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Review: Trying out the Dell G15 Gaming Laptop (Ryzen 7 5800H + RTX 3050Ti) (2024)
Introduction
I recently purchased the Dell G15 Gaming Laptop mainly for gaming and some office work for my team. It is not a bad laptop for its price point but I did have some issues with it - more on all this elow.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Dell | Model Name | G15 |
| Screen Size | 15.6 Inches | Color | Phantom Grey |
| Hard Disk Size | 2 TB | CPU Model | Ryzen 7 5800H |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 GB | Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Special Feature | Backlit Keyboard | Graphics Card Description | Integrated |
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Prices
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Initial Impressions and Build
Upon first glance at the Dell G15, the specs definitely set high expectations for a gaming laptop. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H and paired with an RTX 3050 Ti, this machine seems ready to handle most gaming needs. The 16GB DDR4 SDRAM and a 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD promise fast load times and ample storage for games and applications. However, my experience is different when it comes to the claims regarding RAM speeds and the origin of internal components, which is concerning.
The build quality feels sturdy; the Phantom Grey color gives it a sleek and modern look. The lack of an optical drive is a non-issue these days, but worth noting for those still using physical media. Here’s a quick breakdown of my initial pros and cons:
Pros:
Fast 3.20GHz 8-Core Processor for seamless gaming and multitasking.
Generous storage capacity with a 2TB SSD.
High-refresh-rate 15.6 inch Full HD display enhances the gaming experience.
Killer Wi-Fi 6 for robust and fast internet connectivity.
Cons:
RAM speed and SSD brand discrepancies suggest possible aftermarket modifications.
The laptop arrived with Windows 11 despite being advertised with Windows 10.
Physically, the laptop has a sleek and minimalist design which I quite like. The keyboard, while not backlit, has a decent feel to it, although a lit keyboard would be preferable for late-night gaming sessions. The 15.6-inch FHD display gleams with clarity, pushing a 120Hz refresh rate which makes gaming smooth, with the anti-glare coating proving useful during daytime use.
The Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 ensures a solid and stable internet connection, which is crucial for online gaming. However, I’m a bit let down by the fact that the advertised RAM speed of 3200MHz was not met, and instead capped at 2666MHz. The discovery that the internal components, like the SSD and RAM, are sourced from HP rather than Dell standard parts, raises questions about the integrity of the system and future support.
While the laptop feels good and the screen doesn’t wobble when using the touch features, the misrepresentation of specifications and the confusion over Windows 10 versus Windows 11 installation are disappointing. That said, the promise of a great battery life and quality sound from the speakers do balance out some of the drawbacks.
The huge asset is the 2TB SSD, which truly provides more than enough space for all my gaming needs, and the speed difference compared to traditional hard drives is night and day. Although I’ve stumbled upon some shortcomings with this laptop, my overall impression leans towards positive, keeping in mind that performance and user experience may vary depending on the received configuration.
Performance and Gaming Experience
The Dell G15 Gaming Laptop has features that make it a strong contender for gamers who are also productivity power users. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons that I’ve observed:
Pros:
The AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor provides stellar performance for gaming and multitasking functions.
16GB of DDR4 RAM ensures smooth gameplay and the ability to handle multiple applications with ease.
A 2TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD is a massive win for quick game loads and ample storage.
The RTX 3050 Ti 4GB graphics card is very capable for most modern games at medium to high settings.
At 120Hz and 1080p, the display is crisp and fluid, keeping up well with fast-paced gaming scenarios.
Cons:
The maximum of 2666MHz RAM speed is a drawback, considering the advertised 3200MHz.
There’s a bit of concern about component authenticity, as some upgrades seem to be from other manufacturers, not Dell stock parts.
The pre-installed Windows 11 instead of Windows 10 can be a hassle for those with software compatibility concerns.
I’m impressed with the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H. It strikes a balance between efficiency and power, breezing through demanding titles with its 3.20GHz base speed that can ramp up to 4.4GHz when needed. The gaming experience is smooth, thanks partly to the RTX 3050 Ti. The laptop effectively leverages its 4GB of video memory, delivering enjoyable gaming sessions with good frame rates on many current titles.
Multitasking on this laptop is a pleasant experience. The combination of the processor and the 16GB of RAM permits seamless switching between browser tabs, documents, and games. And with the 2TB SSD, I’ve downloaded an extensive game library without worries of running out of space. This laptop boots up in seconds, and my games load impressively fast.
Where the laptop does not fully meet expectations is the discrepancy regarding the RAM and SSD brand. While I expected all-Dell internals, finding parts like the SSD from HP signals that this might be a reseller upgrade rather than a factory configuration. This could raise questions about the longevity and warranty coverage of the components.
Another point of contention is the operating system. The laptop was advertised with Windows 10, but shipping with Windows 11 installed can cause complications. For IT professionals or gamers with a preference for Windows 10 due to software or game compatibility, this could entail additional effort to downgrade the OS.
