Apple vs.

Dell:
A Workstation Buyer’s Checklist
When buying a workstation, price-performance matters. But it’s not the only
consideration. Also important is aligning features and capabilities with user
applications and workloads. So are system optimization, expandability and
support. While many buyers — especially in graphics, video and multimedia
fields — might consider Apple’s iMac, iMac Pro and MacBook Pro models
best suited to their needs, they may be selling themselves short in many
ways. This paper provides a checklist for buyers to compare Apple’s newest
high-end offerings with the latest Dell Precision workstations.

While PCs, tablets and smartphones are found just about

everywhere these days, powerful workstations stay relatively
hidden in the offices and carrying cases of professionals
working in such industries as biosciences, energy, finance,
up
to 394%
engineering, media and entertainment, and manufacturing. Performance gains with

Yet the mark of workstations on the world is quite evident: Dell Precision Optimizer

from the design and engineering of planes, trains, and

3 year
automobiles to highways, bridges, and buildings to movies,
games, and music. In the abstract, workstations are also
indispensable for chemical engineering, fluid dynamics, Warranty including
financial analysis and modeling, artificial intelligence, onsite service after
machine learning, and augmented and virtual reality. remote diagnosis

Endless
Configuration options
available to customize
your Dell workstation

Apple vs. Dell | A Workstation Buyer’s Checklist 2 / 12

Transforming how
work gets done.
As workstations continue to grow in power and
speed, they are helping users to extend their
investigative horizons and to be much more creative
and productive by minimizing computational
latencies. Whether deployed in tower, rack, mobile
or all-in-one configurations, workstations are
transforming how work gets done.
For example, they’re enabling digital and physical
workspaces to merge. CAD/CAE applications with
virtual-reality features can help architects and
engineers visualize — or even walk through — their
models in full-scale 3D, so they and their customers
can evaluate the effectiveness of their designs. On
factory floors, workers wearing augmented reality
visors can see real-time operational data drawn
from workstation applications that is displayed in
the margins of their visors’ visual fields allowing
them to make better and faster decisions.
Missing in action: Apple.
In these and most other types of applications
needing workstation power, odds are high that
Apple iMac and MacBook Pro models are not to be
seen. The reasons for their absence — including
limited optimization, configuration and expandability
options, price-performance, and support — are
also prompting professionals in graphics, video and
multimedia fields to reconsider their long-standing
allegiance to Apple technology. Another reason
Macs are missing from engineering, manufacturing,
sciences, and other compute-intensive fields is that
the Mac platform lacks the powerful Windows-
based applications that have been developed over
time for these fields.
Apple vs. Dell | A Workstation Buyer’s Checklist
As Jay Rappaport, assistant dean of Information
Technology and Facilities at Drexel University’s
ACE (Animation, Capture & Effects) Lab, puts
it: “Many students expect Macs in our labs, but
Macs can’t run NVIDIA cards like the Dell Precision
workstations can. In fact, Dell Precision 7910s can
each run up to four of them.”
According to Vashi Nedomansky, a leading feature
film editor and co-founder of VashiVisuals, the
iMac Pros fell short of what he needed in editing
the 2016 film Deadpool. “I created and supervised
the 2K post-production workflow on Deadpool
using iMac Pros,” he says. “With over 550 hours of
footage, we pushed their limits and literally burned
up 10 Apple [Mac Pro] systems.”
That’s why, for his next film, 6 Below: Miracle on
the Mountain, he chose the Dell Precision Tower
7000 Series for video editing. “After testing
everything on the market,... the Dell workstation
was the only system that could do the job. Its
power and expandability are second to none,” he
says. “6 Below was the first feature film edited
natively at 6K using the RED Dragon R3D camera
original files. No transcodes. No offline. No issues.”
3 / 12
Times a-changing.
That’s why both universities and studios producing
special effects and computer-generated imagery
(CGI) — Apple’s traditional customer base — are
turning to Dell Precision workstations instead of
Apple’s platforms. For tech-savvy professionals in “ Many students expect Macs in
media and entertainment, it’s small wonder that
our labs, but Macs can’t run
Dell Precision workstations were used in producing
the CGI for movies that won five of the last eight
NVIDIA cards like the Dell Precision
Academy Awards for Visual Effects. workstations can. In fact,
Dell Precision 7910s can each
Following is a checklist of questions that run up to four of them.”
prospective buyers of Apple high-end products
— Jason Rappaport, Assistant Dean of Information
should ask Apple representatives about a
Technology and Facilities at the ACE (Animation,
range of features, capabilities and support
Capture & Effects) Lab, Drexel University
that they can then compare to Dell Precision
workstations. At the end of this paper, readers
can download a complimentary, 12-page guide
to configuring a workstation in such a way as to
align its component selections with the types of
applications and workloads its users will have.

