Dell Precision 5680 Mobile Workstation Laptop Review: Powerful Performance for Professionals (i7-13700H, RTX A1000)

The Dell Precision 5680 is a powerful mobile workstation designed to handle demanding workloads and complex tasks. With its Intel Core i7-13700H processor, NVIDIA RTX A1000 graphics, and a 16-inch FHD+ display, this laptop is geared toward professionals in fields like engineering, design, and video editing. We put it through a rigorous test to determine its capabilities and share our insights in this comprehensive review.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The Dell Precision 5680 stands out as a high-end workstation with a focus on providing exceptional performance for demanding tasks. It’s a robust machine packed with features that aim to enhance productivity and creative workflows. Let’s dive into the details of this powerhouse.

Features

The Dell Precision 5680 boasts an array of features tailored for professional users. Its key highlights include:

• Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H, a powerful 14-core processor with a boost clock speed up to 5.0 GHz, ensuring efficient performance for demanding applications.
• Graphics: NVIDIA RTX A1000 with 6GB of GDDR6 memory, providing dedicated graphics processing power for intensive tasks like 3D modeling, video editing, and complex simulations.
• Display: 16-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While offering ample screen space, the 60Hz refresh rate might feel limited for users accustomed to higher refresh rates.
• Memory: 16GB of DDR5 RAM, providing ample memory for multitasking and running resource-intensive applications.
• Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD, offering fast and reliable storage for quick loading times and efficient data transfer.
• Operating System: Windows 11 Pro, a robust and secure operating system with features designed for business use.
• Connectivity: A range of ports including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and USB-A, ensuring compatibility with various peripherals.
• Keyboard: A comfortable and responsive keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad, making it suitable for extended typing sessions.

Performance

Our testing revealed that the Dell Precision 5680 truly delivers on its promise of powerful performance. We ran a variety of benchmarks and real-world workloads, and the results were impressive:

• CPU Performance: The i7-13700H processor demonstrated excellent performance in CPU-intensive applications. It effortlessly handled tasks like 3D rendering, complex simulations, and multi-threaded software with remarkable speed.
• GPU Performance: The NVIDIA RTX A1000 GPU was capable of driving demanding graphics tasks with ease. We tested it with various professional applications, and it consistently delivered smooth and responsive performance.
• Thermal Management: The laptop maintained a stable temperature under heavy workloads, and we didn’t experience any thermal throttling issues. The cooling system did an excellent job of keeping the machine cool and operating efficiently.
• Battery Life: The battery life was decent, but we found it fell short of expectations for a workstation laptop. It could handle a full day of light work, but demanding tasks would require a power adapter.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful Intel Core i7-13700H processor
• Dedicated NVIDIA RTX A1000 graphics for professional tasks
• Fast PCIe NVMe SSD for quick boot times and application loading
• Comfortable keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad
• Excellent thermal management

Cons

• Battery life could be better
• The 60Hz display may not be ideal for users who prioritize a high refresh rate

Final Verdict

The Dell Precision 5680 is a compelling choice for professionals seeking a powerful mobile workstation. Its combination of a robust processor, dedicated graphics, and reliable storage makes it capable of handling complex workflows. While the battery life could be improved, the overall performance and features make this laptop a valuable tool for anyone in demanding professional fields.

If you’re looking for a mobile workstation that can deliver excellent performance and meet the demands of your professional needs, the Dell Precision 5680 is a strong contender.

Specifications