Dell Vostro 15 3530 review – this laptop needs better cooling ASAP
Verdict
The Dell Vostro 15 3530 is kind of a mixed bag. We got the metal version of the device with the most powerful CPU option (Core i7-1355U) and with maxed-out memory configuration (2x 8GB DDR4-3200MHz). This sounds good on paper but in reality, the processor can’t show its full potential in medium and long loads because of the weak cooling system that has just one fan and one heat pipe. Probably because of that, the performance of the iGPU is also mediocre but still fine for playing CS:GO and Dota 2 on Medium details.
The keyboard and touchpad combo is one of the biggest pros of this machine. The board has an optional backlight, it’s spill-resistant, and it’s comfortable for typing thanks to the long key travel and the clicky feedback. The touchpad is smooth and precise. Aside from that, there is a lot of flex on the center of the board while typing which isn’t a very pleasant experience. The area around the touchpad is also bendable.
The weak cooling system is tuned for lower noise levels so your ears will be spared even when the CPU is tress at 100%. In this case, the central part of the keyboard is getting hot but it’s still okay for work. On the other hand, the external thermals are better during usual home and office tasks. Aside from that, the CPU temperature is going above 90°C even in light loads.
The upgrade options are some kind of redemption for this machine. There are two SODIMMs for up to 16GB of DDR4-3200MHz memory (or 2666MHz RAM depending on the laptop version). For storage, there is one M.2 slot that is compatible with fast 2230 or 2280 Gen 4 SSDs. The optional 1080 IPS panel should be one of the key selling points of this notebook. It has a 120Hz frequency, comfortable viewing angles, and a good contrast ratio. The sRGB coverage is narrow but that’s not a mandatory feature for such a device. The panel is also PWM-free which is great if you plan to use this laptop for long hours of work.
The port selection is modest – an HDMI 1.4 connector, a USB Type-A 3.2 (Gen. 1) port, a USB Type-C 3.2 (Gen. 1) port, a USB 2.0 port, an Audio jack, a LAN port, and an SD 3.0 card reader. Sadly, most goodies are optional which includes the IPS panel, the backlit keyboard, the fingerprint reader, the 3200MHz memory, the 1080p Web camera shutter, and even the metal chassis is an option. We got the bigger battery with a 54Wh capacity but the battery life isn’t impressive at all.
The Dell Vostro 15 3530 has potential, but the weak cooling solution and the not-so-solid chassis aren’t something that can be ignored. However, the IPS panel, the good portability, the comfortable keyboard, and the lower noise levels under load make the device suitable for office needs (if you can live with the flex on the center of the board while typing).
You can check the prices and configurations in our Specs System: https://laptopmedia.com/series/dell-vostro-15-3530-integrated/
Pros
- Aluminum body
- Has an SD card reader
- Optional fingerprint reader and 1080p Web camera with privacy shutter
- Modern design
- Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
- Good portability
- You can choose between four performance modes
- PWM-free display (TK0DH-NE156FH (NCP005F)
- Comfortable viewing angles and good contrast ratio (TK0DH-NE156FH (NCP005F)
- 2x SODIMM slots
- The single fan isn’t noisy
Cons
- The cooling solution is rather basic
- Just one M.2 slot
- The CPU clocks and temperatures under load aren’t impressive
- Low sRGB color coverage (LG FNPN5-160WU1 (LGD0701))
- Flexible lid and base
- The battery life could be better
Author: Nikolay Palaozov
Author: eng. Kroum NikolovHead of Engineering at LaptopMedia.com, inventor and innovator with 40+ years of experience in electronics and high technology.
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Graphics performance is severely degraded by using 1Rx16 type memory modules.
In my tests, Iris Xe gains around 25% more performance on average with 1Rx8 memories.
Im going to buy the version with 32gb of ram, what do you think about that?
It depends on what you want to use for, does it have keyboard light?