Alienware x16 R2 Review: Is This the Ultimate Gaming Laptop for 2024?
When it comes to premium gaming laptops, Alienware has consistently set the bar for both performance and aesthetics. The Alienware x16 R2 is the latest in their lineup, and with the introduction of Intel's Core Ultra CPUs and RTX 4090 graphics, it promises to be a portable powerhouse for gamers. But does it truly live up to the hype? Let's dive into the specs, performance, and overall experience to see if the Alienware x16 R2 is worth your investment.
Configuration & Specs: A Powerhouse in a Sleek Package
The Alienware x16 R2 doesn’t break new ground in terms of design—it retains the look of the x16 R1, featuring the same polarizing white/silver/black color scheme. While some users find this design a bit too flashy, others appreciate the futuristic, almost sci-fi aesthetic. It’s a design that certainly stands out, with a large rear vent, stunning RGB Tron ring, and an iconic Alienware logo.
Key Specifications:
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CPU Options: Intel Core Ultra 7 or Core Ultra 9
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GPU Options: NVIDIA RTX 4060 to RTX 4090
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RAM: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5X (soldered)
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Storage: 1TB SSD, upgradable with two M.2 slots (up to 4TB)
Our Test Unit Specs:
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Intel Core Ultra 9
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RTX 4080 GPU
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32GB RAM
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1TB SSD
Price:
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Starts at £1,949 in the UK
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Our test model: £2,820
Build Quality: Premium Materials, Solid Feel
One thing’s for sure: the build quality of the x16 R2 is top-notch. It feels solid and premium, built like a tank with no flex or creaks. The materials used are high-end, and the fit and finish are flawless. At 2.72 kg, it’s on the heavier side for a 16-inch gaming laptop, and the design is thicker due to the large rear vents, which makes it less portable. So, be sure to grab a roomy laptop bag.
RGB Lighting & Aesthetics: A Visual Feast
If you love customizable lighting, the Alienware x16 R2 won’t disappoint. It comes with a beautiful RGB Tron ring and a RGB keyboard, offering endless possibilities for color customization. The keyboard is particularly impressive, with a glass trackpad that’s also backlit and matches the rainbow wave effect of the keyboard. For those who love the flashy side of gaming, this laptop’s aesthetics are sure to impress.
Ports: Clean Design, but a Little Inconvenient
All the ports are located at the back of the laptop, which keeps the design clean and tidy, even when peripherals are plugged in. However, this also means you’ll need to constantly reach around to plug in devices, which can be a hassle.
Port Selection:
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Power jack
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Mini DisplayPort
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HDMI 2.1
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Thunderbolt 4
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USB-C
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2x USB-A
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MicroSD card reader
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Headset jack
Missing: No Ethernet port, but they do include a USB-C to Ethernet dongle in the box.
Screen: Great for Gaming, But Lacks Brightness
The Alienware x16 R2 comes with a single display option: a 2560x1600, 240Hz IPS panel. The display offers great color reproduction and smooth motion, making it ideal for gaming. However, the brightness is a letdown, maxing out at 350 nits, which is below the industry standard for 2024. Competing laptops from Dell, like the XPS 16, offer OLED or Mini-LED displays with much higher brightness levels, making this a noticeable weak spot.
Webcam: Enhanced with Windows Hello
The 10MP webcam on the Alienware x16 R2 is a solid performer. It’s not a game-changer, but the Windows Hello feature allows for quick and secure login via facial recognition. You also get neat features like eye contact mode and background blur effects. Overall, it’s a nice upgrade for video calls, but it's not the highlight of the laptop.
Performance: Power Under the Hood, but Some Red Flags
CPU Performance:
The Intel Core Ultra 9 in our test unit shows some promising features but falls short in real-world performance. The Ultra CPUs are more efficient, but they don’t stack up well against Intel’s HX-series processors, which are found in higher-end models like the M18 R2. In benchmarking tests, the x16 R2 underperformed and showed concerning temperature spikes, reaching 100°C almost immediately, even with all four fans running at full speed.
GPU Performance:
On the GPU side, the RTX 4080 delivers strong performance, as expected. It offers 175W of power for both the 4080 and 4090 models, providing excellent performance during gaming. However, the heat output from the side vents can make gaming uncomfortable, especially if you're using a mouse near the exhaust.
Cooling & Fan Profiles: Keeping it Cool (Sort of)
The Alienware x16 R2 features a four-fan cooling system, which helps maintain temperature control during intense gaming sessions. While the keyboard and palm rest remain cool, the side vents can get hot, especially during extended gaming sessions. Thankfully, Alienware Command Center allows you to choose from various profiles, including Max Performance and Stealth Mode, to balance cooling and noise levels.
Battery Life: Decent, But Could Be Better
Battery life on the Alienware x16 R2 is decent, offering about 6 hours and 34 minutes during our usual YouTube streaming test. This is a slight improvement over last year’s model but falls short when compared to competitors like the M16 R2, which lasts longer with the same battery.
However, the laptop supports 100W Power Delivery via USB-C, meaning you can charge it quickly and maintain performance even while gaming. The 360W GaN power adapter included is slightly bulkier but delivers excellent charging capabilities, ensuring it can handle the demands of even the most powerful configurations.
Software: Alienware Command Center Needs Work
Alienware’s Command Center software allows you to adjust fan profiles, RGB lighting, and performance settings. While useful, it’s still not as intuitive or polished as other laptop control software. Many users prefer using the F1 (Performance) and F2 (Stealth) keyboard shortcuts to control these settings, avoiding the software entirely.
Final Verdict: Is the Alienware x16 R2 the Ultimate Gaming Laptop?
After testing the Alienware x16 R2, we’re left with mixed feelings. While it has exceptional build quality, stunning RGB lighting, and great GPU performance, there are some significant drawbacks. The dim screen, lackluster CPU performance, and heat output from the side vents during gaming are disappointing for a laptop at this price point.
For the price, you can get better options for gaming performance and screen quality from other brands. If Alienware is your brand of choice and you don’t mind the size, we’d recommend the Alienware M18 instead.
Pros:
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Premium build quality
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Excellent speakers
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Strong GPU performance
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Stunning RGB design
Cons:
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Dim screen (350 nits)
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Weak CPU performance
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No Ethernet port
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Heat output from side vents
Ultimately, the Alienware x16 R2 is a great laptop for gamers who prioritize aesthetics and design over raw CPU power. But if you're after top-tier gaming performance and better thermals, there are other laptops worth considering.
What do you think of the Alienware x16 R2?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this review with other gamers looking for their next big purchase!
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