Dell Inspiron 24 5420 All‑In‑One Review: Compact Power with NVMe HDD Hybrid

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Dell’s Inspiron 24 (model 5420) all‑in‑one lands squarely between the tidy, space‑saving convenience of an iMac‑style desktop and the practical expandability Windows users expect, offering a 23.8‑inch Full HD touchscreen, Intel Core i7‑1355U power, modern connectivity and the option — in many retailer configurations — to pair a fast M.2 NVMe system drive with a roomy 1 TB mechanical drive for mass storage.

Background / Overview​

The Inspiron 24 (5420) continues Dell’s recent push to modernize the mainstream all‑in‑one (AIO) category: thinner bezels, a tilt/pivot stand designed for home and office spaces, and components tuned for low power with burst‑capable performance. Dell offers the Inspiron 24 in multiple SKUs that vary by processor (Core i5/i7), memory, storage and display (touch/non‑touch), giving shoppers flexibility when balancing price and features.
All‑in‑ones are a compromise by design: they trade the expandability of a tower for a compact footprint and integrated display. The Inspiron 24 leans into that tradeoff with accessible upgrade paths for memory and storage while keeping the exterior clean and cable‑light for living rooms or home offices.

What’s in the box and the headline specs​

  • Display: 23.8‑inch Full HD (1920×1080), IPS, anti‑glare; optional AIT touchpanel with 99% sRGB coverage and ComfortView Plus.
  • Processor: Intel Core i7‑1355U (hybrid Raptor Lake‑U design: 2 Performance cores + 8 Efficient cores, 10 total cores and 12 threads, boost up to ~5.0 GHz).
  • Memory: Configurable DDR4 up to 32 GB (common factory options include 16 GB via 2×8 GB SODIMMs).
  • Storage: M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD options and a 2.5‑inch SATA bay for HDDs — many retailers and Dell configurations offer combinations such as 1 TB NVMe + 1 TB HDD.
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe (integrated) or optional entry discrete (MX550) on select SKUs.
  • Camera / Audio: Pop‑up 1080p webcam (privacy‑closing mechanism), dual speakers tuned with Waves MaxxAudio Pro / Dolby Atmos support.
  • Connectivity: USB‑C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), multiple USB‑A ports (with at least one PowerShare), HDMI‑out and HDMI‑in (useful as a secondary monitor), Gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader, and Wi‑Fi 6 / Wi‑Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.x depending on SKU.
  • OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro, depending on SKU selection.
These core elements are consistent across official Dell product pages and major retail SKUs, though regional and channel differences mean the final box contents (SSD size, presence of HDD, Wi‑Fi version) will vary by configuration. Always confirm the SKU’s exact spec sheet before purchase.

Design and build: minimal footprint, practical details​

A clean aesthetic with a functional stand​

The Inspiron 24 keeps the rear of the chassis slim and the front minimally framed. The included isosceles stand is sturdy and leaves space beneath the display for keyboard parking — a neat touch if your desk is small or you prefer a compact desktop footprint. The starting weight of around 11.5 lb makes it easy to reposition for different room setups.

Touch and the display experience​

The optional AIT touchscreen uses an IPS panel with advertised 99% sRGB coverage and roughly 250 nits of brightness — enough for comfortable indoor use but not as bright as higher‑end professional displays. The anti‑glare treatment and ComfortView Plus (low‑blue‑light) feature make it suitable for extended reading and family use. For creators who need higher brightness or 4K resolution, this FHD panel will feel limiting; for everyday productivity, video streaming and photo browsing, it’s a solid balance.

Webcam, audio and privacy​

Dell’s pop‑up FHD webcam solves two problems: better sensor quality than typical 720p modules and a simple physical privacy control. Combined with dual 5 W speakers and Waves MaxxAudio tuning, the unit is well‑suited for video calls and media playback in a living room or home office. Expect full‑room sound, but don’t expect the same depth as a dedicated soundbar.

Performance: how the i7‑1355U behaves in a desktop chassis​

CPU fundamentals — hybrid cores, efficient burst power​

The Intel Core i7‑1355U is a low‑power “U” class mobile chip built on Raptor Lake‑U architecture with a hybrid core layout: 2 performance (P) cores + 8 efficient (E) cores for a total of 10 cores and 12 threads. It’s designed around a 15 W nominal TDP but supports higher PL2 turbo power for short bursts, with boost clocks approaching 5.0 GHz on the P‑cores in favorable thermal conditions. That hybrid balance makes the processor excellent for multitasking, light content creation, web work and general productivity.

