The Dell Alienware 17 R5 is not just another gaming laptop; it’s a beast designed to deliver top-tier performance for serious gamers. With its robust build, cutting-edge hardware, and highly customizable features, the Alienware 17 R5 has earned its place among the best gaming laptops on the market. In this in-depth article, we’ll explore every aspect of this powerful machine, from its design and build quality to its performance capabilities, unique features, and whether it’s worth the investment for avid gamers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Dell Alienware 17 R5 |
| Processor Options | Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core i9-8950HK |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070, GTX 1080 (8GB GDDR5X VRAM) |
| RAM | Up to 32GB DDR4 |
| Storage | Up to 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD + 1TB 7200RPM HDD |
| Display Options | 17.3″ Full HD (1920×1080) 120Hz with G-Sync, UHD 4K (3840×2160) 60Hz |
| Cooling System | Alienware Cryo-Tech v2.0 |
| Keyboard | Full-sized, per-key RGB backlit keyboard with 2.2mm travel distance |
| Touchpad | Precision touchpad with customizable AlienFX lighting |
| Audio | Stereo speakers by Klipsch with Alienware Sound Center |
| Ports | 3x USB 3.0, 1x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort 1.2, Ethernet, Headphone jack, Microphone jack |
| Battery | 99Wh battery, 4-5 hours of regular use, 1.5-2 hours of gaming use |
| Software | Alienware Command Center, Tobii Eye Tracking (optional) |
| Weight | Approximately 4.42 kg (9.74 lbs) |
| Price Range | $1,700 – $3,000+ depending on configuration |
Design and Build Quality: A Futuristic and Durable Gaming Machine
The Dell Alienware 17 R5 is immediately recognizable with its distinctive design. Alienware laptops have always been known for their futuristic, almost sci-fi aesthetics, and the 17 R5 is no exception. The laptop sports a sleek, angular design with customizable AlienFX lighting zones that allow gamers to personalize their device with up to 16.8 million colors.
The build quality is exceptional, with a combination of anodized aluminum and magnesium alloy ensuring the device is both sturdy and durable. Despite its robust construction, the laptop maintains a relatively lightweight profile for its size, making it more portable than many other 17-inch gaming laptops. The hinge mechanism is solid, and the overall feel of the laptop exudes premium quality.
Display: Immersive Visuals with G-Sync Support
One of the standout features of the Alienware 17 R5 is its display. The laptop is equipped with a 17.3-inch screen that comes in various configurations, including Full HD (1920×1080) and UHD 4K (3840×2160) resolutions. The Full HD option is excellent for gamers who prioritize frame rates, offering a 120Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA G-Sync technology, which synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the GPU to eliminate screen tearing and minimize stutter. This ensures a smooth and immersive gaming experience, especially in fast-paced games.
The UHD 4K option, while limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, offers stunning visual clarity and color accuracy, making it ideal for gamers who also use their laptop for creative tasks such as video editing or graphic design. The display’s brightness and color reproduction are top-notch, providing vibrant visuals that bring games to life.
Performance: Unleashing Gaming Power with High-End Components
Under the hood, the Dell Alienware 17 R5 is powered by some of the most advanced hardware available in the market. The laptop offers several configurations, with processors ranging from the Intel Core i7-8750H to the Intel Core i9-8950HK, both of which are 8th-generation CPUs that deliver outstanding multi-threaded performance. These processors are capable of handling demanding tasks, from gaming to content creation and multitasking.
In terms of graphics, the Alienware 17 R5 can be equipped with NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1070 or the more powerful GTX 1080, both with 8GB of GDDR5X VRAM. These GPUs are more than capable of running the latest AAA titles at high settings, ensuring smooth gameplay even in graphically intensive games. The GTX 1080 configuration, in particular, allows for high frame rates in 4K gaming, making it a top choice for enthusiasts.
The laptop also supports up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, providing ample memory for gaming, streaming, and running multiple applications simultaneously. Storage options include a combination of SSD and HDD, with up to 1TB of PCIe M.2 SSD and 1TB of 7200RPM HDD, ensuring fast boot times, quick load times for games, and plenty of space for your gaming library.
Cooling System: Keeping the Beast Cool
One of the challenges with high-performance gaming laptops is managing heat, and the Dell Alienware 17 R5 addresses this with its advanced cooling system. The laptop features Alienware’s Cryo-Tech v2.0, a thermal technology designed to keep the system cool even during extended gaming sessions. The cooling system includes dual intake and exhaust airflow, a high-voltage driving fan, and copper heat pipes that efficiently dissipate heat away from critical components.
