Dell Precision 5490 Review: Is This the Ideal Workstation for Professionals?

Tech Specs

• Processor Options: Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 185H with 16 cores, 22 threads, and a maximum speed of 5.10 GHz.
• Memory: Up to 64GB dual-channel LPDDR5x RAM, soldered onto the system board.
• Storage: Configurable up to 4TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, with options for self-encrypting drives for enhanced security.
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Arc Graphics and discrete options up to NVIDIA RTX 3000 Ada Generation with 8GB GDDR6.
• Display: 14-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) or QHD+ (2560 x 1600) WVA panels with 100% sRGB color coverage and 500 nits brightness.
• Battery: 4-cell, 72 Wh battery with Express Charge and Standard Charge options.
• Ports: Four Thunderbolt 4 ports with PowerDelivery and DisplayPort (USB Type-C), Headset (headphone and microphone combo) port, SmartCard Reader (optional), MicroSD slot (optional), Wedge-shaped lock slot

In April, Dell introduced a new lineup of commercial AI laptops and mobile workstations in India. This collection includes the Latitude 9450 2-in-1, Latitude 5450 business laptop, Latitude 7350 Detachable, and the Precision 5490.

These premium devices have high-end features to enhance organizational and employee productivity in the AI era. I had the opportunity to review the Precision 5490 workstation, priced at Rs 2,19,999, and here are my detailed thoughts.

PROS

• Exceptional performance for power users
• High-resolution QHD+ display with excellent color accuracy and brightness
• Robust build quality with a sleek design
• Good overall battery life
• Touchscreen works perfectly
• Great set of front-firing speakers

CONS

• The 60Hz refresh rate is disappointing
• No USB-A port, relying on a dongle for essential peripherals
• Limited hinge flexibility
• It's quite heavy to carry

Design and Build Quality

The Dell Precision 5490 boasts a sleek, sturdy design, incorporating up to 35% post-consumer recycled plastic. It meets rigorous environmental standards: ENERGY STAR 8.0 certified, TCO Certified Generation 9, and EPEAT Gold registered. Despite its compact size, the build quality is excellent, resembling a high-powered MacBook in feel, though it fails the one-handed opening test due to its heavy lid.

Display

The Dell Precision 5490 offers impressive display options that enhance both work and media consumption experiences. Users can choose between a 14-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) and a QHD+ (2560 x 1600) WVA panel. The FHD+ option is non-touch, while the QHD+ variant includes touch capability.

Both configurations boast 100% sRGB color coverage, delivering vibrant and accurate colors ideal for tasks requiring precise visual clarity, such as CAD design and video editing. With 500 nits of brightness, the screens perform well in various lighting conditions, ensuring clear visibility and vividness.

I particularly appreciate the 16:10 aspect ratio, which provides extra vertical space, making it more convenient for productivity tasks like writing and editing documents. The higher QHD+ resolution enhances the viewing experience with sharper details, which is also perfect for media consumption. Watching videos and viewing photos on this display is a pleasure, thanks to the crisp and bright visuals.

However, the 60Hz refresh rate feels outdated for a workstation in this price range. A higher refresh rate would enhance user experience, making interactions smoother and more responsive. Given that many high-end laptops now offer 120Hz or higher, Dell should consider this upgrade.

Real-World Use and Performance

My configuration is equipped with a 16-core, 22-thread Intel Core Ultra 7 165H processor, which can reach speeds of up to 5.0 GHz. For graphics, it combines the Nvidia RTX 3000 Ada Generation GPU with 8GB of GDDR6 memory and integrated Intel Arc graphics. The laptop comes with 32GB of dual-channel LPDDR5x RAM and a 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD for fast, reliable storage.

Everyday Workflow

In everyday use, the Precision 5490 excels. It handles a variety of tasks-document writing, spreadsheet editing, web browsing with numerous tabs, light photo editing, email management, and media consumption-flawlessly.