Real‑world use: productivity, light creative work, multitasking​

In a desktop‑style chassis like the Inspiron 24, the CPU’s burst capability is paired with larger cooling capacity than most laptops, which helps sustain higher frequencies for longer than a laptop with the same chip — though not as long as a full‑blown desktop CPU. For typical home office workloads (browser tabs, Office apps, video conferencing, light photo edits) the i7‑1355U provides smooth responsiveness. For heavier multi‑core workloads (large video exports, 3D rendering), you’ll notice the limits of a 15 W class silicon compared with 65 W desktop processors.

Graphics — Intel Iris Xe and light GPU tasks​

The integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU is capable for everyday visuals and can handle light GPU‑accelerated tasks (photo edits, basic Premiere tasks, some casual or older games at modest settings). Don’t expect modern AAA gaming performance or professional GPU‑accelerated workflows; where that’s needed, look for systems with discrete GPUs or a separate workstation. Some SKUs list an NVIDIA GeForce MX550 option for a modest step up in graphics.

Storage and memory: flexibility, speed and capacity tradeoffs​

Hybrid storage options: fast NVMe + high‑capacity HDD​

A practical strength of the Inspiron 24 is its ability to host both an M.2 NVMe SSD for the operating system and applications and a 2.5‑inch SATA bay for a mechanical HDD for mass storage. Dell’s official spec pages and numerous retailer SKUs show configurations that combine a 1 TB NVMe SSD for OS responsiveness with a 1 TB HDD for photos and media — a sensible hybrid for most households. Confirm the individual SKU to be certain the combo is included.
Benefits of a hybrid approach:
  • Fast boot times and app launches from the NVMe drive.
  • Lower cost per gigabyte for large media libraries stored on the HDD.
  • Easy file organization: OS + apps on SSD; long‑term storage on HDD.
Caveats:
  • Mechanical drives are more fragile and slower; keep backups.
  • Some SKUs ship with only an SSD or only an HDD — verify before you buy.

Memory and upgradeability​

Many Inspiron 24 SKUs come with 16 GB (2×8 GB) DDR4 at 3200 MHz and the platform supports up to 32 GB via two SODIMM slots. That’s a welcome level of upgradeability for an AIO and keeps the system future‑proof for productivity and light creative work. If you plan heavy multitasking or working with large VMs, upgrading to 32 GB is a simple way to extend the lifespan of the device.

Ports, connectivity and expandability​

Ports designed for flexibility​

The Inspiron 24 includes a helpful mix of ports:
  • USB‑C (USB 3.2 Gen 2) with DisplayPort capabilities on some SKUs.
  • Multiple USB‑A 3.2 ports (one often labeled PowerShare for charging devices).
  • HDMI‑out for external displays, plus an HDMI‑in so you can use the AIO as a secondary display for another device.
  • SD card reader, gigabit Ethernet and a standard 3.5 mm audio jack.
The HDMI‑in feature is a notable productivity perk: you can route video from a laptop, game console or streaming device into the Inspiron’s panel and use it like an external monitor without adding another display.

Wireless connectivity: Wi‑Fi 6 or Wi‑Fi 6E​

Depending on the SKU, the system ships with Intel AX211/AX211‑class Wi‑Fi adapters that support Wi‑Fi 6 or Wi‑Fi 6E (6 GHz band) and Bluetooth 5.x. If low latency and higher channel availability matter (for crowded apartment buildings or high‑speed home networks), look for the Wi‑Fi 6E‑equipped SKUs. Retail listings and Dell’s spec pages show both options.

Thermals, acoustics and power expectations​

The i7‑1355U’s PL1 is in the 12–15 W range with PL2 turbo available up to ~55 W for short bursts in some product thermal profiles. In a small AIO chassis, sustained heavy loads will see frequency and power scaled back to keep temperatures in check; the practical result is excellent responsiveness for everyday tasks and short bursts of heavy computing, but not sustained throughput equivalent to full desktop CPUs. If you rely on sustained rendering or 3D work, a tower or purpose‑built workstation is still the better choice.
Reviews and hands‑on impressions indicate the Inspiron 24 runs quietly under normal use and keeps fan noise reasonable under load, which is a plus for living‑room use. However, expect fan activity during heavy CPU/GPU bursts.

Repairability and long‑term considerations​

All‑in‑ones are inherently less modular than towers, but Dell retained several sensible upgrade paths:
  • Two SODIMM memory slots for RAM upgrades.
  • An M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs and a 2.5‑inch SATA bay for HDDs.
  • A user‑accessible Wi‑Fi card slot in many units.
What’s limited or typically non‑serviceable in AIOs:
  • Motherboard replacements can be more complex and expensive than a tower motherboard swap.
  • Cooling and power delivery subsystems are tightly integrated, making advanced upgrades impractical.
  • Discrete GPU options are limited; most units rely on integrated Iris Xe or a modest MX series card if offered.
If long‑term upgradeability is a priority (for heavy gaming or professional GPU workloads), a small form factor or traditional tower will remain the better choice.

