The enhancements made to R2 compared to the original x16 are internal rather than external. This model maintains the same sleek all-metal construction as before, with dimensions of 0.73 by 14.4 by 11.4 inches (HWD). Despite being a 16-inch laptop, it is relatively slim and weighs six pounds, which is reasonable for its size. A similar non-Alienware option is the liquid-cooled Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 8 (0.74 by 14.1 by 10.9 inches, 5.64 pounds), which also focuses on maximizing performance within a compact design. On the other hand, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 16 is bulkier at 1.01 by 14.3 by 10.3 inches and weighs 6.17 pounds.

Alienware stands out in terms of visual aesthetics and high-quality materials. While style preferences may vary, I personally appreciate the color options, metal construction, RGB touchpad, and practical features such as the ringed foot for better ventilation. Internally, the gallium-silicone “Element 31” thermal material, four fans, and Alienware’s 12-phase voltage regulation system work together to maintain top-notch performance over extended periods. While these features are not groundbreaking innovations for the x16 model, they do contribute to setting premium gaming laptops apart within this price range.

Premium configurations come with premium prices.

The starting price for Dell’s x16 R2 base model is, which is considered a premium system. Despite being the base model, it comes well-equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of memory, a 1TB solid-state drive, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. Dell does not charge extra for different display options, as the lower-resolution screen has a higher refresh rate than the QHD+ panel. Choosing between the QHD+ 240Hz panel or the full HD 480Hz panel is based on personal preference. The Cherry MX keyboard is not included in the base model but is available in higher-cost configurations.

Our model is priced at and comes with a highly configured setup. This includes a Core Ultra 9 185H processor, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and an RTX 4080. Additionally, it features a QHD+ panel and a Cherry MX keyboard. The m16 R2, in comparison, is limited to an RTX 4070, making this machine stand out with the option to upgrade to an RTX 4090. With the Core Ultra 9 chips being relatively new, it will be interesting to see how they perform on benchmark tests.

The Alienware x16 R2 offers an impressive screen, numerous connectivity options, and a high-quality keyboard designed for gaming.

Alienware has enhanced its lighting capabilities with the x16 R2. The AlienFX touchpad from Dell can be personalized using the provided software, and can also be deactivated if desired. The individually backlit keys can also be customized. The touchpad could be slightly larger given the laptop’s overall size, but it is smooth and responsive. The keys are a pleasure to use, especially since our unit comes with the optional Cherry MX mechanical keyboard. This feature has been present in several generations of Alienware machines, as well as the more recent MSI Titan 18 HX, and it provides a more tactile and satisfying typing experience compared to traditional laptop keyboards. It is a non-essential but desirable feature that comes at an additional cost, if you choose to have it.

The latest version of the x16 only includes one noticeable improvement for users, which may require keen observation to notice. The maximum refresh rate of the display has been increased from 165Hz to 240Hz. While this may not be significant for certain games or gamers, it is highly valued in specific games and genres. High-performance PCs can now support older or less demanding games at refresh rates exceeding 165Hz, providing a competitive advantage in multiplayer games with the higher refresh rate.

This results in a stunning 240Hz QHD+ (2,560-by-1,600) resolution display with Nvidia G-Sync support. Alternatively, there is an option to purchase a lower-resolution full HD screen with an impressive 480Hz refresh rate. While the absence of OLED may be disappointing, the refresh rate and resolution combination on our unit is considered ideal for many enthusiast gamers, especially when considering the CPU and GPU capabilities. The x16 R2 is capable of running modern games at high settings with the native resolution, eliminating the need to downgrade to 1080p, and some games can take advantage of the high refresh rate.

This laptop is relatively slim, which means that all of the ports are located on the slightly thicker rear portion of the laptop. This includes a microSD card reader, two USB Type-C ports (one with Thunderbolt 4 support), an HDMI connection, two USB Type-A ports, a mini DisplayPort connection, and the proprietary power connector. While it may be a bit inconvenient to always reach behind the machine to plug anything in, you should have everything you need here.

Productivity and Content Creation Tests.

We conduct identical productivity benchmarks on both mobile and desktop platforms. Which replicates a range of real-world productivity and office tasks to evaluate overall system efficiency. It also includes a storage subtest for the main drive.

Our remaining three benchmarks concentrate on the CPU, utilizing every core and thread to evaluate a computer’s performance for processor-heavy tasks. Maxon’s Cinebench R23 employs the Cinema 4D engine to render a intricate scene, whereas Geekbench 5.4 Pro from Primate Labs replicates well-known applications such as PDF rendering, speech recognition, and machine learning. Lastly, we employ the open-source video transcoder HandBrake 1.4 to convert a 12-minute video clip from 4K to 1080p resolution (shorter durations indicate better performance).

Ultimately, we conduct PugetBench for Photoshop developed by Puget Systems, a workstation manufacturer. This tool assesses a computer’s efficiency in content creation and multimedia tasks using Adobe’s renowned image editing software, Creative Cloud version 22. The automated tool performs a variety of Photoshop tasks, both general and GPU-accelerated, such as image opening, rotation, resizing, saving, as well as applying masks, gradient fills, and filters.

