Dell Precision 7530 vs Precision 5530

[@eschrader]

Dude, this write-up is awesome. Great research and comparison of these two laptops. Just bought a 5530 touch screen, hoping it stays cool while docked.

[@eschrader]

Isn't the 5530 a 2 in 1? www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/cty/pdp/spd/precision-15-5530-laptop/xctop5530hwus

[@DGTLBits]

There is an XPS 15 2 in 1 which looks very similar to the Precision, but it is a laptop designed and targeted for consumer use, not workstation uses.

[@rickstockton6382]

This was SUPER HELPFUL. My Dell Precision 5510 was experiencing thermal throttling in sustained use, a side-effect of small size of which I was pre3viously unaware in this model. I ordered a Dell precision 7540 yesterday.

[@jamesharris4455]

Would love to know what you think of the 7540. I have the exact same problem with a 6 month old 5530 - the thing absolutely crawls under heavy loads from a single cashflow modeling program. The strange video card setup where the nvidia has to run through the intel 630 card is pretty pathetic. I have to replace it so I am either ordering a 7540 or a 7740. I would prefer the 15 in size but I’m wondering if the larger one has better heat dispersion.

[@rafaellewis1263]

@@jamesharris4455 Same with me. I've had mine shut down completely from heat issues.

[@-VinhKhang_yearsago]

do the 7530 or 7540 have better heat controller?

[@zmirc]

Very good comparison, thanks a lot. Really appreciated.

[@aguafria9565]

Really good video, thank you. I am a true fan of Dell and current owner of a fully specced 5510.

[@monstermayank]

Please compare 5530 to XPS 15 for video/photo editing work.

[@dannylobosbimexpert7031]

I have both of them in Chile (and some other DELL Precision), good review!

[@DGTLBits]

Correction: Dell allows up to 100W per USB-C Thunderbolt 3 port. The TB18 dock uses 2 Thunderbolt cables combined into one plug, hence the ability to power the 7530 with one cable. I mispoke when I said 180W per cable.

[@netw0rks50]

The 5530 can be powered with a single Thunderbolt 3 cable if you're using the 240W power brick with the TB16. www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln301105/dell-thunderbolt-dock-tb16-information-and-specifications?lang=en

[@JanVladimirMostert]

5530 + Linux (for a heavy-duty dev machine) so far has been a great replacement for my 2017 MacBook Pro, performance-wise, everything feels faster. 7530 seems a bit clunky for when you move around a lot, but looks like a great desktop replacement.

[@youp1tralala]

Thanks for this comparison as this is not something that is often done, especially with business/workstation laptops.

[@Wingnut353]

You differentiated between who each laptop would be the better option for along the wrong lines... The 7530 is the must have for *everyone* that needs sustained performance bar none, 3d modeling which you threw to the 5530 is a heavy task just as architecutre and drafting can be, if anyting the data scientist may just use his laptop to remote into a larger server obviating the need for a faster machine, the 5530 is an acceptable step down in performance for people that travel more than they are at a desk and don't want to lug around an extra 2-3Lb.

[@DGTLBits]

I think that is a reasonable statement.

[@seabreezeof]

Read several different times as to thermal throttling in sustained use on XPS & 5530, I think although the 7530 is larger and heavier especially when traveling, but the wiser choice for Adobe editing. Hope Dell gets it worked out, as I prefer the smaller form factor . Any word on the new 5540 as to heavy sustained use and thermal throttling? Also a little confused as to what would be the best display for adobe editing, as there are quite a few selections. Thanks for your review

[@heatherfeather2621]

Same issue with my 7530...so not sure different. the fans run by program, not heat and PC will quit under too much pressure in adobe. Dell contract tech says no problem with device and "happens"...ugh.

[@-VinhKhang_yearsago]

@@heatherfeather2621 so you're saying it will crash ?

[@toddc6547]

Great video with lot of great info to decide which precision is right for me! I work outside in bright sunlight in Los Angeles and monitor visibility is one of my most important factors. I notice these models come with 3 different LCD options: (1) UltraSharp UHD (3840x2160) IGZO Anti-Glare 100% color gamut LCD, (2) UltraSharp FHD (1920x1080) IPS Anti-Glare 72% color gamut LCD, and (3) UltraSharp FHD (1920x1080) IPS Anti-Glare 45% color gamut LCD. I know what the color gamut % means but does anyone know which will be most visible (brightest I assume) in sunlight? edit: I found a guide that measured nits on laptop mag website

[@danbasic]

I waited a 5530 review but you talked al the time of the other...just sometimes mentioned 5530....

[@adamw6214]

you forgot about 2 main things: LCD bright and battery life - these are critical for work form everywhere people like me

[@LizzySwan]

Thank you for your video and review, can you make a video on Precision 5530 vs 5540 ?

