Dell Precision M3800 review
Dell Precision M3800 — from 2014, 1.88 kg, performance 21.
Technical specifications
| Type | Workstation |
| Release year | 2014 |
| Screen | 15.6" · 1920x1080 |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 4712HQ , Intel Core i7 4702HQ |
| Graphics | Quadro K1100M , Quadro K1100M 2GB |
| Max. RAM | 16 GB |
| Weight | 1.88 kg |
| Battery | 61 Wh |
Performance scores
The slim workstation whose graphics era closed
The Precision M3800 (2014) was Dell's first thin workstation — a quad-core i7-4712HQ with a Quadro K1100M and 16GB of RAM in a premium shell, today at $305, 35% below the workstation-class median. The data reads as expired credentials: graphics at 0.17 against a 42.23 class median (99.6% below), reliability at 9 versus 43.5, memory at 16 versus 64. Every measured game flag fails — GTA V at minimum, with Far Cry 5 and Battlefield 5 far below the playable floor.
What the chassis still offers
The M3800's argument was never the card — it was the thin aluminum body and the 15-inch display in a class of three-kilo bricks. As an office machine the quad-core still handles documents, browsing and media, and the 16GB pool covers the light-production side. The build quality reads better than the price suggests; that's the residual value.
What the flags retire
All three measured titles fail at minimum — no gaming claim survives this data. More importantly, the K1100M's professional credentials expired years ago: modern CAD and 3D software assume hardware far newer, and the driver era that gave this card meaning has closed. The workstation badge is heritage, not capability. Reliability at 9/43.5 completes the honest picture of a decade-plus of service.
Price trajectory
From a $2,200 anchor to $305 at a 7.67% annual rate, projecting $260 in two years — a 14.75% drop, essentially flat. The machine has reached material value: chassis, screen, keyboard.
Against its neighbors
Upward, HP's ZBook 15u G5 at $321 and Lenovo's ThinkPad P50s at $324 — four generations newer for $16-19 more, both dramatically stronger. Downward, HP's ZBook 14 G5 at $279. The step-up value at this shelf position is unusually clear: $20 buys a different decade of capability.
Bottom line
A budget-priced, badge-carrying office machine with expired professional credentials. Buy the thin chassis and the display at $305; the Quadro name and any gaming expectation left with the driver era.
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⭐ What stands out
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graphics performance is lower than typical workstation class (+99.6%) (office tier).
budget segment of category -
reliability is lower than typical workstation class (+79.3%) (low tier).
budget segment of category -
memory capacity is lower than typical workstation class (+75%) (comfort).
budget segment of category
🔁 Alternatives
Compromise axis: mobility ↔ compute power
🎮 What it can run
⚙️ Configuration analysis
Top configuration is built for office apps, web browsing, and basic daily tasks.
🤔 How to choose
Universal advice for any use case.
- Reliability vs price: reliability (median 43.5) ↔ price (median 471).
- Weight vs CPU: mobility (median 36) ↔ overall performance (median 60.6).
- Upgradeability vs battery: upgradability (median 100) ↔ battery life (median 2.4).
Precision M3800: verdict
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