Dell G15 5520 15.6 Inch Gaming Laptop – FHD 120Hz Display, Intel Core i7-12700H, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 – Spector Green

About This Product

Introduction

Gaming laptops have come a long way in recent years, and the Dell G15 5520 is a prime example of just how far they’ve evolved. With its impressive specifications, including an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this laptop promises to deliver a high-end gaming experience that rivals even some desktop setups. In this comprehensive review, we will delve deep into the Dell G15 5520 to see if it lives up to the hype and provides gamers with the performance and features they crave.

Design and Build Quality

The Dell G15 5520 boasts a sleek and modern design that sets it apart from the competition. The laptop features a matte black finish with blue accents on the Dell logo and keyboard, giving it a subtle gaming aesthetic without being overly flashy. Dell G15 5520 build quality is solid, with a durable chassis that feels premium and capable of withstanding the rigors of daily use.

Measuring 15.6 inches, the laptop strikes a good balance between portability and screen real estate. It’s not the thinnest or lightest gaming laptop on the market, but it’s still relatively portable considering the power it packs. The laptop’s dimensions are 14.13 x 10.49 x 0.98 inches (359 x 266.5 x 24.85 mm), and it weighs approximately 5.65 pounds (2.56 kg).

Display Dell G15 5520

One of the standout features of the Dell G15 5520 is its 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The display offers vibrant colors and excellent contrast, making games and multimedia content look stunning. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smoother gameplay, reducing motion blur and providing a more immersive gaming experience.

While the laptop’s display is not the highest resolution available, it strikes a good balance between performance and visual quality. The 120Hz refresh rate is ideal for fast-paced gaming, as it allows for more fluid and responsive gameplay. Additionally, the anti-glare coating on the screen helps reduce reflections, which can be a significant advantage when gaming in well-lit environments.

Performance

Under the hood, the Dell G15 5520 is powered by the Intel Core i7-12700H processor, which is part of Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake family. This CPU offers a blend of high single-core performance and multiple cores for multitasking. With a base clock speed of 3.4GHz and the ability to turbo boost up to 4.9GHz, it can handle both gaming and productivity tasks with ease.

The laptop also comes equipped with 16GB of DDR5 RAM, which is faster and more efficient than the previous DDR4 memory. This ample RAM capacity ensures smooth multitasking and allows for the quick loading of applications and games. Users will appreciate the ability to run multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing any noticeable slowdowns.

In terms of graphics, the Dell G15 5520 features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX series GPU, specifically the RTX 30 series. The specific GPU model may vary depending on the configuration you choose, but even the entry-level RTX 3050 Ti offers solid gaming performance. These GPUs support real-time ray tracing, enhancing the visual fidelity of supported games with realistic lighting and reflections.

Gaming Performance

Gaming is where the Dell G15 5520 truly shines. The combination of a high-refresh-rate display, a powerful CPU, and a capable GPU ensures that it can handle even the most demanding titles with ease. During our testing, the laptop ran games like Cyberpunk 2077, Battlefield 2042, and Red Dead Redemption 2 smoothly at high settings, thanks to the RTX 30 series graphics.

The 120Hz refresh rate of the display makes a noticeable difference in fast-paced games, providing a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. Games feel more immersive, and the reduced motion blur contributes to better overall gameplay.

The laptop also handles multitasking well while gaming. You can have a game running in the foreground while streaming or chatting with friends in the background without experiencing significant performance drops. This is a testament to the laptop’s robust hardware.

Cooling and Thermal Management

Effective cooling is essential for gaming laptops, and Dell has done a commendable job in this regard. The Dell G15 5520 features a dual-fan cooling system with ample ventilation, ensuring that the CPU and GPU remain at optimal temperatures during extended gaming sessions.

The laptop’s thermal management is further enhanced by Dell’s Alienware-inspired technology. The fans are designed to provide efficient cooling while minimizing noise, so you can enjoy your games without being distracted by loud fan noise. During our testing, we found that the laptop maintained reasonable temperatures even under load, and there were no thermal throttling issues.

Keyboard and Input

The keyboard on the Dell G15 5520 is a full-sized, backlit, and spill-resistant chiclet-style keyboard. The keys have a satisfying tactile feel and a decent amount of key travel, making it comfortable for both typing and gaming. The blue backlighting adds a touch of gaming flair while also being practical for low-light environments.

