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Alienware has been the identify in high-end PC gaming for years. And though the Dell-owned model is finest identified for its tricked out desktops, it additionally gives a collection of extremely highly effective gaming laptops. This contains the Alienware m18 (at present the most effective gaming laptops in the marketplace) and the Alienware x16, its new flagship mannequin.
Described because the “most premium” choice in Alienware’s laptop computer lineup, the x16 is configurable with highly effective Intel CPUs and new Nvidia RTX 40-series GPUs. Regardless of that high-end {hardware}, the x16 continues to be lighter and extra compact than most different gaming laptops, making it a improbable selection for avid gamers craving portability — if they’ll afford it.
The Alienware x16 is a superb choice for anybody who desires the model’s trademark energy and design high quality in a smaller physique. However quick battery life, scorching temperatures, and an costly value hold me from recommending it for everybody.
The Alienware x16 is a high-end gaming laptop computer that options highly effective {hardware} packed into a comparatively slim package deal. It will possibly get scorching, however its modern design helps it stand out from the gang.
The Alienware x16 is highly effective however inconsistent
Configurations can be found with Nvidia RTX 40-series graphics.
Christopher Gordon/Insider
Like most laptops, Alienware gives the x16 in quite a lot of {hardware} configurations. The mannequin I examined has an Intel i9-13900HK CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, 1TB of stable state storage, and 32GB of RAM. It retails for about $2,850 from Dell’s web site, however yow will discover different configurations that begin at $1,700 and go as much as as a lot as $3,900.
The x16’s best energy is its graphical energy. It continually achieved excessive and steady framerates with quite a lot of intensive video games on the highest or near-highest settings, together with Cyberpunk 2077, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, Forza Horizon 5, and Elden Ring. In accordance with exams run through Geekbench, the x16 I examined even outperformed the Asus G14 I reviewed, regardless of the Asus having an RTX 4090 as a substitute of the X16’s 4080.
The 4080’s ray tracing appears to be like nice, too. Even on the highest settings, the x16 dealt with ray traced lighting and reflections simply, with little or no hit to efficiency. That is a uncommon feat for gaming laptops.
For almost all of my time with the x16, its Intel i9 processor excelled. Even video games designed to tax the CPU, like Teardown and Completely Correct Battle Simulator, ran rapidly and evenly. However I additionally often bumped into points the place apps would randomly cling, or easy recordsdata would trudge by way of lengthy loading occasions. And at the very least one Geekbench check confirmed the CPU acting at half its regular energy. The CPU may be flaky, but it surely’s not unhealthy sufficient that I would contemplate it a dealbreaker.
A modern design makes the x16 stand out from the gang
The x16 is lined with RGB lights.
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Alienware is synonymous with distinctive and futuristic aesthetics. And in that division, the x16 would not disappoint.
The x16’s largest promoting level is its measurement. It is definitely not the slimmest gaming laptop computer round, however in comparison with its siblings within the Alienware M-Collection, it is tiny. It has signature Alienware energy packed right into a extra moveable body, which units it aside from the competitors. It is also skinny — lower than an inch thick when closed. I have not had any difficulty carrying the x16 across the workplace, or commuting with it between work and residential.
Dell claims that the x16’s display solely delivers as much as 300 nits of brightness, which makes it stunning that it appears to be like so persistently vibrant, even in well-lit environments. Patrons can configure the x16 with considered one of three completely different display choices: A 1600p display with a 165Hz refresh fee, 1600p wide-color display with a 240Hz refresh fee (the mannequin I examined), and — amazingly — a 1200p wide-color display with a 480Hz refresh fee. That is the quickest refresh fee I’ve ever seen on a gaming laptop computer by far. Each display choice makes use of a 16×10 side ratio.
The x16 would not be a real Alienware laptop computer if it wasn’t decked out in RGB lights. However the x16 goes a step additional than most laptops — not solely are the keyboard and chassis backlit, however the trackpad too. And all of the lights are customizable.
I additionally need to shout out the Cherry MX mechanical keyboard accessible on some x16 fashions, which feels fantastic to sort on and play with, even for lengthy intervals of time. For a author like myself, I vastly desire the tactile mechanical keys to the squishy and imprecise membrane ones you normally discover on laptops. And the onboard audio system are shockingly high-quality, including ample quantity and bass to something you play.
Warmth and battery life are the x16’s largest points
The laptop computer can run scorching and loud.
Christopher Gordon/Insider
The place the x16’s portability does falter a bit, although, is in battery life. When you’re simply looking the web, with all of Home windows’ vitality suggestions enabled, the x16 lasts about 4.5 hours, which is nice. Flip up the brightness (a necessity for a 300 nits display) and swap off “Energy effectivity” mode, and that drops to a few hours or much less, which is common for a giant gaming laptop computer.
However activate any recreation — even easy ones, like Yu-Gi-Oh! Grasp Duel — and that drops to somewhat greater than an hour. Taking part in on battery additionally reduces graphical efficiency, even with excessive efficiency modes turned on. Mixed with the chunky AC adapter, it is a hit to the x16’s portability.
I must also point out the x16’s thermals. Throughout intense gameplay, the CPU often hit temperatures of 170 levels Fahrenheit, excessive even for a gaming laptop computer, and the GPU wasn’t far behind. It usually idled round 130 levels. And this was all underneath regular circumstances — the i9-13900HK helps overclocking, and I can solely think about how scorching it could get when really pushed to its limits.
The x16 will get loud, too. Everytime you begin a recreation, the laptop computer mechanically shifts into “Efficiency” mode, which ramps up the followers as quick as they’ll go. It makes the x16 sound like a jet aircraft taking off. You’ll be able to flip the pc again to “Balanced” mode, but it surely comes with doubtlessly worse recreation efficiency.
Alienware x16: Specs
Dell produces quite a lot of completely different Alienware x16 fashions, every with its personal specs. Within the desk beneath, I’ve put collectively all of the attainable specs for the x16, though observe that not all mixtures can be found collectively. Daring textual content represents the specs that my assessment mannequin had.
Do you have to purchase the Alienware x16?
The x16 is not good, but it surely’s a powerful contender within the high-end gaming laptop computer area.
Christopher Gordon/Insider
Sure, if you happen to’re in search of Alienware efficiency and delightful design in a smaller package deal. These are all priceless traits — particularly portability, which is a premium within the gaming laptop computer market — and must be a consideration for any purchaser.
However this brings us to cost. On the low-end, it is comparatively cheap: $1,800 for an RTX 4050, an Intel i7, and a 1TB SSD. However bump as much as an RTX 4080 (just like the mannequin I examined), and also you’re paying about $3,000. I’ve to check it to the Alienware m16, which is configurable with a sooner CPU however is barely heavier for about $200 much less. And the Asus G14, which you will get with a extra moveable physique however a barely slower CPU for $500 much less.
When you bump all three laptops as much as an RTX 4090, although — the very best graphics card you will get in a gaming laptop computer proper now — all of them retail for about $3,300. So to get the very best graphics efficiency, you are at all times taking a look at a value over $3,000 regardless of which one you go together with.
However basically, the Alienware x16 hits a pleasant candy spot, combining energy and first rate portability. Nonetheless, if you’d like an much more moveable gaming laptop computer with related capabilities, try the Asus G14. And if you happen to do not thoughts a much bigger physique, the Alienware m16 and m18 each provide extra energy for the same or lower cost.
