Which is better for CAD and 3D modeling?

The Precision 5560, thanks to ISV certification and up to 64 GB of RAM. The 3581's RTX A500 helps with GPU-accelerated views, but its 16 GB memory limit is the bigger constraint on large assemblies.

Which has the better screen?

The 5560. Its 1920x1200 16:10 touch panel is sharper and taller than the 3581's 1920x1080 non-touch panel, which is rated at only 250 nits.

Which is more portable?

The 3581 at 3.96 lb versus 4.3 lb for the 5560. The difference is small, but the 3581 is the lighter of the two.

Does the 3581 have better graphics?

Yes. The 3581 lists a dedicated NVIDIA RTX A500 with 4 GB GDDR6, while the 5560 configuration shown relies on integrated Intel graphics.

The 3581 has the newer platform, DDR5 memory and Wi-Fi 6E, so it has more upgrade headroom over time. The 5560's higher memory ceiling keeps it useful longer for heavy workloads.

Is the 5560 worth stepping up to?

Yes if you run CAD, 3D or video editing and need more than 16 GB of RAM and a better display. If your work is lighter, the 3581 is the more balanced choice.

Dell Precision 5560 vs Dell Precision 3581 15.6"

The Precision 5560 is the better workstation of the two: it carries up to 64 GB of RAM, an octa-core Core i7, a 16:10 1920x1200 touch display and ISV certification in a 4.3 lb chassis. The Precision 3581 is the newer, lighter platform with DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6E and a dedicated RTX A500, but its listed panel is a dim 250-nit non-touch FHD screen and its configuration tops out lower. Buy the 5560 for heavy CAD, 3D and video work; buy the 3581 if you want a lighter, newer-generation machine for lighter professional loads.

Choose the Precision 5560 if you run CAD, 3D modeling or video editing and want the most memory, a sharper 16:10 touch screen and ISV-certified performance.
Choose the Precision 3581 if you want a lighter, newer-generation 15-inch workstation with DDR5 memory and Wi-Fi 6E for everyday professional work.

Prices

Dell Precision 5560: $679.99 at Walmart (last seen Nov 7)
Dell Precision 3581 15.6": $2,264.99 at GoodSuite (checked today)
Difference: the Dell Precision 5560 is $1,585.00 cheaper than the Dell Precision 3581 15.6" at the latest prices (Nov 7 and Nov 11)

	Dell Precision 5560	Dell Precision 3581 15.6"
Memory ceiling	Configurations listed up to 64 GB	16 GB (2x8 GB) DDR5, non-ECC
Memory type	DDR4 SODIMM	DDR5 at 5200 MT/s
Display	15.6-inch 1920x1200 touch, 16:10	15.6-inch 1920x1080 non-touch, 250 nits, 60 Hz
Graphics	Integrated Intel graphics on the listed config	NVIDIA RTX A500, 4 GB GDDR6
Weight	4.3 lb	3.96 lb
Wireless	Wi-Fi 6	Wi-Fi 6E AX211 with Bluetooth
Keyboard	Standard layout	Backlit with numeric keypad, 99 keys
ISV certification	ISV-certified for CAD and creative apps	Not stated for the listed model

Spec	Dell Precision 5560	Dell Precision 3581 15.6"
Screen Resolution	1920x1200	—
Series	Dell Precision	—
Processor	Intel Core i7	—
SSD Size	512 GB	—
Hard Drive Type	SSD	—
Screen Size (")	15.6	—
Operating System	Windows	—
RAM	64 GB	—
Webcam	Yes	—
Resolution	1920 x 1200	—
Touchscreen	Yes	—
Drive Type	Solid State Drive	—

Spec	Dell Precision 5560	Dell Precision 3581 15.6"
Number Of Cores	Octa Core	—
Color	Black, Silver, Gray	—
Weight	4.3 lb	—
Drive Capacity	512 GB drive, 1 TB drive	—
Installed Memory	4 GB RAM, 64 GB RAM	—
Display	—	15.6" FHD 1920 x 1080, 60 Hz, 250 nits, non-tou…
Memory	—	16GB, 2x8GB 5200MT/s SODIMM, DDR5, non-ECC
Keyboard	—	English US backlit keyboard with numeric keypad…
Height (rear)	—	24.70mm(0.97 in.)

Dell Precision 5560 vs Dell Precision 3581 15.6"

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Dell Precision 5560 vs Dell Precision 3581 15.6"

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Dell Precision 5560

Dell Precision 3581 15.6"

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Dell Precision 5560

Dell Precision 3581 15.6"

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Dell Precision 5560

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