Alienware x16 R2 review: High-end gaming at a premium price

Price When Reviewed

$3,199

Best Prices Today: Alienware x16 R2

$3099.99

$3099.99

The Alienware x16 R2 is a high-end 16-inch gaming laptop computer. An Alienware consultant informed me this machine is Alienware’s “most premium ever.” It comes at a premium value, too — that is the type of machine you decide if you need a refined expertise with an all-metal chassis, mechanical keyboard, and high-end audio system. It’s not a value-focused gaming laptop computer that will provide you with essentially the most gaming efficiency attainable on the lowest value level. But if a extra premium design is what you’re in search of, this may be the gaming laptop computer for you.

Looking for different choices? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best gaming laptops.

Alienware x16 R2: Specs

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware x16 R2 is a 16-inch gaming laptop computer with numerous highly effective {hardware} inside. Our assessment mannequin had a high-end Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU, however the base mannequin can also be out there with a Intel Core Ultra 7 processor 155H CPU. These are each Intel Meteor Lake CPUs, which suggests this laptop computer comes with the neural processing unit {hardware} that will develop into vital to make the most of AI options in Windows and different functions at some point.

The mannequin we reviewed had Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 graphics {hardware}, however Alienware additionally gives a higher-end mannequin with GeForce RTX 4090 {hardware} — or you possibly can step down and select an RTX 4060 or RTX 4070.

Alienware included 32 GB of RAM our assessment mannequin, however the base mannequin has 16 GB. Additionally, we had a machine 1 TB of solid-state storage, however you will get variations of this laptop computer that include a built-in RAID — as much as two 4TB storage drives for a mixed 8TB of solid-state storage.

The Alienware x16 R2 we obtained our palms on had a mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX extremely low-profle switches, however the base mannequin comes normal with an “Alienware X Series keyboard” — a extra conventional laptop computer keyboard.

Finally, the laptop computer we reviewed included a 16-inch 2560×1600 decision IPS show with a 240Hz refresh charge. Alienware informed us it’s also possible to get this laptop computer with a 2220×1080 show with a blazing-fast 480Hz refresh charge.

• CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
• Memory: 32GB LPDDR5X, 7467MT/s
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080
• Display: 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS show with 240Hz refresh charge
• Storage: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Webcam: 1080p webcam with HDR
• Connectivity: 1x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Mini DisplayPort 1.4, 1x combo headset jack, 1x microSD card slot, 1x DC energy in
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Biometrics: IR digicam for Windows Hello
• Battery capability: 90 Watt-hours
• Dimensions: 14.36 x 11.41 x 0.73 inches
• Weight: 5.86 kilos
• MSRP: $3,199 as examined ($2099 base value)

Alienware x16 R2: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware x16 R2 is a well-designed gaming laptop computer. While it’s a 16-inch gaming laptop computer weighing in at practically six kilos, the curved edges guarantee it doesn’t look or really feel too blocky. Alienware calls the colour scheme “Lunar Silver.” The laptop computer’s lid is silver with a glowing alien head emblem you possibly can customise the colour of, the within of the laptop computer is black, and the again of the laptop computer — the place all of the ports are conveniently positioned — is framed in white. The design may be very Alienware, nevertheless it’s polished and never gaudy or excessive — so far as gaming laptops go.

This is a laptop computer with a full metallic chassis. The lid and backside of the laptop computer are constituted of anodized aluminum, there’s stainless-steel across the keyboard, and the palm relaxation is manufactured from a magnesium alloy. It feels good to carry, and the strong metals give the laptop computer extra of a premium really feel than less-expensive gaming laptops which might be typically simply manufactured from plastic. (Plastic is ok and there’s nothing flawed with it, however there’s definitely one thing that feels excessive finish a few good metallic laptop computer.)

There’s no bizarre flex to the laptop computer’s chassis, and the display screen may be very strong — it wobbles little or no if you regulate its place.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The LEDs are effectively built-in: The keyboard gives per-key backlighting, and your complete touchpad’s floor has backlighting, too. (The touchpad backlighting activates if you’re utilizing it after which fades away a couple of seconds after you’re taking your finger off of it, so it’s not at all times distracting.) The alien head emblem on the lid is backlit, too.

The again of the laptop computer additionally has “stadium” backlighting, with a sleek-looking lightbar across the panel with the ports on the again of the laptop computer. All this “AlienFX” backlighting is customizable within the included Alienware Command Center software program. But, out of the field, every little thing is a pleasant shade of blue — no over-the-top rainbow impact the primary time you boot it up. (But you possibly can configure it to appear like that, in case you like!)

It’s additionally price noting that the touchpad and “stadium” backlighting on the again of the laptop computer have “100 micro LEDs,” based on Alienware. This means you possibly can customise them with quite a lot of completely different colours and results — you don’t have to decide on only a single colour.

