The Dell Precision 17 7730 is a powerful and versatile workstation designed to meet the demanding needs of creative professionals, engineers, and content creators.
Packed with cutting-edge technology and high-performance components, this mobile workstation promises to deliver exceptional computing power for resource-intensive tasks.
In this review, we dive deep into the features, performance, and overall user experience of the Dell Precision 17 7730 to determine if it lives up to its reputation as a top-tier workstation in the market.
What is the Dell Precision 17 7730
The Dell Precision 17 7730 is a high-performance laptop designed for professionals, specifically those in the field of engineering and design. It features a large 17.3-inch display, powerful processors, extensive memory, and options for high-definition graphics. Additionally, it supports several security features and configuration options to suit different user needs.
Main Takeaways
- Dell Precision 17 7730 is a highly powerful workstation being title as Dell’s most powerful 17″ mobile workstation, designed for professionals who require high processing capabilities.
- The device offers superior performance and impressive processing power as it comes equipped with the latest Intel processors, professional graphics, vast amounts of memory, and fast storage options.
- It is engineered with premium materials, featuring a stunning 17.3″ UltraSharp™ 4K Ultra HD IGZO display for enhanced visuals and durability, making it ideal for professional-grade software applications and creating digital masterpiece.
You may want to use it for…
1. Graphic Designing and Video Editing: The Dell Precision 17 7730 is a high-performance workstation, making it ideal for graphic design and video editing tasks. In these fields, professionals need a strong processor and ample memory for tasks like rendering high-resolution images and videos. The Precision’s Intel Xeon processors and up to 64GB RAM can handle these tasks efficiently.
2. Gaming: This laptop, with its advanced graphic cards (up to NVIDIA Quadro P5200), makes gaming smooth and vibrant. It can comfortably play high-end games and VR experiences. However, it’s important to note that this is not specifically a gaming laptop, and so might not have all the features of specialized gaming hardware.
3. CAD and 3D Modelling: Engineers and designers who use applications like AutoCAD, Revit, and SolidWorks need a powerful computer to accommodate these intensive applications. This laptop’s powerful processing and high-end graphics make it well suited to these tasks.
4. Research and Data Analysis: Scientists and researchers often deal with large datasets and simulations. The high memory and superior computing power of the Precision 7730 can handle large datasets, multiple computations, and other data-heavy tasks.
5. Business Applications: For business users who require multitasking between heavy applications, this laptop offers powerful processing, ample storage, and a high-resolution display, making it a solid choice for applications such as financial modeling, programming, or any other resource-consuming tasks.
6. Multimedia Use: For photographers or videographers, the Precision 17 7730’s 4K display will offer vivid colors and sharp picture, assisting in photo and video editing. The machine’s powerful hardware also makes it good for rendering and encoding tasks.
Features
- Processor: This device is powered by up to 8th Generation Intel Core and Xeon 6-core processors, ensuring smooth and efficient performance.
- Operating System: It supports Windows 10 Pro, giving you a user-friendly interface and better software compatibility.
- Memory and Storage: The laptop provides an impressive storage of up to 2x 2TB PCIe SSD + up to 4TB Hard Drive. It also comes with DDR4 memory with a maximum capacity of 128GB at 3200MHz.
- Graphics: This model is featured with professional-grade AMD Radeon WX and NVIDIA Quadro graphics for the most demanding applications.
- Display: The Dell Precision 17 7730 offers a 17.3” UltraSharp Full HD IPS, UltraSharp 4K Ultra HD IGZO, or HD IPS display options for stunning visuals.
- Ports: It includes a variety of ports such as USB 3.1, HDMI, mini DisplayPort, and a Thunderbolt for versatile connectivity.
- Battery: It’s equipped with a 6-Cell or 9-Cell 97Whr ExpressCharge capable battery for extended mobility.
- Security: For security, it has options for fingerprint reader, Smart Card reader, Contactless Smart Card reader, TPM 2.0 and/or Computrace.
- Design and Durability: It has a vibrant design with options for aluminium or carbon fiber cover for lightness and durability.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful Performance: With Intel Quad-Core processors and high-speed RAM, this laptop offers powerful performance, capable of handling heavy software applications and multi-tasking.
- Professional-grade Graphics: It comes with NVIDIA Quadro graphics making it an excellent choice for professionals dealing with video editing, graphic design, 3D modeling, etc.
- High-resolution display: It includes a 17.3-inch, high-resolution, anti-glare screen, providing detailed and vibrant visuals.
