The Dell Precision 3680 Desktop showcases Dell’s commitment to professional workstations in a tower format. Starting at $1,029, it offers scalable performance with the latest 14th Gen Intel i9 24-core CPU and 20GB NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada Graphics in high-end setups, delivering strong power for demanding tasks.

The Dell Precision 3680 specifications showcase a system built for professional tasks, including CAD, engineering, content creation, and scientific computing. Equipped with Intel 14th Gen Core processors, it supports up to 128GB of ECC memory and features Intel vPro for remote management, making it a robust workstation choice for enterprises and professionals demanding reliability and high performance.

Dell Precision 3680 Specs: Comprehensive Configuration Options

	Entry-Level	Mid-Range	High-Range	Ultimate
processor	Intel Core i3-14100	Intel Core i7-14700 (20 cores)	Intel Core i9-14900 (24 cores)	Intel Core i9-14900 (24 cores)
Max Boost Frequency	–	5.4GHz	5.8GHz	5.8GHz
Memory	8GB DDR5	32GB DDR5-4000 non-ECC	64GB DDR5-3600 ECC	128GB DDR5-3600 ECC
Max Memory Support	128GB DDR5 (ECC/non-ECC)	28GB DDR5 (ECC/non-ECC)	28GB DDR5 (ECC/non-ECC)	28GB DDR5 (ECC/non-ECC)
Graphics	Integrated Intel	AMD Radeon Pro W6400 (4GB)	NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada (20GB)	NVIDIA RTX 4500 Ada (24GB)
Storage	256GB NVMe SSD	1TB NVMe + 2TB SATA HDD	2TB NVMe + 8TB SATA	2TB NVMe + 16TB RAID
Max Storage capacity	Up to 28TB total	Up to 28TB total	Up to 28TB total	Up to 28TB total
Starting Price	$1,029	$3,500-4,500	$6,000-8,000	$12,000-15,000
Target of use	Basic productivity	Professional CAD/Content	Complex simulations	Ultimate professional workflows

Design and Build Quality: Professional Tower Architecture

The Dell Precision 3680 Desktop follows Dell’s classic tower workstation design, emphasizing functionality, expandability, and a professional look rather than a compact size. This design allows for better cooling, numerous upgrade possibilities, and the ability to house high-performance professional graphics cards that need significant power and cooling.

The chassis is built with professional-grade steel, featuring reinforced mounting points and electromagnetic interference shielding suitable for enterprise use. Tool-free access panels allow for quick component upgrades and maintenance, which are crucial in professional settings where minimizing downtime is essential. 

The tower form factor allows for advanced cooling solutions that sustain professional-level performance during continuous workloads. Multiple fan zones and carefully planned ventilation provide efficient thermal regulation across all parts, including processors and graphics cards. This cooling design effectively supports high-TDP components while keeping noise levels low enough for office settings.

Performance Analysis: 14th Generation Intel Power

The Dell Precision 3680’s performance varies greatly depending on the processor configuration, ranging from efficient quad-core options to high-end 24-core processors designed for demanding professional workloads. 

The flagship Intel Core i9-14900 configuration provides outstanding multi-threaded performance, with boost frequencies attaining 5.8GHz. This makes it suitable for applications that require both high single-core speeds and significant parallel processing capabilities.

Mid-range configurations equipped with the Intel Core i7-14700 processor offer an optimal balance of performance suitable for professional applications. This processor, a core component of numerous Precision configurations, is characterized by multiple Performance and Efficiency cores, which achieve maximum operating frequencies of 5.4GHz and 4.2GHz, respectively. 

Entry-level configurations featuring Core i3 processors provide adequate performance for basic professional tasks, though Dell acknowledges that serious workstation applications require more substantial specifications. The base model configuration with Core i3-14100, integrated graphics, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD represents a starting point rather than a practical professional workstation specification. 

Graphics Performance: Professional Visualization Power

The flagship NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada Generation exemplifies the highest level of professional graphics performance accessible within this system, equipped with 192 Fourth-Generation Tensor Cores and 48 Third-Generation RT Cores, thereby providing exceptional performance in both conventional graphics and AI-accelerated workflows.

The technical specifications for the RTX 4000 Ada are commendable, comprising a single-precision performance of 26.7 TFLOPS, a performance rating of 61.8 RT cores, and a Tensor performance rating of 327.6. 

