Alienware x16 R2

LaptopMedia.com Laptop Specs Alienware x16 R2 Alienware x16 R2

Date Published: 21 Oct 2024

Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 (Laptop, 175W)
16.0", QHD (2560 x 1600), 240 Hz, IPS
2000GB SSD
32GB RAM
2.66 kg (5.9 lbs)

TOTAL SCORE

4.0 Portability Average

8.5 Display Excellent

7.7 For Work Very Good

8.9 For Gaming Excellent

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Alienware x16 R2

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Specs

Display
16.0", QHD (2560 x 1600), 240 Hz, IPS

HDD/SSD
2000GB SSD

M.2 Slot
2x 2230 / 2280 M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x4 See photo

RAM
32GB RAM

OS
Windows 11 Home

Body Material
Aluminum, Magnesium alloy

Dimensions
364.81 x 289.98 x 18.57 mm (14.36" x 11.42" x 0.73")

Weight
2.66 kg (5.9 lbs)

Ports and connectivity

2x USB Type-A
3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), Sleep and Charge

1x USB Type-C
3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), DisplayPort

1x USB Type-C
Thunderbolt 4, Power Delivery (PD), DisplayPort

HDMI
2.1

Mini DisplayPort

Card Reader
microSD (microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC)

Ethernet LAN

Wi-Fi
802.11be

Bluetooth
5.4

Audio jack
3.5mm Combo Jack

Features

Fingerprint reader

Web camera
FHD IR

Backlit keyboard

Microphone
Digital Array Microphones

Speakers
6x 3W Stereo Speakers

Security Lock slot

Portability

Alienware x16 R2

14.36" x 11.42" x 0.73" Dimensions

2.66 kg (5.9 lbs) Weight

Average 16.0-inch laptop

2.03 kg (4.5 lbs) -24% Weight

Review

Alienware x16 R2 in-depth review

There is a high demand for thin laptops in every price class. Nowadays, many users want to own a compact and powerful laptop. Alienware has tried to make one, with their x16 R2 model. This is an incredibly thin and unique-looking machine and you can also order it with up to GeForce RTX 4090.But there's a nuance. Since the 13th and 14th Gen Raptor Lake-H and HX CPUs dissipate tons of heat they aren't suitable for such a slim profile. That's why this notebook can be found with Meteor Lake-H processors. These efficient chips are a preferable choice for slim notebooks. You can choose between a 28W Core Ultra 7 155H, and 45W Core Ultra 9 185H. Based on our previous tests, we don't find 28W CPUs suitable for GPUs like RTX 4080 so we chose the more powerful option.Alienware x16 R2 is a ve[...]

Read the full review

Pros

Solid premium build
Thin profile (18.57 mm)
Vapor chamber cooling + liquid metal for the CPU and GPU dies (for RTX 4080 and 4090-based laptops)
High CPU frequencies under long load (3.44 GHz / 3.29 GHz P and E-core clock)
Wide viewing angles + 1600p resolution (AUO3CA2)
Snappy pixel response times of 7 ms (AUO3CA2)
PWM-free (AUO3CA2)
338 nit max brightness + 240Hz refresh rate (AUO3CA2)
100% sRGB and DCI P3 coverage + accurate colors with our "Design and Gaming" profile (AUO3CA2)
2x M.2 slots
Thermal pads for the SSDs and the Wi-Fi card
Great Cherry keyboard (option)
Precise illuminated glass touchpad (option)
Modern port selection that is entirely placed on the back
The fans aren't loud in "Performance" mode
Low noise and a 118W GPU TGP in "Quiet" mode
The Alienware Command Center app is full of useful extras
NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, G-Sync + MUX switch
Optional fingerprint reader and IR Web camera
Fast Gen 4 NVMe (1TB SK Hynix PC811)

Cons

High price
Soldered RAM and no Gen 5 SSD slots
Super High VRAM temperatures - 110ºC, which lead to TGP throttle
Short battery life

Disassembly, maintenance and upgrade options

Opening the DeviceUndo the 6 Phillips-head screws securing the bottom panel. The screws in the middle and bottom are captive, and they will slightly lift almost half of the panel, making the disassembly process easier. Fully pry the sides and the front of the panel. Avoid popping the back. Raise the front of the metal plate, slide it forward, and lift it away from the chassis.More info: Here's how the bottom plate looks on the inside.Battery RemovalDetach the battery by pulling out the connector from the motherboard. Undo the 4 Phillips-head screws secu[...]