What To Know
- The Dell Precision 5520 is powered by up to an Intel Core i9-8950HK processor, while the HP ZBook 15 G4 offers up to an Intel Core i9-8950H processor.
- Both devices feature NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards, with the Precision 5520 offering the Quadro P2000 and the ZBook 15 G4 offering the Quadro P2000 or P3200.
- The Dell Precision 5520 and HP ZBook 15 G4 are both exceptional mobile workstations that cater to the demanding needs of professionals in various industries.
In the realm of mobile workstations, the Dell Precision 5520 and HP ZBook 15 G4 stand as two formidable contenders. Both devices boast impressive specs and capabilities, catering to demanding professionals in industries such as CAD, engineering, and video editing. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between these two powerhouses, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Dell Precision 5520 exudes a sleek and professional aesthetic with its aluminum chassis and carbon fiber palm rest. It weighs in at a mere 4.4 pounds, making it highly portable for a 15-inch workstation. On the other hand, the HP ZBook 15 G4 adopts a more rugged design with its magnesium alloy chassis and reinforced corners. It’s slightly heavier at 4.8 pounds, but offers exceptional durability for demanding environments.
Display
Both the Dell Precision 5520 and HP ZBook 15 G4 offer stunning displays with accurate color reproduction. The Precision 5520 features a 15.6-inch InfinityEdge display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. The ZBook 15 G4, on the other hand, boasts a 15.6-inch DreamColor display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and 100% Adobe RGB coverage. For professionals who prioritize color accuracy, the ZBook 15 G4’s DreamColor display provides an edge.
Performance
Under the hood, both workstations pack a punch. The Dell Precision 5520 is powered by up to an Intel Core i9-8950HK processor, while the HP ZBook 15 G4 offers up to an Intel Core i9-8950H processor. Both devices feature NVIDIA Quadro graphics cards, with the Precision 5520 offering the Quadro P2000 and the ZBook 15 G4 offering the Quadro P2000 or P3200. For heavy-duty tasks, the ZBook 15 G4’s Quadro P3200 provides a significant advantage in graphics performance.
Storage and Memory
The Dell Precision 5520 and HP ZBook 15 G4 offer ample storage and memory options. The Precision 5520 supports up to 2TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage and 32GB of DDR4 RAM. The ZBook 15 G4, on the other hand, supports up to 4TB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage and 64GB of DDR4 RAM. For professionals who demand maximum storage and memory capacity, the ZBook 15 G4 has the upper hand.
Connectivity and Ports
Both workstations come equipped with a comprehensive range of ports and connectivity options. The Dell Precision 5520 features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI port, a mini DisplayPort, and a microSD card reader. The HP ZBook 15 G4, on the other hand, offers two Thunderbolt 3 ports, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, an HDMI port, a mini DisplayPort, and an SD card reader. The ZBook 15 G4’s additional USB port provides greater flexibility for connecting external devices.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for mobile workstations. The Dell Precision 5520 offers a 6-cell, 97Wh battery that provides up to 14 hours of battery life. The HP ZBook 15 G4, on the other hand, features a 4-cell, 84Wh battery that provides up to 10 hours of battery life. For professionals who require extended battery life, the Precision 5520’s larger battery capacity provides an advantage.
Operating System and Software
The Dell Precision 5520 and HP ZBook 15 G4 come pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro. Both devices also offer a wide range of software and driver support for professional applications. Dell provides the Precision Optimizer software, which optimizes system performance for specific applications. HP offers the ZCentral Remote Boost software, which allows users to remotely access and control their workstation from anywhere.
The Verdict: Dell Precision 5520 vs HP ZBook 15 G4
The Dell Precision 5520 and HP ZBook 15 G4 are both exceptional mobile workstations that cater to the demanding needs of professionals in various industries. The Precision 5520 excels in terms of portability, while the ZBook 15 G4 offers superior graphics performance, storage capacity, and durability. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements and budget.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which workstation is better for CAD and engineering applications?
A: Both the Dell Precision 5520 and HP ZBook 15 G4 are well-suited for CAD and engineering applications. However, the ZBook 15 G4’s Quadro P3200 graphics card provides an edge in graphics performance, making it the preferred choice for heavy-duty 3D modeling and rendering tasks.
Q: Which workstation has a longer battery life?
A: The Dell Precision 5520 offers a longer battery life of up to 14 hours, compared to the HP ZBook 15 G4’s battery life of up to 10 hours. This makes the Precision 5520 a better choice for professionals who require extended battery life.
Q: Which workstation offers better software support?
A: Both the Dell Precision 5520 and HP ZBook 15 G4 offer comprehensive software support for professional applications. Dell provides the Precision Optimizer software, while HP offers the ZCentral Remote Boost software. The choice between the two depends on your specific software requirements and preferences.
