In the fourth quarter of 2024, we received four laptops from the Alienware range for in-depth testing. From the affordable Aurora 16X at €1450 to the imposing Area-51m priced at €4300, this line promises uncompromising gaming performance. However, behind the powerful configurations and metal chassis, we discovered a more nuanced reality.
Dell is positioning Alienware as its premium gaming brand. The 2025 models feature 14th-generation Intel Core Ultra processors or Core i9 HX processors, Nvidia RTX 40-series graphics cards with thermal budgets up to 175 watts, and Cryo-Tech cooling systems designed to handle this considerable power. On paper, it's enough to make any demanding gamer's dreams come true.
Alienware M18 R2 – Gaming 18″
The Pluses
✔ RTX 4080 at 175W: exceptional performance
✔ GPU temperatures 66°C thermal management
✔ Cherry MX mechanical keyboards premium typing
✔ Metal chassis for tank construction
✔ Full connectivity: Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1
✔ Power Delivery 100W on X16 R2
The Downsides
✗ Screens 300-350 nits too dark
✗ Autonomy 2-4 hours nomadic use impossible
✗ Alienware Command Center faulty software
✗ RTX 5060 throttled to 70W Aurora 16X
✗ Weight 3.7-4.2kg, difficult to transport
✗ Power supplies 2.5kg Area-51m
We spent four weeks subjecting these machines to rigorous testing protocols: repeated CPU and GPU benchmarks, extended gaming sessions, thermal and noise measurements, and battery life tests. The four models revealed distinct personalities, undeniable strengths, and some surprising weaknesses for computers in this price range.
Price and availability
The Alienware 2025 range spans a wide price range. The Aurora 16X starts at €1450 for the Core Ultra 5 235H configuration with an RTX 5060. The Aurora 16X model we tested, equipped with a Core Ultra 5 255H, RTX 5060, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, is also priced at €1450.
The X16 R2 starts at around €2,280, with our Core Ultra 9 configuration featuring an RTX 4080 and 32GB of RAM reaching approximately €3,300. The M18 R2 starts at €3,040 for a similar configuration. As for the Area-51m in its top-of-the-line version with a Core i9-14900HX, RTX 2080, and 32GB of RAM, it tops out at €4,349.
Test conditions
We evaluated these four Alienware laptops for 28 consecutive days, from November 15 to December 13, 2024. Each machine was running Windows 11 with the latest firmware and driver updates available in November 2024.
The tests were conducted in a controlled environment at 22 degrees Celsius. We used calibrated wattmeters to measure actual power consumption, certified sound level meters positioned 50 centimeters from the computer to assess noise levels, and precision thermometers to record surface temperatures. CPU benchmarks included Cinebench R23 and Geekbench 6, while GPU performance was evaluated using 3DMark Time Spy, Fire Strike, and a dozen recent titles including Cyberpunk 2077, The Finals, and Red Dead Redemption 2.
Battery life was tested via YouTube streaming over Wi-Fi at 200 nits of brightness. Internal temperatures were monitored using HWiNFO64 during all intensive charging sessions.
Sturdy construction but quite heavy ★★★☆☆ (15/20)
Overall manufacturing quality
All Alienware models share a robust construction philosophy. We observed a complete absence of flex or creaking in the chassis, whether they were made of magnesium alloy like the Area-51m or aluminum like the X16 R2. The hinges firmly support the screens without any noticeable wobble, even during sudden movements.
The X16 R2 impresses with its premium materials and all-metal finish. In contrast, the Aurora 16X is slightly disappointing with its palm rest, which feels plasticky despite Dell's claims of a metal construction. The trackpad on this entry-level model also lacks the premium feel expected of an Alienware product.
The Area-51m stands out with its robust chassis that inspires confidence. Weighing in at 3.7 kilograms, this machine is anything but a portable laptop. The M18 R2 goes even further at 4.23 kilograms, making it a veritable behemoth to carry around.
Design and aesthetics
Alienware's design remains instantly recognizable with its angular lines and imposing rear ventilation grilles. The Tron RGB lighting system on the X16 R2 and M18 R2 models creates a stunning multi-zone light ring. The backlit alien head on the back of the lid is the brand's signature visual element.
The Aurora 16X opts for a dark metallic blue finish, significantly more discreet than the liquid teal color of previous models. This dark shade will appeal to users seeking a more understated look for occasional professional use.
Size is the main obstacle to portability. The M18 R2 is 320 millimeters deep with its extended rear vents, making it incompatible with 99 percent of standard laptop bags. Even the more compact X16 R2 requires a spacious bag due to its prominent rear vents.
Connectivity and port positioning
Dell made the controversial decision to group all the ports on the back of the X16 R2 and M18 R2 models. This layout gives a clean look when peripherals are connected, but proves cumbersome in everyday use. Having to reach to the back of the computer to plug in a USB drive quickly becomes annoying.
The Aurora 16X takes a more conventional approach with ports distributed along the sides. We particularly appreciate the inclusion of an RJ45 Ethernet port on this model, even if the flip-up mechanism seems a bit flimsy. This network port is sorely lacking on the X16 R2, where Dell only includes a USB-C to Ethernet adapter in the box.
The placement of the microSD card slot on the back of the M18 R2 and Area-51m remains baffling. Removing a memory card requires rotating the computer, an inconvenient operation on such heavy machines. Fortunately, Thunderbolt 4 ports and an HDMI 2.1 output are present on all tested models.