Apple vs. Dell | A Workstation Buyer’s Checklist 4 / 12

 Do the Apple iMac Pro and MacBook Pro have
1 any way to ensure performance optimization
for key applications like what the Dell Precision
Optimizer does?
Frankly, they don’t. But all Dell Precision workstations come with Dell exclusive Dell Precision
Optimizer software at no extra charge. This unique application provides automatic, on-the-fly
system tuning that:

• Enhances the performance of 27 of the most commonly used workstation

applications, including those from Adobe, Autodesk, Avid, CATIA, SolidWorks, Sonar
Cakewalk, Landmark DecisionSpace, Petrel, and others that span engineering, media and
entertainment, and scientific fields.

• Adjusts system settings automatically, including Intel® Hyper-Threading technology,

across the optimum number of CPU cores. It also fine-tunes graphics and power settings
according to the particular application and workload. The performance gains can be as high
as 394 percent over default factory settings. In a new premium version, the Dell Precision
workstation goes even further: It can learn the behavior of any user-specified application,
and then identify optimization opportunities using machine learning and apply performance
improvements, delivering a true custom optimization of performance.

• Keeps Dell Precision workstations updated

with the latest BIOS, firmware, system
software and drivers. Note, too, that Dell
Precision workstations can be ordered
with factory-installed Ubuntu or Red Hat
Enterprise Linux operating system software,
plus extended lifecycle support.

• Tracks and reports on system utilization to

help users and administrators learn where opportunities to further enhance performance
may exist. They can address resource bottlenecks by getting smart notifications when
CPU, memory and storage utilization reach predefined threshold levels. What’s more,
administrators can use Dell Precision Optimizer software with Microsoft System Center
Configuration Manager or their existing management console to centrally manage virtually
any number of networked Dell Precision workstations.

Apple vs. Dell | A Workstation Buyer’s Checklist 5 / 12

 Does Apple have long-term relationships with
2 leading independent software vendors (ISVs),
such as what Dell has, to certify that the Apple
iMac Pro and MacBook Pro work well with their
workstation applications?
For years, Dell has invested thousands of hours and substantial sums of money in its Dell
Precision Technology Partner Program. Why? To cultivate an ecosystem of strategic partners
whose powerful applications work best on Dell Precision workstations. Dell also has an ISV
Certification program to test and certify that its hardware works optimally with more than
80 workstation applications from 25 partner vendors. Those include Adobe, Autodesk,
Avid, Dassault Systèmes, Schlumberger and Siemens, plus other top names in engineering,
media and entertainment, and scientific applications. In addition, Dell works closely with its
technology partners like Intel, Nvidia and AMD to provide the best possible performance and
component options on Dell Precision workstations.

Microsoft partnership. In addition, Dell has had a long-standing relationship with Microsoft,
which now offers Windows 10 Pro for Workstations which will support future Precision
workstations with up to 6TB of memory! In addition all Precision workstations with ECC
memory support Dell’s innovative Reliable Memory Technology Pro. RMT Pro works with
ECC memory to permanently map out identified bad spots on the DIMM which increases the
system’s reliability and the life of the DIMM.

