Dell Pro Max 16 Plus tested, featuring RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell GPU with specs similar to RTX 5090

Recently I checked the RTX PRO Blackwell laptop situation and realized there are barely any reviews, let alone laptops available for sale. Some models are listed as available, but there doesn’t seem to have been an official review embargo, as far as I’m aware. Perhaps the underwhelming impression of the RTX 50 series gaming GPUs made NVIDIA reconsider its review strategy.

Yesterday, Notebookcheck tested the first RTX PRO Blackwell system, the Dell Pro Max 16 Plus (a name that sounds like it came from Apple’s generator). It features the NVIDIA RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell GPU and the flagship Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX CPU from the Arrow Lake-HX lineup. The laptop is a mobile workstation equipped with 128 GB of CAMM2 memory and a 24 GB GDDR7 RTX PRO 5000 GPU installed via Dell’s DGF (Dell Graphics Form Factor) module. Replaceable GPU boards are rare today, so this design choice is a welcome touch that could allow direct GPU servicing or upgrades, setting the system apart from most fixed-GPU workstations.

CAMM2 memory and DGFF RTX PRO 5000 GPU, Source: NotebookCheck

Performance tests show the RTX PRO 5000 achieving strong results in professional benchmarks. In 3DMark, the Dell system scored 98.3 points, matching the average for all Blackwell-based laptops and trailing the Alienware Area-51 m18 with an RTX 5090 by only 1%. In broader productivity workloads, the Pro Max 16 Plus reached 84.1 points, about 16% behind the Alienware system but ahead of all RTX 5000 Ada and RTX 4000 workstations tested. This suggests that the RTX PRO 5000 delivers near-flagship performance while prioritizing professional stability over gaming efficiency.

Source: NotebookCheck

Notebookcheck’s data also show how thermals and power design limit its full potential. While the GPU is rated for 175 W, it stabilizes around 125 W in real workloads. The CPU often peaks at 95–105 °C, with total system power draw reaching 280 W.

It’s good to finally see RTX PRO in independent tests, though this launch seems unprepared for. Interestingly, one of the first systems to appear also introduces CAMM2 memory,  something many would like to see on desktops eventually. As for how that memory performs, you’ll need to read the full review for details.

Source: Notebookcheck (in German)