Alienware x16 R2: Keyboard and trackpad

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware x16 R2 we reviewed had a wonderful keyboard. This is not any shock — the mannequin we reviewed got here with a mechanical keyboard with CherryMX ultra-low profile switches. Since this can be a mechanical keyboard, the keys have an ideal tactile really feel and “clickiness” to them — completely completely different from the usual keyboards you’ll expertise on the typical laptop computer.

Mechanical keyboards aren’t too frequent on gaming laptops. They’re normally discovered extra on the exterior keyboards you’d use with desktop gaming PCs.

While I’m a giant fan of mechanical keyboards — and so are many different players and PC customers basically — they’re not vital characteristic. If you’ve by no means tried a mechanical keyboard, you need to give one a attempt in individual to determine how vital this characteristic is to you, because it’s a further upcharge and never included on the bottom mannequin.

Mechanical keyboards are typically on the loud aspect. While that is pretty quiet for a mechanical keyboard, it’s positively a bit noisier than the typical non-mechanical keyboard. If you’ll be gaming in a quiet room with somebody sleeping subsequent to you, the mechanical keyboard model of this laptop computer in all probability isn’t ideally suited. Otherwise, the sound might be no massive deal.

This laptop computer’s touchpad additionally feels glorious with a pleasantly easy floor and good location. I’ve used gaming laptops with bigger touchpads, however the touchpad’s measurement was by no means a problem — and the compact measurement ensures palm rejection works effectively, too. I wasn’t unintentionally bumping it whereas typing.

Alienware x16 R2: Display and audio system

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware x16 R2 has a 16-inch 2560×1600 IPS show with a 240Hz refresh charge. The show seems good, however there are some belongings you want to pay attention to.

First, this laptop computer’s show doesn’t have full help for HDR. Alienware says it helps Dolby Vision movies, in order that will likely be good when streaming Dolby Vision-enabled content material. But this can be a gaming laptop computer, and it’s notable that the show does not help HDR in video games.

Speaking of brightness, this show is on the dim aspect. It gives simply 300 nits of brightness. Other high-end gaming laptops — the Asus ROG Strix Scar, for instance — provide 500 nits of brightness.

The laptop computer appeared good whereas gaming. It felt so much brighter and appeared higher than the on-paper brightness numbers would lead me to count on. And that 240Hz refresh charge makes for a easy expertise. But the Alienware x16 R2 is unquestionably behind a few of its rivals on brightness and HDR.

The x16 R2’s audio system sound glorious — maybe one of the best audio system I’ve ever heard in a gaming laptop computer. You’re getting an honest quantity of bass (for a laptop computer.) It’s a six-speaker system with two upward-firing tweeters, one on either side of the keyboard. If you intend to do numerous gaming with the laptop computer’s audio system — somewhat than plugging in a pair of headphones or external speakers — you’re getting a worthwhile premium speaker setup with this laptop computer.

Alienware x16 R2: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware x16 R2 comes with a 1080p webcam with HDR. The webcam seems good — a lot better than a budget 720p webcams which might be typically present in lower-end laptops. Also, due to the neural processing units (NPUs) included with Intel’s Meteor Lake chips, you get entry to Windows Studio Effects — a collection of AI results like Eye Contact that makes it appear like you’re at all times your webcam if you aren’t, in addition to blurring your background and framing the video round your face.

The dual-array microphones work effectively for built-in microphones. I nonetheless would wish to use a devoted microphone for gaming classes — particularly in case you’re blasting sound from these audio system — however the microphone setup is completely serviceable for on-line conferences or for gaming in a pinch.

The Alienware additionally comes with an IR camera for Windows Hello. It reliably signed me into Windows with my face in quite a lot of completely different lighting circumstances. It’s an ideal comfort characteristic to have, and I missed Windows Hello once I reviewed a gaming laptop computer with out it lately.

Alienware x16 R2: Connectivity

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware x16 R2 has a wealthy choice of ports and nice connectivity choices — with the notable exception of an Ethernet port for a wired community connection, which is a well-liked characteristic on desktop-replacement laptops like this one.

All the ports on this laptop computer are conveniently positioned on the again of the laptop computer, guaranteeing cables aren’t protruding to the perimeters of your laptop computer and getting in the best way. Of course, in case you’re a fan of USB and headset jacks on the aspect of your laptop computer, this will not be the machine for you — however you would at all times plug in in a USB-C hub or dongle for simpler entry.

On the again of the laptop computer, you’ll discover a combo headphone jack, a microSD card reader slot, an HDMI 2.1 port, a Mini DisplayPort, and an influence jack. You’ll additionally discover a complete of 4 USB ports: This machine has two USB-C ports, considered one of which is a Thunderbolt 4 port and considered one of which is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. There are additionally two USB-A ports, each of which help USB 3.2 Gen 1.