What’s more, Windows 10 Pro for Workstations features SMB Direct2 to accelerate file
transfers between workstations and servers. SMB Direct2 uses RDMA-capable network
adapters to utilize the full throughput of high-speed networks, transferring data at wireline
speeds. It also provides extremely low-latency network requests, so remote storage performs
like local storage. Last, it reduces CPU utilization significantly, so users have more compute
power available to run other applications, such as Autodesk or Adobe Creative Suite

Apple vs. Dell | A Workstation Buyer’s Checklist 6 / 12

 How configurable and expandable are the
3 Apple iMac Pro and MacBook Pro when ordered?
And how easy are they to upgrade after sale?
Apple iMac, iMac Pro and MacBook Pro have limited ordering and configuration options. In
contrast, the Dell Precision workstations portfolio consists of three families — the 3000
Series, the 5000 Series and the 7000 Series. In all, Dell Precision workstations come in many
different models, including scalable towers, racks for the data center, mobile systems for
users on the go, and an all-in-one version with incredible sound and VR capabilities. This wide
range of models offers buyers plenty of baseline solutions that can then be further configured
to a user’s exact needs when ordered.

Dell Precision workstation owners have easy access to their unit’s insides to upgrade CPU,
RAM and hard disk drives. The back of the Dell Precision 5720 All-in-One (AiO) workstation
comes off with just two screws. And RAM and disk drive upgrades don’t require tools.

Take RAM, for example. It’s the only after-sale upgrade available for the iMac and IMac
Pro (although Apple recommends the procedure be done by an Apple Store technician or
an authorized Apple Reseller). The most RAM that the iMac Pro can hold is 128GB, while
comparable Dell Precision 7820 and 7920 tower models can be ordered with up to 384GB and
3TB respectively. The disparity is even greater when comparing the MacBook Pro’s maximum
16GB of RAM to the Dell Precision 7720 mobile workstation’s maximum 64GB of RAM—four
times more.

Other factory options for Apple’s iMac Pro are just as limited compared to the Dell
Precision 7820/7920 models, as the table below shows:

Apple iMac Pro Dell Precision 7820/7920 Dell Precision 5820

4 options, up to a single 52 options, up to a dual Intel 10 processor options, up to Intel Xeon

CPU main
2.3GHz 18-core Intel Xeon Platinum 8180 with up to W-2195 with 18 cores operating as fast
Processors
Xeon W processor 28 cores each. as 4.3GHz in Turbo mode

GPU graphic
2 AMD Radeon 35 options, with 18 from AMD 12 options, with 3 from AMD
accelerator
Vega options and 17 from NVIDIA and 9 from NVIDIA
cards

51 options including both SATA/

17 options including both SATA/SAS SSDs,
Hard drive 3 options, all SSD, SAS SSDs, PCIe SSDs (up to 2TB
PCIe SSDs (up to 2TB each), SATA SAS
storage up to total 4TB capacity each), SATA SAS HDDs up to total
HDDs up to total 28TB capacity
28TB/56TB capacity

Apple vs. Dell | A Workstation Buyer’s Checklist 7 / 12

 How does the price-performance of the Apple iMac
4 Pro and MacBook Pro compare to leading non-Apple
workstations, such as the Dell Precision lineup?
Of course, price-performance is a key consideration in any workstation purchase. Apple,
unfortunately, cannot compare its iMac, iMac Pro and MacBook Pro to close equivalents in
the Dell Precision workstation lineup. For example, the iMac base model with a 27-inch display
costs $1,799 and a comparably equipped Dell Precision 5720 AiO workstation costs $1,699.
An additional $210 buys a 10-point touch display; the iMac doesn’t offer a touch option.

Although the $100 difference may not sound like much, the iMac’s RAM options top out at
32GB, while the Dell Precision 5720 AIO workstation offers twice that, plus the ability to add
up to three drives compared to the iMac’s limit of just one. AiO users can also combine it with
a Dell Canvas workspace for a complete creative package, at almost the same price of just an
iMac with all its options.