Cost-conscious professional users can choose AMD Radeon Pro W6400 graphics, which come with 4GB of GDDR6 memory and dual DisplayPort outputs. This option offers professional-grade drivers and application certification at a friendlier price compared to high-end NVIDIA solutions. While it might not deliver top-tier performance, it’s still a great choice for many professional tasks like 2D CAD, basic 3D modeling, and general computing needs.

Connectivity and Expansion: Professional Interface Array

The tower design provides a wide range of connectivity options crucial for professional workflows that involve multiple peripherals and external devices. Professionals typically need reliable, high-performance connections for external monitors, storage hardware, input devices, and specialized equipment.

The input/output ports feature multiple USB-A 3.2 and USB-C connections, supporting a diverse range of peripherals and external storage devices. DisplayPort outputs support multi-monitor setups crucial for professional work, while optional Thunderbolt connectivity offers high-speed links for external drives, docking stations, and professional peripherals. 

Network connectivity encompasses standard Gigabit Ethernet, with optional upgrades to 10GbE to support high-bandwidth network applications. Wireless connectivity options adhere to the latest Wi-Fi standards, while Bluetooth connectivity facilitates the use of wireless peripherals and input devices.

Expansion slot configurations offer a variety of full-height PCIe slots, perfect for fitting in professional expansion cards like extra graphics cards, specialized computing accelerators, high-speed networking cards, and professional interface cards. This flexible setup allows users to easily customize their systems to meet specific professional needs and provides a smooth upgrade path as technology advances.

Professional Software Certification and ISV Support

Dell’s dedication to professional software certification guarantees compatibility and optimization for industry-standard applications in various professional fields. Certification from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) offers assurance that professional applications will run reliably and perform efficiently on Dell Precision systems, minimizing compatibility issues and supporting professional productivity.

Media and entertainment apps, like Adobe Creative Cloud, Avid Media Composer, and Pro Tools, are certified for professional workflows. Blackmagic’s DaVinci Resolve gets optimized drivers, and Autodesk Maya and 3ds Max are certified for 3D animation and visual effects.

Scientific and analysis applications are fully certified, including ANSYS’s simulation suite, computational fluid dynamics, and MSC Software’s Nastran and Marc, ensuring reliable complex engineering analysis. Altair’s HyperWorks and OptiStruct benefit from certified configurations, while MATLAB is optimized for technical computing workflows.

Operating system options include Windows 11 Pro, the standard choice for professional use, along with Windows 10 Pro for those who need to keep using older applications. Some configurations also support Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Red Hat, perfect for users interested in open-source options. Additionally, Intel vPro platform support makes remote management and enterprise IT tasks easier, which is particularly helpful in professional settings.

Real-World Professional Application Performance

The Dell Precision 3680 offers outstanding performance for demanding professional tasks, with optimized setups that lead to noticeable productivity gains over earlier systems and standard desktop computers. These applications frequently put strain on various system components, necessitating balanced configurations that ensure sufficient processor power, graphics capabilities, memory, and storage performance.

SolidWorks large assembly performance shows a 15-30% improvement over previous systems, especially for complex parts with detailed geometry. Loading times are faster, and rebuild operations stay responsive with complex parametric relationships. Simulation benefits from RTX GPU acceleration for thermal and stress analysis, while real-time rendering improves design visualization and presentations.

Adobe Creative Suite apps benefit from processor and graphics optimizations. Premiere Pro offers strong 4K/8K performance with RTX acceleration for real-time effects. After Effects is responsive with GPU effects, Photoshop handles large files with DDR5, and Lightroom excels in RAW processing of high-res images.

3D rendering and animation apps showcase system capabilities. Blender offers excellent Cycles rendering with RTX acceleration, while Cinema 4D utilizes CPU and GPU for professional workflows. V-Ray leads in rendering, and KeyShot offers real-time ray tracing for better design and presentations.

Scientific and simulation applications show the benefits of high-core-count processors and large memory. ANSYS Fluent CFD offers fast mesh generation with multi-core processors, strong parallel solving with 24 cores, and GPU-accelerated post-processing. 128GB memory allows handling large models beyond the typical desktop capacity.

MATLAB and Simulink benefit from DDR5 memory bandwidth for matrix operations and use multi-core scaling for complex calculations. GPU acceleration with CUDA enhances compatible toolboxes, and 128GB memory supports large datasets. These highlight the need for workstation-class hardware for professional computing.

