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Comment by Elon69
Dell Refurb Master FAQ by Elon69 I'm putting together based on what I've learned and I see people asking the same questions so I will just start to update and send this more often.
Worried about upgrading to Windows 11?
Official requirement from Microsoft says 8th Gen CPU. However, you can use much older computers. I have one running on a 4th gen processor with just 4GB of RAM.
This is the first digit after i3/i5/i7. ie: i7-8665U is an 8th gen processor.
However, there are many guides on how to by pass CPU, TPM and SecureBoot requirements.
Here's one, just google it, not hard to do a registry edit or simply build a Tiny11 ISO which is great to trim the bloatware. I am using Tiny11 on all of my Windows 11 install now.
How to Install Windows 11 on an Unsupported PC: 3 Methods https://geekflare.com/install-win...orted-pcs/
Tiny11 I talk about later will also build you an install image that will bypass all Microsoft imposed requirements.
Can you run Ubuntu linux? Absolutely. Chromebooks too. You can check specific compat but they should run fine unless 2-in-1 and Touch which have far less support in general by the open source community.
Worried Windows updates on unsupported CPUs?
Updates are working just fine and don't expect that to stop.
Is the CPU fast enough for me?
I recommend quad core and most of the time you will end up buying 8th Gen for ease of Windows 11 install.
Can you do code compiles? yes, many machines are quad core and still has 60% of the computing power of say a 10th gen or even 11th gen computer. Is it a i7-1360p? No, that's high end and 22000 cpu bench vs. 6300 on a i7-866U but i7-8665U runs just fine for casual use. Here's a raw spec comparison for more context.
Intel Core i7-1250U vs Intel Core i7-10610U @ 1.80GHz vs Intel Core i7-8665U @ 1.90GHz vs Apple M2 8 Core 3500 MHz vs Intel Core i7-1360P
https://www.cpubenchmar
1360p is the flag ship processor on Dell XPS 13 Plus - and it's about $1499 to get one depending on rest of specs you get of course.
Worried about battery life?
Dell will send you replacement if battery life is under 80% original capacity
Select Search on the taskbar, type Command prompt, press and hold (or right-click) Command prompt, and then select Run as administrator > Yes.
At the command prompt, type powercfg /batteryreport, then press Enter.
The battery report will be an HTML file that's stored in a folder on your PC. The file location will be shown in the Command Prompt window.
Open File Explorer, go to the folder that the report was saved to, and then double-click the battery report (HTML file) to open it in your web browser.
You can get a lot of detailed info about your battery usage and capacity. Some particular sections you might want to look at to get started include the following: Installed battery, Recent usage, and Battery usage.
Look at the section that says
DESIGN CAPACITY 37,240 mWh
FULL CHARGE CAPACITY 29,838 mWh
I'm sure you can do your own math...
In this case, the battery has 80% life left and will not be eligible for replacement. If it is 79%, they WILL send you a replacement.
You just have to email Dell (reply to your original order confirmation).
It may take a few days over email. (I don't call, I am not in a rush but if you call you will get a faster response)
It will then take maybe a week for warehouse to get battery and ship and then you will get a tracking number. Yes I know it's slow but it's a free replacement and I can just plug it in for now until I get a newer battery. If battery is bad again, rinse and repeat the process.
Can the RAM be upgraded?
Any 2-in-1 dell machines: No
Other computers Yes, specifics you should just google "dell latitude 7400 specs" as example and you can see all of the hardware specs.
7400 - 32GB, 2 DIMM slots total. You need to look at the machine specifics while ordering, if it has 1x8GB then you can add 1x8GB = 16GB. If you want to get to 32, you have to buy 2 x 16GB DIMMS. If there is always 1x16GB install then you can just buy 1x16GB to make it 32GB.
Worried about 8GB RAM vs.16GB?
16GB ideal for long term but I've use many 8GB computers for casual web use just fine and even development is fine if you are not running any VM locally. ie: you're deploying to a remote server. Visual Studio Code runs just fine. If you're developer that needs more power and RAM you would not be asking this question anyway.