Who should consider the Inspiron 24 (5420)?​

This Inspiron is a strong contender if you want:
  • A clean, all‑in‑one design for a home office or family room.
  • A fast everyday experience (NVMe boot drive) combined with large local storage (HDD) for photos, videos and documents.
It’s less appropriate if you need:
  • High‑end gaming or professional GPU acceleration.
  • True 4K or color‑critical displays at high brightness for professional photo/print work.

Practical recommendations and buying tips​

  • Check the exact SKU: make sure the listing explicitly shows the storage and Wi‑Fi options you want — SSD size, presence of HDD and Wi‑Fi 6 vs 6E differ by SKU and retailer.
  • Prefer an NVMe boot drive for the OS; use the 2.5‑inch bay for bulk storage or a backup drive. This keeps the system snappy while saving cost on capacity.
  • If you multitask heavily, upgrade to 32 GB of DDR4 if the factory configuration is 16 GB. The AIO supports two SODIMM slots for straightforward upgrades.
  • Verify Wi‑Fi adapter specs if you plan to use Wi‑Fi 6E; not all SKUs include the AX211 module with 6 GHz band support.
  • Test the pop‑up webcam and microphone for video calls and confirm the microphone array behaves well in your environment — real‑world audio pickup can vary.

Risks, downsides and cautionary notes​

  • SKU variability: retail listings frequently repackage Dell configurations; some reseller pages bundle additional HDDs or RAM post‑purchase. Confirm the serial/model number and spec sheet before purchasing. Some marketplace listings may mislabel configurations — treat any single retailer listing that contradicts Dell’s official spec pages with caution.
  • Limited GPU headroom: the Iris Xe is capable but not a substitute for a discrete, mid‑range GPU for demanding rendering or high‑fps gaming. Expect modest frame rates on modern titles at FHD.
  • Brightness and color limits for pros: the panel’s ~250 nit brightness and FHD resolution make it great for general use but less ideal for high‑brightness color grading or HDR workflows.
  • Repair costs: while memory and storage upgrades are accessible, major component failures (motherboard, display) in AIOs can be pricier to repair than tower parts. Factor warranty and extended coverage into the purchase decision.
Where claims could not be verified precisely: some third‑party listings advertise specific bundled combinations (e.g., 1 TB NVMe + 1 TB HDD) that are offered by retailers; Dell’s official configuration options and internal slots make such combinations technically feasible, but availability depends on SKU and region. Buyers should verify on the Dell product page or their authorized reseller’s SKU documentation.

How the Inspiron 24 stacks up against alternatives​

  • Versus an iMac 24: Dell’s Inspiron wins on upgradability (user‑replaceable RAM/drive slots in some SKUs) and price flexibility; Apple’s iMac offers a brighter P3 display and tighter GPU/OS integration for media pros. Choose based on platform preference and the importance of color/brightness.
  • Versus HP/Lenovo AIOs: Dell often matches or exceeds mainstream rivals in RGB webcam and port versatility (HDMI‑in/out) while offering similar performance in comparable CPU configurations. Pricing and promotional bundles will usually be the tie‑breaker.

Conclusion​

The Dell Inspiron 24 (5420) all‑in‑one is a thoughtfully engineered compromise for people who want a clean, modern desktop presence without a separate tower. With the Intel Core i7‑1355U, up to 32 GB of DDR4, an NVMe boot drive and the option to add a 1 TB HDD for bulk storage, it’s a versatile choice for home offices, families and students who want a responsive everyday machine with plentiful local storage. The touchscreen, pop‑up 1080p camera and HDMI‑in/out add practical value for hybrid workflows, casual creative work and media consumption.
Buyers should verify the exact SKU (Wi‑Fi 6 vs 6E, SSD + HDD combos, and RAM installed) and consider a RAM upgrade if they plan sustained heavy multitasking or more demanding editing. For work that requires heavy, sustained CPU or GPU throughput, a small form factor or full tower will still offer better long‑term headroom; for most everyday scenarios, the Inspiron 24 hits the sweet spot of design, performance and expandability in a single, clutter‑free package.

Source: kliksolonews.com https://kliksolonews.com/One-Desktop-Computer-Intel-I7-1355U-16GB-RAM-1TB-SSD-1TB-867601/