Table of Contents
Overview
In the competitive world of gaming laptops, the Alienware m17 R5 emerges as a new force, redefining the boundaries of performance and design. Its class is evident not only in its components, like the eight-core AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor and the Radeon 6850M XT GPU, but also in every meticulously crafted detail, from the sharp 4K screen to the option of a 1080p display with an astonishing 360Hz refresh rate.
The Alienware m17 R5 is more than just a gaming device; it symbolizes innovation, blending smooth user experiences with an attractive exterior. This model maintains Alienware’s iconic sci-fi style while offering impressive battery life, shattering any stereotypes of powerful gaming machines being inflexible.
When high performance is a non-negotiable requirement, the Alienware m17 R5 is a new standard where every gamer can find satisfaction in every moment of use. Its refined design and configurable setup make this a smart choice and a reliable partner for digital adventures. The Alienware m17 R5 is not only a premium tech product but also a powerful statement about capability and style in the modern era of gaming.
Pros | Cons |
|
|
Alienware M17 R5 Specs And Features
- Model name: Dell Alienware m17
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
- Graphics Coprocessor: AMD Radeon RX 6850M
- Display: 17.3 Inch FHD
- Refresh Rate: 360Hz
- RAM: 32GB DDR5 (Up to 64GB)
- Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- Hard Drive: 1TB SSD
- Webcam: 1080p
- Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 Type-A USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port with PowerShare, 2x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Headset (headphone and microphone combo), 1x RJ45 Ethernet port.
- Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Battery: 96 wHr
- Dimensions: 15.64″L x 1.05″W x 11.76″T
- Weight: 7.3 Pounds
- Price: $2,434.49
Design and Exterior
While familiar, the m17 R5’s design instantly resonated with me. It retains the design lines that have made previous Alienware versions famous. Far from being a disappointment, the sci-fi style with circular LED lights and futuristic lid logo cast a unique spell, affirming its identity as a true gaming machine. I particularly like its uniqueness in the “Dark Side of the Moon” color – a singular choice for the R5, diverging from the white “Lunar Light” seen in previous models.
While Alienware seems to be promoting its slimmer X series, I recognize that the M series remains an indispensable choice for performance in 15 and 17-inch sizes. The m15 and m17 have consistently led in frame rates in their segments, while the X series focuses on slimness over raw power. With the m17 R5, this distinction becomes even more apparent.
The R5 isn’t extremely thick, but I wouldn’t call it slim. Compared to past 17-inch gaming laptops, it’s relatively trimmed down, measuring 1.05 x 15.6 x 11.8 inches (HWD), closely matching one of my favorite large gaming rigs – the Asus ROG Strix Scar 17.
However, the Alienware x17 is slimmer (0.82 inches), and I’ll soon explore the trade-off in performance in the performance review section. The m17 R5 is thicker than its R4 predecessor, further differentiating the X and M series.
Carrying the R5 certainly requires commitment; weighing 7.3 pounds, it’s heavier than the Strix Scar. I would consider it something other than a daily travel companion or even for use on my lap instead of a desk. However, in return, I get a machine with power that surpasses most 15-inch systems and even other 17-inch models that offer a smaller footprint, like the Acer Nitro 5, not to mention the growing number of 16-inch laptops that strive to balance power and portability.
Nevertheless, the weight of the m17 R5 likely will be fine for many; large-screen notebooks typically serve as desktop replacements, easily movable when necessary but mostly stationary. The 17.3-inch display is a significant part of its appeal, offering an experience close to a desktop monitor, so let’s delve deeper into what this screen has to offer.
Performance
I was genuinely impressed by the latent power the Alienware m17 R5 brought to my experience. Starting with the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor, I felt incredible power. Every task, from light web browsing to heavy video editing or graphics processing, was handled smoothly and quickly. The Ryzen 9 6900HX is the heart of the m17 R5 and a guarantee of relentless performance.