You can boot Windows in as little as 2GB with some work. Do at your own risk of course. I am using a 4GB machine from 2014 at times and it's great for web browsing and running a 1080p resolution youtube without any hiccups. Perfect couch machine on an otherwise throw-away.
How to build Windows 11 with less ram required. This also bypass any CPU/TPM/SecureBoot requirements by Microsoft.
1. Tiny11 https://www.tomshardwar
2. I use these Debloater in addition to Tiny11 on a 4GB Laptop
- https://github.com/LeDragoX/Win-Debloat-Tools
- I don't use ThisIsWin11 anymore because support ended. I also don't like by default they disabled the Windows Hello (this is dumb to disable)
I have a machine running as low as 1.6GB on BOOT up.
Worry about A vs. B Grade and what the heck do they mean?
https://www.dellrefurbi
You can often ask for partial refund especially if Grade A machines do not look right.
Take pictures and reply to your original order confirmation email).
Example:
I got $30 back on a 7390 2-in-1 on some minor issues, someone didn't put on new sticker right. Got my price down from $150 to $120. What a steal!
I got $60 back on a 5401 cuz there was a small dent. I'll take $60 refund any day and it brought my cost of that machine down by 25%!
What about the screens?
I recommend 1080p. 1920x1080 screens because they are usually brighter.
Also google the actual brightness. anything below 250 feels dim to me and I love 500 nits but that's on high end XPS or Macbook (I know... sorry to even mentioning it here, don't hate me). Anything near 300 nits higher is fine for me on a Dell Refurb.
Touch screen is nice, generally it is a tat dimmer. NOTE: Touch does not mean a 2-in-1 computer where you can fold it into a tent. Some 2-in-1 are detachable like 7200. You'll have to just read the descriptions as new models may change this.
768p resolution are crap... unless you are keeping the machine connected to a monitor I do not recommend
What are the differences between machine X and Machine Y
Too general of a question, you should look at the specs and pictures side by side.
As for general indicator.
In general, the grade of computer is 7 > 5 > 3. 7 more higher end corporate usually, thinner, better ports.
7xxx
5xxx
3xxx
The 2nd digit is generally the size of the screen
7280 = 12-12.5 inch
7390 = 13 inch
7200 = 12-12.5 inch
7410 = 14 inch.
To find out which year or how old the laptop is - the 3rd digit in the model is the year
7280 = Year 2018
7390 = Year 2019
7200 = Year 2000
7410 = Year 2021
7420 = Year 2022
You can also sense the differences in the CPU generation (see above on how to tell which generation CPU it is)
What else should you do after you get the computer?
Check all features, sound, video, sleep, ethernet, all ports etc.
Go to dell.com/support ad update your BIOS, drivers, etc. This addressed some driver issue but in general getting your machine to the best support levels.
This is all free. You do not need to pay for any Dell Support.
Cellular
I have not come across a refurb that shows any cellular modem built-in and some laptops are not good to add the model afterwards as you need a sim tray and a machine such as Laptitude 7200 will not have a SIM tray if it didn't have it first place so you will be SOL.
What about gaming?
Most of the refurb have integrated GPU, not ideal for real gaming. Fine for Minecraft. Especially for kid's to learn on
There are machines like Precision line with GPU but again they are not newest so do your own research since diff games have different needs.
Warranties
30 day returns / 100 day warranty (details). https://www.dellrefurbi
Additional terms (details) https://www.dellrefurbi
1-year extended warranty offered for $49
Top Comments
Worried about upgrading to Windows 11?
Official requirement from Microsoft says 8th Gen CPU. However, you can use much older computers. I have one running on a 4th gen processor with just 4GB of RAM.
This is the first digit after i3/i5/i7. ie: i7-8665U is an 8th gen processor.
However, there are many guides on how to by pass CPU, TPM and SecureBoot requirements.
Here's one, just google it, not hard to do a registry edit or simply build a Tiny11 ISO which is great to trim the bloatware. I am using Tiny11 on all of my Windows 11 install now.