- Expandable Memory: It offers four DIMM slots, allowing for memory expansion up to 128GB.5. Decent Battery Life: Given its power and performance, the laptop delivers decent battery life compared to other workstation laptops.
Cons:
- Heavy: With a weight starting around 7.5 pounds (~3.4 kg), it’s quite heavy. It might not be the best choice for users who require mobility and prefer lighter devices.
- Expensive: Given its professional-grade specifications, the Precision 7730 is a high-priced laptop, which might be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
- Limited Gamut Coverage: Despite the high-resolution screen, the color gamut coverage could be better for a laptop in this price range.
- Heat Management: Under heavy workloads, the laptop can run hot, which might hinder performance over extended periods.
- Bulky Design: Even though it’s sturdy and durable, the design could be considered bulky and lacking the sleekness of some competitors.
Please note that while these points highlight general perspectives on the laptop, individual user experience may vary depending on specific needs and expectations.
Rating: 4/5
The Dell Precision 17 7730 undoubtedly stands out as a powerhouse in the realm of mobile workstations, earning it a commendable 4 out of 5 stars in our review. This rating reflects our objective assessment of its performance, build quality, display and graphics, user experience, and overall value for professional users. Here’s a deeper dive into why the Dell Precision 17 7730 excels in its category:
1. Unmatched Performance: With a choice of powerful Intel Core or Xeon processors and dedicated NVIDIA Quadro graphics, the Precision 17 7730 delivers exceptional performance. This workstation effortlessly handles resource-intensive applications, such as 3D modeling, video rendering, and simulations. The processing power and graphics capabilities make it a top-notch option for professionals working with complex and demanding tasks.
2. Durability and Design: Dell has spared no effort in ensuring that the Precision 17 7730 is built to withstand the demanding environments of professional use. The sturdy build quality instills confidence in users, knowing that their investment is well-protected. The sleek design also exudes a professional look, ideal for those who value aesthetics along with functionality.
3. High-Quality Display and Graphics: The 17.3-inch display on the Precision 17 7730 impresses with its stunning visuals and wide color gamut, making it a great fit for creative professionals who rely on accurate color representation. The inclusion of NVIDIA Quadro graphics further enhances the visual experience, enabling smooth graphics rendering and facilitating more efficient workflows.
4. User-Friendly Experience: The Dell Precision 17 7730 boasts a comfortable typing experience with its well-designed keyboard, making long hours of work less strenuous. The responsive and precise touchpad further adds to the overall user-friendly experience. Additionally, the workstation’s ample connectivity options and expandability ensure that users can easily integrate their existing peripherals and tailor the machine to their specific needs.
5. Comprehensive Features and Versatility: Beyond its top-notch performance, the Dell Precision 17 7730 is equipped with a range of features that enhance its versatility. The array of ports, including USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3, cater to modern connectivity needs, while the option for high-capacity storage allows for large project files to be easily managed.
While the Dell Precision 17 7730 earned a commendable 4 out of 5 stars in our review, it is essential to acknowledge that no product is without its limitations. The larger and heavier form factor may be less suitable for users frequently on the move, and the premium components may translate to a higher price point. However, the Dell Precision 17 7730’s exceptional performance, build quality, and feature set make it an outstanding choice for professionals seeking a reliable and robust mobile workstation.
How we tested
To conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Dell Precision 17 7730, we employed a rigorous testing process, examining various aspects of the workstation’s performance and functionality. Our tests covered key areas such as processing power, graphics capabilities, display quality, battery life, thermal performance, and overall build quality. We ran industry-standard benchmarks and real-world scenarios to gauge how the workstation handles intensive workloads and multitasking. Additionally, we analyzed the usability and efficiency of the input devices, including the keyboard and touchpad, to provide a holistic assessment of the user experience.
Throughout the testing period, we used a wide range of professional applications, including graphics and video editing software, engineering simulation tools, and 3D modeling applications. This enabled us to assess the workstation’s ability to handle complex projects and deliver optimal performance under real-world usage conditions.
Main Alternatives
One of the competitors of the Dell Precision 17 7730 is the Lenovo ThinkPad P72. The Lenovo ThinkPad P72 also boasts powerful performance with its Intel Xeon processors similar to Dell, however, it has a slight edge with a better 4K UHD display which makes it more preferred by professionals dealing with graphics and visuals. Additionally, even though both laptops allow for extensive memory and storage capacities, Lenovo ThinkPad P72 outperforms the Dell Precision through its ability to support a larger storage capacity demonstrating more versatility for intense computing tasks.