When it involves wi-fi networking, this laptop computer is as futureproof as you will get due to its help for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. You in all probability don’t have a Wi-Fi 7 router but, so it’s not important to have proper now — nevertheless it means this laptop computer’s {hardware} will likely be prepared if you improve your router. (Wi-Fi 7 connectivity isn’t out there at launch and will likely be activated later within the 12 months with a software program replace, based on Alienware.)

There’s one massive omission: This laptop computer doesn’t provide a built-in Ethernet jack for wired community connections. Most gaming laptops of this measurement provide built-in Ethernet connectivity, however in fact not everybody makes use of it. You’ll want a dongle if you wish to join it to your community through Ethernet — in any other case you’ll simply be utilizing Wi-Fi.

Alienware x16 R2: Performance

The Alienware x16 R2 delivered nice efficiency in each gaming and day-to-day desktop use — that’s no shock due to the high-end Intel Core Ultra 9 185H, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 graphics {hardware}, and 32GB of RAM.

I loved enjoying Cyberpunk 2077’s Phantom Liberty enlargement with maxxed-out settings. The Alienware x16 R2 generates numerous warmth, nevertheless it has the cooling system to cope with it. Alienware says it has “Alienware Cryo-tech cooling technology,” and no matter it’s known as, it labored effectively. It positively strikes numerous scorching air away from the laptop computer. The keyboard and different locations you’d contact on the laptop computer keep cool sufficient that it’s not an issue.

But benchmarks will inform the complete story. As at all times, we ran the Alienware x16 R2 by way of our standard benchmarks to see the way it actually performs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

First, we run PCMark 10 to get an concept of general system efficiency. While that is imagined to be an general system efficiency benchmark, the CPU has a much bigger impression than the GPU right here. The 16-inch Alienware x16 R2 delivered a rating of 7664.

That’s about what we’d count on to see — Alienware’s 18-inch m18 R2 with its Intel Core i9 185H CPU beats it. The Gigabyte Aorus 16X with its Intel Core i7-14650HX CPU additionally edges out the CPU on this Alienware laptop computer, however solely by a bit bit. Those Intel HX CPUs are delivering barely higher top-end efficiency than Intel’s newest Meteor Lake CPUs. Meteor Lake CPUs are extra centered on energy effectivity and AI efficiency, with their built-in neural processing unit.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Next, we run Cinebench R20. This is a closely multithreaded benchmark that focuses on general CPU efficiency. It’s a fast benchmark, so cooling isn’t an enormous issue. Since it’s multithreaded, CPUs with extra cores ship extra efficiency and get greater scores.

The Alienware x16 R2 delivered a rating of 7742. That’s a couple of notches beneath the Gigabyte Aorus 16X. Despite the Aorus having a “Core i7” CPU with a 7 within the mannequin quantity somewhat than a 9, that individual CPU outperforms the Intel Core Ultra 9 on this laptop computer. If top-end CPU efficiency is what’s vital to you, you’ll in all probability desire a gaming laptop computer with an HX chip.

However, this isn’t consultant of real-world gaming efficiency — these CPU variations don’t essentially make that a lot of a distinction in video games, that are far more about GPU efficiency. A laptop computer’s cooling system can also be an vital issue, as we’ll see beneath.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

We additionally encode a video file with Handbrake. This is one other closely multithreaded benchmark, nevertheless it runs over an prolonged time frame. This calls for the laptop computer’s cooling kick in, and lots of laptops will throttle and decelerate beneath load.

The Alienware x16 R2 accomplished our normal encode course of in 728 seconds — that’s simply over 12 minutes. Interestingly sufficient, the Alienware x16 R2 outperformed the Gigabyte Aorus x16 R2 that beat it within the Cinebench benchmark. That means that the Alienware x16 R2 has a greater cooling system that does a greater job of preserving its CPU working cool beneath load, even when the CPU within the Aorus does have greater top-end efficiency.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Next, we run a graphical benchmark — a very powerful sort of benchmark for gauging gaming efficiency. We run 3Dmark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU efficiency.

The outcomes give us a have a look at how the completely different Nvidia GeForce RTX GPUs examine to one another. The Alienware x16 R2, with its Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, delivered a median rating of 17089. That’s an ideal rating — a no-expenses-spared RTX 4090 is barely 22 % sooner right here. The RTX 4080 is considerably sooner than the RTX 4070 — and far sooner than the RTX 4060 and RTX 4050.

