Alienware m16 Review

The 16-inch dimension, like the Alienware M16 we’re reviewing here, is presently the sweet spot for combining performance and affordability if the new generation of 18-inch gaming laptops is too much for you (both financially and physically).

With a weight that won’t break your arm when picked up, this potent bundle offers plenty of gaming energy. It’s not cheap, like all of our top gaming laptops, but when you take into account its power, it’s really affordable.

The Strix Scar 16 was the first 16-inch gaming laptop from ROG’s RTX 40 series to be released. The Alienware substitute, the M16, is a 16-inch device that runs on one of AMD’s most current and highly acclaimed Dragon Range CPUs.

You have a wide range of alternatives when buying an Alienware system. These consist of three screens, two keyboards, three CPUs (two AMD, two Intel), five GPUs (four Nvidia, one AMD), and an endless amount of memory and storage possibilities. This may have a significant impact on pricing.

Pros

•  Outstanding visual and gameplay quality
• Motion on a 240Hz refresh rate screen is very fluid.

Cons

• Fairly costly
• The trackpad is too small and the laptop is too heavy for a 16-inch screen.

Alienware M16 Specs

Specs	Tested	Also Available
Price	$1,899.99 / £1,798.99	$1,699.99 – $4,699.99 / £1,928 – £4,779
Display	16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) @ 165Hz	16-inch QHD+ (2560 x 1600) @ 240Hz | 16-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) @ 480Hz
Processor	Intel i7-13700HX	Intel i9-13900HX
GPU	RTX 4060, 4070, 4080, and 4090	–
RAM	16GB DDR5 4800MHz	32GB | 64GB
Storage	512GB PCle NVMe M.2 SSD	1TB | 2TB | 4TB | 8TB
Connectivity	Killer Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth	–
Dimensions	36.8 x 2.5 x 28.9cm	–
Weight	3.25kg	–

Performance review

The least expensive model is £149/$1699. You will get a 165Hz display, a 1TB SSD, an RTX 4060 GPU, a Ryzen 7 7745HX CPU, and 16GB of RAM for that price. On the other hand, for £5129/$4599, you can purchase an entry-level 165Hz display together with an RTX 4090 GPU, 8TB of storage, 64GB of RAM, and a Core i9 13900HX processor. In the UK, you have to drop to the RTX 4080 GPU if you want the 420Hz FullHD+ or 240Hz QHD+ screen, although that doesn’t appear to be the case in the USA.

If your computer lacks the graphics processing capacity to support a large screen like the one on the M16, it won’t do much good.

Keyboard

Alienware laptops have a hexagonal exhaust grille on the keyboard. The Stadium LED strip rimmed around the backports. The bright and alien head logo on the keyboard deck and lid doubles the power button).

Alienware M16 R1:Display

However, the lid still has some wobbling as a result of not having a glass cover that is completely laminated, which is a feature seen on the majority of gaming laptops.

At 3.25 kg, the Alienware M16 R1 weighs much more than the 2.4 kg Medion Erazer X20 or the 2.5 kg Asus ROG Strix Scar 16. Even the substantial 2.9 kg Acer Predator Helios 16 is lighter. With exterior measurements of 368.9 x 289.9 x 25.4 mm, it is somewhat thinner than the ROG and Medion computers, but it is also broader and deeper.

There is only one shade available: Dark Metallic Moon, a gunmetal grey. Anyone who enjoys the spectacular and ethereal designs of Alienware, like myself, will be disappointed by this.

Verdict of The Alienware M16

The gaming industry is competitive; a laptop that is considered cutting-edge today may become outdated tomorrow. Modern games push the limits of what the technology can achieve, placing increasing demands on the computers that run them. Because the Alienware M16 will run games for at least a few years, it frequently makes sense to invest a little extra money in a good gaming laptop.

To describe a laptop this expensive as excellent value for the money seems strange. However, it is. Excellent performance without cutting-edge pricing is possible with an AMD Ryzen 9 7845HX (not the more costly 7945HX) and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU (not the more expensive 4090).

For those who can afford it, the Alienware M16 is an excellent choice for a gaming laptop that can keep up with your intense gaming sessions for the foreseeable future. Just remember to bring the power source since the battery life is not reliable.

FAQ

What are the key specifications of the Alienware m16?

The specific specifications of the Alienware m16 can vary depending on the model and release date. Common specifications include CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, display, and ports. Check the Dell website or product documentation for the most up-to-date information.

What is the display technology used in the Alienware m16?

The display technology can vary but might include options such as IPS panels, OLED, or high refresh rate displays for gaming.

Can I upgrade the RAM and storage in the Alienware m16?

Typically, Alienware laptops allow for some degree of user-upgradability, but this can vary by model. Check the product documentation to see if you can upgrade RAM or storage in the Alienware m16.

What is the battery life like on the Alienware m16?

Battery life can vary depending on the usage and configuration. Gaming laptops generally have shorter battery life than ultrabooks due to their powerful hardware.

What gaming performance can I expect from the Alienware m16?

The gaming performance depends on the specific GPU and CPU configuration. Alienware laptops are known for their gaming capabilities, but performance can vary.

What software and features are unique to Alienware laptops?

Alienware laptops often come with Alienware Command Center, which allows you to customize system settings, RGB lighting, and more. They may also have features like Tobii eye-tracking technology.

Is there a warranty included with the Alienware m16, and what does it cover?

Alienware laptops typically come with a limited warranty. The exact terms and coverage may vary, so be sure to read the warranty information provided by Dell.

Is the Alienware m16 compatible with external GPUs (eGPUs)?

Some Alienware laptops support external GPU setups for enhanced gaming performance, but this can vary by model. Check the product documentation for compatibility details.

Are there any known heating issues with the Alienware m16?

Gaming laptops can generate a lot of heat during intense gaming sessions. Alienware laptops usually come with advanced cooling solutions, but real-world performance can vary.

What is the Alienware m16’s weight and dimensions?

The weight and dimensions can vary by configuration. You can find this information on the Dell website or in the product documentation.

What are the available ports and connectivity options on the Alienware m16?

Alienware laptops typically include a range of USB ports, audio jacks, HDMI, and other connectors. The specific options may vary by model.

Does the Alienware M16 cool well?

The Alienware M16 R1 was better than the Medion Erazer Major X20, which an Intel Core i9-13900HX drove. The 140W TGP RTX 4070 GPU is in both computers, but the Alienware makes less noise and heat when both are going at full speed. Again, it needs to be said how cool the Alienware M16 R1 is to use.

What does Alienware stand for?

Dell owns Alienware, which is an American company that makes computer gear. Their products are all game computers, and you can tell them apart because of their strange images.

Can I get HDR on my Alienware M16?

No. You can “stream HDR” on the M16 but not turn it on.