Competitive Analysis: Professional Workstation Landscape

The Dell Precision 3680 competes in the professional tower workstation market against HP’s Z2 Tower G9 and Lenovo’s ThinkStation P3. Performance is similar across processor options, all supporting 14th Gen Intel CPUs and comparable memory. Graphics options offer similar pro GPU support, but expansion varies by chassis and slots.

Value proposition analysis shows that the Dell Precision 3680 offers competitive performance, better expansion, and ISV certification at similar prices. Starting at $1,029, it provides an attractive entry, though professional setups cost more. Dell’s customization allows tailored specifications for different needs.

Build quality comparisons show consistent construction standards across major brands, with differences mainly in chassis design and expansion slots. Dell’s tool-free access eases maintenance, and its software certification assures professional app compatibility. Intel vPro management features match competitors, and warranty support meets professional needs.

Compared to custom-built workstation alternatives, the Dell Precision 3680 provides several professional advantages. Comprehensive enterprise warranty coverage ensures business continuity, while guaranteed ISV application compatibility eliminates compatibility concerns that can affect custom systems. 

While custom builds may offer better hardware value, the Dell Precision 3680 provides crucial support, certification, and integration for businesses. Cost analysis often favors professionally supported systems due to productivity, reliability, and support costs.

Configuration Recommendations and Use Cases

Professional configuration recommendations vary based on needs and budget. Entry-level setups for CAD and engineering should include Intel Core i5-14600 with 14 cores, 16GB DDR5-4000 RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD, and AMD Radeon Pro W6400 graphics. Costing $1,800-2,200, they offer adequate basic performance while controlling costs.

Mid-range professional setups suit users needing CAD, engineering, and content creation. Recommended specs include Intel Core i7-14700 with 20 cores, 32GB DDR5-4000 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, 2TB HDD, and NVIDIA RTX A4000 with 16GB. These cost $3,500-4,500 and excel in CAD, video editing, 3D modeling, and scientific computing.

High-end configurations target users requiring maximum performance for complex engineering, large assemblies, professional video, and scientific research. They feature Intel Core i9-14900 24-core processors, 64-128GB DDR5-3600 ECC RAM, 2TB NVMe SSD, 8TB SATA, and NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada graphics with 20GB. These cost $6,000-8,000, providing top-tier performance for demanding tasks.

Ultimate professional configurations boast Intel Core i9-14900 processors with 24 cores at 5.8GHz, 128GB DDR5 ECC memory, 2TB NVMe SSD plus 16TB RAID storage, and NVIDIA RTX 4500 Ada graphics with 24GB. Cost ranges $12,000-15,000, targeting demanding tasks like engineering, data processing, and professional content creation.

Thermal Performance and Reliability

The Dell Precision 3680 excels in processing power and multitasking, handling demanding applications while maintaining good thermal performance essential for reliability. Its tower design allows advanced cooling, ensuring professional performance during sustained workloads stressing processor and graphics.

The multi-zone cooling system offers dedicated thermal management for various components, ensuring optimal temperatures for processors, graphics cards, memory, and storage devices. Professional-grade fans operate quietly enough for office settings while delivering sufficient airflow for high-TDP parts. 

Environmental operating specifications support professional office settings by ensuring reliable operation within standard temperature and humidity ranges. Building on professional construction standards, electromagnetic interference shielding complies with enterprise needs, while acoustic performance remains appropriate for open office environments. 

Support and Warranty: Professional Service Excellence

Dell’s professional workstation support offers extensive coverage crucial for ensuring business continuity and maintaining professional productivity. The basic warranty includes a three-year limited hardware guarantee with additional support options that surpass typical consumer system coverage. ProSupport Plus delivers priority service with dedicated technicians specialized in professional applications and workstation needs.

Dell’s service quality metrics highlight its dedication to professional users through quick response times, high first-call resolution rates, and extensive technical expertise tailored to professional applications. These users are granted priority support, reflecting the critical role of professional workstation systems and the significant productivity implications of system downtime.

Final Verdict: Professional Tower Excellence

The Dell Precision 3680 Desktop provides professional workstation features in a traditional tower design, focusing on performance, reliability, and expandability rather than a compact form. It performs well with its processing speed and efficiently manages multitasking and demanding applications, while offering the expansion options and upgrade potential that professional users need for sustained productivity.

