Alienware m18 R2

LaptopMedia.com Laptop Specs Alienware m18 R2 Alienware m18 R2

Date Published: 20 Feb 2025

Intel Core i9-14900HX
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Laptop, 140W)
18.0”, FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 480 Hz , IPS
1000GB SSD
32GB RAM
4.23 kg (9.3 lbs)

TOTAL SCORE

4.8 Portability Average

7.0 Display Very Good

8.3 For Work Excellent

8.3 For Gaming Excellent

Best Prices Specs Review For Work For Gaming

Alienware m18 R2

$9999^.00 $4189^.36

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Review

Alienware m18 R2 in-depth review

The Alienware m18 R2 is another 18-incher that offers high-end hardware. Expectedly, we are talking about 14th gen Intel Raptor Lake-HX CPU options and GeForce RTX 4000 graphics cards with hefty TGPs. Wealthy enthusiasts could have fun with the 175W RTX 4090 or 4080. Still, if you don't need so much graphics power, the other video cards rely on 140W power limits which is more than enough for the AD107 and AD106 chips. Interestingly, the laptops with the top-tier GPUs have vapor chamber cooling, preapplied Element 31 liquid metal on the CPU and GPU, and two more M.2 slots. If you want these goodies, you have to stretch your wallet a lot.Since that's an expensive gaming laptop, the presence of extras such as Wi-Fi 7-ready connectivity, MUX switch, NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, and G-Sync isn'[...]

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Pros

Solid premium build
Thin profile for such a form factor
Capable thermal system
Stable and high CPU and GPU frequencies under any kind of load
Wide viewing angles (BOE HF1FV-NE18NZ1 (BOE0AFB; NE180QDM-NZ1))
Snappy pixel response times (BOE HF1FV-NE18NZ1 (BOE0AFB; NE180QDM-NZ1))
PWM-free (BOE HF1FV-NE18NZ1 (BOE0AFB; NE180QDM-NZ1))
98% sRGB coverage + accurate colors with our "Design and Gaming" profile (BOE HF1FV-NE18NZ1 (BOE0AFB; NE180QDM-NZ1))
2x SODIMM slots
Comfortable per-key keyboard and touchpad
Offers plenty of ports
The fans aren't that loud in "Overdrive" mode
Low noise and a 115W GPU TGP in "Quiet" mode
Good battery battery life given the 1600p display and the powerful hardware
The Alienware Command Center app is full of useful extras such as CPU undervolt
Offers NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, G-Sync + MUX switch

Cons

High price
Heavy
Only the RTX 4080 / 4090-based machines have four M.2 slots and a vapor chamber cooling
Too many Gen 1 ports + the Thunderbolts connectors support just a 15W charging
For such a pricey laptop, the 1600p display should offer better contrast ratio and max brightness

Disassembly, maintenance and upgrade options

Step 1: Opening the Alienware m18 R2Ensure the laptop is powered off and placed on a clean, flat surface. Undo the 8 Phillips-head screws securing the bottom panel. Note the screws in the front corners are captive and lift the panel slightly. Begin prying the sides using a thin plastic tool, except the back. Lift slightly the front section of the metal plate and push it forward. Carefully lift away the panel from the chassis.Step 2: Battery RemovalLocate the battery connector on the mainboard and carefully unplug it. Remove the 4 Phillips-head screws secur[...]