The XPS 15 is available with 8th generation processors covering the Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9 product families.
The Core i9-8950HK is a hexa-core beast (12 threads) with a base clock of 2.9GHz. The processor, however, leverages Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology, which allows it to clock up to 4.8GHz on a single core. Core i5 models (i5-8300H) are available in quad-core/octa-thread configurations while the Core i7 models (i7-8750H) boast six cores and 12 threads (like the Core i9). And all of these XPS technology updates come on the heels of Dell’s XPS 15 2-in-1 convertible (our review) roll-out, which delivers a solid one-two punch of quad-core CPU with on-board AMD GPU muscle.
Not to be out-shined, we should note that these new Dell XPS 15 Coffee Lake processor updates aren’t the only upgrades within the line-up. Last year’s model was available with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 discrete graphics engine, but this year it is joined by the higher-spec’d GeForce GTX 1050 Ti to eke out a smidge more graphics and gaming performance.
When it comes to the XPS 15’s other specs, things are very familiar. You still get a 15.6-inch Infinity Edge display that can be had in Full HD (1920×1080) or Ultra HD (3840×2160) screen resolutions. Storage options remain plentiful with you’d chose of PCIe NVMe SSDs or solid-state hybrid drives. Base systems receive an integrated 56 WHr battery, while uprated models (like those equipped with the Core i9 processor) come with a far larger 97 WHr battery.
Wireless connectivity continues to be handled by a Killer 1535 802.11ac Wi-Fi module with Bluetooth 4.2 thrown in for good measure. Physical ports are also varied, with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1, and HDMI 2.0 at your disposal. An SDHC/SDXC card reader is at your disposal for offloading images off your D-SLR (if you’re still rocking one these days).
The base XPS 15 (with the 56 WHr battery) weighs in a relatively light (for its class) 4 pounds, while SKUs with a the 97 WHr battery push weight up slightly to 4.5 pounds. Systems with Intel’s new Coffee Lake processors will ship in May with a base price of $999.