Despite these issues, the gaming and multi-use talents of this machine are tough to ignore. It delivers the performance you’d want for the latest gaming titles and eases through productive tasks. While the concerns I’ve mentioned should be taken into account, overall, the Dell G15 Gaming Laptop stands out as a solid performer that combines gaming prowess with appealing features for your day-to-day computing needs.
Software and Ecosystem
In the world of computing, a machine’s software ecosystem can often be a deal-maker or breaker. With the Dell G15 Gaming Laptop, I’m approaching things from a generally satisfied perspective, but it hasn’t been without its hiccups. The preloaded Windows 10 Home 64-bit works smoothly with the system’s hardware, providing a user experience that’s both familiar and reliable for those of us not ready to make the jump to Windows 11. This is crucial for compatibility with certain software and peripherals that might not yet play nice with the latest OS.
Here’s a look at the key points regarding the software:
Pros:
Familiar Windows 10 environment is easy to navigate.
No forced adoption of Windows 11 allows for a more controlled update strategy.
Compatibility with a vast range of software and games designed for Windows 10.
Cons:
Potential risk of pre-installed software not meeting advertised specs.
Occasional blue screens and other issues hint at underlying software stability concerns.
What I appreciate is how the AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor and RTX 3050 Ti graphics card team up with Windows 10 to deliver an impressive performance for gaming and multitasking. My system tears through tasks and the 16GB DDR4 SDRAM makes multitasking a breeze. The NVMe M.2 SSD ensures that everything loads in a flash.
However, it’s not without concerns. I’ve noticed some inconsistencies with the advertised specs; for example, a discrepancy in RAM speed and non-Dell components under the hood. This raises eyebrows about quality control and whether what’s advertised is what’s actually powering the machine.
The laptop’s backlit keyboard and its touchscreen features add a level of functionality that stands out to me. They create an engaging, interactive experience, especially when you’re working in a dimly lit environment or preferring using your laptop as a tablet. Despite these positives, I’ve also encountered occasional moments where the system didn’t perform as seamlessly as expected - a reminder that even the best systems aren’t perfect.
My experience is slightly tainted by the questionable status of my warranty and concerns about the actual components used versus what was stated by the seller. It’s essential for the trust to be upheld between manufacturer and customer, so transparency around original versus upgraded components is critical.
In summary, the Dell G15 offers a software and ecosystem experience that, for the most part, meets my expectations and seems to be a solid choice for those who value a balance between performance and familiar ease-of-use. Yet, it’s also a reminder to be vigilant - to ensure that what you’re promised in terms of software and hardware is what’s actually delivered.
After-Sales Support and Warranty
After my time with the Dell G15 Gaming Laptop, I’ve developed a nuanced view of its after-sales support and warranty coverage. It’s imperative to discuss these aspects as they can significantly influence the overall satisfaction with a purchase.
Pros:
The performance upgrade with 2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage truly makes a difference.
A 16 GB DDR4 SDRAM ensures smooth multitasking.
Good audio quality and a sturdy build with a backlit keyboard add to the user experience.
Cons:
Some users have reported discrepancies with advertised specs like RAM speed.
Misrepresentation of components and warranty issues have been a concern.
There seems to be inconsistency in the operating system provided.
I’ve found the G15 to be an excellent computer, with the SSD offering remarkable speed, and the RAM allows for efficient operations. However, I did notice that the machine advertised a RAM speed of 3200MHz but came with a 2666MHz clock speed. Additionally, I was cautious about the SSD being from HP, as Dell typically does not use HP parts—a red flag for potential after-sales issues.
When it comes to warranty, the lack of clarity has been problematic. It’s unsettling to discover through a screenshot that the warranty expires in just 22 days from purchase. Normally, I would expect at least a one-year guarantee, and this discrepancy is a point of contention that needs resolution.
The expectation of receiving a laptop with Windows 10, as opposed to Windows 11, has been an issue for some, including myself. In an IT environment where client specifications are definitive, rectifying such an error entails additional costs and lost time, which should be compensated.
Encountering hardware issues, like blue screens and a faulty motherboard within six months, brings into question the reliability of the hardware and the efficiency of the after-sales support. Addressing these faults hassle-free and swiftly is crucial for maintaining trust in the brand.
Furthermore, accessing support for problems like these should be straightforward, with options for either a replacement or a refund. The last thing a buyer wants is to navigate a complex return process after such a significant investment.
In conclusion, Dell’s G15 Gaming Laptop impresses with its specs and performance, but it’s vital that potential buyers are aware of the after-sales support system the company offers. While there are concerns about component authenticity and warranty terms, Dell’s reputation for customer service should ideally stand up to the test, offering effective solutions to these issues. It’s worth noting for prospective buyers to do their due diligence on the warranty and verify the components to ensure everything aligns with their expectations.