Alienware is a division of Dell that deals with gaming hardware. The laptops are renowned for their immense power, which meets the high-power gaming demands. Ever since Alienware’s inception, it has developed some of the most unique and highly functional gaming laptops, making it a darling amongst avid gamers for several reasons. While choosing the right gaming laptop can seem like a chore, once a gamer knows they want an Alienware, the only thing left to do is compare models based on factors including budget and needs.
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A lot of Alienware gaming laptops feature quite similar specifications, and it can be pretty confusing to choose the best among them, particularly when the prices are close too. By analyzing several Alienware gaming laptops available in multiple retail stores, the Game ZXC team has put together a list of the best Alienware gaming laptops to buy in 2024.
Best Alienware Laptop for Gaming Buying Guide: Key Factors to Consider
Gamers should factor in several elements when shopping for an ideal Alienware laptop to avoid a hit-or-miss situation. This buying guide presents the key factors to consider when getting this gaming utility.
Price
Alienware laptops are high-end gaming PCs, and they come with steep price tags, which may discourage many gamers. The good thing is that there is a variety to pick from, and players can work within their budget to get exactly what they need.
As is the norm, cheaper Alienware PCs may be of lower quality and miss some crucial features. The reverse is true for the expensive models. Customers can take advantage of offers and discounts for excellent bargains.
The Processor
Gaming laptops require robust processors that can handle the heavy work load. Most Alienware gaming laptops sport core i7 or i9 processors, with the latter being the most powerful. Sturdier processors make the PC versatile and can handle more complex tasks, such as programming and video editing.
Graphics Card RAM Size
Graphics cards are critical components of gaming laptops and are responsible for display quality. The graphics card's RAM size determines the graphics processing efficiency and depends on the screen resolution. An 8GB card is ideal for a display resolution of up to 1080p, but a 12GB card does a better job. For higher resolutions, like 4K, a 16GB and above card is the way to go.
The Display
When talking about display, the focus is on elements like screen size and resolution. Alienware laptops primarily have screen sizes in the 14-18-inch range. Some gamers may want larger screens while others prefer smaller ones. Users can expand the display size of some models via external monitors or mirroring to TVs. Resolution refers to the horizontal pixels on the screen: the more pixels a laptop screen has, the better the image quality.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Alienware Laptops for Gaming in 2024
Alienware M18 R1
The Alienware M18 R1 is a potent gaming machine with the latest Intel Core i7 high-performance processor combined with the RTX 4070 8GB GPU to excel in gaming and productivity. The laptop features a QHD+ display with a high refresh rate of 165Hz for fluid gaming with detailed features.
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i7 13700HX
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070 Laptop
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 18", 2560x1600
- Brand
- Dell
- Model
- Alienware M18 R1
- QHD+ resolution for sharper details
- Big 18" display with 165Hz refresh rate
- High-performance CPU and GPU
- Difficult portability due to big size
High-performance doesn't necessarily mean users need the flagship CPU or GPU to play their favorite games with maximum visual quality. Sometimes, the answer is somewhere between a mid-range and a high-end offering. This is why the Alienware M18 R1 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to obtain the best value possible for money. The M18 has some crucial advantages over other Alienware laptops that make it irreplaceable, regardless of the cost.
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It boasts an 18-inch display with QHD+ resolution, which users will find mostly absent on other Alienware gaming laptops. Running at 165Hz, the configuration and the display choice make good sense, assuming that most games won't hit the 150+ fps mark. With the RTX 4070 8GB GPU, modern titles can be played at 60+ fps on ultra settings and, with some tweaks, many games can be run at 100+ fps, letting users take advantage of its high refresh screen. Paired with it is the Core i7 13700HX, which absolutely destroys its direct competitors for this price tag and boasts a whopping 16-core/24-thread configuration to handle any operation without breaking a sweat.
Dell Alienware X16
Dell Alienware X16 provides a powerful Core i9 CPU from the Raptor Lake lineup that can reach up to 5.4GHz to crush any CPU-intensive task. It has a 16-inch display with an FHD+ resolution that is powered by the popular RTX 4070 Ada GPU, which makes it a powerful option for intensive gaming sessions. The design is sturdy and boasts a premium RGB keyboard.
