The Alienware x17 R2 is an evolution of the previous generation. The internal tuning must be highlighted until reaching a high-end configuration based on the latest generation of Intel Core i9 and the Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti GPU. The result, as expected, does not disappoint in terms of performance or design, but at a cost that must be assumed.
Lots of screen and refreshment but low resolution
As in other families of gaming laptops, the consumer has several different configurations to choose from at the screen level.
In our case, the analyzed model has a 17.3-inch IPS panel with FullHD resolution and 360 Hz refresh rate (there is the option of choosing a UHD resolution but with less refresh rate). We are talking about a non-touch panel with Advanced Optimus technology and Nvidia G-Sync in both cases. As for the response time, the FullHD model boasts only 1 ms.
The panel, beyond the refreshment, is less impressive compared to the direct competition, both in brightness (350 nits) and in contrast or color coverage, which is 100% sRGB.
Choosing a high refresh rate of 360 Hz means giving up the sharpness that a panel with more resolution would give us on such a large diagonal
In addition, the 17.3-inch diagonal does not marry too well with the FullHD resolution as soon as we get involved in tasks that require high sharpness.
Screen
With such a diagonal, the FullHD resolution is too short for a more classic use of the equipment.
The multimedia section is endorsed with the speakers, to which Alienware has given the prominence they deserve in the design. And that shows.
We have two stereo tweeters (2W each) placed between the keyboard and the screen, spanning the entire width of the computer, but there are also two dedicated bass speakers (also 2x2W) placed very well in the corners—front of the casing.
Every detail adds to the design of this Alienware X17 R2, such as the four speakers, two for bass, and strategically located in the corners.
The sound we get with this combination is powerful, balanced, and has an excellent bass presence, which is not very common.
The sound, in addition, is Dolby Atmos, with a somewhat defined surround effect and to be appreciated in games. We also have an exciting configuration suite within the Alienware control center for this family of gaming equipment.
The complete model of the Alienware X17 R2 could be configured with the “Alder Lake” Core i9-12900HK processor accompanied by the Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti graphics with 16 GB of GDDR6 memory, as well as up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM at 4800 MHz and storage of 4TB RAID or (2x2TB) M.1 PCIe. Can you imagine the price?
The best configuration of the Alienware X17 R2 is an absolute beast in every way, including a mechanical keyboard. For him, we paid almost 5,000 euros.
With the FullHD panel, it stays at “only” 4,599 euros, while if we choose the UHD screen and the mechanical keyboard, we are already close to 5,000 euros (it is 4,899 euros). If we opt for the basic configuration, based on the RTX 3060 GPU, the price starts at 2,148 euros.
It’s not tiny, but what a design!
The design of gaming laptops ceased to be something standard years ago. Some teams proclaim to the rooftops that they are models to play, others opt for a more discreet appearance, and some even wholly hide their gaming DNA.
The commitment to thinness does not detract one iota from the 100% gaming appearance that the Alienware brand carries in its DNA.
The Alienware x17 R2, saving the very personal tastes and preferences that we always find at the design level, belongs to the first category. Looking at it, no one will say that it is not a gaming laptop. But neither is it an extravagant design.
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The Alienware X17 R2 achieves this with a unique aesthetic already associated with the brand itself and, of course, an exquisite finish (magnesium and aluminum alloy) that takes care of all the details. That is why it has been beautiful to us, since, for example, due to dimensions it is not among the best on the market at all.
The X series is now a family of gaming laptops where the thinness of the equipment (2 cm) and risky choices such as moving all the connections to the rear (except the power supply) stand out.
n and headphone port). On a practical level, this makes it more of a desktop than a laptop, weighing 3.2 kg for the 17-inch version we have analyzed.
Betting on the Alienware X17 R2 is not doing it for a small team but a very different one with many personalities.
On an aesthetic level, many details give it a great personality, from the brand logo on the back (with LED lighting) to the exact logo configured as a power button already inside, going through the white tone of the casing that contrasts with the already black interior.
We also have the prominent cooling outlets on both sides of the case and the back flanking the central area that, as we have indicated, is reserved for the leading connectivity (whose entire piece has a synchronizable LED lighting ring).
Connectivity
There we find two USB-C ports (one Thunderbolt 4/USB 3.2 gen 2, with power delivery), two USB-A 3.2 Gen1 with PowerShare, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a Mini DisplayPort 1.4 output, and an RJ port -45 Killer Ethernet E3100 2.5G. A MicroSD slot is also included.
As for wireless connectivity, we have Wifi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, in addition to a 720p webcam that, without standing out in general quality, at least supports using Windows Hello to identify us biometrically. This was essential, given that we do not have a fingerprint reader on the device.