[@michalveselenyi3801]

I had 5540 in work. I could not reliably work with dell provided dell usb-c docking station, even after a dell technician replaced motherboard ! And those half-height arrows just plain suxx. Colleague's 5530 and 5550 did not have that problem though (with docking). 5550 was just a disaster, with even worse keyboard layout ^.^ And that price they are asking for that piece of ****? I'd personally stick with Clevo.

[@beka.m.3490]

HI . What dou think about in comparison with dell xps 9500 and dell precisions 5530 cause they are much alike .Does precision 5530 have the same thermal issue as xps has so far ?

[@jacobjose2539]

Very Good Review. Thank you

[@heatherfeather2621]

Have struggled with my 7530 since birth...now a year old. Not getting updates as required for dual graphics (blank out and restarts under pressure), fan lop, terrible power power that has already been replaced. Miss by 8yr old high end Apple very day at work...still keeping up and exceeding the the 7530...how is this Dell...come on now.

[@mr_rough]

thanks man this was very helpful 👍👍

[@dannylobosbimexpert7031]

I have both of them in Chile, and both have troubles...I started to doubt seriously to keep on buying DELL laptops after these bad experiences.. I have 2 old precisiones M4500 and M4800 (10+ years ago) and they still work perfect, the new ones do not...

[@kaleemullah247]

so what exactly is the problem with these machines

[@isaacjohnston5555]

Very helpful! Thanks.

[@ScottSchramm]

Great detailed video! Also, nice shirt! Will we see any reviews of equivalent Lenovo models?

[@DGTLBits]

You will :)

[@davidchoi7004]

Hi I looking for a laptop for 3d work (inventor, ansys...) Which one would be better? Dell G5 with RTX2060 with 512 ssd + 1tb hdd or precision 3530??

[@DGTLBits]

Interesting question. It sounds like you are looking for best value, which both of those laptops offer. Depending on the driver set your software will require or prefer, that would drive my decision. If my tool had a specific driver package preference for Quadro, I would go anything in the Precision line. If not, you are going to be fine with the G5.

[@codercoder7607]

can I play games on a Quadro T2000 occasionally?

[@renzoleturia331]

Magnificent video DGTL! Congrats! How many external monitors support the Dell Precision 5530? (Nowasdays, most people connect their laptops to external monitors)

[@gabrielestupinan]

Great review! I'd like a comparison between Dell 7730 and 7530 if you have the opportunity anytime.

[@DGTLBits]

I don't know if that opportunity will come up, but who knows!

[@gabrielestupinan]

@@DGTLBits it wil be great! Thanks any way ;-)

[@DevilFox92]

Finally someone with a 7530. I need a new laptop and the Precision 7530 seems the right choice for me but I also feel like they did the least amount of work possible in 2018 with all the Dell products. Since I'm in no rush, I'm wondering if I could stretch it a little bit longer and buy a Precision that weights less and doesn't make a lot of noise. Performance is already very good for what I'm going to do. I've zero knowledge about laptop so what would you suggest, do you think they'll make significant improvements ? Thanks

[@omehoque]

I use the 7530. It is awesome.

[@DGTLBits]

I would be certain you need the performance the laptop offers before making the leap on the 7530. It can get real expensive, real quick.

[@KAROKENDOKARO]

Thank you very much. I appreciated a lot the comparison. I read on some reviews that the screen is grainy. Is it true? but the two displays are equal in terms of quality?

[@DGTLBits]

One is a matte non-touch screen (7530) the other is a glossy and glass touch screen (5530). Both are excellent, in fact they are almost as good as you can get on a laptop. You will want to pay attention to the screen options when ordering as the touch option generally limits your options on the 7530, and I do not know if it is a glass display as I have not used it. When you see the acronym "NT" on the display in Dell's configurator, this means "Non-Touch". Dell's "Premium Panel Guarantee" is legitimate. The 15.6" UltraSharp UHD IGZO on the 7530 is 100% color accurate and calibrated prior to shipping.

[@trk8908]

Excellent review - thanks! Best job I've seen in differentiating between two models and helping me determine which one I want to buy.. I'd add that the 7530 has dedicated number keys and 3 HD/SSD bays whereas the 5530 does not. I read somewhere that if you get the 6 cell battery in the 5530 that you can't use the one additional HD bay. Not sure if that's true or not. Two questions... 1. My dilemma is whether to buy this now or wait for the new models. Last year they were announced in April and generally avaailable in May. Any guesses on potential upgrades for the upcoming models? 2. I thought about getting the docking station but the ratings on Amazon are horrible (40% one star). Does anyone here have hands-on experience with it?

