Dell Precision 5490 Review

The Dell Precision 5490 is a portable yet powerful mobile workstation tailored for design, content creation, and engineering professionals.

The Dell Precision 5490 is a high-performance mobile workstation designed for professionals who demand power and advanced graphics capabilities inside a compact form factor. Its sleek, lightweight design provides the portability needed by creatives, engineers, and other professionals on the go. This laptop is well-suited for tasks such as 2D and 3D CAD design, content creation, photo, video, audio editing, and web and graphic design. The combination of powerful hardware and advanced features means, on paper, that the Precision 5490 can easily handle the most demanding professional applications.

Dell Precision 5490 Customizable Components and Features

Dell provides a wide range of customization options for the Precision 5490 so it can be tailored to specific professional needs. These include the CPU, memory, storage, graphics, and various security and connectivity enhancements. Users can also opt for different operating systems, including Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu Linux. The ability to customize nearly every aspect of the workstation allows professionals to build a machine that perfectly fits their workflow and performance requirements.

Let’s first take a look at the available processors. The top-tier option is the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, which features 16 cores and 22 threads, with a maximum speed of up to 5.10 GHz and 24 MB of cache, providing exceptional computational power.

For those requiring slightly less power, the Intel Core Ultra 7 165H also offers 16 cores and 22 threads but at a lower maximum speed of up to 5.00 GHz, still featuring a 24 MB cache. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, vPro Essentials, maintains 16 cores and 22 threads but operates at a maximum speed of up to 4.80 GHz, with a 24 MB cache.

Lastly, the Intel Core Ultra 5 135H, vPro, features 14 cores and 18 threads, with a maximum speed of up to 4.60 GHz and an 18 MB cache. All these processors come with integrated Intel Arc Graphics, ensuring efficient performance across various professional applications.

Dell Precision 5490 Memory and Storage Options

The Precision 5490 also supports scalable memory options integrated into the system board using LPDDR5x technology with a speed of 7467 MT/s. Configurations start from 16GB dual-channel and reach a maximum of 64GB dual-channel. This high-speed memory will certainly be sufficient for most demanding applications to run smoothly, allowing professionals to work without interruption. The memory is soldered on the board, so users won’t be able to upgrade or replace the RAM after purchasing the system. Make sure to buy a somewhat future-proof build.

When it comes to storage, users can choose an M.2 2230 PCIe NVMe Gen 4 SSD with up to 256GB capacity. For those needing more, Dell offers SSD support up to 4TB. Additionally, there is an option for a  Self-Encrypting Drive with up to 1TB capacity, providing enhanced security for sensitive data.

Dell Precision 5490 Graphics options

The Precision 5490 also offers a selection of graphics power, supporting both integrated and discrete options. Integrated graphics are handled by Intel Arc Graphics, which helps to ensure efficient processing for general tasks and lighter graphical workloads.

For more demanding applications, users can opt for discrete graphics solutions, including the NVIDIA RTX 1000 Ada Generation with 6GB GDDR6, the NVIDIA RTX 2000 Ada Generation with 8GB GDDR6, and the top-tier NVIDIA RTX 3000 Ada Generation with 8GB GDDR6. These options provide the graphical power needed for intensive design, rendering, and even VR applications.

NVIDIA Ada Generation GPU Specifications

Dell Precision 5490 Display

The Precision 5490 offers display options with more clarity and color accuracy to enhance the visual experience. Users can choose a 14-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) WVA panel with anti-glare coating and 100% sRGB color coverage, providing 500 nits of brightness.

For those requiring higher resolution, a 14-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) WVA panel is available, with 100% sRGB color coverage and 500 nits of brightness. This option includes anti-reflection and anti-smudge coatings, ensuring a clear and vibrant display in various lighting conditions. Both display options support a wide viewing angle of +/- 88 degrees, making collaboration and sharing work with others easier.

A brightness level of 500 nits is generally considered suitable for most professional use cases, providing sufficient visibility and color accuracy for most design, CAD, and video editing tasks. However, for optimal performance in high ambient light environments (that is, those who may be working outside during the day) or for tasks requiring precise color grading, displays with brightness levels ranging from 400 to 1,000 nits or higher are recommended.