Professional graphics support now extends to NVIDIA RTX 4500 Ada cards, facilitating demanding visualization, rendering, and simulation tasks. Additionally, with extensive memory support up to 128GB DDR5 including ECC options, it provides sufficient capacity for large professional datasets and the most demanding workloads.

Configuring systems involves careful planning to meet professional demands and budget limits, as entry-level setups often fall short for demanding professional tasks that need dedicated graphics and sufficient memory.

The system showcases Dell’s ongoing dedication to superior professional workstations, establishing a strong base for efficient workflows across various industries and applications.

The ASUS ROG NUC is a small, gaming-focused mini PC with a unique chassis that can be oriented vertically or horizontally. It has several rear ports capable of supporting up to four 4K displays. Additionally, it allows for easy storage expansion with two M.2 slots or RAM upgrades.

Last year, Asus secured the rights to Intel’s Next Unit of Computing (NUC) line of compact mini PCs. Now, the company is developing its line of NUC devices. The debut model, the ROG NUC 970, is specially designed with gaming enthusiasts in mind. Despite its compact 2.5-litre form factor, it packs a punch with an Intel Core i7 processor and an Nvidia laptop GPU, all while maintaining a quiet and calm operation.

The ROG NUC 970 is priced higher than comparable mini PCs. However, this is attributable to its distinctive design, the inclusion of Asus’ Republic of Gamers (ROG) branding, and its integrated discrete GPU. Our review of the Asus ROG NUC 970 aims to help you determine whether the additional expenditure is justified and whether this model constitutes the best mini PC for your needs.

ASUS ROG NUC: Specs

	ROG NUC 970(Base Configurations)	ROG NUC 970(Top Configurations)
Price	£1,699	£2,069
Processor	Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 155H	Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 185H
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
RAM	32GB DDR5-5600	32GB DDR5-5600
Storage	1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD	1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 SSD
FrontPorts	1x card reader2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A1x 3.5mm Headset Jack	1x card reader2 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A1x 3.5mm Headset Jack
Rear Ports	1 x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C w/ DisplayPort 2.12 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A2 x USB 2.0 Type-A1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL2 x DP 1.4a1 x RJ45 LAN1 x DC-in1 x Kensington Lock	1 x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C w/ DisplayPort 2.12 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A2 x USB 2.0 Type-A1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL2 x DP 1.4a1 x RJ45 LAN1 x DC-in1 x Kensington Lock
Weight	2.6 kg (5.73 lbs)	2.6 kg (5.73 lbs)
Size	27 x 18 x 6 cm (10.62″ x 7.09″ x 2.36″)	27 x 18 x 6 cm (10.62″ x 7.09″ x 2.36″)
Operating System	Windows 11 Home	Windows 11 Home

ROG NUC: Price and Availability

The pricing outlined above for the Asus ROG NUC 970 pertains to the tested model. It features a Core i9-9700K, RTX 4070, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and Windows 11 Home. The NUC 970 model can be challenging to obtain and typically commands a higher price, with limited discounts available. Additionally, there are bare-bones configurations without RAM, SSD, and an operating system. However, depending on the region, purchasing these components separately and installing them individually may not yield significant savings.

In summary, the ROG NUC 970 is relatively expensive given its specifications, and one may encounter a comparable or even more powerful gaming laptop—or an expanded gaming desktop—at a more economical price. Aside from niche applications, I would consider the ROG to be a favorable purchase only if it were at least 30% more affordable. 

ROG NUC: Design

The ROG NUC 970 chassis features a 2.5-litre capacity (84.5 ounces), making it bigger than standard Intel NUCs but more compact than typical miniature gaming PCs. It can be placed flat on a surface using rubber feet or mounted vertically on a sturdy aluminum stand for versatile positioning.

The power supply is external, similar to a laptop, but the cable is long enough to hide the bulky brick under your desk. This convenient gaming device features an appealing LED backlight and a stylish side ROG logo that can be personalized with your own logo or discreetly concealed using the provided plastic inserts. It’s designed to give you a customizable and sleek gaming experience.

However, its small size complicates dust cleaning, and removing the motherboard and GPU is necessary to access the cooling system. 

ROG NUC: Ports

The NUC 970 design thoughtfully includes key ports that are easily accessible, such as dual USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A ports, an SD card reader, and a 3.5mm headset jack, all conveniently located on the front.