[@DGTLBits]

You are correct with the 5530 and the 2.5" hard drive bay. You can get a 2.5" drive, but you have to select the lower capacity battery. There is only one slot for an M.2 NVMe drive. I haven't had any issue with this, as I would rather have the larger battery and the M.2 SSD is much faster than any SATA drive. The Dell TB16 Thunderbolt dock works fine, as does the USB-C dock, the Dell WD15. Be aware that both will trickle charge the laptop but will not offer the full 130W charging required. I ignore this message and it generally works fine with lighter usage. If you plan on working this hard you will have to plug in the dock and the power adapter. There is no good solution for any high power laptop (over 100W) as even Dell's dual Thunderbolt dock, the TB18, uses one "plug" but it is actually two thunderbolt connectors on plug head. It is a kludge if I ever saw one. The wait for the next model is your call. I don't expect anything major in April in the Precision line, but Dell has surprised me with their attempts to keep up with Intel's product cycle. Keep in mind that Intel is what drives laptop manufacturers product cycles. The Dell 5520 was Intel 7th gen CPUs, the Dell 5530 is 8th gen Intel. 9th gen mobile CPU specs have leaked, and there will be a new model, but I would only wait if I wanted to grab a 5530 on discount once the "5540" is announced.

[@eschrader]

I had to get the 6 cell battery in the 5530 for the touch screen when configuring the laptop. Not sure about the space of HDD bays though.

[@سيفالباشا-ذ8ع]

​@@eschraderI , how is you experience with the laptop heating, and does it shut down when running games or adobe premiere ? I am Think of buy one .

[@darthbehfans7437]

Which one is the better one for the native linux usages?

[@isaacjohnston5555]

Both have Ubuntu 18.04 available as a pre-installed option fully tested by Dell. Could easily install any other recent Linux distribution that you prefer as well.

[@darthbehfans7437]

@@isaacjohnston5555 I ended up with 5530. Works like a charm. Screwed up my os once and the built in Dell recovery tool is great. Battery life also works well, typ 10 hours.

[@orgitocota8912]

Is good a precision 5510 for autocad in hight school?

[@avonperera2187]

Does the 5530 have full 4 lane pcie for its Thunderbolt Port? I've also read that a 65W usb-c charger will charge it, but that wasn't your experience?

[@ethan5577]

I cannot confirm the 4 PCIe lanes, but I can confirm the laptop will trickle charge from a 64w USB-C charger. Most days where I’m not pushing the laptop, that is all I use from Dell’s docking station.

[@avonperera2187]

@@ethan5577 Great stuff, thanks for getting back to me :)

[@avonperera2187]

@@ethan5577 Just did some digging. Can confirm from the specs that the 5530 does indeed have 4x pcie lanes for its Thunderbolt 3 port, and that it can actually fully charge from the port, but it needs 130W. The Dell TB16 can supply 130W over USB-C PD, and apparently can fully charge it. Sources: www.dell.com/en-au/work/shop/workstations/precision-5530/spd/precision-15-5530-laptop www.dell.com/support/article/au/en/aubsd1/sln301105/dell-thunderbolt-dock-tb16-information-and-specifications?lang=en

[@aman_design]

can you also review dell 5530 2 in 1, about pen usability? and cpu performance.. for adobe after effects.. thanks

[@DGTLBits]

I will certainly try. I haven't yet seen the 2 in 1 in person, but I will in the next few weeks.

[@handsydirector4862]

Any idea what the life span of these are? Looking to buy one for a engineering student. Should it last five and half years? It will be used for solidworks.

[@DGTLBits]

Most are available with a 3 year warranty, but with the proper configuration and care, I dont see why you couldnt get more.

[@-VinhKhang_yearsago]

@ hearing the 7530 is very stable and having good heat management. also, I heard it is more durable than the 5530. How true is that

[@danthecadman3722]

I really dislike that the 5530 doesnt have the num pad

[@MnemonicCarrier]

It's now 2022, I'm thinking about getting a Precision 7530 to use as a Linux workstation... You can pick them up secondhand for next to nothing (without a warranty, of course). Should I take the plunge? There's no going back if I do - no refunds, no warranty...

[@grzegorz2852]

i would like to do the same. did you finally buy this laptop?

[@MnemonicCarrier]

@@grzegorz2852 No, I didn't. Instead, I bought: 1. A Dell Inspiron 5625. 2. A Lenovo Legion 5 (with the R7 4800H). 3. A ThinkPad P1 And now I'm thinking about getting the latest Gen 7 Legion 5 (with the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H).

[@bcyork]

Can you please tell me what the m.2 class 40 drive you got in them was? Dell thinks it's OK to hide what people are buying.