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i9 13900HK
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 4070 Laptop
- RAM
- 32GB DDR5
- Storage
- 2TB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 16", 1920x1200p
- Brand
- Dell
- Model
- Alienware X16
- Priced better than most Alienware laptops
- Brings the latest gen CPU-GPU combo for high performance
- RGB backlit keyboard
- High power consumption
Those wanting a smaller and more ubiquitous 16-inch display can go with the Alienware X16 gaming laptop, which was released last year boasting the latest gen hardware. Powered by the Core i9 13900HK processor, the laptop has all that horsepower to push the performance to the next level. Whether users are more into intensive applications that need a good number of cores, or whether the need is for a high clock speed to achieve great performance in apps like Photoshop, the i9 13900HK does it better than anything else.
With 2TB of storage space on a fast NVMe SSD, users can install multiple games, and store important files and media without fearing space shortage. The system RAM is 32GB DDR5 and the GPU is the RTX 4070 with 8GB VRAM, ensuring no game struggles to reach fps in high double or triple digits. This is one of the most reasonably priced Alienware laptops out there without any major flaws.
Alienware M17R5
Powered by a high-end CPU from the Zen 3 family, the Alienware M17R5 has all that power to push the performance to the next level. The GPU is the RTX 3080 and the total system RAM stands at 32GB to ensure there is no bottlenecking. A high-end display with a 480Hz refresh rate provides unparalleled fluidity on its 17.3-inch display, making it a top-notch choice for enthusiasts who are also AMD lovers.
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 3080 Laptop
- RAM
- 32GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 17.3", 1920x1080p
- Brand
- Dell
- Model
- Alienware M17R5
- Incredibly high refresh rate
- 8-core/16-thread high-performance AMD CPU
- RTX 3080 for great visuals
- RTX 3080 is power hungry
- Storage could have been larger
Team Red fans can rejoice as Dell also produces Alienware laptops with AMD processors. While Intel is more common on gaming laptops, AMD cannot be written off, as a lot of benchmarks show that AMD processors are as capable as the latest high-end Intel chips, particularly in multi-threaded applications where the high-performance Ryzen CPUs are quite quick in operations. The M17R5 Alienware laptop utilizes the Ryzen 9 6900HX processor, which is based on the Zen 3++ architecture and comes with 8 cores and 16 threads to suffice for all types of operations.
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The clock speeds can reach up to 4.9GHz in the Turbo mode and can cross 5.0GHz with overclocking. This squeezes out more performance for free with just a little more work. The laptop's excellent configuration includes 32 Gigs of DDR5 RAM, 1TB of storage space, and a Geforce RTX 3080, which is slightly faster than the Ada-based RTX 4070, though it consumes more power. Everything will look super smooth on its 17.3-inch FHD display running at a whopping 480Hz high refresh rate.
Dell Alienware x17 R2
Alienware X17 R2 delivers great performance for under $2000 through its powerful configuration that incorporates a 14-core CPU, and an RTX 3070 Ti. Its display runs at a high 360Hz refresh rate and has excellent color reproduction. Everything on it from the hardware to the exterior is compelling for serious gamers.
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Intel Core i7 12700H
- GPU
- Nvidia Geforce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop
- RAM
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 17.3", 1920x1080
- Brand
- Dell
- Model
- Alienware X17 R2
- Large screen with 360Hz refresh rate for high fluidity
- 14 core/20 thread CPU and powerful mid-range Ampere GPU
- RGB-backlit keyboard
- Runs hot
The Alienware X17 R2 is one of the cheapest gaming laptops in the premium segment and is a powerful mid-range solution for users who do not need 20+ cores and 30+ threads. With its Core i7 12700H processor, which brings a 14-core/20-thread configuration to the table, it is decently powerful for productivity, multitasking, and gaming. However, the RTX 3070 Ti is slightly slower than other Alienware offerings by Dell on this list. Still, it is one of the most potent cards for 1440p gaming, and considering that the X17 R2 comes with a full HD resolution, users will see their frame rates in triple digits.
This will make gaming movements appear pretty fluid on a 360Hz high refresh rate display that is one of the fastest displays on gaming laptops in responsiveness. While most gaming laptops end up with a 3ms response time, the X17 R2 has three times faster response time, making it a perfect portable solution for competitive gaming. From its outward appearance that incorporates a sleek design with an RGB keyboard to a capable hardware configuration, the X17 R2 doesn't disappoint.
Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop
Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop comes with an ultra-fast display, boasting a refresh rate of 480Hz for insanely smooth gameplay. At its heart, lies the Ryzen 9 7845HX, providing 12 cores and 24 threads to crunch big numbers, and the RTX 4080 for maxing out modern titles at its full HD display.
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX
- GPU
- AMD Radeon RX 7900M
- RAM
- 32GB DDR5
- Storage
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 18-inch, 1920x1200
- Brand
- Dell
- Model
- Alienware M18
- Battery
- 97Wh
- Connectivity
- WiFi 6E, Bluetooth
- Big 18" screen runs at an incredibly high refresh rate of 480Hz
- Uses one of the fastest productivity CPUs
- RTX 4080 GPU to max out graphics
- High power consumption and runs hot
- Resolution should have been at least QHD
The Alienware M18 AMD gaming laptop is the pinnacle of performance for under $3000. At its core lies the formidable Ryzen 9 7845HX processor to crush any CPU-intensive application without breaking a sweat while also delivering exceptional capabilities for improving gaming performance. Based on the latest Zen 4 architecture, the CPU boasts 12 cores and 24 threads that can reach as high as 5.2GHz with room for overclocking. It isn't a power-efficient chip, as it is made for high performance in multi-threaded operations, but because of this, it outperforms some of the best high-end Intel CPUs from the Raptor Lake family.
But that's not all, the RTX 4080 GPU complements it pretty well, maxing out the graphics settings in modern triple-A titles even with Ray-Tracing on. A full HD+ display is provided on an 18-inch large screen for a better view, which runs at a 480Hz refresh rate with a quick 3ms response time. It's definitely expensive but can last for several years without falling behind in its gaming adeptness.
Dell Alienware m18 Gaming Laptop
The Dell Alienware M18 gaming laptop is easily another great laptop for game development guide, thanks to its redeeming elements. It is an ideal utility for professional gamers who engage in heavily demanding gameplay as well professional game developers.
A noticeable thing about the Alienware M18 is its sizeable 18-inch screen. The screen is pretty large, a decent feature for developers who want a fully immersive experience. The 18-inch non-touch screen has an excellent FHD+ (1920x1080) resolution for maximum clarity. A 480 Hz refresh rate makes the visuals smooth, ensuring smooth game development.
- Operating System
- Windows 11
- CPU
- Core i9
- GPU
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card
- RAM
- 12 GB
- Storage
- 4TB SSD + 4TB SSD
- Display (Size, Resolution)
- 18" FHD+
- Brand
- Dell
- 480 Hz refresh rate
- High-end CPU and GPU combo
- Large storage space
- The laptop is extremely pricey
- Resolution could have been higher
The Dell Alienware M18 gaming laptop is easily the best high-end pick in this review, supported by its many redeeming elements. It is an ideal utility for professional gamers who engage in heavily demanding gameplay. The laptop provides a high-quality 1200p 18-inch screen that runs at a 480 Hz refresh rate, making the visuals smooth and ideal for competitive gameplay. The display provides a 100% DCI-P3 color space for vibrant and accurate colors and features Nvidia G-Sync to eliminate any kind of screen-tearing.
Users will appreciate the versatility of this gaming laptop, owing to elements like its dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card. Booted with 12GB VRAM, users can use the laptop for gaming or other heavy-duty tasks like video and image editing or programming. The GPU is paired with the high-end Core i9 13900HX processor, featuring a whopping 24 cores and 32 threads to crunch big numbers without breaking a sweat. On top of that, a dual 4TB of fast storage is provided to store a lot of large files, eliminating the requirement for storage upgrades in the future.
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FAQ
Q: What Is the Best Computer for Gaming?
The excellence of a gaming computer depends on its features. Key attributes that make a laptop a fine gaming companion include a powerful processor and excellent visuals. Convenience is also essential and focuses on portability and general functionality.
Q: Is PC Gaming Worth It In 2024?
PC gaming has a huge following, with many gamers considering it the best. Appealing attributes of PC gaming include freedom of customization, impressive graphics, and faster loading times compared to alternatives like consoles.
Q: What Is the Best PC Brand?
There are several PC brands, each claiming the top spot, with selling points like affordability, ease of accessibility, power, and durability. Top players in the PC market include Dell, HP, Asus, and Acer. Customers can peruse the catalogs of leading brands to get the best PC, depending on their needs.