Next, we run the benchmarks in some video games. First, we use the built-in benchmark in Shadow of the Tomb Raider to check all of the gaming laptops we assessment. It’s an older sport, nevertheless it’s an effective way to check graphical efficiency throughout completely different PCs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware x16 R2 ran the benchmark with a median efficiency of 166 frames per second. Once once more, the RTX 4080 within the mannequin we reviewed was slower than the top-of-the-line RTX 4090, however considerably sooner than the RTX 4070.

Finally, we run the built-in benchmark in Metro Exodus. This is a extra demanding sport, and we set the benchmark to 1080p decision on the Extreme element setting.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware x16 R2 delivered a median FPS of 72. Again, that’s halfway between the efficiency of an RTX 4070 and an RTX 4090.

Overall, the Alienware x16 R2 delivered glorious efficiency. But this laptop computer may be very customizable, and graphics efficiency will come all the way down to which GPU you select to place in your Alienware x16 R2 at checkout.

You could possibly get extra top-end CPU efficiency by choosing a unique laptop computer with an HX CPU as an alternative of a Meteor Lake Core Ultra CPU — however keep in mind that cooling is vital, too. A Core Ultra-based laptop computer like this one should still ship higher sustained CPU efficiency than an HX-based laptop computer that has to throttle down to remain cool, as we noticed within the Handbrake encode benchmark.

Alienware x16 R2: Battery life

Gaming laptops aren’t recognized for his or her lengthy battery life, however the Alienware x16 R2 has a built-in 90 Watt-hour battery. That ought to ship first rate life — it’s practically the largest battery you will get. The largest batteries in gaming laptops prime out round 99 Watt-hours, because the U.S. Transportation Security Administration received’t allow you to take bigger batteries on airplanes.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

IDG / Chris Hoffman

To benchmark the battery life, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Steel on repeat within the Movies & TV app on Windows 11 with airplane mode enabled till the laptop computer suspends itself. We set the display screen to 250 nits of brightness for our battery benchmark. This is a best-case state of affairs for any laptop computer since native video playback is so environment friendly. Bear in thoughts that actual battery life in day-to-day use is at all times going to be lower than this as you utilize varied functions.

The Alienware x16 R2 delivered surprisingly good battery life for a 16-inch gaming laptop computer, working for a median of 425 minutes — that’s simply over seven hours. It lasted 15 minutes longer than the Gigabyte Aorus 16X, regardless of that laptop computer having a bigger 99 Watt-hour battery. This could also be all the way down to the distinction in CPUs — as talked about, the Meteor Lake-based Core Ultra CPU on this laptop computer is extra centered on energy effectivity than these HX CPUs, that are extra centered on top-end efficiency.

It’s an ideal consequence for a gaming laptop computer. You aren’t going to be utilizing this laptop computer away from an outlet for a complete eight-hour workday, however you will have loads of battery life to go for hours away from an outlet if you want it. (Bear in thoughts that each one gaming laptops run video games slower after they aren’t plugged in, so that you’ll wish to plug into an outlet to play video games, anyway.)

Alienware x16 R2: Conclusion

The Alienware x16 R2 is a refined 16-inch gaming laptop computer with a good-lucking design, a pleasant all-metal chassis with nice construct high quality, numerous customizable LEDs, and a group of ports neatly positioned on the again of the laptop computer. The mechanical keyboard on our assessment mannequin felt nice, too. It’s additionally very customizable with a variety of various CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage choices, and the configuration of our assessment mannequin delivered nice efficiency with glorious cooling.

There are a couple of weak factors: You’ll discover brighter shows elsewhere, and the dearth of HDR help inside video games does really feel like a disgrace at this excessive value level. Neither are deal-breakers, however they’d be good to have upgrades on a premium gaming laptop computer. Additionally, if you wish to use an Ethernet cable together with your laptop computer, you received’t discover that right here — I do know that will likely be a deal-breaker for some individuals.

Our assessment mannequin was $3,199, so we’re positively not in budget gaming laptop territory right here. But the machine we reviewed was a high-end gaming laptop computer with an RTX 4080, mechanical keyboard, all-metal chassis, spectacular audio system, and unusually lengthy battery life for a gaming laptop computer. You’re paying additional for this stuff.

The base mannequin begins at $2,099, which is a a lot decrease price than the mannequin we reviewed— however you’re getting a Core Ultra 7 CPU, RTX 4060, 16GB of RAM, and no mechanical keyboard. These costs do really feel a bit excessive, and I count on it can save you lots of of {dollars} by selecting a cheaper gaming laptop computer with related {hardware} — maybe even an Alienware m16 R2. Those less-expensive laptops will in all probability be manufactured from plastic as an alternative of metallic, although — and I don’t assume their audio system will sound anyplace close to as good both. (Still, they could have brighter shows!)

Overall, the Alienware x16 R2 is a premium product at a premium value level, and that’s largely what you’re getting — however it might be good if that show had premium-level brightness and HDR help, too.