If you prioritize performance, especially for 3D rendering, machine learning, or gaming, the MSI Raider GE78 outshines the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 with a more powerful processor and graphics card. However, the MSI Raider is heavier, less portable, and more expensive. Conversely, for everyday tasks like browsing or office work, the Dell Inspiron is more affordable, lighter, and offers a silent, fan-less operation, which is suitable for a quieter environment. The Dell's battery also lasts longer for typical use, but it has lower performance capabilities for demanding applications. Both have similar screen sizes and resolutions, but the MSI Raider has a higher refresh rate, which benefits fast-paced gaming. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Dell Inspiron 16 5635
Good portability
Advantages of the MSI Raider GE78
Excellent for engineering and design
Best in class for gaming and AI
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Key differences
General Use
8.0/10
8.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
265.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
8.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
7.5/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 and Dell Inspiron 16 5635 are both very good for general use, though the MSI Raider GE78 is somewhat better.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635, with its solid CPU and screen quality, is well-suited for general use due to its longer battery life and good portability, making it easy to use on the go and for extended periods without charging. In contrast, the MSI Raider GE78 offers a more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and superior screen quality, but these come at the cost of heavier weight and lower battery life, making it less portable but more aligned with performance-demanding tasks like gaming and intensive applications.
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
9.5/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is best in class for gaming and AI, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is only fair.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635's gaming and 3D capabilities are limited by its integrated GPU and a standard screen refresh rate, while the MSI Raider GE78 excels in gaming and 3D with its high-end dedicated GPU and a much higher screen refresh rate for smoother visuals.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
9.4/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
3.6/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Raider GE78 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is good.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635, with its AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and integrated Vega graphics, is good for engineering and design tasks that don't require the most powerful resources, while the MSI Raider GE78's higher-end Intel i9 CPU and Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU make it excellent for more demanding engineering and design work that benefits from top-tier performance. Additionally, the Dell's better portability and quieter operation are tradeoffs against the MSI's superior screen quality, keyboard, and speakers, which are more critical in high-performance use cases.
Content Creation
7.9/10
8.8/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for content creation, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.7/10
8.5/10
6.9/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
7.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 is very good for software development, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
6.6/10
8.6/10
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1600
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
265.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
384.0 nits
The MSI Raider GE78 has a better screen than the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, content creation, and software development.
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 may not offer the most vibrant colors or highest resolution, which is why it’s just fair for general use and engineering tasks that can benefit from better color accuracy and sharper images. The MSI Raider GE78, by contrast, has a display that provides crisp images and a wider color range, suiting it for detailed work required in engineering and design, though both lack the higher refresh rates desired for smooth visuals in gaming and 3D applications. Neither laptop’s screen is set up for the fast-paced visuals that gamers and 3D designers look for, due to their limited refresh rates, which are crucial for these activities.
Battery
8.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has 8 hours of battery life. The MSI Raider GE78 has 6 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Good
Poor
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
4.1 lbs
WEIGHT
6.8 lbs
0.7in
THICKNESS
1.1in
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has good portability, while the MSI Raider GE78 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.0/10
8.5/10
The MSI Raider GE78 has very good build quality, while the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$700
$4,386
$0
$1,000
$2,000
$3,000
$4,000
The Dell Inspiron 16 5635 has a price of $700 and the MSI Raider GE78 costs $4,386.
"Compared to the previous year’s Inspiron, Dell upgraded the screen aspect ratio on this generation, but also transitioned to a more minimalistic centered keyboard flanked by up-firing speakers. The 16-inch screen is huge plus and I really appreciate the extra real estate without sacrificing the footprint much. This year’s model is a little larger than last, though, as the former model was already very small for a 15 incher."
"Performance-wise, the GE78 offers a significant boost over the GE77 for just slightly higher power consumption. You'll have to get the RTX 4080 or 4090 configurations to see the performance advantages, however, as the RTX 4070 is closer in performance to the older RTX 3080 Ti. In terms of design, some users might prefer the 16:9 minimalistic look of the older GE77 over the 16:10 retro-inspired GE78 and vice versa. We wouldn't call one better than the other in terms of aesthetics, but we'll give the edge to the GE78 for its stronger hinges and larger keys and clickpad."
Get a great deal on the Dell Inspiron 16 5635 or the MSI Raider GE78
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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