Earlier this year at CES 2018, Dell introduced its new XPS 15 2-in-1 machine, which it considers to be the world's most powerful convertible. In this case, all of the computing muscle is coming from Intel's new 8th generation Core i5 and Core i7 processors that feature on-package AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL GPUs with 4GB of HBM2.
While we previously gave you a hands-on look at the XPS 15 2-in-1 at the Dell booth, what we have today is even more tantalizing. We've got some results from multiple Rise of the Tomb Raider benchmark runs. The XPS 15 2-in-1 was configured with a Core i7-8705G processor (3.1GHz base, 4.1GHz boost), the aforementioned Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics processor, 16GB of DDR4 memory, and an ultra-fast NVMe SSD.
Running at 1920x1080 resolution, the XPS 15 2-in-1 was able to maintain an average frame rate of nearly 35 frames per second with High image quality settings dialed in. Compared to a similar 8th generation Core system with Intel's own integrated HD 620U graphics, it was no contest. Even on Medium Quality settings, the Intel HD 620 was only able to manage about 8 frames per second. In our video above, we're fairly certain the the 29 frames per second run on the XPS 15 2-in-1 was accomplished using the Very High IQ setting.
For comparison, an 8th generation Core processor paired with an NVIDIA MX 150 GPU was able to put up an average frame rate of around 23 frames per second in the same benchmark at High IQ settings.
Needless to say, graphics performance definitely looks promising for these new 8th generation Intel Core processors with AMD graphics. We don't know how long this AMD partnership will last, but the bitter rivals should be commended for hitting it out of the park on the first try.
In addition to the brawny processor and GPU, we should also mention that the XPS 15 2-in-1 can be had with a 15.6-inch UltraSharp 4K UHD InfinityEdge display and up to a 1TB NVMe SSD. A 75 WHr battery gives you up to 15 hours of runtime and everything is wrapped up in a stylish CNC-machined aluminum chassis.
The XPS 15 2-in-1 will begin shipping in late Spring with a starting price of $1,299.
https://hothardware.com/news/intel-core-i7-8705g-benchmarks-dell-xps-15-vega-m-umd-mx-150
Looks good.