Dell Precision 7550 review
Dell Precision 7550 test
Are you tired of ultra-thin laptops that try to pretend to be workstations? If so, the Dell Precision 7550 may be the answer to your needs. This 15.6-inch model is designed as a classic, robust mobile workstation, not an adaptation of consumer designs such as the Razer Blade 15 Studio, Dell Precision 5550 or MSI WS66. This is the successor to the Precision 7540, which brings both improvements and a few issues worth considering.
Wide range of configurations - from basic to advanced
The Dell Precision 7550 offers extremely diverse configuration options. We can choose a processor from Core i5-10400H to Xeon W-10885M, graphics from integrated UHD Graphics 630 to Quadro RTX 5000 Max-Q, and screens in resolutions from Full HD (FHD) to 4K UHD. The maximum available RAM is as high as 128 GB ECC RAM. These capabilities make the Precision 7550 a direct competitor to models such as the Lenovo ThinkPad P53, HP ZBook 15 and Fujitsu Celsius H780. For those who prefer a larger screen, Dell also offers the 17.3-inch Precision 7750.
Design and robustness
In terms of size, the Precision 7550 is slightly thicker than its predecessor (27.4 mm compared to 25 mm on the Precision 7540). At the same time, the chassis area has been reduced thanks to narrow screen bezels. The laptop weighs 2.8 kg, making it one of the heavier models in this category. By comparison, the gaming MSI GE75 with a 17.3-inch screen weighs 2.6 kg.
The Precision 7550's chassis is made primarily of metal and is MIL-STD 810G certified for durability and robustness. At first glance, it makes a better impression than the ThinkPad P53, which relies on lightweight carbon fiber.
Ports and expandability
The Precision 7550 has taken over the port layout from the 7540, although their arrangement has been mildly modified. Still, the competing Lenovo ThinkPad P53 offers more USB connectors. It's also worth noting that the Nano-SIM slot is hidden under the bottom cover, which can be a nuisance for mobile Internet users.
The SD card reader on the Precision 7550 offers very good transfer speeds - it takes just 5-6 seconds to transfer 1 GB of data. This is a better result than in many consumer laptops.
Wireless connectivity and security
The standard Intel AX201 module provides support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1, and in tests conducted with a Netgear RAX200 router we encountered no connectivity issues. The laptop also offers a wide range of security options, such as Dell Trusted Device, fingerprint reader, IR camera, NFC and camera shutter.
The bottom cover of the Precision 7550 is bolted down with eight Philips screws for easy access to key components. The user can swap out the WLAN module, two of the four RAM slots, and three slots for m2. nvme drives. To access the remaining RAM slots, a more advanced disassembly of the device is required
Keyboard and touchpad
The Precision 7550's keyboard is the strong point of this model. The NumPad keys are identical in size to the other keys, which is rare. Typing on this keyboard is comfortable, and the keys work quietly and precisely
The 10 x 6.5 cm touchpad is small, but makes up for it with dedicated mouse buttons that operate quietly and have a soft stroke. Compared to ultra-thin models such as the Precision 5550, this is a significant improvement
Screen and image quality
The tested model used an FHD matrix and is optimal for both office and graphics work. The IPS-type screen has 90% sRGB coverage which is sufficient.
Performance
For testing, I received a version of the hardware with an i7-10th generation processor, with 32 GB of RAM, a 1 TB drive and two graphics chips. The first is an RTX3000 the second a Quadro T2000. Both can easily be used for multiple applications. They are certainly enough
I tested the hardware both in office programs and, as you can probably guess in this regard, the laptop works reliably and quickly without any problems. The keyboard is pleasant to the touch so you can write on it long and well.
I fired up the games and as far as titles are concerned, the latest production remaster Silent Hill 2 on RT3000 and T2000 runs on low details smoothly and well. It is a very demanding title for the hardware and even on low details it looks very good. Thus, you can easily learn the plot of Silent Hill and boast that you have completed this title. The second production is the not very well optimized GTA IV, which even on super cards can cut down here in the 4K option I reached almost the highest details.
Processing of photos and videos occurs here quickly and without problems. Since the hardware can cope with the aforementioned games with this type of work there is no more problem.
During light load, such as Internet browsing or video streaming, the noise level generated by the fans is surprisingly low, considering the performance of the processors used. The sound reaches a maximum of 30 dB(A) under quiet conditions, with no annoying changes in intensity.
With intensive tasks, fan operation becomes noticeably louder. For example, running GTAIV results in a noise level of 52 dB(A), which surpasses not only most gaming laptops, but also the previous Precision 7540 model. The device runs loudly only when circumstances require it
It is worth noting the possibilities offered by the Dell Power Manager application, which allows you to adjust the fan settings, having a direct impact on the generated noise.
Summary
The Dell Precision 7550 is a classic mobile workstation that focuses on robustness, performance and versatility, cutting out the compromises inherent in ultra-thin laptops. With a wide range of configurations, from Core i5 to Xeon processors, and graphics chips ranging from UHD Graphics 630 to Quadro RTX 5000 Max-Q, it's easy to match its diverse needs. The rugged design with metal chassis and MIL-STD 810G certification guarantees durability, while the ergonomic keyboard and functional touchpad make daily work enjoyable and productive.
The Precision 7550 also stands out for its easy expandability, impressive wireless connectivity and comprehensive security features, making it a suitable tool for professionals as well as those who value productivity in gaming or creative projects. Although the device gets louder during intensive tasks, the noise level can be adjusted using the Dell Power Manager app.
It's hardware that perfectly combines technical capabilities with build quality, being a solid choice for demanding users. The Precision 7550 is a tool that will work well for both office work and advanced graphics or engineering projects, staying true to the idea of a classic workstation