Gaming Performance

While the Precision 5490 is primarily a workstation, it can handle gaming reasonably well. During my tests with "Mortal Kombat 11" at the highest graphics settings, the game ran at 60fps but experienced occasional stutters, particularly during intensive scenes. Lowering the resolution to 1920x1200 improved performance significantly. "Lies of P" played smoothly at 60fps with the highest resolution and DLSS turned off, and even better with DLSS on performance mode.

Benchmark Tests

To evaluate the Precision 5490's performance further, I ran several benchmark tests:

• Cinebench 2024: 6721 points (not plugged-in), 7838 points (plugged-in)
• Novabench: 2744 (not plugged-in), 3373 (plugged-in)
• CrystalDiskMark: Demonstrated very fast read and write speeds
• Cinebench GPU: 6721
• Cinebench CPU Multi Core: 462
• Cinebench CPU Single Core: 104
• Geekbench 6 GPU: 92183
• Geekbench 6 Single Core: 2398
• Geekbench 6 Multi Core: 13923
• Nero Score: 1998 (not plugged-in), 3489 (plugged-in)
• PCMark: 5039 (not plugged-in), 7094 (plugged-in)

The Precision 5490 performs admirably across these benchmarks, indicating its capability to handle demanding professional applications with ease. There was minimal fan noise during intense operations, and while the keyboard deck got slightly warm, it never reached uncomfortable levels.

Here's how its specs cater to different needs:

• 2D and 3D CAD Design: Engineers and architects benefit from the powerful CPU and GPU, which handle complex models and simulations efficiently.
• Content Creation: Video editors, graphic designers, and photographers will appreciate the high-resolution QHD+ display and advanced graphics, delivering crisp visuals and smooth performance.
• Data Analysis: Scientists and analysts can utilize the fast processor and ample memory to process large datasets and run simulations with ease.
• Software Development: Developers gain from the high-performance hardware for quick code compilation and handling demanding development environments.

Webcam, Keyboard & Trackpad, and Audio

The Dell Precision 5490 is equipped with a high-definition RGB and IR webcam that supports Windows Hello, enabling fast and secure facial recognition for login. The webcam's performance is solid, offering clear and sharp video quality for virtual meetings.

The keyboard is a highlight, featuring a comfortable typing experience with backlighting and customizable function keys. Dell's design ensures good key travel and responsiveness, making it a pleasure to use for extended typing sessions. The new Copilot key, which summons an AI assistant, adds a modern touch to the productivity experience. The fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button works efficiently for secure logins.

The trackpad, while functional and responsive, could benefit from being slightly larger. It supports multi-touch gestures but may feel a bit cramped compared to larger trackpads found on other high-end laptops.

For audio, the Precision 5490 is equipped with four premium speakers that deliver clear and rich sound. The dual-array microphones, powered by Realtek, provide excellent voice clarity for calls and recordings. Overall, the audio system supports a good multimedia experience and effective communication.

Battery Life

The Dell Precision 5490 provides a solid battery life of around 7 hours and 45 minutes with standard usage, making it suitable for a typical workday. During intense use, expect the battery to last closer to 6 hours. Charging is notably efficient, thanks to the 130W power adapter and Express Charge feature, which can fully recharge the battery in approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. While it's advisable to plug in the laptop overnight to ensure it's fully charged for the next day, the fast charging capabilities help keep interruptions to a minimum.

Software

The Dell Precision 5490 offers flexibility in its operating system, allowing users to choose between Windows 11 Pro/Home or Ubuntu Linux. It also includes several security features, such as Dell SafeData and SecureWorks, designed to protect against data breaches and manage security incidents.

As AI continues to take center stage in our lives, Windows 11 is no exception. It includes Copilot, an AI assistant ready to help with tasks and information as if it were your digital sidekick. Meanwhile, Windows Studio Effects uses the new neural processing unit (NPU) in Intel's Core Ultra processors to make video calls less about dodging background chaos and more about focusing on the conversation. In a world where AI is practically everyone's new best friend, it's nice to have one that makes your workday smoother.

