Tag: Dell Pro Max 16 Plus

Key Takeaways

1. The Dell Pro Max 16 Plus features significant performance upgrades with the Arrow Lake-HX CPU and Blackwell GPU, along with support for up to 256 GB of CAMM2 RAM and a removable DGFF graphics card for enhanced flexibility.

2. Repairability has improved with modular USB-C ports that can be easily replaced, promoting sustainability and reducing repair costs.

3. The AC adapter is now a thinner, more efficient universal 280 W USB-C model, replacing the older 240 W barrel adapter.

4. New display options include 120 Hz OLED screens, enhancing visual quality for professional users.

5. An upgraded 8 MP webcam is now available, improving video conferencing capabilities compared to the previous model.

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The Precision series has been around for a long time, but now it’s time to look ahead to the new Dell Pro series, which focuses on professional use. The top-tier Dell Pro Max 16 Plus is now available globally, stepping in for last year’s Precision 7680. Unlike the recent Dell 16 Plus, this new model offers significant upgrades that go beyond just a name swap.

Performance Boosts

In our review of the Pro Max 16 Plus, we found that it’s much faster than older versions, thanks to the cutting-edge Arrow Lake-HX CPU and Blackwell GPU. However, the real exciting features are not just about the processors. Dell has made several modifications to the chassis that lead to notable improvements. For instance, CAMM2 RAM can now support an impressive 256 GB of memory, and the specialized DGFF graphics card is removable, allowing users to swap it out or upgrade to a Qualcomm AI 100 Inference Card. This upgrade can turn the Pro Max 16 Plus into a strong mobile tool for running large AI models locally, especially if users don’t require the Nvidia Pro Blackwell GPU.

Enhanced Repairability

When it comes to repairability, the USB-C ports are now designed to be modular and are not directly attached to the main board. This makes it simpler and less expensive to replace them in case they break or get loose from extensive use. Dell plans to incorporate this sustainable feature into more of their laptops soon, with hopes of adding more modular ports beyond just USB-C in the future.

Adapter Updates

Even the AC adapter has been updated to be thinner and more efficient. The Pro Max 16 Plus stands out as one of the few laptops to come with a universal 280 W USB-C AC adapter, replacing the 240 W barrel AC adapter that was included with the older Precision 7680 series.

There are also many smaller enhancements, such as the addition of new 120 Hz OLED displays and 8 MP webcam options that were not available on the previous model.

 

Key Takeaways

1. Dell introduced two new laptops, the Pro Max 16 Plus and Pro Max 18 Plus, expected to launch around July 2025.
2. Both models feature a powerful “55 Watt Intel CPU” and can be equipped with an Nvidia RTX Pro 5000 GPU, offering up to 24 GB of VRAM.
3. Users can upgrade memory and storage easily, with options for up to 256 GB of CAMM memory and storage capacities of 12 TB (Pro Max 16) and 16 TB (Pro Max 18).
4. The Pro Max 16 Plus offers a 4K OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, while the Pro Max 18 Plus has a 1440p screen.
5. Both laptops include a 92 Wh battery with rapid charging capabilities and an 8 MP webcam with Windows Hello support.

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Back at CES, Dell introduced the somewhat confusingly named Dell Pro Max 14 and 16 as their premium laptops for businesses. Recently, they unveiled two more laptops with equally perplexing names: the Dell Pro Max 16 Plus and Dell Pro Max 18 Plus. These models were hinted at in a leak before CES in 2024, but they did not make an appearance at the event. While there are no specific prices available, it’s anticipated that these laptops will be available for purchase around July 2025.

Performance and Specifications

The Dell Pro Max 16 Plus and Dell Pro Max 18 Plus are equipped with a “55 Watt Intel CPU,” which suggests it might be an Arrow Lake-HX model such as the Core Ultra 9 275HX. Users can opt for an Nvidia RTX Pro 5000 Blackwell Generation GPU, which can offer up to 24 GB of VRAM. An easily accessible hatch located at the bottom of the laptops allows for straightforward memory and storage upgrades, making the process hassle-free.

Memory and Storage Options

As if that wasn’t sufficient, these new laptops can be configured with up to 256 GB of CAMM memory running at 7,200 MT/s or 96 GB of SODIMMs. The Pro Max 18 can support a maximum storage capacity of 16 TB, while the Pro Max 16 is capped at 12 TB, with various RAID configuration options available. Both models include a combination of Thunderbolt 5.0 and Thunderbolt 4.0 ports, catering to diverse expansion requirements.

Display and Battery Life

The Dell Pro Max 16 Plus features an option for a 4K 16:10 tandem OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and VESA HDR-1000 True Black certification. Conversely, the Dell Pro Max 18 Plus limits its 18-inch screen to a 1440p resolution. Each laptop is powered by a 92 Wh battery that supports rapid charging of up to 280 Watts via USB-C. They also come equipped with an 8 MP webcam that includes Windows Hello functionality right out of the box.

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