Dell Precision 5490 Battery

The Precision 5490 has a 4-cell, 72 Wh battery designed for long life cycles so that the workstation can last throughout a typical workday. The charging options include both Express Charge and Standard Charge methods, allowing users to quickly recharge the battery or manage power more efficiently depending on their needs. The battery’s performance and longevity make it ideal for professionals who are frequently on the move and need reliable power throughout the day.

Dell Precision 5490 Additional Features

The Precision 5490’s HD RGB and IR camera supports Windows Hello, providing secure facial recognition for quick logins. The audio system includes four premium speakers and dual-array microphones powered by the Realtek ALC713 controller, delivering clear and rich audio for meetings and media consumption. The backlit keyboard with customizable function keys enhances productivity, allowing users to work comfortably in various lighting conditions. Security features include a fingerprint reader, Dell Safe Data to prevent data breaches, and SecureWorks to respond to security incidents. The Dell Peripheral Manager offers intelligent mic muting and video disabling, adding an extra layer of privacy.

Dell Precision 5490 Specifications

Dell Precision 5490 Design and Build

The Dell Precision 5490 is designed to combine high performance with a sleek and lightweight form factor. This workstation is highly portable, measuring 0.75 inches in height, 12.22 inches in width, 8.27 inches in depth, and weighing just 3.29 pounds, making it ideal for mobile professionals.

Though compact, the build quality feels very sturdy. Various components, including the LCD bezel, cable covers, and keyboard frame, incorporate up to 35% post-consumer recycled plastic. This design supports sustainability and meets rigorous environmental standards, certified as ENERGY STAR 8.0, TCO Certified Generation 9, and EPEAT Gold registered with Climate+.

The Dell Precision 5490 also offers an array of ports and connectivity options. The right side includes:

• An optional microSD 6.0 card slot provides expandable storage and supports various microSD formats, including microSDHC and microSDXC.
• Two Thunderbolt 4.0 Type-C ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort offer high-speed data transfer rates of up to 40 Gbps. The ports support USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 and allow connection to external displays. These ports are backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3.
• A lock slot for attaching a security cable to prevent unauthorized movement of the workstation.

On the left side:

• A universal audio jack that supports both audio output and microphone input.
• Two additional Thunderbolt 4.0 Type-C ports with Power Delivery and DisplayPort give users more connectivity options for peripherals and displays.
• An optional Smart Card reader provides additional security and data protection that supports contact and contactless smart cards.

For enhanced security, the 5490 includes a chassis intrusion switch to detect unauthorized access to the internal components. Dell also includes USB-A and HDMI dongles in the box.

The backlit keyboard (great for typing in low-light environments) includes customizable function keys and supports various keyboard layouts, including QWERTY, making it versatile for different regions and user preferences. The large precision touchpad supports multi-touch gestures.

For audio, the Precision 5490 features four premium speakers with two tweeters and two woofers, which deliver decent sound quality. The dual-array microphones (powered by the Realtek ALC713 controller) allow for clear voice calls and recordings.

The HD RGB and IR camera supports Windows Hello, providing secure facial recognition for quick and safe logins. Additionally, the camera features an ambient light sensor, ensuring optimal performance in varying lighting conditions.

The Dell Precision 5490 combines high-end components packed in a portable, environmentally-conscious package.

Dell Precision 5490 Performance

Our Precision 5490 review unit has the following specifications:

• Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (16 cores, 22 threads, up to 5.1GHz, 45W) w/ vPro Enterprise
• Windows 11 Pro
• 65GB LPDDR5-7467
• NVIDIA RTX 3000 Ada 8GB GDDR6
• 16-inch OLED 2048 x 1280 touch
• 1TB KIOXIA XG8 Gen4 SSD
• Intel WiFi 7 BE200 2×2
• 4-cell, 72 Wh battery
• Three years ProSupport next business day warranty

At the time of shipment, our configuration was priced at $4,278, the system starts at around $2,000.

For comparison, we are pitting it against the Precision 5690, equipped with the same Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor featuring 16 cores and 22 threads, running up to 5.1GHz, and includes vPro Enterprise. It boasts less RAM at 32GB LPDDR5-7467, though it features a higher-end GPU with the  NVIDIA RTX 5000 Ada (16GB GDDR6). It also comes outfitted with a 16-inch OLED 3840×2160 touch display and 2x 512GB Gen4 SSDs in RAID 0 configuration, all running on Windows 11 Pro.

