Dell Alienware m15 R2 review
Dell Alienware m15 R2 test
Dell Alienware m15 R2 is a gaming laptop that attracts attention not only with its futuristic design, but most importantly with its impressive performance. It is a device designed for the most demanding gamers who expect the highest quality gameplay.
Available configurations
The Alienware m15 R2 offers a wide range of hardware configurations, allowing users to customize the laptop to meet individual needs and budgets. Among the available processor options are:
Intel Core i9-9980HK - An octa-core processor with sixteen threads, a base clock speed of 2.4 GHz and the ability to increase to 5.0 GHz in Turbo mode. With an unlocked multiplier, it allows overclocking for even higher performance. Intel Core i7-9750H - Six-core processor with twelve threads, clocked from 2.6 GHz to 4.5 GHz. Intel Core i5-9300H - Quad-core processor with eight threads, clocked from 2.4 GHz to 4.1 GHz.
Depending on the chosen configuration, the laptop can be equipped with up to 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and an M.2 PCIe SSD of up to 1 TB. There is also a second slot free so we can always add a second "tablet" next to it to store even more games.
Graphics card
A key element affecting gaming performance is the graphics card. The Alienware m15 R2 offers the following options:
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q - 8 GB of GDDR6 memory. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q - 8 GB of GDDR6 memory. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 - 6 GB of GDDR6 memory. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti - 6 GB of GDDR6 memory.
Choosing the right graphics card depends on the individual needs and budget of the user. However, it is worth noting that the RTX series models offer support for real-time ray tracing technology, which significantly improves the realism of lighting effects in games.
Appearance and build quality
The Alienware m15 R2 features a modern and slim design, inspired by the Area-51m. The laptop weighs about 2.16 kg, making it relatively light for a device of this class. The case is made of magnesium-copper alloy, which ensures not only an elegant appearance, but also high durability and resistance to mechanical damage. The single-row hinge and elongated back give the design a unique character.
Screen
The laptop is available in 15.6-inch screen versions, supporting Full HD and 4K UHD resolutions. Depending on the configuration chosen, the refresh rate is 60 Hz, 144 Hz or 240 Hz. The high refresh rate ensures smooth images, which is especially important for dynamic action games. In addition, some models feature Tobii Eyetracking technology, which tracks the user's eye movements, adjusting the interface and graphic effects depending on the point the player is looking at.
Keyboard and touchpad
The Alienware m15 R2 features the Alienware mSeries keyboard with AlienFX LED RGB backlighting, allowing users to personalize the backlighting of individual keys. The keyboard's high key travel and responsiveness ensure comfort during long gaming sessions. The touchpad, while not a key component in gaming laptops, works precisely and smoothly, which can be useful during everyday use.
Dell Alienware m15 R2 gaming performance
The performance of the Alienware m15 R2 depends on the hardware configuration chosen. In the most powerful version, with an Intel Core i9-9980HK processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q graphics card, the laptop copes well with the latest titles. Below are sample results in popular games:
Red Dead Redemption 2 - High graphics settings - about 70 FPS. Ghost Recon Breakpoint - High graphics settings - about 90 FPS. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order - High graphics settings - about 85 FPS. Cyberpunk 2077 - High settings with ray tracing - about 60 FPS.
Cooling system
The Alienware m15 R2 is equipped with an advanced Cryo-Tech 3.0 cooling system, which effectively dissipates heat from key components. Despite this, under load the CPU temperature can reach 95°C, which is quite high. The fans run quite loudly, especially in turbo mode, which can be a nuisance during longer gaming sessions.
Battery
The 76 Wh battery allows about 4-5 hours of operation in economy mode and about 1.5-2 hours of intense gaming. Compared to competing models, the battery life is not impressive, which means that the laptop is best suited as a desktop device.
Summary
The Dell Alienware m15 R2 is a premium gaming laptop with excellent performance, modern design and a high-quality screen. Still, limited RAM expandability and a relatively noisy cooling system may be drawbacks for some users. However, if you are looking for a powerful gaming laptop that can handle the latest titles, the Alienware m15 R2 will be a great choice.
Pros: High gaming performance. Sleek and modern design. High-quality screen with high refresh rate. Comfortable keyboard with RGB backlighting
Cons: Limited RAM expandability. Noisy cooling system. Short battery life