The result is a laptop that remains relatively cool under pressure, allowing for sustained high performance without thermal throttling. The fans can get loud during intense gaming, but the noise level is comparable to other gaming laptops in its class.
Keyboard and Touchpad: Designed for Gamers
The keyboard on the Dell Alienware 17 R5 is another area where the laptop excels. It features a full-sized, per-key RGB backlit keyboard that can be customized using the AlienFX software. The keys have a 2.2mm travel distance and are designed to offer a tactile and responsive typing experience, which is crucial for gaming. The inclusion of dedicated macro keys on the left side of the keyboard is a nice touch, allowing gamers to assign complex in-game commands for a competitive edge.
The touchpad, while often overlooked in gaming laptops, is surprisingly good on the Alienware 17 R5. It’s responsive and accurate, with customizable lighting around the edges, adding to the overall aesthetic of the device. However, most gamers will likely use an external mouse for gaming.
Audio: Immersive Sound with Alienware Sound Center
Audio quality is often a critical aspect of gaming, and the Alienware 17 R5 does not disappoint in this regard. The laptop is equipped with stereo speakers powered by Klipsch and enhanced by Alienware Sound Center software. The result is a rich and immersive sound experience, with clear highs, robust mids, and a decent amount of bass. Whether you’re playing an action-packed shooter or listening to music, the audio quality is consistently impressive.
The Alienware Sound Center allows users to customize audio settings based on their preferences, with options for enhancing dialogue, bass, and overall sound clarity. Additionally, the laptop supports audio output through the Thunderbolt 3 port, allowing for high-quality audio when connected to external speakers or headphones.
Connectivity: Ports and Expansion Options
The Dell Alienware 17 R5 offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, ensuring that gamers have all the ports they need. The laptop includes three USB 3.0 ports, one Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port, an HDMI 2.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort 1.2, an Ethernet port, a headphone jack, and a microphone jack. The inclusion of both HDMI and Mini DisplayPort allows for easy connection to multiple external displays, which is ideal for gamers who prefer a multi-monitor setup.
Additionally, the Thunderbolt 3 port provides fast data transfer speeds and supports external GPUs, allowing for future upgrades if you need even more graphical power. The laptop also includes an Alienware Graphics Amplifier port, which is compatible with Dell’s external GPU enclosure, further expanding the device’s upgrade potential.
Battery Life: A Balancing Act
Battery life is often a concern with gaming laptops, especially those with high-performance components like the Alienware 17 R5. The laptop comes with a 99Wh battery, the largest allowed for air travel, but even with this large battery, the Alienware 17 R5 is not a device you can use unplugged for extended periods while gaming.
During typical use, such as browsing the web or streaming videos, you can expect around 4-5 hours of battery life. However, during intensive gaming sessions, this drops significantly, often to around 1.5 to 2 hours. This is to be expected given the powerful hardware, but it does mean that the laptop is best used when plugged into a power source for optimal performance.
Software and Features: Alienware Command Center and More
The Alienware 17 R5 comes preloaded with the Alienware Command Center, a software suite that allows gamers to customize various aspects of their laptop. This includes adjusting the AlienFX lighting, setting up macros, and fine-tuning the system’s performance. The Command Center also features an intuitive dashboard where you can monitor system performance, temperatures, and manage your game library.
Another noteworthy feature is the Tobii Eye Tracking technology, available in some configurations. This innovative feature allows for more immersive gaming experiences by enabling eye-tracking functionality in supported games. It can also be used for productivity tasks, such as automatically dimming the screen when you’re not looking at it or highlighting areas of interest based on where your eyes are focused.
Price and Value: Is the Alienware 17 R5 Worth It?
The Dell Alienware 17 R5 is undeniably a premium gaming laptop, and its price reflects that. Depending on the configuration, prices can range from $1,700 to well over $3,000. While this is a significant investment, the laptop’s performance, build quality, and features make it a worthwhile purchase for serious gamers who demand the best.
The ability to customize the laptop to suit your specific needs and the option for future upgrades with external GPUs adds to its long-term value. Additionally, Dell’s reputation for customer support and the laptop’s solid warranty options provide further peace of mind.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Gaming Laptop?
In conclusion, the Dell Alienware 17 R5 is a powerhouse designed for gamers who require top-tier performance in a portable form factor. With its impressive display options, powerful hardware, advanced cooling system, and extensive customization features, it stands out as one of the best gaming laptops on the market. While it comes with a hefty price tag, the value it offers in terms of performance and build quality makes it a worthy investment for those who are serious about gaming.
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