Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop – Sleek and Powerful for 3D Graphics Work
When it comes to graphic design laptops, every user wants the best performance at the most reasonable price. However, depending on the application and graphic software used, hardware requirements can vary. For basic 3D sketching, most laptops with a dedicated GPU can handle the task. But if your work involves rendering and exporting files, a professional graphics card such as NVIDIA Quadro or AMD FirePro is essential.
The Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop, equipped with an NVIDIA Quadro M620 2GB DDR5 graphics card, can handle heavy-duty graphic software while being one of the most affordable options in its class.

The M3520 is considered Dell’s most successful budget Precision model. It addressed the hardware shortcomings of the previous Dell Precision M3510 (2016). Although it belongs to the Precision 3000 series, Dell invested significant effort into this budget graphics laptop-featuring a new cooling system designed to handle heat from both the Quad-Core CPU and dedicated GPU. If you’re looking for an affordable workstation for graphic work, the Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop is a top contender.
Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop – Design
The Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop has a clean, boxy design with a black color scheme. Its chassis is built from a combination of hard plastic, carbon fiber, and fiberglass, while the inner frame is made of sturdy aluminum alloy-making the laptop both durable and compact. Weighing only around 2.2 kg, it also features a hinge that opens up to 180 degrees, making it easy to carry around, especially for professionals on the go.
Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop – Display
The laptop sports a 15.6-inch Full HD display with thick bezels. It offers a brightness of 345 cd/m², 95% sRGB, and 62% Adobe RGB color coverage-delivering excellent display quality compared to most previous versions.
Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop – Audio
The Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop offers surprisingly good audio for its class. It features stereo speakers that produce loud and powerful sound, with impressively clear audio separation.
Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop – Keyboard and Touchpad
The input system has seen significant improvements over earlier models. The backlit chiclet keyboard is a standout feature-suitable for nighttime work, with a comfortable key travel and user-friendly design. The touchpad supports multi-touch gestures and is large in size, providing smooth, precise navigation comparable to using a mouse.

Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop – Connectivity
The M3520’s port layout resembles that of the Latitude series. On the left side, you’ll find the power port, USB port, HDMI, LAN port, and air vents. The right side houses a Thunderbolt port and another USB port-a new upgrade unique to the M3520, offering better external data connectivity than its predecessors.
Additionally, the SD card reader retains the traditional design from previous models. Unusually for a modern laptop, it still includes a VGA port, which may be beneficial for legacy equipment compatibility.
Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop – Performance
The M3520 is powered by an Intel Core i7-6820HQ 2.7 GHz CPU, 8GB of RAM (expandable to 32GB), NVIDIA Quadro M620 2GB DDR5 GPU, and a 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD. This configuration provides solid performance for graphic tasks, making it ideal for software like Photoshop, video editing, and other design applications.

The laptop can handle up to 40 Chrome tabs running simultaneously without lag. It transfers 4.97GB in just 9 seconds at a speed of 565MBps. Although not a gaming laptop, its powerful hardware makes it capable of running popular games like PUBG, Fortnite, GTA V, and FIFA.
Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop – Battery
Equipped with a 68Wh battery, the Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop can run for over 8 hours under light usage on a new battery. Even after 5 years, it can still provide up to 5 hours of use-highlighting its long battery lifespan.
Thermal performance tests indicate that the laptop stays relatively cool, even under load. FurMark testing showed temperatures between 40°C to 60°C, which is within a safe range, ensuring the longevity of internal components.
The Used Dell Precision M3520 Laptop is a high-quality laptop that offers excellent value for money. If you’re looking for a reliable device for programming, graphic design, or 3D rendering, this laptop is a solid choice.