Dell XPS 17 Gen 5

Basic Information

• Model: Dell XPS 17 9730.
• Version: 2023 Model.
• Release Date: May 23, 2023.
• Minimum Requirements: Configurations typically start with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD.
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 11 Home (64-bit), Windows 11 Pro (64-bit). The device also supports various Linux-based distributions, with Ubuntu (v20.04.2.0 LTS) being a recommended option for self-installation.
• Latest Stable Version: BIOS and firmware updates are managed via Dell Support.
• End of Support Date: Varies by specific configuration and region; typically managed through Dell's product lifecycle support.
• End of Life Date: Varies by specific configuration and region; typically managed through Dell's product lifecycle.
• Auto-Update Expiration Date: Dependent on the operating system and pre-installed software licenses.
• License Type: OEM for the operating system (Windows 11 Home/Pro). Pre-installed software (e.g., Microsoft Office, security software) often comes with trial or OEM licenses.
• Deployment Model: Direct purchase and enterprise deployment.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: Up to 13th Generation Intel Core i9-13900H (24 MB Cache, 14 cores, 20 threads, up to 5.40 GHz). Options also include Intel Core i7-13700H (24 MB Cache, 14 cores, 20 threads, up to 5.00 GHz).
• RAM: Configurable up to 64GB DDR5 memory.
• Storage: Configurable up to 4TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
• Display: 17-inch InfinityEdge display. Options include FHD+ (1920 x 1200) anti-glare non-touch or UHD+ (3840 x 2400) anti-reflective touch, both with 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits brightness.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics (with i7/i9 processors) or Intel UHD Graphics (with i5 processors). Discrete options include NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU (8 GB GDDR6, 60W TGP) or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (12 GB GDDR6, 60W TGP).
• Ports: 4x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) ports with DisplayPort and Power Delivery support, 1x 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, 1x SD-card slot, 1x Wedge-shaped lock slot. A USB-C to USB-A v3.0 & HDMI v2.0 adapter is included.
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.
• Dimensions: Height: 19.5 mm (0.77 in), Width: 374.45 mm (14.74 in), Depth: 248.05 mm (9.77 in).
• Weight: Starting at 2.21 kg (4.87 lbs) for non-touch configurations with a 97WHr battery; 2.42 kg (5.34 lbs) for touch configurations with a 97WHr battery.

Analysis of Technical Specifications: The Dell XPS 17 9730 offers high-end specifications suitable for demanding professional workloads, particularly content creation. The 13th Gen Intel Core processors provide substantial multi-core performance, complemented by up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM for efficient multitasking. The NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPUs deliver strong graphics performance for rendering, video editing, and moderate gaming. The display options, especially the UHD+ panel, are a highlight, offering excellent resolution and color accuracy for creative tasks. The port selection, while exclusively Thunderbolt 4, is versatile with included adapters, supporting high-speed data transfer, external displays, and power delivery. The design maintains a slim profile for a 17-inch laptop, though the weight increases with touch-enabled displays.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Dell XPS 17 9730 (2023 model).
• OS Support: Fully supports Windows 11 Home and Pro (64-bit). It also supports various Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, though these require manual installation as Dell does not offer a pre-installed Linux option for this model.
• End of Support Date: Dell provides ongoing driver and software support for its XPS line. Specific end-of-support dates are typically tied to the product's lifecycle and are communicated via Dell's official support channels.
• Localization: Available globally with localized operating system versions, keyboard layouts, and regional support services.
• Available Drivers: All necessary drivers, firmware, and BIOS updates are available for download through the official Dell Support website.
• Cartridge and Ink Codes: Not applicable, as this is a laptop.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status: The Dell XPS 17 9730 benefits from Dell's comprehensive support ecosystem, offering readily available drivers and software updates. Its compatibility with Windows 11 is seamless, and the ability to run Linux provides flexibility for developers and users preferring open-source environments. While specific end-of-support dates are dynamic, Dell generally provides long-term support for its premium XPS line. The global availability and localized options ensure broad usability and service access.

