Review: Alienware 17in Laptop R5 - A High-Performance Gaming Laptop Wo

The Alienware 17in laptop R5 is a high-performance gaming notebook that promises an immersive and exhilarating gaming experience. It features a 17.3-inch LCD display and is powered by the 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H Hexa-core processor, which delivers blazing-fast performance and remarkable multitasking capabilities. The laptop is VR-ready and can support the latest VR headsets for an unparalleled gaming experience. With its sleek design and sturdy build, the Alienware laptop R5 is a true powerhouse that can handle even the most demanding games and applications. Whether you're a professional gamer or just an enthusiast, this laptop is sure to meet and exceed your expectations.

System information

Here is some system information about the Alienware 17in laptop R5:

• Processor: 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H Hexa-core processor
• Clock speed: 2.20 GHz
• Memory: 16GB DDR4 RAM
• Storage: 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 with 8GB GDDR5
• Display: 17.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-Glare 300-nits display
• Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-bit
• Connectivity: Killer 1435 802.11ac 2x2 WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1
• Ports: 1x Thunderbolt 3, 1x SuperSpeed USB 3.0, 1x HDMI 2.0 output, 1x Mini-DisplayPort 1.3 output, 1x Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port, 1x Audio Out 1/8" Ports (Compatible with inline mic headset), 1x Headphone 1/8" Port (retaskable for Microphone/Line-In analog audio input), 1x Noble lock port (cable and lock sold separately)
• Dimensions: 16.7 x 13.1 x 1.18 inches
• Weight: 9.7 lbs

These specs make the Alienware laptop R5 a powerful gaming machine that can handle even the most demanding games and applications.

Salient features

Some of the salient features of the Alienware 17in laptop R5:

1. High-performance Processor: The laptop is powered by the 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8750H Hexa-core processor that provides blazing-fast performance and remarkable multitasking capabilities.

2. VR-ready: This laptop is VR-ready and can support the latest VR headsets for an immersive gaming experience.

3. High-quality Display: The laptop features a 17.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-Glare 300-nits display that delivers crisp and clear visuals.

4. Powerful Graphics: The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card with 8GB GDDR5 provides high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay.

5. Large Storage: The laptop comes with a 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage that provides ample space for storing games, media, and other files.

6. Killer Networking: The laptop features Killer 1435 802.11ac 2x2 WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1 that ensure fast and reliable connectivity.

7. Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port: The laptop has an Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port that allows users to connect an external graphics card for even more gaming power.

8. Customizable Lighting: The Alienware 17in laptop R5 has customizable RGB lighting on the keyboard and the Alienware logo.

9. Sturdy Build: The laptop has a sturdy build and features a premium metal chassis that can withstand daily wear and tear.

Overall, the Alienware 17in laptop R5 is a powerful and feature-rich gaming notebook that offers an exceptional gaming experience.

Here are some of the key specifications for the Alienware 17in laptop R5:

Display

The Alienware 17in laptop R5 features a 17.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-Glare 300-nits display that delivers crisp and clear visuals. The display has an anti-glare coating that helps to reduce reflections and eye strain. The IPS technology provides wide viewing angles, making it possible to view the display from different angles without experiencing color distortion or loss of contrast.

The display also has a refresh rate of 60Hz, which provides a smooth and seamless gaming experience. The 300-nits brightness ensures that the display is bright enough to be used in well-lit environments. Additionally, the display has a contrast ratio of 800:1, which ensures that the colors are vivid and accurate.

Overall, the display on the Alienware 17in R5 is of high quality and is well-suited for gaming, media consumption, and productivity. Its large size and high resolution make it easy to view multiple windows and applications at once, providing users with an efficient and streamlined workflow.

Video

The Alienware laptop 17in R5 features a powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card with 8GB GDDR5, making it well-suited for demanding applications and gaming. The laptop is VR-ready and can support the latest VR headsets for an immersive gaming experience.

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card is based on the Pascal architecture and delivers exceptional graphics performance. It provides high frame rates and smooth gameplay, even when running the most demanding games and applications. The graphics card supports DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.5, ensuring compatibility with the latest games and applications.

In addition to gaming, the graphics card can be used for other demanding applications such as video editing, 3D modeling, and animation. The Alienware 17in laptop R5 also has an Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port, which allows users to connect an external graphics card for even more gaming power.

Battery

The Alienware 17in laptop R5 has a 4-cell 68Wh battery that provides up to 6 hours of battery life. The battery life will vary depending on the usage and configuration of the laptop. While the battery life is not exceptionally long, it is reasonable for a gaming laptop with a powerful processor and graphics card.

The laptop also features Alienware's Advanced Control System, which allows users to customize the power settings of the laptop. This can help to extend the battery life by adjusting the performance of the processor and graphics card based on the usage scenario.

