Main points
- The 5680, on the other hand, offers a larger display and a more spacious interior for enhanced cooling and expandability.
- The Dell Precision 5480 boasts a battery life of up to 14 hours, while the 5680 offers an even more impressive battery life of up to 16 hours.
- The 5680, on the other hand, provides a larger display, more powerful graphics, and expanded storage and memory capacity for professionals who demand the ultimate in performance.
In the realm of mobile workstations, Dell’s Precision line stands out as a testament to performance and reliability. The Dell Precision 5480 and 5680 are two such powerhouses that offer exceptional capabilities for demanding professionals. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the specifications, features, and applications of these two workstations to help you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs best.
Specifications
| Feature | Dell Precision 5480 | Dell Precision 5680 |
| — | — | — |
| Display | 14″ FHD (1920×1080) | 16″ FHD+ (1920×1200) |
| Processor | Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i9 | Up to 11th Gen Intel Core i9 |
| Graphics | Up to NVIDIA Quadro T1200 | Up to NVIDIA Quadro T2000 |
| Memory | Up to 64GB DDR4 | Up to 128GB DDR4 |
| Storage | Up to 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD | Up to 4TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| Weight | Starting at 3.6 lbs | Starting at 4.2 lbs |
Design and Build Quality
Both the Dell Precision 5480 and 5680 boast a sleek and durable chassis made of aircraft-grade aluminum. The 5480 is slightly more compact and lightweight, making it ideal for professionals who need portability. The 5680, on the other hand, offers a larger display and a more spacious interior for enhanced cooling and expandability.
Display
The Dell Precision 5480 features a 14″ FHD (1920×1080) display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The display provides vibrant colors and sharp images, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including design, engineering, and data analysis.
The Dell Precision 5680 offers a larger 16″ FHD+ (1920×1200) display with a 16:10 aspect ratio. The higher resolution and larger screen real estate provide ample space for multitasking and viewing large datasets.
Performance
Under the hood, both the Dell Precision 5480 and 5680 pack a punch with the latest 11th Gen Intel Core processors. The 5680 offers a wider range of processor options, including the powerful i9-11950H, which delivers exceptional performance for demanding applications.
In terms of graphics, the Dell Precision 5480 is equipped with an NVIDIA Quadro T1200, while the 5680 supports the more powerful Quadro T2000. Both GPUs provide dedicated graphics memory and hardware acceleration, enabling smooth handling of complex 3D models and simulations.
Memory and Storage
The Dell Precision 5480 offers up to 64GB of DDR4 memory, while the 5680 can accommodate up to a whopping 128GB. This ample memory capacity ensures seamless multitasking and handling of large datasets.
For storage, both workstations support PCIe NVMe SSDs, providing lightning-fast read and write speeds. The 5680 offers a larger storage capacity of up to 4TB, making it ideal for storing large files and projects.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for mobile workstations. The Dell Precision 5480 boasts a battery life of up to 14 hours, while the 5680 offers an even more impressive battery life of up to 16 hours. This extended battery life allows professionals to work for longer periods without interruption.
Connectivity and Expandability
The Dell Precision 5480 and 5680 offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, and Ethernet. The 5680 also features an SD card reader and a Smart Card reader for added convenience.
In terms of expandability, the 5480 offers two M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD slots, while the 5680 provides four M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD slots and two SO-DIMM slots for memory upgrades.
Applications
The Dell Precision 5480 and 5680 are ideal for a wide range of applications, including:
- CAD/CAM and 3D modeling
- Engineering simulation and analysis
- Data science and analytics
- Video editing and production
- Software development
- Machine learning and artificial intelligence
Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Fit
Both the Dell Precision 5480 and 5680 are exceptional mobile workstations that cater to different needs and preferences. The 5480 offers a compact and lightweight design with a balance of performance and portability. The 5680, on the other hand, provides a larger display, more powerful graphics, and expanded storage and memory capacity for professionals who demand the ultimate in performance.
Ultimately, the best choice between the Dell Precision 5480 and 5680 depends on your specific requirements. If you prioritize portability and need a reliable workstation for everyday tasks, the 5480 is a solid choice. For those who require exceptional performance, a larger display, and maximum expandability, the 5680 is the clear winner.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Which workstation has a better display for design work?
A: Both workstations offer excellent displays, but the Dell Precision 5680’s larger 16″ FHD+ display with a higher resolution provides more screen real estate and better detail for design-intensive applications.
Q: Which workstation is more suitable for heavy 3D modeling and simulation?
A: The Dell Precision 5680 with its more powerful Quadro T2000 graphics and larger storage capacity is better equipped for handling complex 3D models and simulations.
Q: Can I upgrade the memory and storage on both workstations?
A: Yes, both the Dell Precision 5480 and 5680 offer expandable memory and storage options. The 5680 provides more upgradeability with four M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD slots and two SO-DIMM slots.