SPECviewperf 2020

Our first test is SPECviewperf 2020, the worldwide standard for measuring graphics performance of professional applications under the OpenGL and Direct X application programming interfaces. The viewsets (or benchmarks) represent graphics content and behavior from actual applications without having to install the applications themselves. The newest version of this benchmark went through significant updates late last year, including new viewsets taken from traces of the latest versions of 3ds Max, Catia, Maya, and Solidworks applications. In addition, they added support within all viewsets for both 2K and 4K resolution displays.

Here, the Dell Precision 5490 delivers robust overall performance, excelling in various professional applications and sometimes significantly outperforming its counterparts. Notably, it achieves a score of 304.33 in the Maya-06 test, indicating superior handling of complex 3D animation tasks. Similarly, it scores 311.71 in the Snx-04 viewset, showcasing its efficiency in Siemens NX workloads. In the Creo-03 and Medical-03 tests, the Precision 5490 also leads with scores of 125.14 and 94.47, respectively, reflecting its strong performance in CAD and medical imaging applications.

Luxmark

Another 3D benchmark we run is LuxMark, an OpenCL GPU benchmarking utility.

The Dell Precision 5490’s lower performance compared to the other models is undoubtedly due to its CPU and GPU configuration. The Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, while advanced with 16 cores and 22 threads, operates at a lower base and boost clock speed compared to the Intel Core i9-13900H used in the Precision 5690 and 5680. The Ultra 9 185H’s chiplet design can also introduce some latency, impacting overall efficiency.

Furthermore, the RTX 3000 Ada GPU in the Precision 5490 is not as powerful as the RTX 5000 Ada GPUs in the other models. This GPU disparity is particularly impactful in rendering tasks, leading to lower Luxmark scores. Specifically, in the Hallbench test, the Precision 5490 scores 10,535, whereas the 5690 and 5680 achieve 20,507 and 21,105, respectively. Similarly, in the ‘food’ benchmark, the 5490 scores 3,691, while the other models score 7,680 and 7,878. The Precision 5490 lags behind its counterparts in GPU-intensive benchmarks due to a slightly less powerful CPU and GPU combination.

OctaneBench

Next, we look at OctaneBench, a benchmarking utility for OctaneRender, another 3D renderer with RTX support similar to V-Ray.

Again, the Dell Precision 5490’s OctaneBench performance underscores the limitations of its GPU compared to its higher-end counterparts. For instance, the Interior Direct Lighting test achieved a score of 35.48, while the Precision 5690 and 5680, featuring RTX 5000 Ada GPUs, scored 64.66 and 63.04, respectively. Similarly, in the ATV Path Tracing benchmark, the 5490 posts a score of 46.84, notably lower than the 83.07 and 80.33 scores of the 5690 and 5680. The trend continues in the Box Path Tracing test, where the 5490 scores 37.71, compared to 66.19 and 66.23 for the other two models. That said, the 5490 still produced great results for its build.

Blackmagic RAW Speed Test

We have also started running Blackmagic’s RAW speed test to test video playback.

Here, the Dell Precision 5490 demonstrates solid performance in the Blackmagic RAW Speed Test, albeit slightly behind its more powerful counterparts. In the 8K CPU test, the Precision 5490 achieves 63 fps, compared to the 67 and 68 fps scored by the Precision 5690 and 5680, respectively. In the 8K CUDA test, the Precision 5490 reaches 85 fps, while the Precision 5690 scores 97 fps and the Precision 5680 scores 89 fps.

7-Zip Compression

The built-in memory benchmark in the popular 7-Zip utility shows the Precision 5490 performing similarly to the other workstations in most categories. For instance, its total rating in compression is 85.730 GIPS, closely trailing the Precision 5690’s 89.972 GIPS and the Precision 5680’s 87.813 GIPS. In decompression, the 5490 scores 91.042 GIPS, compared to 97.205 GIPS for the 5690 and 93.878 GIPS for the 5680. The Precision 5490 demonstrates solid performance, aligning closely with the higher-end models.

Blackmagic Disk Speed Test

We ran the popular Blackmagic Disk Speed Test against the system’s primary storage drive. The PCIe Gen4 KIOXIA drives produced 4.94GB/s read and 3.99GB/s write.

UL Procyon AI Inference

UL’s Procyon estimates a workstation’s performance for professional apps. We ran the test on each system, once on the CPU and once on the GPU, with TensorRT.

