Entry-level mobile workstation removes discrete GPU options, relying entirely on integrated graphics to deliver thinner AMD and Intel laptops for CAD users
Dell has launched the Dell Pro Precision 5S, an entry-level mobile workstation that relies exclusively on processors with integrated graphics across both AMD and Intel variants. This is a first for a major OEM. While HP and Lenovo offer AMD-based mobile workstations that are integrated only, all their Intel-based models can be configured with discrete Nvidia GPUs.
For end users, a major benefit of removing the optional discrete GPU from the chassis design, is smaller, more portable laptops. While Dell is yet to release detailed specs, it has said the Dell Pro Precision 5S is it its thinnest and lightest mobile workstation ever, starting at 1.41kg. The pro laptop is available with 14- and 16-inch display options and features a three-sided aluminium design, which Dell says provides a polished, robust build.
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The Dell Pro Precision 5S can be configured with Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with Intel Arc Pro graphics with up to 12 Xe or AMD Ryzen AI 400 processors with AMD Radeon Pro graphics. It is ISV-certified and comes with up to 64 GB of 8,533MT/s LPCAMM memory.
The launch of the Dell Pro Precision 5S comes hot on the heels of the Dell Pro Precision 5 and 7 series mobile workstations and Dell Pro Precision 9 T2/T4/T6 desktop workstations which launched last week, both with Nvidia RTX Pro Blackwell Generation GPUs.
Dell Pro Precision 5S mobile workstations will be available in May.
What AEC Magazine thinks
In recent years, both HP and Lenovo have embraced integrated-graphics-only chassis designs for their AMD-based mobile workstations, allowing them to create significantly slimmer devices. A standout example is the HP ZBook Ultra G1a (read our review), which pairs a compact 14-inch form factor with the remarkably powerful ‘Strix Halo’ AMD Ryzen AI Max Pro processor and up to 128 GB of unified memory shared across the CPU, GPU and NPU.
By contrast, Dell has been more conservative with its AMD-based mobile workstations, retaining the option for a discrete GPU, resulting in larger chassis.
That’s why the decision to remove the discrete GPU option entirely from the Dell Pro Precision 5S feels significant. It’s not just a design choice, but a strategic one.
It signals that Dell now has confidence in the capabilities of modern integrated professional graphics — not only in terms of raw performance, but also in their ability to meet ISV certifications and deliver reliability in mainstream CAD and BIM workflows. This is particularly notable for Intel Arc Pro, which lacks the long workstation pedigree of Nvidia and AMD, having only started to take professional graphics seriously a few years ago.
While we have yet to test Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with up to 12 Xe Intel Arc Pro graphics, our experience with recent AMD integrated graphics has been very positive. For many AEC users working with 2D/3D CAD, BIM authoring, even entry-level viz, integrated graphics are now genuinely good enough — something that, historically, has not been the case.
