Dell Precision 5860 Tower Workstation Review

The Dell Precision 5860 is a mid-range Intel-based tower workstation tailored for demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, AI development, and large-scale data processing. Built with enterprise-grade components, it balances performance, scalability, and reliability, making it ideal for engineers, designers, and developers.

Key Specifications and Features

1. Processing Power

   • Equipped with Intel Xeon W-series "Sapphire Rapids" CPUs, supporting up to 24 cores/48 threads (e.g., Xeon w7-2495X). For higher core counts, users must upgrade to the Precision 7960 (56 cores) or Precision 7865 (AMD Threadripper Pro, 64 cores).

   • Supports 2TB of DDR5-4800 ECC memory across 8 DIMM slots, ensuring stability for memory-intensive workflows.

2. Graphics and Expansion

   • Dual GPU support with options for NVIDIA RTX A6000 (48GB GDDR6) or AMD Radeon Pro W6800 (16GB GDDR6).

   • PCIe Gen5 and Gen4 slots:

     • 1x Gen5 x16

     • 1x Gen4 x16

     • 3x Gen4 x8 (open-ended)

     • Dedicated slots for NVMe Gen4 SSDs and SATA drives.

3. Storage Flexibility

   • Configurable with 56TB maximum storage via dual Gen4 M.2 slots, two internal SATA bays, and two FlexBay slots for hot-swappable drives.

4. Design and Build

   • Robust steel chassis with recyclable materials (61% recycled plastics).

   • Tool-free access for easy upgrades and maintenance.

   • Optional rack-mount or horizontal placement with rubberized feet.

5. Software and Security

   • Pre-certified for ISV applications (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks).

   • Advanced security features: TPM 2.0, BIOS-level encryption, and chassis intrusion detection.

Performance Highlights

• AI and Compute Workloads: The Precision 5860’s Xeon CPUs and dual GPUs excel in AI model training, simulation, and rendering. Paired with Dell’s AI-ready optimizations, it supports frameworks like PyTorch and CUDA.

• Thermal Efficiency: A large tower cooler with 11 heat pipes ensures stable performance under sustained loads.

• Dell Optimizer: AI-driven software enhances application performance and system responsiveness based on usage patterns.

• BIOS Quirks: The system may not display the Dell logo during POST if video output is not routed through the primary GPU slot. This is a design choice to prioritize stability.

• Upgradability Restrictions: BIOS updates may limit downgrade options for certain Xeon processors.