Dell Precision 7720 vs. Newer Laptops: Weighing the Performance and Cost
When considering whether to buy a Dell Precision 7720 with an i7-6820HQ processor and 32GB of RAM along with either a NVIDIA Quadro P3000 or R4 video card, there are several factors to take into account. This article delves into the performance considerations and analyzes whether investing in a more modern system would be a better choice.
An Overview of the Dell Precision 7720
The Dell Precision 7720 is a high-end mobile workstation designed for professionals who require powerful performance and longevity. It is equipped with the i7-6820HQ processor, which was released almost a decade ago and has been plagued by the infamous Spectre vulnerabilities, causing performance degradation. Despite its power, the system may not meet the performance demands of modern tasks due to these limitations.
Current Processor Benchmarks and Limitations
The i7-6820HQ processor, part of the 6th generation Intel Core series, was designed for mobile workstations and required a powerful cooler to manage heat effectively. However, these CPUs were impacted by security vulnerabilities that slowed down the overall performance, leading to an "ultra performance" issue where the processor was significantly underutilized. This can be a critical factor for professionals relying on consistent performance.
Although the i7-6820HQ might still perform well in certain applications, any 10th or 11th generation processor, even an i3, has made significant improvements in terms of performance, power efficiency, and security. These newer processors are not only free from the Spectre vulnerabilities but also offer faster clock speeds and more efficient architectures, which can significantly improve overall system performance.
Graphics Card Performance Comparison
The NVIDIA Quadro P3000 and R4 are both mid-range GPUs designed for professional applications but may not be the most advanced options available for gaming or high-end video editing. These cards offer sufficient performance for many professional tasks but lack the power to run the latest games at high settings. The Quadro P3000 and R4 predominantly focus on fluid rendering, 3D modeling, and other professional graphics applications, making them highly valuable for workstation tasks.
In contrast, modern mid-range and high-end GPUs like the NVIDIA RTX 3000 or higher series can handle a wider range of tasks, including advanced gaming and complex professional software. The newer GPUs often come with AI and machine learning capabilities that can greatly enhance professional workflows, making them a better investment for future-proofing your system.
RAM Capacity and Performance
The Dell Precision 7720 is equipped with 32GB of RAM, which is more than sufficient for most professional applications. However, the RAM used in the Precision 7720 is likely older DDR4, which might not offer the best performance benefits for the CPU. Modern DDR5 RAM, for instance, provides faster speeds and better efficiency. This means that while the 32GB of RAM is generous, its performance impact on the processor is limited.
On the other hand, newer systems with DDR5 RAM and improved CPUs will likely deliver better overall performance and efficiency. DDR5 RAM is not only faster but also more power-efficient, making it ideal for modern workloads that demand high throughput and low power consumption.
Conclusion: Is it Worth Investing in the Dell Precision 7720?
Whether the Dell Precision 7720 is worth buying depends largely on the price of the deal and the specific requirements of your workload. If you are primarily in a professional environment focusing on tasks that do not require modern gaming or the latest professional applications, the Dell Precision 7720 can still be a viable option. However, the system may fall short when it comes to the latest advancements in technology and software optimizations.
For professional tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and advanced computing, consider investing in a newer system. Systems equipped with the 10th or 11th generation i7 processors, along with modern graphics cards like the RTX 3000 series, will provide better performance and more flexibility for future upgrades. If you have a tight budget, you might lean towards the Dell Precision 7720, but for longer-term value and performance, newer options are recommended.