Located at the rear, an extended array of connectivity options is available, including Thunderbolt 4, two additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two standard USB 2.0 Type-A ports, Ethernet, a power supply, and a Kensington lock. 

ASUS ROG NUC: Performance

Since the ROG NUC 970 features internals designed for laptops operating with laptop-level power and thermal profiles, it’s expected to deliver gaming performance comparable to that of a computer. This is a positive aspect, as the RTX 4070 is a highly capable GPU that provides excellent results.

For an immersive gaming experience, the NUC 970 really shines when paired with a 1440p monitor that supports variable refresh rates. Gaming at 4K resolution is feasible with less demanding titles while achieving higher frame rates necessitates reducing detail levels or reverting to 1080p resolution.

	ASUS ROG NUC 970	AtomMan G7 PT
Geekbench 6.3 single-core	2341	2889
Geekbench 6.3 Multi-core	13514	16633
25GB file copy test	1686	1509
Handbrake (Mins: Secs)	3:40	2:51

Although this compact PC was primarily engineered for gaming purposes, it also provides remarkable performance for professional tasks. I successfully maintained dozens of Chrome tabs concurrently, and multitasking on the ROG NUC 970 operated quite smoothly within Windows 11. Additionally, the device was not burdened with a significant amount of pre-installed software.

When gaming on the ROG NUC 970, you can enjoy around 100 fps at 1080p with all settings maxed in older titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Borderlands 3. For more demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2, you’ll still get a smooth experience with about 60 fps at medium settings. The ROG NUC 970 also handles 1440p comfortably, although our testing was conducted at 1080p and 4K, providing you with plenty of flexibility for various gaming experiences. 

The cooling system of the NUC 970 is notably robust, encompassing a larger area than that typically observed in 14-inch or 16-inch gaming laptops. It is comparable to the cooling configuration commonly found in an 18-inch device. Consequently, the NUC’s cooling system effectively prevents the RTX 4070 from overheating, even when the fans are not operating at maximum capacity. Keep in mind, though, that the 970 isn’t particularly quiet when gaming, but it’s more peaceful than most laptops on the market.

ASUS ROG NUC: Drawbacks

The Asus ROG NUC 970 stands out among mini PCs thanks to its impressive internals and distinctive design. That said, it’s worth keeping in mind some of the downsides, such as its higher price and limited 4K gaming capabilities.

ROG NUC: Not suitable for 4K Gaming

The higher-specification variant of the ROG NUC 970, equipped with an NVIDIA RTX 4070 laptop GPU, ensures that there are no difficulties in executing modern titles at 1080p or 1440p resolutions with all settings set to maximum.

Given that the ROG NUC 970 features one of the most recent Nvidia laptop GPUs, you have the option to utilize upscaling technology, such as DLSS, to enhance frame rates marginally. In my professional assessment, this compact PC is well-suited for gaming at your workspace using a 1080p or 1440p monitor; however, it may not possess sufficient power for more demanding applications. Additionally, it can be connected to a high-quality 4K television in your living room. 

ROG NUC: High Price

Compared to a gaming laptop or assembling a custom PC, spending over $2,000 on the top-tier ROG NUC 970 might seem excessive to some. Nevertheless, you’re mainly paying for its portability and sleek design. The ROG NUC 970, weighing just 5.7 pounds and small enough to fit in a backpack, can easily accompany you wherever you go. When combined with a portable monitor, it could serve as the ideal compact gaming PC for mobile gaming.

The ROG branding and gamer-oriented design are additional factors contributing to the higher cost of this mini PC. I prefer its aesthetic on my desk compared to the Minisforum AtomMan G7 PT, which also features an RGB backlit panel. However, the lighting cannot be adjusted, and instead of a Minisforum or AtomMan logo, an anime-inspired graphic is displayed.

ASUS ROG NUC: Verdict

Similar to other compact PCs, the ROG NUC 970 may not be suitable for all users. However, if you are seeking a gaming-oriented mini PC that can be positioned vertically or horizontally while accommodating limited space, it could be a fitting choice.

Although the absence of a USB-C port at the front would have been preferable, the rear I/O significantly compensates for this, particularly if the device is intended for use with multiple monitors. Additionally, there is some degree of upgradability, allowing for the addition of extra storage or the replacement of its RAM.