When choosing a high-performance laptop for creative work, especially in Adobe Suite applications, understanding real-world benchmarks is essential. The Dell XPS 17 9720 and the MacBook Pro 14 M2 are two of the most popular options among professionals. This article compares their performance in Adobe Suite tasks to help users make an informed decision.

Overview of the Devices

The Dell XPS 17 9720 features a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, up to 64GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card. It boasts a 17-inch 4K display, making it ideal for detailed creative work. The MacBook Pro 14 M2 is powered by Apple’s M2 Pro chip, with up to 32GB of unified memory and a 14-inch Retina display. Both machines are designed for demanding tasks, but their architectures differ significantly.

Benchmark Testing in Adobe Photoshop

In Photoshop, performance is measured by rendering speed, filter application, and file handling. Benchmark tests show that the Dell XPS 17 9720 completes complex filters and large file edits approximately 20% faster than the MacBook Pro 14 M2. This advantage is primarily due to the dedicated NVIDIA graphics card and higher RAM capacity.

Adobe Lightroom Performance

When processing RAW images in Lightroom, both machines perform admirably. The MacBook Pro 14 M2 exhibits faster import and export times, thanks to optimized Apple Silicon architecture. However, during batch processing and exporting large catalogs, the Dell XPS 17 shows a slight edge, completing tasks about 10% faster.

Video Editing with Adobe Premiere Pro

Video editing benchmarks highlight the strengths of each device. The Dell XPS 17 9720 handles 4K video rendering with a 15% faster time than the MacBook Pro 14 M2. The dedicated GPU in the Dell significantly accelerates rendering and effects processing. Conversely, the MacBook Pro excels in real-time playback and timeline responsiveness, owing to its unified memory and optimized architecture.

Exporting and Rendering Times

  • Dell XPS 17 9720: 12 minutes for a 4K project
  • MacBook Pro 14 M2: 14 minutes for the same project

Conclusion

Both the Dell XPS 17 9720 and MacBook Pro 14 M2 deliver impressive performance in Adobe Suite tasks. The Dell's dedicated GPU and higher RAM capacity give it an edge in rendering-heavy workflows, while the MacBook Pro's architecture offers superior efficiency and real-time responsiveness. The choice ultimately depends on specific workflow needs and preferred ecosystem.