All laptops in this selection are inherently fast, with the x16 R2 performing exceptionally well in our tests. However, there is a noticeable difference in speed among them: the Legion and Titan 18 outpaced the rest, while the three Alienware systems showed similar performance levels. While all laptops are suitable for daily tasks and media-intensive activities, those seeking the absolute top-tier performance may want to consider a faster option.

Graphics and Gaming Tests.

We conduct both synthetic and real-world gaming tests for gaming laptops and other mobile gaming devices. The synthetic tests consist of two DirectX 12 gaming simulations from UL’s 3DMark: Night Raid (designed for systems with integrated graphics) and Time Spy (designed for gaming rigs with discrete GPUs). In addition, we utilize the cross-platform GPU benchmark GFXBench 5 to assess OpenGL performance. These GFXBench tests are conducted offscreen to support various native display resolutions, with higher frames per second (fps) indicating better performance.

Our practical gaming evaluations are based on the in-game benchmarks of F1 2021, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Rainbow Six Siege. These three games, all tested at 1080p resolution, showcase simulation, open-world action-adventure, and competitive/esports shooter genres. Valhalla and Siege are tested twice (Valhalla at Medium and Ultra quality, Siege at Low and Ultra quality). On the other hand, F1 2021 is tested twice at Ultra quality settings with and without the performance-boosting features of AMD and Nvidia’s FSR and DLSS enabled.

The x16 R2 showcased its prowess in the graphics tests, delivering remarkable synthetic scores and high frame rates. Similar to the processing tests, the results were segmented into tiers, with the Legion and Titan 18 leading the pack. However, the x16 R2 performed as anticipated. These outcomes were observed at 1080p, rather than its more demanding native resolution. Nevertheless, some gamers opt to play at full HD to attain maximum frame rates, especially in competitive multiplayer games. While the Titan’s dominance was predictable, the Legion’s performance as a more affordable laptop diminishes the x16 R2’s appeal in this aspect—it is worth mentioning.

At the native QHD+ resolution, the frame rates noticeably decreased, yet they remained quite high and playable. For instance, Valhalla dropped from 123fps on maximum settings at 1080p to 102fps at QHD+. This is still very smooth, well above the 60fps target with plenty of room for more demanding games or those that benefit greatly from high frame rates. Achieving this may be more challenging with the latest titles, but Nvidia’s DLSS frame generation and super-scaling can help mitigate the impact if necessary. Nevertheless, you can expect similar or better frame rates from the Legion for a significantly lower price.

Battery and Display Tests.

We evaluate the battery life of every laptop by running a 720p video file (Tears of Steel, an open-source Blender movie) from local storage. The display brightness is set at 50% and the audio volume at 100%. Prior to the test, we make sure that the battery is fully charged and that Wi-Fi and keyboard backlighting are turned off.

We evaluate display performance by utilizing a Datacolor SpyderX Elite monitor calibration sensor along with its Windows software to assess the color coverage of a laptop screen. This includes determining the percentage of the sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color gamuts or palettes that the display is capable of showing, as well as measuring its 50% and peak brightness in nits (candelas per square meter).

In order to measure the performance of the display, we employ a Datacolor SpyderX Elite monitor calibration sensor and its corresponding Windows software. This allows us to analyze the color coverage of a laptop screen, specifically identifying the percentage of the sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 color gamuts or palettes that the display is able to showcase. Additionally, we measure the 50% and peak brightness of the screen in nits (candelas per square meter).

The battery life of this gaming laptop may not break any records, but its ability to last as long as it does is crucial. While the x16 R2 may primarily remain on your desk during gaming sessions, its portability allows for easy movement, making it a significant advantage that it can run off the charger for an extended period. It can withstand multiple trips throughout your day and operate for several hours without needing to be plugged in.

The gaming laptop’s battery life may not be exceptional, but its endurance is essential. Although the x16 R2 is mostly stationary during gaming, its portability makes it convenient to move around, so its long battery life is a major benefit. It can last through multiple trips in a day and operate for hours without being connected to a power source.

The competitive display results feature extensive color coverage and satisfactory brightness levels, although they do not rank as the best. The Titan’s mini LED screen significantly outperformed the others, especially in terms of brightness.

Judgment: Compensate for This High-Quality Service.

The Alienware x16 R2 comes at a high price, yet it offers the desired features for this category. Despite the availability of more powerful alternatives at a higher cost, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 16, chosen by the editors, excels in terms of power for the price. The x16 R2 prioritizes the overall package over value (and, perhaps, even performance). Among Alienware’s gaming laptops, the m16 R2 is a more suitable choice for most consumers due to its portable design and lower price tag, while the x16 R2 caters to enthusiasts. Although there are systems that offer better performance, we cannot overlook the x16 R2’s elegant combination of style, portability, and power for those willing to invest.