Alienware Laptop - Review and Buying Guide - 2023
Founded in 1996, Alienware has long been the gold standard for gaming laptops. Powerful, with high-end graphics, cooling systems and displays, Alienware laptops are the machine of choice for gamers and professionals who want desktop power in a portable package.
In 2006, Dell purchased Alienware with the understanding that Alienware would remain an independent subsidiary, free to conduct its own design and marketing. The bottom line is that Alienware laptops continue to be some of the best on the market, offering users the best of both worlds in terms of power and comfort. Thanks to the support of Dell , Alienware has even been able to branch out into market segments where it has not traditionally had a presence. For example, while Alienware computers have always been powerful, they have often been defined by the corresponding volume needed to house and cool that power.
Thanks to modern components and its relationship with Dell, Alienware offers thin and light gaming laptops designed to compete with similar offerings from other manufacturers. To know more, read on. If you're ready to buy, consider one of our recommended models.
How will you use your Alienware Laptop?
The most important thing to consider is how you plan to use an Alienware computer. There is a big difference between a casual gamer and someone who plays 8-12 hours a day. For an occasional gamer, they may tax their machine for an hour or two a day, but use it for relatively normal tasks the rest of the time. In contrast, a hard-core gamer who plays eight to twelve hours a day puts his computer under maximum strain for hours.
Nothing shortens the life of a computer like excess heat. This is especially the case with a laptop, where the computer case does not allow for as much airflow as a desktop case, nor does it allow for large, powerful cooling fans.
While any Alienware will likely have an advantage over other comparable laptops, there is a difference in capability from one Alienware to another. For example, the m15 and m17 slim-profile laptops, while still much more capable than competing slim-profile laptops, will not be as well suited to long hours of heavy gaming and similar tasks as the mighty Area-51m, with its large vents and more powerful fans.
- Weight and Mobility
Another thing to consider is the weight of the particular model you're looking at. Since there can be nearly a four pound difference between the m15 and the Area-51m, you need to consider how mobile you plan to be. If you're a road warrior who's always on the go, opting for the slim m15 will significantly reduce your weight. If your commuting needs are more modest, and you don't need to use your laptop as much on the road, one of Alienware larger, beefier models may be better.
- Upgradeability
As laptops continue to get smaller and thinner, manufacturers often trade upgradeability for size, weight, and cost. RAM is typically soldered to the motherboard, hard drives require pro-level expertise to swap, and graphics cards are not upgradeable.
Bucking that trend, some of Alienware' models — like the Area-51m — give you the ability to upgrade just about every major internal component.
Characteristic
- Processor
Alienware's entire lineup comes equipped with some of the best Intel processors available. However, you can customize your laptop to include the latest and most powerful on the market. Also, in higher-end models, the processors are overclocked desktop versions of Intel processors. In other words, these chips are designed to run at full power — or even be overclocked to run beyond spec — unlike many mobile chips that throttle due to heat concerns.
- RAM
Most Alienware laptops start with eight or 16 GB of RAM. This can be upgraded to 32 or 64 GB, depending on the model.
- Graphics Cards
All available laptops already come with a powerful graphics card, capable of handling even the most demanding games. On some models, however, they can be upgraded to the best cards on the market, making these laptops ideal for virtual reality (VR) applications.
- HDD
All Alienware laptops come with SSDs instead of traditional spinning hard drives (HDDs), further amplifying their performance. On some higher-end models you can also opt for a RAID, along with a hybrid drive that combines the speed of an SSD with the large storage of an HDD.
Tips
Since Alienware is owned by Dell, you benefit from Dell's customer service and support.
Since Alienware laptops focus on performance above all else, they generally have horrible battery life. If you plan to use your laptop for hours on the go, consider bringing a portable battery pack to help top off the charge.
Make sure to keep your laptop clean and dust free. Given its power and the need to keep heat as low as possible, you don't want dust to build up and obstruct airflow.
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