How to Install Windows 11 on an Unsupported PC: 3 Methods https://geekflare.com/install-win...orted-pcs/
Tiny11 I talk about later will also build you an install image that will bypass all Microsoft imposed requirements.
Can you run Ubuntu linux? Absolutely. Chromebooks too. You can check specific compat but they should run fine unless 2-in-1 and Touch which have far less support in general by the open source community.
Worried Windows updates on unsupported CPUs?
Updates are working just fine and don't expect that to stop.
Is the CPU fast enough for me?
I recommend quad core and most of the time you will end up buying 8th Gen for ease of Windows 11 install.
Can you do code compiles? yes, many machines are quad core and still has 60% of the computing power of say a 10th gen or even 11th gen computer. Is it a i7-1360p? No, that's high end and 22000 cpu bench vs. 6300 on a i7-866U but i7-8665U runs just fine for casual use. Here's a raw spec comparison for more context.
Intel Core i7-1250U vs Intel Core i7-10610U @ 1.80GHz vs Intel Core i7-8665U @ 1.90GHz vs Apple M2 8 Core 3500 MHz vs Intel Core i7-1360P
https://www.cpubenchmar
1360p is the flag ship processor on Dell XPS 13 Plus - and it's about $1499 to get one depending on rest of specs you get of course.
Worried about battery life?
Dell will send you replacement if battery life is under 80% original capacity
Select Search on the taskbar, type Command prompt, press and hold (or right-click) Command prompt, and then select Run as administrator > Yes.
At the command prompt, type powercfg /batteryreport, then press Enter.
The battery report will be an HTML file that's stored in a folder on your PC. The file location will be shown in the Command Prompt window.
Open File Explorer, go to the folder that the report was saved to, and then double-click the battery report (HTML file) to open it in your web browser.
You can get a lot of detailed info about your battery usage and capacity. Some particular sections you might want to look at to get started include the following: Installed battery, Recent usage, and Battery usage.
Look at the section that says
DESIGN CAPACITY 37,240 mWh
FULL CHARGE CAPACITY 29,838 mWh
I'm sure you can do your own math...
In this case, the battery has 80% life left and will not be eligible for replacement. If it is 79%, they WILL send you a replacement.
You just have to email Dell (reply to your original order confirmation).
It may take a few days over email. (I don't call, I am not in a rush but if you call you will get a faster response)
It will then take maybe a week for warehouse to get battery and ship and then you will get a tracking number. Yes I know it's slow but it's a free replacement and I can just plug it in for now until I get a newer battery. If battery is bad again, rinse and repeat the process.
Dell tried twice to send me battery but they kept on getting it wrong at the factory. Eventually they sent me $40 more refund and ask I buy it myself. Sweet! oh they never ask for the old battery back so if you have 79%, you just got an extra battery.
Can the RAM be upgraded?
Any 2-in-1 dell machines: No With exception of Dell Latitude 5310 2-in-1
Other computers Yes, specifics you should just google "dell latitude 7400 specs" as example and you can see all of the hardware specs.
7400 - 32GB, 2 DIMM slots total. You need to look at the machine specifics while ordering, if it has 1x8GB then you can add 1x8GB = 16GB. If you want to get to 32, you have to buy 2 x 16GB DIMMS. If there is always 1x16GB install then you can just buy 1x16GB to make it 32GB.
Worried about 8GB RAM vs.16GB?
16GB ideal for long term but I've use many 8GB computers for casual web use just fine and even development is fine if you are not running any VM locally. ie: you're deploying to a remote server. Visual Studio Code runs just fine. If you're developer that needs more power and RAM you would not be asking this question anyway.
You can boot Windows in as little as 2GB with some work. Do at your own risk of course. I am using a 4GB machine from 2014 at times and it's great for web browsing and running a 1080p resolution youtube without any hiccups. Perfect couch machine on an otherwise throw-away.
How to build Windows 11 with less ram required. This also bypass any CPU/TPM/SecureBoot requirements by Microsoft.