For laptop users, Apple’s $2,399 MacBook Pro doesn’t come close to the price-performance
of a comparably equipped, $1,399 Dell Precision 5520 mobile workstation with the latter’s
ultra-high-definition, 15-inch display, 4GB professional NVIDIA graphics acceleration,
lighter weight and a battery life that’s twice as long. Not only does it cost $1,000 less
than a MacBook Pro, but the Dell Precision 5520 mobile workstation provides much more
expandability: twice the available RAM, one-third more maximum storage, and support for its
touchscreen option.

Keep in mind that none of the Apple products offer the previously mentioned Dell Precision
Optimizer software or the ISV certification — both of which are provided by the Dell
Precision workstation family.

What’s more, all Dell Precision workstations with Windows 10 can support the revolutionary
Dell Canvas 27 workspace. It’s a 20-point QHD (quad high-definition) touchscreen that
sits horizontally on a user’s desk. It comes with an EMR (electromagnetic resonance) pen
with 4,096 sensitivity levels for sketching and a Dial totem for interacting with menus and
presets. Together, they enable two-handed manipulation of screen images and commands.
Apple offers nothing like the Dell Canvas interactive workspace, which was also a CES 2017
Innovation Awards honoree.

Apple vs. Dell | A Workstation Buyer’s Checklist 8 / 12

 How does Apple’s warranty and support for the Apple
5 iMac, iMac Pro and MacBook Pro compare to the Dell
warranty and support that backs the entire line of Dell
Precision workstations?
Actually, it hardly compares. Apple provides a one-year warranty, including 90-day phone
support, for both the iMac Pro and MacBook models. For $169, that coverage can be
extended to three years, but with a $299 service fee per incident for up to two accidental
damage incidents. In contrast, Dell Precision workstations come with a three-year warranty
that includes onsite service after remote diagnosis of a problem.

The Dell three-year warranty reflects the company’s confidence in the quality control and
reliability of every Dell Precision workstation it builds. Dell starts by setting the highest
standards in design and engineering, and it continues that level of excellence through the
procurement of the finest components and materials. Dell engineering teams follow that with
precise, automated manufacturing and rigorous testing. To help ensure product excellence,
Dell has set up a continual feedback loop between our customers’ use of their Dell Precision
workstations and the relevant Product Management, Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality
Control groups.

Dell also offers ProSupport, with response-time options in as little as four hours. Apple does
not have a direct equivalent to ProSupport, basing its support offer on hardware warranty
extensions associated with expensive one-year subscriptions for professional remote support.

Apple vs. Dell | A Workstation Buyer’s Checklist 9 / 12

 How does Apple’s management and security for the
6 Apple iMac, iMac Pro and MacBook Pro compare to
the Dell Precision workstation family?
Dell offers client systems that are not only the most secure and reliable, but also the most manageable. By
offering support for more client management tools and the availability of Dell Command Monitor and Client
Command Suite, Dell offers support from the firmware to the operating system. In addition, Windows 10
Provisioning by AirWatch provides customers with the opportunity to deploy directly from the factory to
the end user (much like Apple DEP, but with a better user experience and self-service options). Dell device
management is also cloud-ready. Customers can now manage Dell systems over-the-air with an integration
of Dell Client Command Suite and VMware AirWatch.

Dell Precision workstations on Windows 10, together with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager
(SCCM), allow for streamlined systems management. In contrast, customers looking for a similar experience
with Apple products, must buy and operate a mobile-device management (MDM) solution or an Apple-
specific solution like JAMF Pro (formerly Casper Suite). This can lead to added cost and complexity.

Data resiliency. Users of Dell Precision workstations and Windows 10 Pro for Workstations can take
advantage of the latter’s Resilient File System (ReFS). As its name suggests, ReFS is designed to be resilient
to data corruption and optimized to handle large data volumes. It protects workstation data with integrity
streams on mirrored storage spaces. With these integrity streams, the ReFS detects when data becomes
corrupt on one of the mirrored drives and automatically switches to a healthy copy of a user’s data on the
other drive to correct and protect their critical data.

