The Dell Precision 5690 is a high-performance mobile workstation designed for demanding professionals. With stellar specs, impressive battery life, and a gorgeous 4K OLED touchscreen, this workstation brings both power and portability. In this review, we’ll dive into its price, performance, design, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your needs.
Price and Availability
The Dell Precision 5690 starts at around $2,300 for the base model. This includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, integrated graphics, and a Full HD+ display. For higher-end configurations, you can expect to pay upwards of $6,500, which includes an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, 64GB of RAM, 4TB of SSD storage, and a 4K OLED display.
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Unboxing the Dell Precision 5690
When unboxing the Dell Precision 5690, the packaging feels minimalist but eco-conscious, using recycled materials. Inside the box, you’ll find the laptop, a 165W USB-C charger, a USB-C to USB-A dongle, and protective materials. The laptop itself features a premium anodized aluminum chassis, which feels solid and durable right out of the box.
Design and Build Quality
Specs Overview:
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, 16 cores
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada, 16GB GDDR6
- Display: 16-inch UHD+ OLED (3840 x 2400), 100% DCI-P3
- RAM: Up to 64GB LPDDR5x
- Storage: Up to 8TB SSD
- Connectivity: Intel Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, SD card reader
The Titan Gray anodized aluminum build ensures a premium and sturdy feel, weighing only 4.5 lbs, making it portable without compromising durability. The keyboard and haptic touchpad offer great responsiveness, further improving the experience. However, the lack of a numpad could be a downside for some users.
Performance and Usage
The Dell Precision 5690 is packed with power, and it shows. Whether you’re running CAD software, 3D rendering, video editing, or even light gaming, the Intel Core Ultra 9 and NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada GPU handle everything with ease. This machine is built to handle the most demanding tasks, offering seamless performance even during extended work sessions.
The 4K OLED display adds a significant visual upgrade, especially for tasks like photo and video editing. The vibrant colors and high contrast make every image pop, making it an ideal choice for creative professionals.
Battery Life
The Precision 5690 boasts nearly 11 hours of battery life under normal usage, which is impressive for such a powerful workstation. While you may need to top it off during intense tasks, it’s excellent for longer work sessions without anxiety over power.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredible Performance: Handles demanding tasks effortlessly.
- Intel Core Ultra 9: Latest processing power for heavy workloads.
- 4K OLED Touchscreen: Stunning display with vivid colors.
- Solid Build Quality: Premium materials ensure long-term durability.
- Great Battery Life: Nearly 11 hours on a full charge.
Cons:
- Premium Price: High cost may deter budget-conscious buyers.
- Limited Ports: Lacks USB-A ports.
- Slight Thermal Throttling: Can occur under extreme workloads.
Final Verdict
The Dell Precision 5690 is a top-tier mobile workstation that stands out for its performance, display quality, and build. Though its price point is on the higher end, it delivers exceptional value for professionals who need raw computing power and reliability. If you’re a creative professional, data scientist, or architect, the Precision 5690 can handle demanding applications, making it an excellent choice.
For more detailed comparisons, check out similar workstations like the HP ZBook Studio G9 or the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch.
Table: Key Features Overview
| Attribute | Dell Precision 5690 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, 16 cores |
| Graphics | NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada, 16GB GDDR6 |
| Display | 16-inch UHD+ OLED (3840 x 2400), 100% DCI-P3 |
| RAM | Up to 64GB LPDDR5x |
| Storage | Up to 8TB SSD |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours |
| Price Range | $2,300 to $6,500 |
Conclusion
The Dell Precision 5690 is a workstation marvel that brings the best of power and portability, making it a strong contender in the mobile workstation category. Its stellar performance, vibrant display, and premium build make it worth the investment for professionals who require the highest performance in a portable form factor.