1. Tiny11 https://www.tomshardwar
2. I use these Debloater in addition to Tiny11 on a 4GB Laptop
- https://github.com/LeDragoX/Win-Debloat-Tools
- I don't use ThisIsWin11 anymore because support ended. I also don't like by default they disabled the Windows Hello (this is dumb to disable)
I have a machine running as low as 1.6GB on BOOT up.
Worry about A vs. B Grade and what the heck do they mean?
https://www.dellrefurbi
You can often ask for partial refund especially if Grade A machines do not look right.
Take pictures and reply to your original order confirmation email).
Example:
I got $30 back on a 7390 2-in-1 on some minor issues, someone didn't put on new sticker right. Got my price down from $150 to $120. What a steal!
I got $60 back on a 5401 cuz there was a small dent. I'll take $60 refund any day and it brought my cost of that machine down by 25%!
What about the screens?
I recommend 1080p. 1920x1080 screens because they are usually brighter.
Also google the actual brightness. anything below 250 feels dim to me and I love 500 nits but that's on high end XPS or Macbook (I know... sorry to even mentioning it here, don't hate me). Anything near 300 nits higher is fine for me on a Dell Refurb.
Touch screen is nice, generally it is a tat dimmer. NOTE: Touch does not mean a 2-in-1 computer where you can fold it into a tent. Some 2-in-1 are detachable like 7200. You'll have to just read the descriptions as new models may change this.
768p resolution are crap... unless you are keeping the machine connected to a monitor I do not recommend
What are the differences between machine X and Machine Y
Too general of a question, you should look at the specs and pictures side by side.
As for general indicator.
In general, the grade of computer is 7 > 5 > 3. 7 more higher end corporate usually, thinner, better ports.
7xxx
5xxx
3xxx
The 2nd digit is generally the size of the screen
7280 = 12-12.5 inch
7390 = 13 inch
7200 = 12-12.5 inch
7410 = 14 inch.
To find out which year or how old the laptop is - the 3rd digit in the model is the year
7280 = Year 2018
7390 = Year 2019
7200 = Year 2000
7410 = Year 2021
7420 = Year 2022
You can also sense the differences in the CPU generation (see above on how to tell which generation CPU it is)
What else should you do after you get the computer?
Check all features, sound, video, sleep, ethernet, all ports etc.
Go to dell.com/support ad update your BIOS, drivers, etc. This addressed some driver issue but in general getting your machine to the best support levels.
This is all free. You do not need to pay for any Dell Support.
Cellular
I have not come across a refurb that shows any cellular modem built-in and some laptops are not good to add the model afterwards as you need a sim tray and a machine such as Laptitude 7200 will not have a SIM tray if it didn't have it first place so you will be SOL.
What about gaming?
Most of the refurb have integrated GPU, not ideal for real gaming. Fine for Minecraft. Especially for kid's to learn on
There are machines like Precision line with GPU but again they are not newest so do your own research since diff games have different needs.
Windows Hello
I love this feature. My 72x0 2-in-1 the machine logs in as I open it up and it recognizes my face. This speeds up time to use dramatically. Something you'll have to check to see if your model has it.
Dell has a web page but it seems very out of date https://www.dell.com/support/kbdo...quiremen
Dell machines now I have on hand where I learned a ton of hardware info and Windows 11
7440 14" with touch. 1265U with 32GB
7420
7400 Touch
7380
7390 Touch
7280
7210 2-in-1
5290 2-in-1
5420
XPS 13 Plus with 1260p processor (basically latest XPS 13 plus)
Soon will get XPS 13 2-in1- loaded
Optiplex 7070 x 2
Optiplex 3060 x 3
Other Windows machine I have as I compared and tried to get my perfect Windows device next to my Mac devices
Surface Pro 3
Surface Pro 7
Surface Laptop 3
Surface Go 2
Surface Pro X SQ1
Warranties
30 day returns / 100 day warranty (details). https://www.dellrefurbi
Additional terms (details) https://www.dellrefurbi
1-year extended warranty offered for $49
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81 Comments
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If you are going to type all the time on kb then get 7400. Bigger screen and sturdy
Performance about the same despite 10th gen cpu on 7200.