Operating system:

The Alienware laptop R5 comes pre-installed with the Windows 10 operating system. Windows 10 is a widely used and popular operating system known for its user-friendly interface and excellent performance. It is well-suited for gaming, media consumption, and productivity, providing users with a seamless and efficient workflow.

Audio:

The laptop features stereo speakers with high-quality audio output. It is also equipped with Alienware Sound Center, which provides users with an immersive audio experience. The audio can be customized to the user's preference using the audio settings available in the Alienware Command Center.

Touchpad:

The touchpad on the Alienware 17in laptop R5 is large and responsive, providing users with a smooth and accurate pointing experience. It supports multi-touch gestures, making it easy to navigate and interact with Windows 10.

Camera:

The laptop comes equipped with a 720p HD webcam, which provides users with a clear and crisp video conferencing experience. The webcam can also be used for taking photos and recording videos.

Storage:

The Alienware R5 comes with a 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage. The SSD provides fast boot and load times, making it ideal for storing the operating system and frequently used applications. The 1TB HDD provides ample storage for storing games, media, and other files.

Communications:

The laptop features Killer 1435 802.11ac 2x2 WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1 that ensure fast and reliable connectivity. It also features an Ethernet port that provides a wired network connection for stable and consistent network performance.

Ports and connectors:

The Alienware 17in laptop R5 features a variety of ports and connectors, including three USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port, a Thunderbolt 3 port, an HDMI 2.0 port, a Mini DisplayPort 1.3, an Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port, an Ethernet port, an audio jack, and an SD card reader. These ports and connectors provide users with a wide range of connectivity options, making it easy to connect to peripherals and external devices.

Dimensions and weight:

The Alienware 17in laptop R5 has a weight of 9.74 pounds (4.42 kg) and a thickness of 1.18 inches (29.97 mm). It has a width of 16.7 inches (424 mm) and a depth of 13.1 inches (332 mm). The laptop is relatively large and heavy, but this is to be expected given its large display and powerful hardware.

Power adapter:

The laptop comes with a 240W power adapter that provides sufficient power to charge the laptop and support its high-performance hardware. The power adapter is relatively large and heavy, weighing around 2.5 pounds (1.13 kg).

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The Alienware 17in laptop R5 has a large and vibrant 17.3-inch display that is well-suited for gaming and media consumption.
• It features a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card that provide excellent performance for demanding applications and gaming.
• The laptop is VR-ready, making it compatible with the latest VR headsets for an immersive gaming experience.
• The laptop has a variety of ports and connectors, making it easy to connect to peripherals and external devices.
• The laptop features Alienware's Advanced Control System, which allows users to customize the power settings of the laptop, thereby extending battery life.
• The laptop comes with a 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage, providing users with fast boot and load times and ample storage for storing games, media, and other files.

Cons:

• The laptop is relatively large and heavy, making it less portable than other laptops.
• The battery life of the laptop is average, providing up to 6 hours of battery life.
• The laptop is relatively expensive compared to other laptops with similar specifications.
• The fans on the laptop can be loud, especially when the laptop is under heavy load.
• The laptop can get hot when under heavy load, which may cause discomfort for some users.

Alienware 17in laptop R5: Is It Worth It?

Whether the Alienware 17in laptop R5 is worth it or not depends on individual preferences and requirements. If you are looking for a high-performance gaming laptop that can handle demanding applications and provide an immersive gaming experience, then the Alienware laptop R5 is definitely worth considering.

It has a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card, and a large and vibrant 17.3-inch display that is well-suited for gaming and media consumption. It is also VR-ready, making it compatible with the latest VR headsets for an immersive gaming experience.

However, it is relatively large and heavy, making it less portable than other laptops, and the battery life is average. Additionally, it is relatively expensive compared to other laptops with similar specifications.

Overall, if you are looking for a high-performance gaming laptop and are willing to pay a premium for it, then the Alienware laptop 17in R5 is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Question

Q: Is the Alienware 17in laptop R5 VR-ready?

A: Yes, the laptop is VR-ready and is compatible with the latest VR headsets for an immersive gaming experience.

Q: What is the storage capacity of the laptop?

A: The laptop comes with a 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage.

Q: Can the laptop be customized?

A: Yes, the laptop can be customized to some extent with options for storage, memory, and graphics.

Q: What is the battery life of the laptop?

A: The laptop provides up to 6 hours of battery life.

Q: What operating system does the laptop come with?

A: The laptop comes pre-installed with the Windows 10 operating system.

Q: What is the weight of the laptop?

A: The laptop has a weight of 9.74 pounds (4.42 kg).

Q: Does the laptop come with a warranty?

A: Yes, the laptop comes with a standard one-year warranty that covers parts and labor. Additional warranty options are also available.