Security Status

• Security Features: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 FIPS 140-2 Certified, Chassis Intrusion Detection, 1x Wedge-shaped lock slot.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Dell regularly releases security updates and patches for BIOS, firmware, and drivers to address identified vulnerabilities. Users are advised to keep their systems updated.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable.
• Certifications: TPM 2.0 FIPS 140-2 Certified.
• Encryption Support: Supports BitLocker drive encryption (a Windows feature) and hardware-level encryption if the installed SSD supports it.
• Authentication Methods: Windows Hello compatible fingerprint reader integrated into the power button and an IR camera for facial recognition.
• General Recommendations: Users should maintain up-to-date operating system and driver installations, utilize strong, unique passwords, and employ reputable security software. Regular backups are also recommended.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating: The Dell XPS 17 9730 offers robust hardware-level security features, including a FIPS 140-2 certified TPM 2.0 module and physical security options. The integration of Windows Hello with both fingerprint and facial recognition provides convenient and strong biometric authentication. While no system is entirely immune to vulnerabilities, Dell's commitment to regular updates and the inherent security features of Windows 11 contribute to a high overall security posture for enterprise asset management.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Geekbench 6 (Multi-core): The XPS 17 9730 with an Intel Core i7-13700H performs strongly, ranking highly among competitors, approximately 15% faster than the Apple M2 Max in some multi-core tests.
  • Cinebench R23: Demonstrates strong multi-core performance, often outperforming competitors like the M2 Max in certain configurations.
  • PCMark 10: Achieves strong scores for overall system performance and productivity.
  • 3DMark Time Spy: Performance varies depending on the GPU configuration, with RTX 4070/4080 models offering significant graphical power, though sometimes an older, higher-tier GPU (e.g., RTX 3080) might still outperform a newer, lower-tier one (e.g., RTX 4070) in specific scenarios.
• Real-World Performance Metrics: Excels in content creation tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and 3D modeling due to its powerful CPU and GPU options. It handles multitasking with ease. While not primarily a gaming laptop, it can deliver playable frame rates at 1080p and even 1440p for many titles, though the 60Hz display limits the gaming experience for high refresh rate enthusiasts.
• Power Consumption: At idle, power consumption ranges from 10-15 watts for the 4K model. Under heavy load (CPU+GPU+Screen+NVMe in full use), it can exceed 110 watts. The FHD+ display consumes approximately 5.5W, while the UHD+ display consumes around 13.98W.
• Carbon Footprint: The Dell XPS 17 9730 has an estimated mean carbon footprint of 555 kg CO2e, with a range from 307 kg CO2e to 1125 kg CO2e, calculated using the PAIA model. Manufacturing accounts for the largest portion (81.3%).
• Comparison with Similar Assets: The XPS 17 9730 competes favorably with other high-performance laptops like the Apple MacBook Pro M2 Max and Razer Blade 16, particularly in CPU-intensive tasks and display quality. It offers a balance of performance, design, and display quality, often surpassing competitors in specific benchmarks.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status: The Dell XPS 17 9730 is a high-performance machine, particularly strong in CPU-bound tasks and content creation. Its 13th Gen Intel processors and NVIDIA RTX 40-series GPUs provide ample power for demanding applications. While its 60Hz display is a limitation for competitive gaming, its overall performance makes it an excellent choice for professionals requiring significant processing and graphical capabilities in a portable form factor. Power consumption is typical for a high-performance laptop, and its carbon footprint is measured and reported by Dell.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews consistently praise the Dell XPS 17 9730 for its stunning 17-inch display, especially the UHD+ touchscreen option, which is highlighted for its sharpness, vivid colors, and excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for creative work. The premium build quality, featuring an aluminum chassis and carbon fiber finish, also receives high marks for its aesthetics and durability. Users appreciate the strong CPU performance, which handles intensive tasks like video editing and graphic design with ease. The quad stereo speakers are noted for delivering good audio quality.

However, common weaknesses include the 60Hz refresh rate of the display, which is considered a drawback for a premium laptop, especially for users accustomed to higher refresh rates for smoother scrolling and gaming. The 720p webcam is frequently cited as being of mediocre quality, which is disappointing for a high-end device. The exclusive use of Thunderbolt 4 ports, while advanced, means a lack of traditional USB-A or HDMI ports, necessitating the use of the included adapter or dongles, which some users find inconvenient. Some users have also noted that the laptop can run hot under heavy load, though its thermal design generally manages to maintain performance. The high price point is also a recurring theme in feedback.

Recommended Use Cases: The Dell XPS 17 9730 is highly recommended for content creators, including video editors, graphic designers, and photographers, who benefit from the large, color-accurate display and powerful processing capabilities. It is also suitable for professionals requiring a robust workstation for complex computations and multitasking.

Summary

The Dell XPS 17 9730 stands as a formidable asset for enterprise and creative professionals, offering a compelling blend of power, design, and display quality. Its 13th Gen Intel Core processors, coupled with up to 64GB DDR5 RAM and NVIDIA RTX 40-series graphics, deliver exceptional performance for demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and complex data analysis. The 17-inch InfinityEdge display, particularly the UHD+ touch option, is a standout feature, providing an expansive, color-accurate canvas crucial for creative workflows.

Strengths include its robust processing power, stunning high-resolution display, premium build quality, and comprehensive security features like TPM 2.0 and Windows Hello biometric authentication. The inclusion of four Thunderbolt 4 ports ensures high-speed connectivity and versatility, augmented by an included adapter for legacy USB-A and HDMI.

However, the asset is not without its weaknesses. The display's 60Hz refresh rate is a notable limitation for a device in its class, especially for users seeking smoother visual experiences or competitive gaming. The 720p webcam quality is subpar for a premium laptop, and the reliance on dongles for common ports can be an inconvenience. The system can also generate significant heat under sustained heavy loads, and its high price point positions it as a significant investment.

Overall, the Dell XPS 17 9730 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize raw performance, a large and vibrant display, and premium build quality for professional and creative tasks. It is less suited for users who require high refresh rate displays for gaming or who prefer a wider array of built-in legacy ports. Its strong security features and Dell's support infrastructure make it a reliable option for enterprise environments.

Note: 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.