Dell Precision 5470 Gen 5

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core H-series processors, including options up to Core i9-12900H (14 cores, 20 threads, 45W).
• RAM: Up to 64GB LPDDR5 5200MHz, integrated/soldered to the system board.
• Storage: Single M.2 slot, supporting up to 4TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics or discrete NVIDIA RTX A1000 with 4GB GDDR6 memory.
• Display: 14-inch, 16:10 aspect ratio. Options include FHD+ (1920x1200) non-touch or QHD+ (2560x1600) touch, both rated for 500 nits brightness.
• Ports: Four Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort functionality, one universal audio jack, one microSD card slot, and one security lock slot. A USB-C to USB-A 3.2 and HDMI adapter is included.
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2.
• Dimensions & Weight: 0.74 by 12.2 by 8.3 inches (18.95 x 310.6 x 210.3 mm) and weighs 3.26 lbs (1.48 kg).
• Camera: 720p HD IR Camera with facial recognition support.
• Battery: 4-cell, 72Whr Li-ion battery.

Analysis of Technical Specifications

The Dell Precision 5470 is positioned as the world's smallest, thinnest, and most powerful 14-inch workstation, packing high-performance components into a compact form factor. Its use of 12th Gen Intel H-series processors and a discrete NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU is notable for a laptop of this size, offering significant processing power for demanding professional applications. The display options, particularly the QHD+ touch panel with 500 nits brightness, provide a high-quality visual experience suitable for creative work. However, the RAM is soldered, limiting future upgradeability, so users must select sufficient memory at the time of purchase. The minimalist port selection, lacking traditional USB-A and HDMI ports, necessitates the use of the included adapter or a docking station for legacy peripherals.

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: Information regarding a specific end-of-support date is not publicly available in the provided data.
• Available Drivers: Drivers are available through Dell's official support website and can be managed and updated using Dell SupportAssist.
• Compatibility: Features four Thunderbolt 4 ports, which are compatible with USB4, DisplayPort 1.4, and are backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2, and USB 2.0. Dell docking stations are fully compatible for expanded connectivity.
• Dell Optimizer: Includes AI-based features such as ExpressResponse for performance optimization, ExpressConnect for network prioritization, and Intelligent Audio for enhanced conferencing.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status

The Dell Precision 5470 offers broad operating system support, catering to diverse professional environments including Windows and popular Linux distributions. Dell's commitment to driver availability and the utility of Dell SupportAssist ensures that users can maintain optimal system performance and address potential issues. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports provides modern, high-speed connectivity and broad compatibility with contemporary peripherals and docking solutions, future-proofing the device to some extent. However, the absence of native USB-A and HDMI ports means users will frequently rely on adapters or docking stations for older equipment, which can be an inconvenience. Dell Optimizer significantly enhances the user experience by intelligently adapting system performance and connectivity to user habits and application needs.

Security Status

• Security Features: Incorporates a discrete Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 with FIPS 140-2 and TCG certifications. It supports both contacted and contactless SmartCard readers (including NFC) and includes a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button. Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) SSD options are available.
• Vulnerabilities: No specific vulnerabilities are detailed in the provided information.
• Recommendations: Users should leverage the integrated biometric authentication (fingerprint reader, facial recognition via IR camera) and SmartCard capabilities for secure logins and access control. Dell Optimizer's intelligent privacy features, such as Onlooker Detection and Look Away Detect, are recommended to protect sensitive on-screen information from unauthorized viewing.

