Alienware m17 R3 vs Alienware m17 R2 – the same look but still an alien

Alienware m17 R2 is one of the thinnest 17-inches but now it has a successor – the  Alienware m17 R3 which may have a similar exterior look but the real deal is hidden inside of it – new CPUs from Intel, RTX Super and non-Super GPUs from NVIDIA, faster RAM, and more storage options. Sounds pretty good and there is more – Alienware introduces improved cooling solution and better VRM efficiency for both the CPU and the GPU.

As you may expect, like most of the appropriate gaming devices, this one has a backlit keyboard for long gaming sessions during night time.

You can check the prices and configurations of the Alienware m17 R3 devices in our Specs System: https://laptopmedia.com/series/alienware-m17-r3/

You can check the prices and configurations of the Alienware m17 R2 devices in our Specs System: https://laptopmedia.com/series/alienware-m17-r2/

Contents


Design: alien-ish

Yep, the design is almost unchanged but there is nothing bad in it. The machine still looks good and it’s easily distinguishable from the other brand’s gaming laptops. Still, the new one is a bit thicker probably because of the new cooling solution that has to cool some really powerful GPUs. On the bright side – the new machine is a bit lighter than its predecessor.

Alienware m17 R3 | Alienware m17 R2

 

Display: up to 300Hz options

The display options look really impressive. We start with a 144Hz panel with Full HD resolution and if you are a hardcore gamer that plays mainly fast-paced online shooters, the optional 1080p display with a whopping 300Hz refresh rate may be a good choice for you. Of course, if your wallet is wide enough. However, if you prefer a crisper image with more accurate colors over a super-fast screen, there is a 4K display variant with 500-nits of brightness as well.

Alienware m17 R3 | Alienware m17 R2

 

Hardware: Comet Lake-H and NVIDIA RTX GPUs

Just like many other new 2020 machines, the Alienware m17 R3 comes with 10th gen Intel Comet Lake-H processors under the hood. You can choose between the Intel Core i9-10980HK, Core i7-10750H, and Core i5-10300H which are refreshed versions of the Coffe Lake’s Intel Core i9-9880H, Core i7-9750H, and Core i5-9300H. Note that the i9-10980HK comes with an unlocked multiplier, so if you know what you’re doing (ergo, you have previous experience with overclocking) you can squeeze even more performance out of it.

As for the GPUs – you can go as high as the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q with 8GB of video memory. The other options include the RTX 2070 Super, and if you don’t need so much graphics power, the modest GTX 1650 Ti isn’t a bad variant. Also, some models might include the AMD Radeon RX5500M.

The cooling solution is upgraded, it has 40% more heat pipe area, fans with 132 blades, and there are more powerful VRMs for the CPU and the GPU as well.


Connectivity and ports: a decent amount of ports

Let’s check the port selection – 3xUSB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, an HDMI 2.0b connector, a MicroSD card reader, an Ethernet port, and an audio combo jack.


Storage and other specs: 3xNVMe slots, Wi-Fi 6, and backlit keyboard

In terms of storage options, the Alienware m17 R3 doesn’t disappoint – we have three NVMe slots on board so you can “only” add super-fast drives. For connectivity, you can rely on a fast wireless connection thanks to Wi-Fi 6, and there is Bluetooth 5.0 too. The backlit gaming keyboard looks like a good unit for gaming (but we have to test it first) and Alienware promises rich customization.


Specs Comparison

Alienware m17 R3Alienware m17 R2
Display17.3″, Full HD, IPS 144Hz / 300Hz, 4K, IPS 60Hz17.3″, Full HD, IPS 60Hz / 144Hz
GPURTX 2080 Super Max-Q, RTX 2070, RTX 2070 Super RTX 2060, GTX 1660 Ti, GTX 1650 TiRTX 2080 Max-Q, RTX 2070 Max-Q, RTX 2060, GTX 1660 Ti
CPUCore i9-10980HK, Core i7-10750H, Core i5-10300HCore i9-9880H, Core i7-9750H, Core i5-9300H
MemoryDDR4 2666MHzDDR4
Storage3xM.2 NVMe SSDM.2 NVMe SSD
Gigabit WiFi802.11ax802.11ax
Battery56Wh
Thickness22.5 mm18.6 mm
Weight2.50 kg2.63 kg
Review

Prices and Configurations

Alienware m17 R3 configurations:

Alienware m17 R2 configurations:

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Dell
Dell
3 years ago

It’s a 2080 super max-P, didn’t do your homework huh? There are 2 other points you have missed. But I ain’t doing it for ya!

asdf
asdf
3 years ago

The Alienware m17 R2 did come with a 4k display option @60hz, I know because I bought one lol