I like 7200 cuz it's more option on use such as tablet mode but screen is smaller. And oversized not that much smaller cuz bezel is thicccccck on 7200.
If you are going to type all the time on kb then get 7400. Bigger screen and sturdy
Performance about the same despite 10th gen cpu on 7200.
I like 7200 cuz it's more option on use such as tablet mode but screen is smaller. And oversized not that much smaller cuz bezel is thicccccck on 7200.
I tend to do max brightness no matter what.
The 7400. I think about the same. If I dim the display the way windows 11 wants me so then it could be 6 hours on each. But I don't like dim displays.
If I am just playing YouTube and leaving it as is and not using it for anything else will last the most. I am usually going thru a few tabs and refreshing a lot of websites.
I ended up having both cuz I could not decide but if I have to pick just one I would do 7200 2-in-1 because it's original starting $ value is higher cuz it's a tablet also. It's close to an inch shower on the long side to my naked eye Width almost identical. Added -- I can just have another bluetooth keyboard at the office and never carry this type-cover and save weight in my bag too.
Just more info on cellular upgrade if that mattes
I wish I can find a refurb with LTE but so far no luck and can't tell from the refurb listing. Don't wanna go eBay either. Buying a card after won't work for 7200 cuz you need the sim card tray and 7200 may not even have the opening on the case for it.
7400 would have a SIM card tray. I see it in my 7390 2-in-1 7420 7380 and 7290. Just none of them have the actual LTE modem card and I think the wiring may be missing inside too. I figured out how to hot spot faster for now but I really want a decent machine with built in 5G modem.
I learned a lot the last few weeks on dell refurbs.
And learned info in debloat by others so it's been a lot of fun coming from a pure Mac / Apple eco.
7200 would have it and I love Windows hello login - it is an absolutely requirement if I was to buy a new Windows laptop one day.
Battery life when new claims 10 hours on 7200 and 15 hours on 7400 but it's aways different for diff people and I definitely am not going to get 10 hours with the way I use them.
7400 2-in-1 SOLD OUT it seems
I noticed something strange... 7200 says "Keyboard not included"!!! This is a big problem if you have to buy the KB separately and drives the price up.
Your configuration includes:
Grade B
64-bit Windows 10 Professional
Office 365 Home/Student (Trial)
12.3" FHD Touch (1920 x 1080)
1x Intel Core i7-8665U (4-Core, 1.90 GHz)
16 GB (2x 8GB)
512 GB (1x 512 GB SSD)
Integrated Graphics
No Optical
No LAN
Wireless 802.11 ac + Bluetooth
Webcam Included
Keyboard Not Included
I tend to do max brightness no matter what.
The 7400. I think about the same. If I dim the display the way windows 11 wants me so then it could be 6 hours on each. But I don't like dim displays.
If I am just playing YouTube and leaving it as is and not using it for anything else will last the most. I am usually going thru a few tabs and refreshing a lot of websites.
I ended up having both cuz I could not decide but if I have to pick just one I would do 7200 2-in-1 because it's original starting $ value is higher cuz it's a tablet also. It's close to an inch shower on the long side to my naked eye Width almost identical. Added -- I can just have another bluetooth keyboard at the office and never carry this type-cover and save weight in my bag too.
Just more info on cellular upgrade if that mattes
I wish I can find a refurb with LTE but so far no luck and can't tell from the refurb listing. Don't wanna go eBay either. Buying a card after won't work for 7200 cuz you need the sim card tray and 7200 may not even have the opening on the case for it.
7400 would have a SIM card tray. I see it in my 7390 2-in-1 7420 7380 and 7290. Just none of them have the actual LTE modem card and I think the wiring may be missing inside too. I figured out how to hot spot faster for now but I really want a decent machine with built in 5G modem.
I learned a lot the last few weeks on dell refurbs.
And learned info in debloat by others so it's been a lot of fun coming from a pure Mac / Apple eco.
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2-in-1 models you are stuck with the RAM though but you can swap out the SSD in a 2-in-1.
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