Alienware x17 R1 review
The Alienware Alienware x17 R1 ranks as the #439 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 72. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #17-ranked connectivity among 27 laptops. Consider the Alienware m15 R7 or Acer Nitro 17, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Alienware X17 R1 is a powerful laptop with impressive performance. Its 3.7 GHz Intel Core i9-11980HK processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU deliver smooth gameplay, but the temperatures can get hot during intense gaming sessions. Temperatures peaked at around 83°C while playing Call of Duty Modern Warfare for three hours. While it's a great machine, the price might be too steep for some buyers. Considering its performance and features, I would say this laptop is worth it for those who demand top-notch power in a portable package. However, others may find it overpriced.
Build
The Alienware X17 R1 boasts an impressive build quality that justifies its premium price tag. The laptop's design is sleek and modern, with a sturdy aluminum chassis that exudes a sense of luxury. The four-fan cooling system is cleverly integrated into the laptop's body, providing efficient airflow without compromising on aesthetics. The keyboard and trackpad are also well-designed, offering tactile feedback and smooth navigation. While some may find it slightly heavy at 6.1 pounds, the overall build quality feels robust and durable, making this laptop a great investment for those seeking top-notch performance and design. Overall, the X17 R1's build is a triumph of engineering and craftsmanship. A better alternative might be Alienware m17 R3, featuring a next-level build.
Display
The display on the Alienware X17 R1 is a highlight of the laptop. It features a 17-inch FHD panel with great color accuracy and a decent brightness level. The screen's overall quality is excellent, making it perfect for gaming, multimedia, and everyday use. The display's wide viewing angles and vibrant colors make it an ideal choice for those who want a high-quality visual experience. Overall, the display on the Alienware X17 R1 is top-notch and definitely worth considering when purchasing this laptop. You may find Alienware m17 R3 a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
The Alienware x17 R1 delivers impressive performance. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU provides smooth gaming at high resolutions, with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare running at 120-130 FPS on average. Temperatures remain within a reasonable range, peaking at around 80°C during intense gaming sessions. CPU performance is also commendable, with the Intel Core i7-11th Gen processor handling demanding tasks without breaking a sweat. Overall, the x17 R1's performance is on par with desktop PCs, making it an excellent choice for gamers and content creators who value mobility and portability. If you’re after a better performance, Alienware m15 R4 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
I was impressed with the Alienware x17 R1's battery life, easily lasting 4-5 hours on moderate use. Charging is also quick, taking around an hour to top up from empty to full. The laptop's power brick is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. Overall, I found the battery performance of the x17 R1 to be reliable and efficient, making it a great choice for those who need a powerful gaming laptop on-the-go.
Connectivity
The Alienware x17 R1 features robust connectivity options. It boasts Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5, ensuring seamless internet connections. The laptop also offers multiple USB-A ports, a USB-C port with DisplayPort support, an HDMI output, and a headphone jack. Additionally, it includes a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired internet access. Overall, the Alienware x17 R1 provides ample connectivity options for users' various needs. For an improved connectivity, Alienware x17 R2 is worth considering.
Features
The Alienware X17 R1 boasts an impressive feature set, including a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 GPU, up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and an Intel Core i9 processor. The laptop also features a stunning 4K OLED display, a compact four-fan cooling system, and a range of customization options through the Alienware Command Center. You might want to check out Alienware x17 R2, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The Alienware x17 R1 excels in support and maintenance, with a robust four-fan system that effectively manages temperatures during intense gaming sessions. The laptop's performance is also impressive, delivering smooth gameplay and excellent frame rates.
Pros
1. The laptop has excellent temperature control, with temperatures staying between 75-80°C during intense gaming sessions.
2. The performance is exceptional, with a 30 70 GPU providing about 120-130 watts while playing games like Call of Duty Modern Warfare.
3. The four-fan system within the Alienware laptop is effective and quiet.
4. The laptop's cooling system is one of the best in its class, with temperatures staying low even during long gaming sessions.
5. The NVIDIA control panel feature to set graphics settings to max performance improves gameplay smoothness.
6. The laptop has a powerful 30 70 GPU that provides excellent performance for its size.
7. The fans are not overly loud and won't distract from the gaming experience.
8. The Alienware laptop is a great option for gamers who want a powerful machine without breaking the bank.
Cons
1. The laptop's cooling system can be noisy, but it's not annoyingly so.
2. The game Call of Duty Modern Warfare took ages to install on this laptop, and it's a huge game.
3. The camera placement in front of the user during gameplay makes it difficult to watch them play.
4. The laptop's performance is limited by its power consumption, which can be a drawback for some users.
5. The laptop has a relatively high temperature maximum (83°C) during gaming sessions.
6. The laptop's cooling system can sometimes get loud when under heavy load.
7. The laptop's power consumption is higher than expected, with about 120-130 watts being used while playing games.
8. The laptop's performance doesn't improve much beyond its standard settings, leaving some room for improvement.
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