Alienware m15 R3 review
The Alienware Alienware m15 R3 ranks as the #716 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 65. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #382-ranked performance among 15 laptops. Consider the Acer Predator Helios 300 or Acer Predator Triton 300, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Alienware m15 R3 is a powerhouse laptop with impressive performance and features. While its $1,500 starting price may be steep for some, the high-end configurations offer great value for the price. With a 10th-gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GPU, this laptop is perfect for competitive gamers. However, the battery life falls short, lasting only around two hours and forty minutes. Despite this con, its unique design, high-end performance, and competitive price make it a worthwhile investment. Overall, I give it four and a half stars for its exceptional combination of power, performance, and price.
Build
The Alienware m15 R3's build is a standout feature, boasting a sci-fi look with a white stand-up finish and RGB keyboard that sets it apart from other laptops. The design may not be to everyone's taste, but it's unique and fun. Weighing 4.65 pounds, it's slightly heavier than some gaming laptops, but still portable enough for daily use. A notable drawback is the battery life, which lasted just under three hours in our tests. Despite this, the m15 R3's build earns a four-and-a-half-star rating, with its compact size and feature-rich design making up for its minor portability drawbacks. If you’re after a better build, Alienware m15 R5 could be the ideal option.
Display
The Alienware m15 R3 boasts a stunning display with a full HD resolution of 300 nits. This high refresh rate is perfect for competitive multiplayer titles, where every fraction of a second counts. Games like Rainbow Six Siege can reach frame rates close to 300, giving players an edge over their opponents. While big-budget single-player titles may not push the limits of this display, it still delivers smooth performance with average frame rates above 100 FPS. Overall, the display is a highlight of this laptop, making it ideal for gamers who crave high-speed visuals. Alienware m15 R5 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded display.
Performance
The Alienware m15 R3 delivers impressive performance, particularly in competitive multiplayer games. With its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GPU, the laptop can reach high frame rates, making it ideal for gamers who value every advantage. In tests, Rainbow Six Siege reached over 200 frames per second, while big-budget single-player titles averaged around 100 frames per second. The laptop's performance is on par with more expensive models, and its price point makes it a great value in the premium gaming laptop category. For an improved performance, Alienware m15 R5 is worth considering.
Battery and Charging
The Alienware m15 R3's portability is compromised by its battery life, which lasts around two hours and 40 minutes on a single charge. This is slightly below average for gaming laptops, with some competitors lasting up to seven hours. While it may be manageable to use the laptop while plugged in, the short battery life is a notable drawback. However, this limitation can be mitigated by carrying a charger and using the laptop while it's connected to power at your destination.
Connectivity
The Alienware m15 R3 boasts a robust connectivity suite, featuring three standard USB-A ports, a micro SD card slot, and a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 3. There's also an ethernet jack and HDMI connection for those who need it. A proprietary connector allows users to connect an external graphics amplifier (sold separately), but its use may not yield significant performance gains. Take a look at Alienware m15 R4 - its improved connectivity sets a new standard.
Features
The Alienware m15 R3 boasts a sci-fi design with LED lights and RGB keyboard, standing out in a sea of similar laptops. Key features include a 10th-gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD (two 512GB SSDs in RAID), and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GPU. The laptop's display is Full HD with a high 300Hz refresh rate, ideal for competitive multiplayer games. Its 4.65-pound weight and 2 hours 40 minutes battery life are notable drawbacks. If you're after top-notch features, consider Alienware m15 R4.
Support and Maintenance
The Alienware m15 R3 offers robust support and maintenance options, with comprehensive online resources, dedicated customer service, and in-warranty repairs. The laptop's reliability is also notable, with minimal issues reported by users. Overall, its support system earns high marks.
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