Dell Precision 5470 Gen 6

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core H-series processors, including options up to Core i9-12900H (14 cores, 20 threads) and vPro variants.
• RAM: Up to 64GB LPDDR5 5200MHz, soldered to the motherboard. Common configurations include 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB.
• Storage: PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs, with configurations available up to 4TB.
• Display: 14-inch 16:10 aspect ratio displays. Options include:
  • FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 60Hz, 500 nits, anti-glare, non-touch.
  • QHD+ (2560 x 1600) 60Hz, 500 nits, touch-enabled with pen support, anti-reflective.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics or discrete NVIDIA RTX A1000 with 4GB GDDR6 VRAM.
• Ports: Four Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports with power delivery and DisplayPort functionality, a universal headphone/microphone combo jack, a microSD card slot, and a security lock slot. An adapter for USB-A 3.2 and HDMI is included.
• Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2.
• Battery: 4-cell, 72Whr Li-ion battery.
• Dimensions & Weight: Approximately 310.60 x 210.30 x 11.09-18.95 mm (12.22 x 8.27 x 0.43-0.74 inches) and weighs around 1.48 kg (3.26 lbs).

Analysis of Technical Specifications:

The Dell Precision 5470 is engineered as a compact mobile workstation, balancing portability with significant processing power. Its 12th Gen Intel Core H-series processors, particularly the i7 and i9 variants, offer robust multi-core performance suitable for demanding professional applications. The inclusion of LPDDR5 RAM at 5200MHz provides high memory bandwidth, though its soldered nature limits user upgrades. Storage is ample and fast, with PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs supporting up to 4TB. Display options are high-resolution and bright, catering to visual tasks. The NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU, while a professional-grade discrete option, is considered entry-level for intensive graphical workloads, indicating a design choice prioritizing portability over maximum graphics rendering capability. The port selection, while exclusively Thunderbolt 4, necessitates adapters for legacy USB-A and HDMI connections, which can be a minor inconvenience for some users. Overall, the specifications highlight a machine optimized for CPU-intensive tasks and mobility within a professional environment.

Support & Compatibility

• Operating System Support: Supports Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.2, and Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.
• Drivers: Drivers are available for download and installation from the official Dell support website. Dell SupportAssist can automate driver updates.
• End of Support Date: Dell typically provides 5 years of support from the ship date for its workstations. Specific end-of-life (EOL) or end-of-service-life (EOSL) dates for the Precision 5470 are not explicitly published in advance but align with general Dell product lifecycle policies.
• Management Software: Features Dell Optimizer for Precision, which includes ExpressResponse for application performance optimization, ExpressConnect for network connectivity, ExpressCharge for battery management, and Analytics for system insights.

Analysis of Support & Compatibility Status:

The Dell Precision 5470 offers broad operating system compatibility, supporting both current Windows versions and popular Linux distributions, which is crucial for diverse enterprise environments. Dell provides comprehensive driver support through its website and automated tools like SupportAssist, simplifying maintenance. While a specific end-of-support date is not readily available, Dell's general policy suggests a typical 5-year support window for workstations. The integration of Dell Optimizer enhances user experience and manageability by intelligently optimizing performance, connectivity, and power, contributing to a streamlined workflow and easier IT administration.

Security Status

• Hardware Security: Includes Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 (discrete, FIPS 140-2, TCG certified), SmartCard and ControlVault 3 (contacted and contactless options), and a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button.
• Biometric Authentication: Supports Windows Hello via an IR camera for facial recognition and the integrated fingerprint reader for faster, secure sign-in.
• Intelligent Privacy Features: Dell Optimizer includes features like Onlooker Detection (texturizes or activates Safe Screen when an intruder is detected) and Look Away Detect (darkens the screen based on user behavior).
• Vulnerabilities: The Dell Precision series, including the 5470, has been affected by "ReVault" vulnerabilities (CVE-2025-24311, CVE-2025-25215, CVE-2025-24922, CVE-2025-25050, CVE-2025-24919) in the Broadcom ControlVault3 firmware. These critical flaws could allow for remote code execution, data theft, and persistent access. Dell has released firmware updates to address these issues.
• Recommendations: Users are strongly advised to apply all available Dell security updates, especially firmware updates addressing the ControlVault3 vulnerabilities, immediately. Regular updates for BIOS and drivers are also recommended.

Analysis on Security Status:

The Dell Precision 5470 incorporates a robust suite of hardware security features, including TPM 2.0, SmartCard support, and biometric authentication options like fingerprint and IR camera for Windows Hello. These features provide strong layers of protection for data and access control. However, recent critical vulnerabilities (ReVault) found in the ControlVault3 firmware highlight the importance of timely software and firmware updates. While Dell has provided patches, the nature of these vulnerabilities (potential for remote code execution and persistent access) underscores the need for vigilant patch management. The intelligent privacy features offered by Dell Optimizer add an extra layer of visual security, preventing unauthorized viewing of sensitive information. Proactive application of security updates is paramount to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data on the device.