The keyboard also features a dedicated numeric keypad, which can be a handy addition for users who frequently work with numbers. The precision touchpad is responsive and supports Windows 10 gestures, making it convenient for tasks that don’t require a mouse.

Connectivity and Ports

In terms of connectivity, the Dell G15 5520 offers a decent selection of ports and wireless options. It includes:

1. 1 x HDMI 2.1 port
2. 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port
3. 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port with PowerShare
4. 2 x USB 2.0 ports
5. 1 x Mini DisplayPort 1.4
6. 1 x RJ45 Ethernet port
7. 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
8. SD card reader
9. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
10. Bluetooth 5.2

The inclusion of an HDMI 2.1 port is particularly noteworthy, as it allows for high-refresh-rate gaming on external monitors or TVs that support HDMI 2.1. The USB 3.2 Gen 2 port provides fast data transfer speeds for external storage devices, and the USB 3.2 Gen 1 port with PowerShare can charge your devices even when the laptop is powered off.

Audio

The audio quality on the Dell G15 5520 is above average for a gaming laptop. It features Nahimic 3D audio technology, which enhances the audio experience by providing virtual surround sound. This can be particularly beneficial for spatial awareness in games.

The laptop’s speakers produce clear and loud audio, suitable for gaming and multimedia consumption. However, for a truly immersive experience, you may still want to consider using headphones or external speakers.

Battery Life

Gaming laptops are not known for their exceptional battery life, and the Dell G15 5520 is no exception. The laptop comes with a 6-cell 86Whr battery, which is relatively large for a gaming laptop. However, the power-hungry components and high-refresh-rate display mean that the battery life is limited when gaming.

During normal usage, such as web browsing and word processing, you can expect the battery to last around 5 to 6 hours. However, when gaming, the battery drains much faster, providing around 1.5 to 2 hours of gameplay on a full charge. It’s worth noting that gaming laptops are typically used while plugged in for extended gaming sessions, so battery life may not be a primary concern for many users.

Software and Operating System

The Dell G15 5520 runs on Windows 10 or Windows 11, depending on your preference and the available configuration. Dell includes some useful software utilities, such as the Alienware Command Center, which allows you to customize the laptop’s lighting, performance profiles, and thermal settings.

Additionally, Dell’s Support Assist software provides system diagnostics and support options to help troubleshoot any issues that may arise. While these software additions can be helpful, they are not intrusive, and you have the freedom to customize and uninstall them as needed.

Upgradability

One of the advantages of the Dell G15 5520 is its upgradability. The laptop features easy access to internal components, including the RAM and storage. You can easily upgrade the RAM if you find 16GB insufficient for your needs, and the M.2 SSD slot allows for storage expansion or replacement with a larger or faster SSD.

This level of upgradability ensures that the laptop can remain relevant and meet your changing needs for years to come. It’s a significant advantage for users who want to extend the lifespan of their gaming laptop without having to replace the entire system.

Price and Value

The pricing of the Dell G15 5520 varies depending on the configuration and region. As of the time of this review, the laptop falls into the mid-range to high-end category, offering a balance of performance and features for the price. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, it provides excellent value for the hardware it offers.

Keep in mind that the value of a gaming laptop extends beyond its initial cost. The Dell G15 5520’s robust performance and upgradability mean that it can serve as a long-term investment, providing years of gaming enjoyment without the need for frequent upgrades.

Conclusion

The Dell G15 5520 is a compelling gaming laptop that offers a winning combination of performance, design, and upgradability. Its Intel Core i7-12700H processor, RTX 30 series GPU, and 120Hz display make it a gaming powerhouse that can handle the latest titles with ease. The laptop’s thoughtful design, cooling system, and upgradability options further enhance its appeal.

While its battery life during gaming may leave something to be desired, this is a common drawback for gaming laptops, and it’s a minor trade-off for the level of performance the Dell G15 5520 delivers.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a gaming laptop that strikes a balance between power and affordability, the Dell G15 5520 is a strong contender. Its sleek design, impressive gaming performance, and upgradability options make it a worthy investment for gamers who want a reliable and versatile gaming companion. Whether you’re playing the latest AAA titles or tackling productivity tasks, the Dell G15 5520 is up to the challenge.