Dell XPS 14z Review

The install isn't the cleanest we have seen, but we expect this with Dell. They include a lot of their own software such as Dell MusicStage/PhotoStage and Webcam central, which would be generally useful for the target audience. We aren't so happy about seeing Ebay and McAfee software installed ‘out of the box' and wish Dell would allow the end user to install their own anti virus protection software and third party tools.

The overall score of 5.9 is held back by the use of 7,200 rpm mechanical hard drive.

CPUZ highlights the system overview, based around the Intel Core i7 2640M processor, which is a 32nm part, with 4 MB of level 3 cache. This is a dual core design with hyperthreading, for a total of 4 physical/logical cores. The default clocks are 2.8ghz, although it can turbo up to 3.5ghz. Full details on the processor are available here. The Dell XPS 14z contains onboard Intel HD graphics and the Nvidia GT520m discrete solution. This runs at 740mhz core, and the 1GB of GDDR3 memory operates at 800mhz, connected via a 64 bit memory interface. There are 4 ROPS and 48 CUDA cores. Not the most capable discrete solution, but it will offer extra power, for casual gaming duties.

Dell are using two 4GB DDR3 memory sticks, which runs at 1333mhz at 9-9-9-25 timings.

Comparison Systems (for specific synthetic test compares):
Medion Erazer X6813 15.6″ (featuring Core i7 2630QM processor)
AlienWare M18X (featuring Core i7 2960XM Extreme Edition).
MSI CX640 (featuring Core i5 2410M).
Intel Core i5 2500k desktop processor.

Software:
3DMark 11
PCMark 7
Cinebench 11.5 64 bit
FRAPS Professional
Unigine Heaven Benchmark
CrystalDiskMark
HD Tach
Cyberlink PowerDVD Ultra 11
Cyberlink MediaEspresso
HQV Benchmark V2
Alien V Predator
Dead Island
Resident Evil 5

Technical Monitoring and Test Equipment:
Asus BluRay Drive
Lacie 730 Monitor (Image Quality testing)
Thermal Diodes
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp
Extech digital sound level meter & SkyTronic DSL 2 Digital Sound Level Meter
Kill A Watt Meter
Nikon D3X with R1C1 Kit (4 flashes), Nikon 24-70MM lens.

Become a Patron!