Performance & Benchmarks

• CPU Performance: Strong multi-core performance from 12th Gen Intel Core i7 and i9 H-series processors. Geekbench 5.4 scores range from approximately 1533 (single-core) to 11040 (multi-core), significantly exceeding premium laptop averages. Cinebench R23 multi-core scores reach around 51808.
• GPU Performance: The NVIDIA RTX A1000 (4GB) provides professional graphics capabilities but is considered entry-level for demanding 3D rendering or visualization tasks. 3DMark Fire Strike scores are around 9238-9754. It performs adequately for 3D CAD and BIM applications but may struggle with larger visualization datasets.
• Storage Performance: PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSDs deliver rapid data transfer speeds, with sequential read speeds up to 7127 MB/s and sequential write speeds up to 5327 MB/s.
• Real-world Performance: Handles extensive multitasking, such as numerous browser tabs and 4K video streams, with ease. Excels in productivity benchmarks like PCMark 10 (scores around 6500) and content creation tasks such as Lightroom Classic (around 1051) and Photoshop (around 1042). Video transcoding with Handbrake is efficient, completing a 4K to 1080p conversion in approximately 6 minutes and 28 seconds.
• Battery Life: Offers impressive battery endurance for a workstation, lasting up to 11 hours and 39 minutes in web surfing tests and around 10 hours and 5 minutes for office applications.
• Comparison: Outperforms many premium laptops in CPU-intensive tasks. While its RTX A1000 GPU is not as powerful as higher-end discrete GPUs found in larger gaming or workstation laptops (e.g., RTX 3060/3070 Ti), its overall balance of CPU power, fast storage, and battery life in a compact form factor is notable.

Analysis of Performance Status:

The Dell Precision 5470 delivers exceptional CPU performance, making it highly capable for multi-threaded professional applications, data processing, and general productivity. Its fast PCIe Gen4 SSD significantly contributes to overall system responsiveness and quick file transfers. While the NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU is a professional-grade offering, its 4GB VRAM and performance metrics indicate it is best suited for mainstream CAD, BIM, and entry-level visualization rather than highly intensive 3D rendering or complex graphical simulations. The device's strong battery life is a significant advantage for mobile professionals, allowing for extended use away from power outlets. Overall, the Precision 5470 is a powerful and efficient mobile workstation, particularly for CPU-bound workflows, offering a compelling balance of performance and portability.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback for the Dell Precision 5470 generally highlight its compact design, premium build quality, and strong CPU performance as significant advantages. Users appreciate its portability, making it suitable for professionals who require workstation-level power on the go. The display, particularly the QHD+ option, receives praise for its brightness, clarity, and color accuracy. The keyboard is often described as comfortable and responsive, and the touchpad, while sometimes noted as small, is generally found to be precise. Battery life is frequently cited as impressive for a workstation-class laptop.

Common criticisms include the limited port selection, with only Thunderbolt 4 ports requiring adapters for traditional USB-A and HDMI connections, which can be an inconvenience. The NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU, while professional, is often perceived as underwhelming for highly demanding graphics-intensive tasks, leading some users to suggest that the "workstation" moniker might be a stretch for those requiring top-tier graphics performance. The soldered RAM is also a point of concern for users who prefer upgradeability. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment is positive, recognizing the 5470 as a powerful and highly portable machine for its target audience.

Summary

The Dell Precision 5470 is a highly portable 14-inch mobile workstation designed for professionals requiring significant computing power in a compact form factor. Its strengths lie in its robust 12th Gen Intel Core H-series processors, offering exceptional multi-core performance for CPU-intensive applications. The device features fast PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD storage and high-speed LPDDR5 RAM, contributing to overall system responsiveness. The display options are high-resolution and bright, providing an excellent visual experience for creative and analytical tasks. Battery life is a notable advantage, offering extended productivity on the go. The build quality is premium, with a durable aluminum chassis and a comfortable keyboard.

However, the Precision 5470 has some weaknesses. The NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU, while a professional offering, is considered entry-level for heavy graphical workloads, meaning it may not suffice for the most demanding 3D rendering or complex visualization projects. The port selection is limited to Thunderbolt 4, necessitating adapters for common legacy peripherals. Additionally, the RAM is soldered, preventing future upgrades.

Recommendations for potential users include assessing their specific graphical demands; if heavy 3D rendering is a primary requirement, a larger workstation with a more powerful GPU might be more suitable. For CPU-bound tasks, data analysis, software development, and general professional use where portability is paramount, the Precision 5470 is an excellent choice. Users should also factor in the need for adapters for their existing peripherals and choose a RAM configuration that meets their long-term needs due to its non-upgradeable nature. Regular application of security updates, especially for firmware, is crucial to mitigate identified vulnerabilities.

The Dell Precision 5470 stands out as a powerful, compact, and highly mobile workstation, ideal for professionals who prioritize CPU performance and portability over maximum graphical horsepower. Its blend of performance, design, and battery life makes it a compelling option in the mobile workstation market.

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.