Forget the tower: Dell’s palm-sized desktop draws 100W through USB-C and still manages 50 TOPS of AI computing power

Dell Pro 5 Micro
(Image credit: Dell)

  • Dell Pro 5 Micro delivers desktop-class computing in an ultra-compact form
  • Single USB-C input allows powering directly from compatible Dell Pro monitors
  • Integrated NPU provides 50 TOPS performance for on-device AI acceleration

Dell is shrinking the office desktop computer down to a block which can sit entirely behind a monitor while still doing the work of a full-sized business PC.

The new Dell Pro 5 Micro Desktop ditches the traditional tower for an ultra-compact form, which suits offices where desk space is limited and cable clutter is a visible problem.

This device draws up to 100W of power through a single USB-C input and can therefore run directly off a compatible USB-C hub monitor, such as a Dell Pro P screen.

Article continues below

USB-C powered design

The Dell Pro 5 Micro runs on Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors with an integrated NPU rated at up to 50 TOPS.

This is the maximum capacity Dell cites for its Copilot+ PC experience in the mainstream desktop line.

That level of AI throughput supports on-device acceleration for Copilot-driven workflows, background optimization, and low-power inferencing tasks.

The system supports up to 64GB DDR5 memory at speeds up to 7200MT/s, which should help keep multitasking and database-style workloads responsive - but the downside is that the thermal envelope of such a small chassis will likely cap how long it can sustain peak loads.

This device does not support Windows Studio Effects within Microsoft’s AI-oriented stack, which is notable given its Copilot+ classification - as a result, access to advanced camera and background processing features found on higher-end Copilot+ systems is limited.

The Pro 5 Micro is compatible with the Dell Pro 5 Wired Fingerprint FSS Mouse (model MS526C), which supports Windows Hello Enhanced Security Sign-in.

That pairing positions the desktop as a low-form-factor endpoint for organizations that want to roll out Recall-compatible PCs without committing to larger desktops or notebooks.

Despite its small form, the Pro 5 is a Copilot+-capable desktop with Intel vPro-style manageability, so organizations can treat it like other Dell Pro endpoints for imaging, patching, and remote provisioning.

Its standardized BIOS and cloud-based Intel vPro tools allow configurations to remain consistent across different CPU options without requiring separate system images.

This means IT teams can deploy and manage different hardware configurations without changing their workflow.

The Dell Pro 5 Micro is available now.


Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.

TOPICS
Efosa Udinmwen
Freelance Journalist

Efosa has been writing about technology for over 7 years, initially driven by curiosity but now fueled by a strong passion for the field. He holds both a Master's and a PhD in sciences, which provided him with a solid foundation in analytical thinking.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.