The HP ZBook 17 G5 is another competitor worth including in this comparison. Similar to Dell Precision 17 7730, it offers robust security features including HP Sure Start Gen4 for BIOS security. However, where it eclipses Dell is in its sound quality. HP ZBook 17 G5 features Bang & Olufsen audio that delivers sharp and clear sound quality, making it preferable for users who prioritize audio features. On the downside, its battery life tends not to be as long-lasting as that of the Dell Precision 17 7730.
The third competitor to mention is the Apple MacBook Pro 16″. Though Apple targets a more creative professional demographic, its powerful i9 processor, coupled with its Retina display, make it a worthy competitor for the Dell Precision 17 7730. Where the MacBook Pro really stands out is its superior operating system and software ecosystem. However, unlike Dell Precision’s Windows, Apple’s MacOS may require additional time to learn for those who are more accustomed to Windows. Plus, the MacBook Pro 16″ lacks the flexibility of upgrading hardware components due to Apple’s locked system build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Dell Precision 17 7730?
A: The Dell Precision 17 7730 is a high-end mobile workstation laptop designed by Dell. It offers robust performance, a large display and options for professional-grade hardware.
Q: What are the key features of the Dell Precision 17 7730?
A: The key features include an Intel Core or Xeon processor, up to 128 GB of RAM, professional-grade NVIDIA or AMD graphics, up to 8TB of storage, a 17.3-inch display which can be in FHD, UHD, or a UHD touch panel.
Q: What operating system does the Dell Precision 17 7730 use?
A: It comes pre-loaded with Windows 10 Pro for Workstations. However, it can also run Ubuntu Linux and Red Hat Enterprise Linux.
Q: What kind of security features does it have?
A: The Dell Precision 17 7730 offers an optional fingerprint reader, SmartCard reader, Contactless SmartCard reader, TPM 2.0, and Dell ControlVault 2 for advanced authentication capabilities.
Q: Does the Dell Precision 17 7730 support Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, it incorporates Intel Wireless-AC 9260 dual-band 2×2 802.11ac Wi-Fi for high-speed wireless connectivity.
Q: How is the display quality of the Dell Precision 17 7730?
A: The device offers a 17.3″ UltraSharp IPS display, providing excellent color accuracy, visual clarity, and wide viewing angles. The device also has options for a 4K UHD display for higher resolution.
Q: What are the ports and slots available in the Dell Precision 17 7730?
A: It includes an array of ports like USB 3.1, HDMI, Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 Ports, SD Card Slot, and a Smart Card Reader.
Q: Can the RAM and storage be upgraded in the Dell Precision 17 7730?
A: Yes, the Precision 17 7730 has four SODIMM slots that support up to 128GB of DDR4 RAM and multiple storage slots that allow for a vast amount of storage capacity which is upgradeable.
Q: How is the battery life of the Dell Precision 17 7730?
A: The battery life depends mainly on the usage, settings, and configuration. However, a 6-cell, 97 Whr battery is included, which can generally last for several hours under typical operation.
Q: Is the laptop good for gaming?
A: Since the Precision 7730 is a heavy-duty workstation designed primarily for intensive applications like CAD, 3-D modeling, and simulation, it should handle most modern games pretty well. However, it may not offer the optimized gaming experience of laptops specifically designed for gaming.
Conclusion
The Dell Precision 17 7730 impresses with its remarkable performance and robust build quality, making it a top contender in the mobile workstation market. Equipped with powerful Intel Core or Xeon processors and NVIDIA Quadro graphics, the Precision 17 7730 breezes through resource-intensive tasks with ease, making it an ideal choice for professionals working on content creation, engineering, and design projects.
The 17.3-inch display offers stunning visuals with a wide color gamut, enhancing the overall user experience. The workstation’s thermal management system ensures efficient cooling, keeping the device running smoothly even during extended work sessions.
While the Dell Precision 17 7730 delivers on performance, its size and weight may be a consideration for those seeking more portability. Additionally, the workstation’s premium features come at a higher price point, making it a substantial investment for users seeking cutting-edge performance.
In conclusion, the Dell Precision 17 7730 is a powerhouse workstation that excels in performance and versatility, making it an excellent choice for professionals who require unparalleled computing power on the go. Its robust build, powerful components, and impressive display combine to create a compelling workstation that caters to the needs of demanding users in the creative and engineering industries.
