Dell Precision 7790 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Dell Precision 7790 | MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 19,000 | 28,000 | -32.1% |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-15850HX | Apple M5 Max | — |
| Graphics | Nvidia RTX 4000 Ada | Integrated 40-Core GPU | — |
| Display | 17.3" 1920x1200 | 16.2" 3456x2234 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 6.5 | 20 | -67.5% |
| Weight (kg) | 3.05 | 2.14 | +42.5% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 32GB / 1024GB | 36GB / 1024GB | — |
| Max configuration | 64GB / 4096GB | 128GB / 4096GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro | macOS | — |
| Price (USD) | $3,800–$5,200 | $3,599–$4,999 | +5.6% |
- MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is about 32% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) lasts longer on battery (20h vs 6.5h).
- MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the more portable at 2.14 kg.
Verdict: Precision 7790 or MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)?
Dell Precision 7790 advantages
- Screen size (+6%)
MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) advantages
- Multi-core performance (+32%)
- Battery life (+68%)
- Portability (+30%)
- Base memory (+11%)
- Affordability (+5%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Dell Precision 7790 if a larger screen matters to you.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
Value for money
MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Dell Precision 7790 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max): which should you choose?
Dell Precision 7790 — Dell workstation laptop (2025) with the Intel Core i7-15850HX and Nvidia RTX 4000 Ada, 32GB RAM, a 17.3-inch 1920x1200 display, 3.05 kg and about 6.5 h battery; from $3,800.
MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2026) with the Apple M5 Max and Integrated 40-Core GPU, 36GB RAM, a 16.2-inch 3456x2234 display, 2.14 kg and about 20 h battery; from $3,599.
Dell Precision 7790 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max): MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the faster laptop. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is about 32% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) lasts longer on battery (20h vs 6.5h). MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the more portable at 2.14 kg.
Performance
The MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (28,000 vs 19,000), pairing the Apple M5 Max with Integrated 40-Core GPU. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick. Note these serve different roles — a workstation versus a ultrabook/creator machine — so raw speed is only part of the story.
Portability and battery
The MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is easier to carry at 2.14 kg (vs 3.05 kg), and the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) lasts longer unplugged (about 20 h vs 6.5 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 32 GB / 1024 GB and 36 GB / 1024 GB, with higher-spec variants available. RAM, storage and display upgrades change both price and experience — compare like-for-like configurations and check current street pricing before buying.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the laptop comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dell Precision 7790 better than the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)?
MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is about 32% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) lasts longer on battery (20h vs 6.5h).
What is the main difference between the Dell Precision 7790 and the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)?
MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is about 32% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) lasts longer on battery (20h vs 6.5h). MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the more portable at 2.14 kg.
Which is better value?
MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Dell Precision 7790 if a larger screen matters to you. Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
Methodology
Laptops are compared on Geekbench 6 multi-core scores, processor and graphics hardware, display size and resolution, rated battery life, weight, RAM and storage across launch configurations, and list pricing (USD). Where a model spans several generations, the newest generation is shown. Battery figures are manufacturer or reviewer ratings under mixed use — sustained performance also depends on cooling, which benchmarks only partly capture.