Dell’s new XPS 14 is an engineering marvel that defies expectations, and part of the newfound magic is a considerable boost to integrated graphics performance. These advancements make the XPS 14 a great choice for casual creators who need a thin, light device – with a great battery life – for everyday work and some light gaming in the evenings. Let’s dig in to see how Dell was able to accomplish these massive leaps forward with its latest XPS 14.
Is Dell’s new XPS 14 as powerful as its predecessor despite lacking a discrete GPU?
Dell’s new XPS 14 indeed lacks a discrete GPU, but that matters less than ever thanks to Intel’s Core Ultra “Panther Lake” series chips that can deliver discrete-level performance without any of the downsides.
One of Intel’s biggest announcements tied to Panther Lake was its enormous progress with the chips’ integrated graphics, and those jumps forward have arrived to power the new XPS 14.
With the help of Dell’s new 900ED batteries and more power-efficient displays, you can expect up to 31 hours of battery life while streaming Netflix on an LCD. That number will drop in real-world applications, but it’s still a monumental leap forward.
Ultimately, these advancements that have found a home in the XPS 14 allow creators to work longer without plugging in, to travel easier without as much bulk, to power creative apps like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and to enjoy casual gaming when the day’s work is done.
Can Dell’s XPS 14 capably run more demanding apps like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom?
Yes, Dell’s XPS 14 is an excellent choice for creative apps like Photoshop and Lightroom thanks to a combination of new, more powerful processors, graphics, memory, and storage.
The main attraction here is undoubtedly the overhauled Intel “Panther Lake” Arc graphics that can deliver discrete-level GPU performance in a much smaller and more efficient integrated package.
It’s not just all about the graphics, either. Adobe (and many others) offer creative software that benefits most from fast and plentiful memory, speedy solid-state drive (SSD) storage, and a powerful processor with lots of cores. Dell’s XPS 14 delivers on all fronts.
The XPS 14 runs with up to 64GB of incredibly fast and efficient LPDDR5x-9600MT/s RAM and up to 4TB of cutting-edge M.2 PCIe 5.0 storage. Intel’s flagship Core Ultra X7 358H and X9 388H processors feature 16 cores, altogether easily surpassing Adobe’s requirements.
Most creators want power and efficiency without weight and heat, and that’s exactly what the new XPS 14 delivers. It’s even smaller than the MacBook Air 13, all the while delivering more screen space.
Does the Dell XPS 14’s newfound power result in more heat and louder fans?
Dell’s new XPS 14 is the company’s thinnest 14-inch model yet at just 14.6mm thin, and it runs quieter and cooler than ever due to a lack of discrete GPU creating additional heat.
A lot of this newfound efficiency lies in the move away from discrete graphics. By leveraging Intel’s integrated chip and through the use of new 900ED battery cells, Dell was able to fit dual fans 61% larger than before.
I know that creators love to work on the move, but there’s nothing worse than a hot, loud PC sitting in your lap. Because the XPS 14 has a side air intake and a rear exhaust, you’ll hardly notice the cooling system in action. The larger and thinner fans contribute to a base that remains about 8 degrees cooler than before, all while running about 36% quieter.
Available with customizable 19W, 27W, and 65W power profiles, you’re essentially in complete control of your XPS 14’s thermals and performance, no matter the task at hand.
Can Dell’s new XPS 14 leverage powerful AI in everyday use?
Dell’s XPS 14 is a capable AI PC thanks to the inclusion of Intel’s upgraded Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that can deliver up to 50 TOPS of AI power anytime you need it.
Not only do these new chips and their NPUs exceed Microsoft’s Copilot+ requirements, but they’re also tested to work optimally with popular AI software from leading ISVs around the world.
The boosted AI power in the XPS 14 is key for creators who want to maximize productivity and complete tasks faster, allowing for extra time in the evenings to have a bit of fun.
Is Dell’s new XPS 14 capable of casual mainstream gaming?
Absolutely. Dell’s XPS 14 has the integrated GPU power to easily run casual games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and League of Legends, all without the added heat and power draw associated with a discrete GPU.
Creators are always focused on their work, but what’s life without a bit of fun between projects? Dell’s XPS 14 might be built with a focus on delivering the power that creators need to achieve their goals, but the improved power — akin to discrete-level graphics — also trickles down to deliver a smooth, casual gaming experience.
Dell’s XPS 14 displays, also geared towards creators with options up to a 2.8K resolution and a glorious OLED panel with stunning color reproduction, easily make the switch to gaming thanks to a fast 120Hz variable refresh rate and Dolby Vision certification. A 2K LCD option is also available with an impressive first-to-market VRR of 1-120Hz – great for saving battery on the go. And because the InfinityEdge displays have essentially removed all bezels, you’ll feel more immersed than ever.
I’d still recommend you check out Alienware Area-51 laptops if you want a dedicated gaming PC, but the XPS 14 can certainly run many of your favorite titles.
If you think a Dell XPS 14 is for you, find out more on the Dell website: US readers click here and UK readers here.
And there’s one more thing to know before you buy: Dell offers a price match guarantee. To learn more about the Dell price match and price guarantee, including the terms, exclusions and restrictions, US readers can click here and UK readers here.
