Configuration overview
The configuration of this Dell Gaming G16 is based on an Intel Raptor-lake platform. The CPU used (i9-13900HX) has the same configuration as the i9-13900K found on desktop PCs, but with lower frequencies.
The various components
We start with the CPU, motherboard and RAM, here on CPU-Z we can see that the Dell Gaming 16 is equipped with an i9-13900HX. For RAM, we’re on two Micron DDR5 sticks for 16 GB of RAM in total, all running in single rank at 4800 Mt/s CL40. We’d recommend upgrading to at least 32 or even 64 GB of RAM to get the most out of this machine.
Let’s move on to the graphics card. This is an interesting solution on paper for a notebook PC. In fact, the 140W RTX 4070 mobile offers attractive specifications for the budget allocated to this machine.
For storage, we have a Western digital SN740 PCIe 4.0 x4. The performance of this WD SSD is very good, with very low latency even if throughput is rather low due to its lack of cache.
As for the screen, we’re on a 240Hz 2K IPS panel (2560x1600p) capable of 350 nits.
Disassembly, repair and upgrade
Disassembly is performed by removing the 10 screws on the back of the unit, then using the plastic tools found in ifixit kits. For any modification or manipulation, the battery must be disconnected.
Disassembly is straightforward, thanks to the screws at the bottom which open the laptop when unscrewed, as on Alienware.
From a modification point of view, we have easy access to the 2 M.2 slots in PCIe 4.0 x4 format 2280 and 2232. The Wi-Fi card is also easily accessible. As for RAM, we can easily swap the 16GB in place for a 64GB kit. As far as RAM is concerned, the Kingston kit we installed at the end of this test only worked with 4800CL36 instead of 5600 CL40.