Dell offers a wide variety of security solutions to protect PCs. At the BIOS level, Dell BIOS Recovery and
Apple BIOS recovery have similar capability to automatically recover BIOS when tampered with. However,
Dell goes beyond this capability by offering the industry’s only off-host BIOS recovery with Dell Endpoint
Security Suite Enterprise on Commercial PCs. This feature enables customers to check the integrity of BIOS
outside a potentially contaminated environment.

Added data security protection. Dell Encryption Enterprise also offers better protection than Apple’s
FileVault 2, by providing customers with the ability to manage BitLocker and/or Dell security products
via a single, integrated console. It also manages self-encrypting drives (SEDs) and enables data-centric
encryption that offers flexible protection for different types of data with different keys.

Dell Encryption Enterprise also covers a wide range of devices, including PCs, Macs, external media and
file servers — all from one solution. In terms of authentication, Dell’s ControlVault and Apple’s T1 chipset
provide similar functionality by preserving user’s credentials. However, the Dell ControlVault feature is
certified compliant with the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) Publication 140-2.

Apple vs. Dell | A Workstation Buyer’s Checklist 10 / 12

In 2007, Steve Jobs, the late founder and CEO of
Apple Computer, announced that the company had
dropped “computer” from its name and would be
known as Apple thereafter. The reason for the name
change was that the company had shifted its focus
from computers to consumer electronics. Now, more
than a decade later, Mac computers only make up
13.7 percent of Apple’s total revenues, dwarfed by
sales of the iPhone and even the iPad.

The point is, Apple is focused more on making

consumer electronics that are “insanely great,” to
borrow a favorite Jobs saying, than it is on making
Mac computers on par with the Dell Precision
workstations. In short, Apple’s iMac, iMac Pro and
MacBook Pro lack the performance optimization,
configuration and expandability options, price-
performance, ISV application support, three-year
warranty, and the technical support options of the
Dell Precision workstation family.

It’s worth noting, too, that Dell Precision

workstations are part of a much larger Dell EMC
and Dell Technologies portfolio that includes leading
high-performance servers, networking and storage;
4K, 8K and HDR displays; and the entire VMware
product family. Many Dell workstation customers
also choose to integrate these products because
of their proven interoperability and to simplify
procurement and support by single-sourcing.

DELL PRECISION
All-in-One (AiO)
desktop workstation

DELL CANVAS
Touch display and visual
workspace

Apple vs. Dell | A Workstation Buyer’s Checklist 11 / 12

At Dell, the mission is...
to make sure that Dell Precision workstations are not just the best value on
the market, but, most importantly, that they support extraordinary creative
and productive outputs of their customers day in and day out, year after year.

To learn more about Dell Precision workstations, click here.

1
Charles King, “Dell Precision – SIGGRAPH 2017 and Democratizing Visual Computing,” Techspective, August 5, 2017.
https://techspective.net/2017/08/05/dell-precision-siggraph-2017-democratizing-visual-computing/
2
http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/19/campaigns/dell-precision-optimizer
3
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/12/14/imac-pro-ram-upgrade-apple/
4
Apple.com: https://www.apple.com/support/products/mac.html
5
Apple 2017 Form 10–K Annual Report, p. 23. http://investor.apple.com/secfiling.cfm?filingID=320193-17-70&CIK=320193

Copyright © 2018 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. Dell and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Atom, Intel
Atom Inside, Intel Core, Intel Inside, the Intel Inside logo, Intel vPro, Celeron, Celeron Inside, Core Inside, Itanium, Itanium Inside, Pentium, Pentium Inside, Ultrabook, vPro,
Xeon, Xeon Phi and Xeon Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. This case study is for informational purposes only. Dell and EMC make no
warranties — express or implied — in this document.

Based on Dell internal testing, July 2017, using the SPECapc Creo 3.0 Wireframe Graphics benchmark test comparing a Dell Precision 7920 Rack with Dell Precision Optimizer
vs. the same system with factory standard settings. Actual performance will vary based on usage, configuration, and manufacturing variability

Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.