Utilizing the GPU with TensorRT compared to just the CPU shows, as expected, significantly different results. For the Dell Precision 5490, using the RTX 3000 Ada with AITensorRT substantially reduces inference times across various AI models. For example, in the MobileNet V3 test, the inference time drops from 3.23 ms (CPU) to 0.76 ms (GPU with TensorRT). Similarly, in the ResNet 50 benchmark, the time decreases from 39.01 ms (CPU) to 2.66 ms (GPU with TensorRT).

Comparing the Precision 5490’s results to the higher-end Precision 5690 and 5680 models, we see that the RTX 5000 Ada in these models further improves performance. For instance, in the YOLO V3 benchmark, the 5490 achieves 9.04 ms, while the 5690 and 5680 achieve 5.81 ms and 5.20 ms, respectively.

These significant differences highlight the efficiency and speed of GPU acceleration with TensorRT in handling AI inference tasks, which is critical for real-time applications. The GPU’s parallel processing capabilities and TensorRT’s optimizations enable much faster computation than CPU-only processing, leading to these notable performance improvements.

y-cruncher

y-cruncher is a multi-threaded and scalable program that can compute Pi and other mathematical constants to trillions of digits. Since its launch in 2009, it has become a popular benchmarking and stress-testing application for overclockers and hardware enthusiasts. We only have numbers for the Precision 5690 to compare in this test.

Here, the Dell Precision 5490 demonstrates strong performance but falls behind the Precision 5690. The 5490 takes 36.386 seconds for one billion digits versus the 5690’s 33.703 seconds. For 2.5 billion digits, it takes 110.022 seconds compared to 99.282 seconds, and for 5 billion digits, it takes 244.325 seconds versus 220.540 seconds.

Geekbench 6

Geekbench 6 is a cross-platform benchmark that measures overall system performance. You can find comparisons to any system you want in the Geekbench Browser. We also only have comparable numbers for the Precision 5690 in this test.

The Dell Precision 5490 delivers robust performance, with a CPU single-core score of 2,140 and a multi-core score of 13,755. The GPU benchmark shows a notable score of 94,142, highlighting its capability to handle graphics-intensive tasks— additionally, the integrated Arc GPU scores 36,822, indicating solid performance for integrated graphics.

Cinebench R23

Cinebench R23 is a benchmark tool that evaluates a system’s CPU performance by rendering a complex 3D scene using the Cinema 4D engine.

In this test, the Dell Precision 5490 scores 16,439 points in the multi-core test and 1,834 points in the single-core test, with an MP ratio of 8.96x. While it had solid multi-core performance results, it still lags a bit behind the Precision 5690, which scores 18,507 in the multi-core test. The single-core performance is comparable, with the Precision 5690 slightly lower at 1,817 points, highlighting the efficiency of the Core Ultra 9 185H processor in both systems.

Cinebench 2024

Cinebench 2024 extends the benchmark capabilities of R23 by adding GPU performance evaluation.

In this updated test, the Dell Precision 5490 scores 935 points in the multi-core CPU test, 104 points in the single-core test, and 7,568 points in the GPU test. The Precision 5690 outperforms the 5490, with scores of 1,030 (multi-core), 108 (single-core), and 16,394 (GPU). Again, this disparity, particularly in the GPU score, is due to the higher-end RTX 5000 Ada GPU in the 5690. The MP ratio for the 5490 remains consistent at 8.97.

Conclusion

The Dell Precision 5490 is a portable yet powerful mobile workstation tailored for design, content creation, and engineering professionals. With its sleek, lightweight design, it offers excellent mobility without compromising on performance. It’s also highly customizable, including options for CPUs, memory, storage, and graphics, allowing users to configure the workstation to meet their specific needs. Moreover, the display options and robust connectivity features, including four Thunderbolt 4 ports, further enhance its versatility and usability.

While the Precision 5490 may not match the higher-end Precision models in every benchmark, it still offers a solid balance of power and portability. It handled complex tasks in benchmarks like SPECviewperf, Blackmagic RAW Speed Test, and Cinebench quite well, demonstrating its capability to manage intensive applications. The laptop’s battery life and fast charging capabilities also ensure that professionals can work uninterrupted throughout the day.

For professionals who need a reliable and capable workstation that can keep up with their demanding workflows, the Dell Precision 5490 is a compelling choice. Its blend of performance, portability, and customization options makes it a versatile tool for many professional applications.

Precision 5490 Configurator

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