With the XPS 17 9720, Dell relies on a 14-core CPU with an Intel Core i7-12700H that supports hyperthreading. The processor operates at a nominal clock speed of 1,700 MHz and can be accelerated to 4,700 MHz for short periods of time for intensive work. With the Iris Xe Graphics G7, the graphics solution integrated into the processor is used for most standard applications. For more complex projects like video editing or 3D modeling, the notebook uses the laptop version of the Nvidia RTX 3060 with 6GB of VRAM.

The notebook also packs 16GB of RAM and a speedy, 1TB M.2 SSD. Thanks to RAM, you can easily leave multiple browser tabs open and run multiple programs at the same time, without having to swap them out to a massive storage device and reload them from there. The space on the SSD is large enough for the pre-installed Windows 11 Home, your favorite programs, and your personal files.

Connection options are limited to four USB Type-C ports, all of which support Thunderbolt 4. For this reason, the notebook offers four PowerDelivery and DisplayPort for connecting an external projector, monitor or Smart TV. If you want to connect an external USB device such as a hard drive, memory stick or other display to the notebook via USB Type-A or HDMI, use the adapter included in the delivery. You’ll also find a 3.5mm stereo jack for a headset and an SDXC card reader on the right side of the case.

Connect the laptop to your home network using Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax standard). You can connect Bluetooth devices, such as mice, keyboards or headsets to the notebook, as possible for Bluetooth 5.2.

The package is rounded out by a fingerprint sensor in the on/off switch, digital array microphone and an HD webcam including an IR sensor for logging in with Windows Hello. However, it only offers a resolution of 1,280 by 720 pixels. Unfortunately, the camera’s recording quality isn’t reliable in testing, as it tends to have image noise. Furthermore, it cannot be disabled by hardware or software.