Analysis of Security Status

The Dell Precision 5470 offers a robust suite of hardware-based security features, making it well-suited for enterprise environments handling sensitive data. The presence of TPM 2.0, SmartCard readers, and a fingerprint reader provides multiple layers of authentication and data protection. The option for SED SSDs further enhances data security at rest. The intelligent privacy features within Dell Optimizer are a significant advantage, proactively safeguarding visual information, which is crucial in mobile and shared work settings. Overall, the asset provides comprehensive security measures for a mobile workstation.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Processor Performance: The 12th Gen Intel Core i9-12900H CPU demonstrates strong multi-core performance in benchmarks like Cinebench and Geekbench.
• Graphics Performance: The NVIDIA RTX A1000 (4GB) GPU is capable for entry-level 2D and 3D professional applications, including CAD and video editing. However, it may not match the performance of higher-end GPUs found in larger workstations for extremely graphics-intensive workloads.
• Real-world Performance: The system handles demanding multitasking, such as running numerous browser tabs with 4K video playback, without significant slowdown. It performs well in content creation tasks like photo editing (Lightroom, Photoshop) and video encoding (HandBrake).
• Battery Life: Exhibits impressive battery longevity for a mobile workstation, with reported durations ranging from 11 to nearly 15 hours in web surfing and video playback tests.
• Comparison with Similar Devices: While excelling in portability, its compact size means it may yield some performance to larger, more powerful mobile workstations, particularly in graphics-heavy tasks. However, it has shown to outperform the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro in specific content creation benchmarks like Blender and Autodesk Maya.
• Thermals: Features an advanced cooling system with dual opposite outlet fans, designed to manage heat effectively within its compact chassis.

Analysis of Performance Status

The Dell Precision 5470 delivers robust CPU performance, making it highly effective for processor-intensive professional applications. Its NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU provides solid capabilities for many professional 2D and entry-level 3D tasks, striking a balance between power and portability. The workstation's exceptional battery life is a significant advantage for mobile professionals, allowing for extended productivity away from power outlets. While it may not compete with larger, more powerful workstations in raw graphics horsepower, it offers a compelling performance-to-portability ratio, making it a strong contender for users prioritizing mobility without sacrificing substantial processing capabilities.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews consistently praise the Dell Precision 5470 for its remarkably thin and light 14-inch design, which offers excellent portability for a workstation-class device. The system's strong CPU performance is a frequent highlight, enabling smooth operation for demanding professional software. The display receives high marks for its quality, described as great-looking, high-resolution (16:10 aspect ratio), bright (500 nits), and offering touch options. Users also appreciate the outstanding battery life, which is uncommon for a mobile workstation. The build quality is considered solid and premium, often compared to Dell's XPS line, and the keyboard and touchpad are generally well-received for comfort and responsiveness.

Common criticisms include the premium price point, which can be a barrier for some users. The soldered RAM is a notable drawback, as it prevents user upgrades and requires careful configuration at the time of purchase. The absence of traditional USB-A and HDMI ports is a recurring complaint, necessitating the use of the included adapter or a docking station for many common peripherals. The 720p webcam is also seen as a minor disappointment in an era where 1080p is becoming standard. While the RTX A1000 GPU is capable, some users engaging in highly demanding graphics work may find its performance underwhelming compared to more powerful, albeit less portable, alternatives.

Overall, the sentiment is highly positive, with many considering it an "XPS 14 on steroids" due to its blend of premium design, portability, and workstation-grade power. It is widely regarded as a highly capable mobile workstation, particularly for CPU-intensive tasks, despite the trade-offs inherent in its compact design.

Summary

The Dell Precision 5470 stands out as a highly portable and powerful 14-inch mobile workstation, designed for professionals who require significant computing power on the go. Its core strength lies in its ability to integrate 12th Gen Intel H-series processors and a discrete NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU within a remarkably thin and light chassis, a feat that sets it apart in its category. The device offers excellent CPU performance for demanding applications and boasts an impressive battery life, making it ideal for extended productivity away from a power source. The high-quality 16:10 display options further enhance the user experience, particularly for creative and design tasks.

However, the compact design necessitates certain trade-offs. The RAM is soldered, meaning users cannot upgrade it post-purchase, emphasizing the importance of selecting adequate memory from the outset. The lack of native USB-A and HDMI ports requires reliance on adapters or docking stations, which can be an inconvenience for users with legacy peripherals. While the RTX A1000 GPU is capable for many professional workloads, it may not satisfy users with the most extreme graphics demands, who might need to consider larger, less portable workstations with more powerful graphics cards.

In conclusion, the Dell Precision 5470 is an excellent choice for professionals seeking a highly mobile workstation that delivers strong CPU performance and exceptional battery life. Its robust security features and Dell Optimizer's intelligent enhancements further contribute to a premium and secure user experience. It is particularly recommended for users prioritizing portability and CPU-intensive tasks, provided they are mindful of the soldered RAM and the need for adapters for certain connectivity options.

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.