[@DGTLBits]

I no longer have these laptops in office, but in general, Dell supplies their laptops with an OEM model Samsung/Hynix/Toshiba models that provide at least the performance listed in their documentation. I see the manufacturers side here, they produce millions of laptops a year and the NAND memory supply chain has been historically volatile and there have been issues with price fixing, so Dell needs to be able to source from multiple partners. Alternately, Dell would have to pass these price variations and instability onto customers. More information is here: i.dell.com/sites/csdocuments/Shared-Content_data-Sheets_Documents/en/Dell_Precision_Workstation_Storage_Classification.pdf

[@KAROKENDOKARO]

I would like to ask you one last thing: on the fully configurable 5530 model the maximum ram is 64 GB and not 32 GB. is it correct? could you let me know if it's a site error?

[@DGTLBits]

32GB is the max you can order on the 5530. The 7530 allows up to 64GB. Dell's site is correct.

[@rudy346]

@@DGTLBits The 7530 actually goes up to 128GB of RAM ps: Excellent review btw.. Thank you!

[@GSGMotionFilms]

Hello There!!! I’m a film maker and i edit on adobe premiere pro and after effects with some 3d plugins and i have a dell precision 5530, xeon processor, 32gb ram with nvidia quadro p2000 and till now it works great plus i also game on it sometimes (i.e star wars battlefront 2). I don’t use a desktop anymore but i need your advice as to which monitor should i go for plus is this better than macbook pro 2018 with vega or radeon pro graphics especially if ur in adobe ecosystem. Also is it better than alienware in terms of editing and motion graphics since alienware has a high performance graphics card 1080ti or 2080. Thanks

[@DGTLBits]

If you are looking for a good value, highly accurate color display, I recommend a 4K Dell Ultrasharp in whatever size your budget allows (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWWWhXyhht-Cn5o - The new model is called the U2718Q) or the LG 27UD58-B which is a pretty amazing value. Either way if photo or video editing, spend a little more on a color calibration tool to make sure your colors are accurate. In regards to what laptop is better, there is really no answer to that since it depends on your favorite software tools. Personally, I prefer Windows over OSX for most things, but that is because I am more familiar with it and I also play games.

[@GSGMotionFilms]

@@DGTLBits Thank you for your reply...Is Dell Precision 5530 worth it if we edit 4k videos on adobe premiere and after effects. Plus if we compare this with alienware then which is better for editing and other creative work.

[@DGTLBits]

It will work fine. You will not get the same performance you would from a high wattage desktop CPU and a traditional desktop GPU, but as long as you understand that and are willing to live with it, you should be happy. Because of the thermal management differences I mentioned in the video, if this is your profession, I think the 7530 might be a better laptop choice for achieving the ultimate mobile in performance.

[@pawelrolba]

Great video!

[@fernandoalbertlealroman3811]

I just bought the 7530 with i7-8850, 32GB of RAM, NVIDIA P2000 and the touch/card reader. When I started unpacking and setting windows I came to a realization that the right speaker sounded dimmer, it had a lower volume. Is this normal on all 7530s or is my speaker busted? I'm still in the process of doing a audio hardware test but I want to know before hand.

[@technocoh]

Cool nerdy T-Shirt, Eye Bee M xD ...5530 looks nicer ;)

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

linux?

[@Skandaleasy]

Issue tb3 in this laptop trouble

[@FenderStrat19711]

Love the IBM t-shirt!!!!

[@in_the_middle_of_the_night]

Magnificent

[@maikelpeeters7328]

would choos the 5530 above the 7530...that design is 15 years old...thick bezels...

[@biggusbestus551]

TB-18 dock? Stay away from that or at least read up on it. The fingerprint sensor is junk on the 7530 and Dell Support is not what it was a few years back. The 7530 is likely my last Dell. I like the 7530 generally if you need a "workstation". It is overkill to use as a general laptop.

[@-VinhKhang_yearsago]

what are the biggest disadvantages do you usually encounter? I'm planning to buy this for my engineer design

[@HippoReacts]

In summation... The 5530 is trash. It is slow and clunky. I DO NOT recommend this laptop for ANY use at all to my users. My Engineers keep ordering it, and then complaining that it is so slow they cannot use it at all. Even on idle the 5530 will peak 100% Intel GPU use when nothing is running. Reimage doesn't fix it. If you want either of these, buy the 7530 and forget that the 5530 exists, it's trash!

[@TojTekSpeaks]

Woah i havent had the same experience

[@-VinhKhang_yearsago]

I have been hearing about those thermal problems on 5530. I'm planning to buy 7530 or 7550 for my engineering study. They are better right ?

[@aerohk]

7530 looks old, even in 2019 standard

[@laptopduonggia8617]

great