Introduction
The Alienware 17 R5, a flagship gaming laptop that was released in 2018, was a force to be reckoned with in the gaming world. It was a behemoth in terms of size, power, and performance. This review dives into the depths of the Alienware 17 R5, meticulously analyzing its design, specifications, performance, and overall value proposition. We will dissect its features and compare it to its rivals, uncovering its strengths and weaknesses.
Design and Aesthetics
The Alienware 17 R5 is an intimidating machine, its sleek design and aggressive lines screaming "Gaming Laptop." Sporting a predominantly black chassis with subtle red accents, it exudes a menacing aura. The iconic alien head logo sits proudly on the lid, adding a touch of otherworldly mystique.
A Look Inside:
- Weight: The Alienware 17 R5 is not for the faint of heart, weighing in at a hefty 8.57 pounds. This makes it a challenge to carry around for extended periods.
- Dimensions: The laptop boasts a large footprint, measuring 16.7 x 11.6 x 1.3 inches. This behemoth will consume a significant portion of your desk space.
- Build Quality: Dell has employed a sturdy aluminum alloy for the chassis, ensuring a robust and durable build.
- Ports: The Alienware 17 R5 is packed with connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0, mini-DisplayPort, and multiple USB 3.0 ports.
- Keyboard and Touchpad: The keyboard is spacious, comfortable, and features a per-key RGB lighting system. The touchpad is responsive and accurate.
Design Highlights:
- Alienware Command Center: This software allows you to fine-tune various system settings, including performance profiles, lighting effects, and fan speeds.
- Thermal Design: The Alienware 17 R5 features an innovative cooling system that effectively dissipates heat, preventing throttling even during demanding workloads.
- Sound: The laptop boasts a powerful audio system with front-facing speakers and Dolby Atmos technology, delivering an immersive audio experience.
Display
The Alienware 17 R5 boasts a stunning 17.3-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD). It utilizes a G-SYNC compatible IPS panel, offering exceptional image quality with vivid colors, wide viewing angles, and a refresh rate of 144 Hz. This fast refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay and a competitive edge in fast-paced games.
Hardware and Specifications
The Alienware 17 R5 packs a punch in terms of hardware specifications. Its configurations vary, but typical specs include:
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8750H or i9-8950HK
- Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or 1080
- RAM: 16GB or 32GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB HDD and 256GB NVMe SSD or 2TB NVMe SSD
- Battery: 99 Wh battery
The Intel Core i7-8750H and i9-8950HK: These processors are powerful enough to handle demanding tasks and games. The i9-8950HK offers a slight performance boost over the i7-8750H but comes at a higher price.
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 and 1080: These graphics cards are powerful enough to run modern games at high resolutions and settings. The GTX 1080 delivers a significant performance advantage over the GTX 1070.
16GB or 32GB DDR4 RAM: This allows the laptop to run multiple programs simultaneously without any noticeable lag.
1TB HDD and 256GB NVMe SSD or 2TB NVMe SSD: The combination of HDD and SSD provides ample storage space for your games, applications, and files. The NVMe SSD offers lightning-fast loading times, making the overall user experience smooth and responsive.
99 Wh Battery: The Alienware 17 R5's battery life is moderate, offering around 4-5 hours of light use. However, if you're gaming or running demanding tasks, the battery life will be significantly reduced.
Performance
The Alienware 17 R5 is a powerhouse, delivering top-notch performance in both gaming and general usage.
Gaming Performance:
- The Alienware 17 R5 can handle modern AAA games at ultra-high settings with consistent frame rates. The combination of its powerful processor and graphics card ensures smooth gameplay even in demanding scenarios.
- The 144Hz refresh rate of the display further enhances the gaming experience, providing a smooth and responsive visual output.
- The G-SYNC technology helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, making the gameplay even more fluid.
General Performance:
- The Alienware 17 R5 excels in general usage, breezing through multitasking, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- The large amount of RAM ensures that the laptop can handle multiple programs simultaneously without any noticeable lag.
- The fast NVMe SSD accelerates loading times and improves overall responsiveness.
Benchmarks:
- Cinebench R15: The Alienware 17 R5 scored impressive results in Cinebench R15, highlighting its powerful processor and excellent multi-core performance.
- 3DMark Time Spy: The laptop's graphics card delivered exceptional scores in 3DMark Time Spy, confirming its ability to handle demanding games with ease.
Thermal Performance and Noise
The Alienware 17 R5 employs an advanced cooling system that effectively dissipates heat, keeping the system cool even during demanding workloads. The fans, while audible, are not overly loud, especially when compared to other high-performance gaming laptops.
Battery Life
While the Alienware 17 R5 offers a decent battery life, it falls short of some of its competitors. The 99 Wh battery can provide around 4-5 hours of light usage, which is sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing. However, the battery life drops significantly when gaming or running demanding applications.
Price and Value
The Alienware 17 R5 is a premium gaming laptop, and its price reflects its high-end specifications. The starting price for the base model with a GTX 1070 graphics card was around $2,000. The higher-end configurations with GTX 1080 graphics card and more RAM and storage would cost significantly more.
Is It Worth The Price?
The Alienware 17 R5 offers exceptional performance, a stunning display, and a robust design. However, its high price tag may be a deterrent for some users. You need to weigh the cost against your specific needs and budget. If you require a powerful and reliable gaming laptop, and price is not a major concern, the Alienware 17 R5 could be a good option for you.
Conclusion
The Alienware 17 R5 is a powerful gaming laptop that packs a punch. It offers exceptional performance, a stunning display, and a robust design. The laptop excels in both gaming and general usage, making it a versatile machine for demanding tasks. While the battery life is not its strongest point, it's still a solid choice for gamers who are willing to sacrifice some portability for power.
FAQs
1. Is the Alienware 17 R5 good for gaming?
The Alienware 17 R5 is an excellent choice for gaming. It features a powerful processor, a high-end graphics card, and a 144Hz display, enabling smooth gameplay at high resolutions and settings.
2. How long does the battery last on the Alienware 17 R5?
The Alienware 17 R5's battery life is moderate, providing around 4-5 hours of light use. However, the battery life drops significantly when gaming or running demanding applications.
3. How loud are the fans on the Alienware 17 R5?
While the fans are audible, they are not overly loud, especially when compared to other high-performance gaming laptops.
4. What is the weight of the Alienware 17 R5?
The Alienware 17 R5 is a hefty laptop, weighing in at 8.57 pounds. It's not ideal for users who frequently need to travel with their laptops.
5. What is the price range of the Alienware 17 R5?
The price range of the Alienware 17 R5 varies depending on the configuration. The starting price for the base model with a GTX 1070 graphics card was around $2,000, while higher-end configurations with GTX 1080 graphics card and more RAM and storage would cost significantly more.