Alienware m15 R7 review
The Alienware Alienware m15 R7 ranks as the #438 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 72. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #11-ranked connectivity among 9 laptops. Consider the Acer Nitro 17 or Acer Chromebook 516 GE, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Alienware M15 R7 is a formidable gaming machine, boasting Intel's latest 12th gen processors, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and an RTX 3070 Ti GPU. While its sleek design and comfortable keyboard are definite highlights, the laptop's value lies in its impressive performance. The $4000 price tag may be steep for some, but considering the powerful specs and durability, it's a worthwhile investment for gamers seeking a long-lasting machine. With a battery life of 2-3 hours while gaming, this laptop is perfect for those who need a reliable companion for intense gaming sessions.
Build
The Alienware M15 R7 boasts an established design language, but fails to bring any major updates. The hexagonal grilles, rear-mounted RGB LEDs, and futuristic aesthetics are still impressive, however. Our "Dark Side of the Moon" model has a very dark chassis that's not quite black, which adds a touch of sophistication. The high-durability clear coat is attractive and should help with stains, patches, and dings. The keyboard is RGB backlit, but it's the back of the chassis that truly showcases its UFO-inspired design. Measuring 0.94 x 14 x 10.7 inches and weighing around 6 pounds, this laptop is somewhat portable, but may not be ideal for those who prefer a lighter device. Get your hands on Alienware x14 if you're looking for better build.
Display
The display on the Alienware M15 R7 is a standout feature. It boasts a 360Hz refresh rate, making fast motion smooth and seamless. While colors may appear washed out at times, the screen provides excellent contrast with details visible in both bright and dark areas. The Full HD resolution is crisp and clear, perfect for gaming and everyday use. The display's brightness is also commendable, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Overall, the M15 R7's display is an impressive aspect of this laptop, making it a great choice for gamers and content creators alike. Consider discovering the power of Alienware x14, featuring the latest advancements in display.
Performance
The Alienware M15 R7 delivers exceptional performance, powered by Intel's latest 12th gen processor, specifically the i7-12700H CPU. This chip provides a max turbo frequency of 4.7 GHz and can burst up to 115 watts for optimal performance in demanding tasks. In PC Mark 10, it scored an impressive 7588, one of the highest scores on the market. Additionally, the RTX 3070 Ti GPU provides excellent graphics performance, scoring 11,322 in 3D Mark Time Spy and 13,356 in Fire Strike Extreme. Thermal throttling was observed during stress testing, but the fans kept the CPU at a reasonable temperature while gaming. You might prefer Alienware x14 R2, designed with an upgraded performance for a better experience.
Battery and Charging
The Alienware M15 R7 boasts advanced Optimus technology, allowing for seamless switching between discrete and integrated GPU. This enables 2-3 hours of gaming battery life, along with 6-7 hours of regular web browsing at a 60Hz refresh rate. While the fan is present during full-speed usage, it's not unusually loud. However, the underside can get quite hot to use on a lap, and the area above the keyboard also runs warm.
Connectivity
The Alienware M15 R7 boasts adequate gaming connectivity. It features Wi-Fi 6e, Ethernet 2.5 Gbps, USB 3.2, and Type-C with Thunderbolt and power delivery. The laptop also has HDMI output, two full-size USB ports, and a 720p webcam. However, the camera is subpar for video conferencing or streaming. Overall, the connectivity options are sufficient for gaming needs, but may be lacking in other areas. A better alternative might be Alienware x14, featuring a next-level connectivity.
Features
The Alienware M15 R7 features Intel's 12th gen processors, 64GB DDR5 RAM, and a 3070 Ti GPU with a 140W TDP. It also boasts a 360Hz 1080p monitor, stereo speakers, and up to four terabytes of NVMe storage across two M.2 slots. You may find Alienware x14 a better fit, thanks to its superior features.
Support and Maintenance
The Alienware M15 R7 boasts a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti GPU. It features advanced Optimus technology for seamless gaming and mobility. The laptop's thermal management is decent, but may throttle under intense workloads. Overall, the M15 R7 is a well-rounded gaming machine that delivers performance.
Pros
1. The Alienware M15 R7 features Intel's latest 12th gen processors, which provide excellent performance.
2. It has 64 gigs of 4800 megahertz DDR5 RAM, a powerful combination for gaming and heavy workloads.
3. The laptop's 3070 TI GPU provides excellent scores in benchmarking tests like 3D Mark Time Spy and Fire Strike Extreme.
4. The keyboard is RGB backlit with variable brightness and has a comfortable 1.8mm key travel, making it ideal for gaming or typing.
5. The laptop features stereo speakers that work well for calls and occasional YouTube videos, although they lack bass in gaming scenarios.
6. The Alien Command Center provides numerous settings for performance and power consumption, as well as overclocking options.
Cons
1. The laptop's body is very dark but not quite black, which may not appeal to those who prefer a more classic look.
2. The keyboard's RGB backlight can be distracting in bright environments, although it can be turned off or adjusted for brightness.
3. The trackpad appears small compared to other laptops, although it tracked gestures accurately in Windows 11.
4. The webcam is only 720p resolution and may not be ideal for video conferencing or streaming due to its subpar quality.
5. Thermal throttling occurs when the CPU reaches high temperatures during stress tests, potentially affecting performance in heavy workloads.
6. The underside of the laptop gets too hot to use on a lap and the area above the keyboard is also quite warm.
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features