Performance
The test model is equipped with Intel Core i5-3210M (2.5
GHz) processor belonging to the latest generation of Core I series, 4GB RAM,
500GB HDD and Nvidia GeForce GT630M VGA.
Marked by Windows Experience
Index
Beside the given Ubuntu, we also installed Windows 7 Home
Premium 64 bit and correct drivers to judge the hardware. The laptop gained 4.8
scores (graphics was the lowest one), marked by Windows Experience Index. In
the detailed chart, processor achieved 7.1, RAM got 5.9 while gaming graphics
was at 6.7. Primary hard disk scored 5.9.
Marked by PC Mark
Vantage
Using PC Mark Vantage, the laptop scored 7.351, pretty well
for a mid-level model. Specifically, memory score was 4.410, gaming and HDD
score were 5.778 and 3.210 respectively.
Marked by 3D Mark
06
With the latest integrated Intel Core I graphic chip and a
discrete card, the laptop won a high 9.698, marked by 3D Mark 06. This score is
rarely given to previous models at $719.25 price range.
Marked the
processor
Marked the processor and tested OpenGl by Cinebech 11.5, the
result of processor was 2.88 and the graphic received an average speed of 29.39
fps.
Capacious HDD
Marked the HDD
Dell Inspiron 14R 5420 uses a 500GB HDD (5400 round per
minute). This device achieved an average 67.7MB/s speed. The result is not
outstanding relating to other laptops which have the same capacity and speed.
Heat elimination
Temperature in
common web surfing and video playing
Temperature after
using a benchmark program and 100% CPU in around 20 minutes
Dell Inspiron 14R 5420 may be criticized for its thickness
but this point makes it cooler than other slim models. Heat sink is quite
impressive. After either watching video in 2 constant hours or using a graphic
benchmark program in around 45 minutes, the model didn’t get hot except for a
little warm in the left side while the right one was still cool. The outlet
hole produced some heat but it still didn’t affect users much.
Battery test
Test on battery’s
run time
We opened 10 simultaneous web pages in Chrome auto-loading
them after each 15 minutes, then opened an online music broadcast left to play
nonstop, used headphone instead of speaker and set 70% volume and 50%
brightness then left the laptop running until there was 5% battery. The
allotted time was 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in another test, we repeated a 720 HD movie,
turned Wi-Fi off, used headphone instead of speaker and set 70% volume (100%
volume in Window Media Player) and 50% brightness then left the laptop running
‘til it switched off itself (5% battery left). The allotted time was 3 hours.
Sound
Sound system is
near the bottom edge
With Waves MaxxAudio 3 technology, this Dell laptop sounds
pretty well with clear bass, better than other mid-level models. However, the
treble is not as sharp as that of the opponents. Though, the audio quality is
quite enough for personal entertainment in a 20-meter-squared room.
Comparison with other models
|
Model
|
Dell Inspiron 14R 5420
|
Toshiba Satellite M840
|
|
Screen size
|
14 inches
|
14 inches
|
|
Chip
|
Intel Core i5-3210M (2.5) GHz
|
Intel Core i5-3210M (2.5) GHz
|
|
RAM
|
4GB DDR3
|
4GB DDR3
|
|
Graphics
|
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Nvidia GeForce GT630M
|
Intel HD Graphics 4000
|
|
HDD
|
500GB HDD
|
500GB HDD
|
|
Connectors
|
4 USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, LAN, VGA
|
1 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, VGA, LAN
|
|
Weight
|
2.29 kg
|
1.06 kg
|
|
Features
|
Third-generation Core i5 chip, high performance
|
Fashionable design, good audio quality
|
