulnerabilities are detailed in the provided information.
• Recommendations: Users should enable and utilize all available security features, including TPM, biometric authentication (fingerprint and facial recognition), and Dell's Intelligent Privacy settings. Regular updates of the operating system, drivers, and BIOS are recommended to mitigate potential security risks.

Analysis on the Security Status: The Dell Precision 5470 offers a comprehensive suite of hardware and software security features, making it well-suited for enterprise environments where data protection is paramount. The inclusion of TPM 2.0, biometric authentication, and intelligent privacy tools provides multiple layers of defense against unauthorized access and data breaches. These features align with modern security best practices for mobile workstations, offering peace of mind for professionals handling sensitive information.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Cinebench R23 CPU: Single-Core scores around 1,699, and Multi-Core scores approximately 11,154 (with i7-12800H).
  • Geekbench 5: Single-Core scores around 1,700, and Multi-Core scores around 11,000 (with i7-12800H).
  • Geekbench 6: Single-Core scores around 2,215, and Multi-Core scores around 11,320.
  • Geekbench Compute (Graphics): Achieves approximately 51,700.
  • 3DMark Fire Strike: Scores around 9,238 (with RTX A1000).
  • PCMark 10: Scores typically exceed 4,000, indicating excellent productivity performance for everyday office applications.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: The Precision 5470 demonstrates strong CPU performance, particularly in multi-threaded workloads such as rendering and video editing. The NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU is suitable for entry-level 3D CAD, BIM, and visualization tasks at FHD+ resolution. The system handles multitasking, including numerous Chrome tabs and 4K video playback, smoothly.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: In CPU benchmarks, the Precision 5470's multi-core performance often surpasses that of the Apple M2 MacBook Pro, and it significantly outperforms in graphics compute tests. While its CPU performance is strong for its class, the RTX A1000 is an entry-level discrete GPU for workstations and may not match the performance of higher-end GPUs found in larger mobile workstations. Battery life is a notable strength, with tests showing up to 11 to 15 hours of continuous web surfing, which is exceptional for a mobile workstation.

Analysis of Performance Status: The Dell Precision 5470 delivers impressive CPU performance for its compact size, making it a powerful tool for CPU-intensive professional applications. Its 12th Gen Intel H-series processors excel in multi-core tasks. The NVIDIA RTX A1000 provides a significant boost over integrated graphics, enabling entry-level 3D design and content creation workflows. While it may not compete with larger workstations equipped with more powerful GPUs for highly demanding graphics tasks, its overall performance is well-balanced for a portable workstation. The exceptional battery life further enhances its utility for mobile professionals.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for the Dell Precision 5470 generally highlight its strengths in portability, design, and core performance. Users frequently praise its compact 14-inch form factor, which delivers workstation-class power in a highly portable package. The build quality, featuring an aluminum chassis and MIL-STD-810H testing, receives positive remarks for its sturdiness and premium feel. The display is consistently lauded for its vibrant colors, high brightness (500 nits), and 16:10 aspect ratio, making it ideal for creative work. The keyboard and trackpad are noted for their responsiveness and comfortable typing experience. Strong CPU performance, particularly for multi-core applications, is a recurring positive, along with its impressive battery life for a workstation.

However, some common criticisms include the soldered RAM, which means it cannot be upgraded by the user after purchase, necessitating careful configuration at the time of order. The limited port selection, specifically the absence of traditional USB-A and HDMI ports, often requires users to rely on adapters or docking stations. While the discrete RTX A1000 GPU is capable, some power users performing very high-end 3D rendering or complex simulations find it to be an entry-level option compared to more powerful GPUs available in larger workstations. The base model's 8GB RAM configuration is also considered insufficient for a professional workstation by many users.

Summary

The Dell Precision 5470 stands out as a highly capable and exceptionally portable 14-inch mobile workstation. Its primary strength lies in its ability to integrate powerful 12th Generation Intel Core H-series processors within a compact and premium chassis, delivering strong CPU performance for demanding professional applications like rendering and complex computations. The vibrant 14-inch InfinityEdge display, with its high resolution, brightness, and color accuracy, is a significant asset for creative professionals. Furthermore, the device offers robust security features, including TPM 2.0, biometric authentication, and intelligent privacy tools, making it a secure choice for enterprise environments. Its impressive battery life, often exceeding 10 hours in real-world usage, provides excellent mobility for professionals on the go.

However, the Precision 5470 does present some limitations. The RAM is soldered to the motherboard, preventing future upgrades and requiring users to select sufficient memory at the time of purchase. The port selection, while modern with four Thunderbolt 4 ports, lacks legacy USB-A and HDMI connections, which may necessitate dongles or adapters for many existing peripherals. While the NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU provides solid entry-level workstation graphics, it may not suffice for the most graphically intensive tasks compared to higher-tier GPUs found in larger mobile workstations. The base configuration with 8GB of RAM is generally considered inadequate for a professional workstation.

Overall, the Dell Precision 5470 is an excellent choice for professionals who prioritize portability without significantly compromising on CPU performance, display quality, or security. It is particularly well-suited for tasks that are CPU-bound or require moderate GPU acceleration, and for users who frequently work remotely or in varied locations. For those requiring maximum graphics horsepower or extensive internal storage expansion, larger workstation alternatives might be more appropriate. However, for its size class, the Precision 5470 offers a compelling balance of power, design, and mobility.

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.