Peripherals

Dell included a few accessories with the laptop for testing purposes. Here's a quick rundown:

Dell Wireless Mouse MS5230W

Dell has included the new Wireless Mouse MS5230W in our review package. While testing, I found the mouse to be a bit heavy, likely because I'm used to extremely lightweight gaming mice. Additionally, the mouse's ergonomic design is clearly intended for right-handed users, which stood out to me as a left-hander.

Feature-wise, the MS5230W supports both Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz wireless connections, allowing seamless switching between devices with a single click.

Thanks to Microsoft Swift Pair, you can instantly pair the mouse with your Windows 10 system without needing to configure settings each time. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Chrome, Linux, and Android, offering great flexibility.

The 1600 DPI sensor ensures rapid response and precise navigation, particularly on high-resolution screens, and the optical sensor provides accurate tracking on most surfaces. The Dell Peripheral Manager (DPM) software allows you to manage your input devices, set preferred DPI presets (1000, 1600, 2400, or 4000), and customize shortcut buttons for easy access to applications and functions. Additionally, you can monitor battery and connectivity status and get firmware updates through DPM.

The Dell Wireless Mouse MS5230W is priced at ₹2,879.00 on Dell's official website.

Dell Pro Wired ANC Headset - WH5024

The Dell Pro Wired ANC Headset WH5024 features an AI-based microphone and Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to reduce background noise. The AI-driven noise-canceling microphones filter out ambient sounds, ensuring clear communication. This is especially useful in noisy environments like busy offices or homes with pets.

Although I found the on-ear design less comfortable compared to over-ear headphones, which offer a better sound seal and comfort for prolonged use, the WH5024 has some standout features. The headset's sensors detect when it is removed and automatically mute the microphone, allowing for private conversations without interrupting your meeting. The soft leatherette headband and ear cushions enhance comfort for all-day wear.

In terms of audio quality, the headset performs well for work-related tasks. It's priced at ₹9,269.00.

Dell EcoLoop Pro Classic Briefcase 14

The Dell EcoLoop Pro Classic Briefcase 14 stands out for its premium build quality. It features an expandable compartment with built-in organizers, a quick-access front pocket for small essentials, and a spacious main compartment for larger files and accessories. The dedicated, padded tablet sleeve and rear zippered compartment with 360º foam cushioning and anti-scratch nylex lining offer excellent protection for your tech.

The briefcase is designed for versatility, with a detachable shoulder strap, grab handles, and a travel-friendly trolley strap. Made from heavy-duty, water and dirt-resistant fabric, it is easy to maintain and keeps your items dry and protected. The price for this high-quality briefcase is ₹4,099.

Areas for Improvement

While the Precision 5490 is impressive, there are areas where it could be improved:

• Refresh Rate: The 60Hz refresh rate feels dated, especially given the premium price. A higher refresh rate would enhance the overall user experience.
• Trackpad Size: The trackpad is responsive but could benefit from being larger. A more expansive trackpad would improve usability.

• Port Selection: The absence of a USB-A port is inconvenient. While Dell includes a dongle, relying on it for essential peripherals is less than ideal.
• Hinge Flexibility: The hinge doesn't open far enough for comfortable lap use. Increased flexibility would be a welcome improvement.

Is the Dell Precision 5490 Worth It?

The Dell Precision 5490 is a high-performance workstation ideal for demanding tasks such as 2D and 3D CAD design, content creation, and data analysis. Its powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, Nvidia RTX 3000 ADA graphics, and 32GB of RAM cater perfectly to professionals needing top-tier performance.

While my own lighter workflow-document editing, spreadsheet management, and light photo editing-doesn't fully utilize the laptop's top-tier capabilities, it still performs well.

The Precision 5490 is best suited for those with intensive computational needs, offering more power than necessary for everyday tasks but excelling in its target professional use cases.