The Radeon RX 6850M XT GPU was equally impressive. Playing graphically demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, I was very satisfied with its ability to render sharp and smooth images. Interestingly, even though the frame rate per second was not optimal in some cases, the overall experience still exceeded my expectations, especially in complex graphic games.
The RAM and SSD also played a significant role in the overall experience. With an upgrade option of up to 64GB of RAM, I encountered no issues with multitasking. Switching between heavy applications like video editing, multiple browser tabs, and other background apps was seamless. The SSD, with a capacity of up to 2TB, provided ample storage space and ensured quick data read and write speeds, significantly saving time in booting and loading heavy applications.
I also appreciated the cooling capabilities of the m17 R5. The efficient cooling system kept the machine stable without overheating during extended gaming sessions or processing heavy tasks. However, I noticed that the cooling fans could produce some noise in serious situations, though they quickly quieted down during regular tasks.
Overall, the Alienware m17 R5 gave me an impressive and enjoyable use experience, balancing powerful performance with efficient multitasking capabilities. It is a strong gaming laptop and a versatile work tool, meeting most of my needs, from entertainment to professional work.
Display & Audio
Evaluating the display and audio of the Alienware m17 R5. Equipped with an FHD (1920 x 1080) display option with a 360Hz refresh rate and a 3-millisecond response time, it’s an excellent choice for those balancing gaming performance with movie-watching or editing software needs.
The FHD display of the m17 R5 is one of the brightest among similar laptops I’ve tested. The vibrant color display, especially noticeable in games like Hi-Fi Rush, made the game’s vivid aesthetics stand out. Although the DCI-P3 ratio is low (76.2%), the display suits movie-watching and gaming well.
Besides the display, the m17 R5’s Dolby Atmos-powered speakers wowed me. They were loud enough to drown out the sound of the fans during gaming. Most of the time, I didn’t need to raise the volume above 30%. The integration of Dolby Access software allowed me to adjust the EQ to my liking. Playing Hi-Fi Rush, the sound clarity and volume from the speakers were particularly enjoyable, especially with the game’s licensed music. The music sounded even better with headphones, whereas the Dolby Access Software made a noticeable difference. The EQ differences were more apparent with headphones, and I often settled on the “detailed” setting for music listening.
Keyboard and Touchpad
I found comfort in the keyboard’s deep travel and good response while typing. Although not a mechanical keyboard, it met my needs well, from gaming to daily work. The spacious and sensitive touchpad supported precise touch operations, though I usually preferred using an external mouse for gaming.
Ports
The Alienware m17 R5 offers a diverse range of ports, catering to most user needs. It includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a Type-C port supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 and Display Port, and an HDMI 2.1 port, ensuring flexible connectivity with various devices. The RJ45 Ethernet port for stable wired network connections and the combined audio port are useful additions, enhancing the gaming and work experience. The abundance of connectivity options makes the m17 R5 ideal for users requiring high flexibility.
Webcam
Using the webcam of the Alienware m17 R5, I found the 720p camera’s image quality to be average, not sharp enough for high-quality online meetings or streaming. However, I appreciated the IR sensor feature supporting Windows Hello, allowing quick and secure logins.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Alienware m17 R5 is not particularly impressive, especially considering its high performance. The machine maintained about six and a half hours of movie watching in tests, significantly less during gaming or heavy tasks. Practically, it provided about three hours of continuous gaming. For a powerful gaming laptop, this is understandable but also indicates that the m17 R5 is more suited as a portable desktop than a true laptop.
Conclusion
The Alienware m17 R5 has brought me impressive gaming and work experience. Its excellent performance, sharp 4K display, powerful Dolby Atmos speakers, and multiple connectivity options have become a valuable tool in my setup. While the webcam does not meet high demands and the battery life is limited, the strengths of the m17 R5 have left me satisfied. It’s a great choice in the high-end gaming laptop segment, suitable for those seeking high performance and a quality gaming experience.
Read more:
Acer Predator Triton 14 – Top notch Gaming Laptop!
Best Gaming Laptop Under $2000