Alienware M18 R2 – Gaming 18″
Amazon IT
Contrasting CPU performance but with variable thermal management ★★★★☆ (16/20)
Intel Core Ultra processors and their limitations
The X16 R2 and Aurora 16X feature the new first-generation Intel Core Ultra processors. We quickly identified the weaknesses of this architecture. On the X16 R2 equipped with the Core Ultra 9, Cinebench R23 scores plateau at disappointing levels despite all four fans running at full speed.
The processor consistently reaches 100 degrees Celsius within the first few seconds of heavy load and then remains there with pronounced thermal throttling. Power consumption briefly spikes to 130 watts before stabilizing at 111 watts, well below expectations for a chassis of this size. The excessive temperatures suggest insufficient thermal paste application at the factory.
On Geekbench 6, the Core Ultra 9 in the X16 R2 scores 2851 points in single-core and only 16,386 in multi-core. The Core Ultra 5 255H in the Aurora 16X shows similar single-core results but logically drops in multi-core performance due to its two fewer cores. These scores are lower than those of XPS 16 laptops equipped with Core Ultra 7 processors, which raises questions.
Superiority of HX processors
The Area-51m and M18 R2 are game-changers with their HX-series processors. The Core i9-14900HX in the M18 R2 delivers a peak power exceeding 200 watts under pure CPU load. With eight performance cores and sixteen efficiency cores, this chip reaches 5.8 gigahertz in boost mode, compared to 5.4 gigahertz for the previous generation.
Cinebench scores confirm the HX's advantage. The M18 R2 scores 30 to 40 percent higher than the X16 R2 in multi-core performance. The single-core improvement remains modest due to similar boost frequencies, but thermal management is significantly better. The M18 R2's processor stays in the 70s Celsius even under maximum load, demonstrating an adequately sized cooling system.
The Area-51m, with its ninth-generation Core i9-9900K, naturally shows its age compared to recent architectures, but still delivers solid performance for gaming. Its eight physical cores without hyperthreading are more than sufficient for all current titles.
Speed control and thermal management
Dell offers a TCC offset in Alienware Command Center that reduces the maximum CPU temperature from 105 to 80 degrees Celsius. We highly recommend enabling this feature on all models. The 25-degree temperature reduction has only a marginal impact on performance while preserving component longevity.
The fans activate aggressively on all the models tested. The M18 R2 produces approximately 58 decibels at 50 centimeters in maximum performance mode, a high but tolerable noise level thanks to a consistent tone without any high-pitched whine. The Aurora 16X reaches up to 62 decibels under the same conditions, with a more unpleasant noise.
Silent mode reduces noise levels to 47 decibels on the M18 R2, allowing for use in quiet environments. Performance remains acceptable for office work or light gaming, even though the GPU is then limited to 85 watts.
Excellent graphics performance but with variable thermal budgets ★★★★★ (18/20)
RTX 40 series and power output
The heart of the gaming experience lies in the Nvidia graphics cards. The M18 R2 and the X16 R2 both feature an RTX 4080 with a generous thermal budget of 175 watts. We measured this full power during our 3DMark sessions, where both computers achieved nearly identical scores, surpassing the results of thinner laptops.
The RTX 4080 maintains remarkably low temperatures around 66 degrees Celsius on the M18 R2, even after two hours of intensive gaming on Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing enabled. This thermal management allows the GPU to maintain its maximum boost frequencies without throttling. On the X16 R2, temperatures climb slightly to 70-75 degrees but remain within acceptable limits.
Advanced Optimus and G-Sync support complete the technical arsenal. We consistently switched to dedicated GPU mode during our tests to eliminate any latency related to multiplexing. The G-Sync panels perfectly synchronize frequencies for flawless fluidity up to 240 Hz on the X16 R2.
Disappointment with the throttled RTX 5060
The Aurora 16X holds an unpleasant surprise with its RTX 5060 severely throttled to 70 watts, compared to the 105 watts advertised in Dell's specifications. This artificial limitation significantly restricts performance. In 3DMark Time Spy, the score of 10,591 points is equivalent to that of a previous-generation RTX 4060.
While GPU usage reaches 98 percent during gameplay, power consumption stubbornly remains capped at a maximum of 71 watts. The ridiculously low temperatures of 66 degrees Celsius prove that the throttling isn't thermal. Dell has clearly reserved its full 105-watt power budget for the RTX 5070 variant, a fact hidden in small print on their website. This questionable business practice unfairly penalizes buyers of the 5060 model.
We achieved frame rates around 90 frames per second on The Finals at 1600p with DLSS quality and medium ray tracing settings, a configuration that would have greatly benefited from an additional 30 watts. The Aurora 16X is thus relegated to a mid-range positioning, even though the chip could offer more.
Area-51m and aging architecture
The RTX 2080 in the Area-51m naturally lags behind the Ampere and Ada Lovelace architectures. With only 8 gigabytes of GDDR6 memory, this card struggles with recent titles at high resolutions. We had to lower the graphics settings to 1080p to maintain 60 frames per second on the most demanding games.
Dell partially compensates with an excellent cooling system that allows this RTX 2080 to breathe fully. Performance is on par with a desktop RTX 3060 Ti, which is still respectable for full HD gaming. However, the lack of DLSS 3 and frame rate generation is a drawback compared to recent technologies.
| Model | GPU | Thermal budget | Score Time Spy | Average temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aurora 16 | RTX 5060 | 70W | 10 591 | 66°C |
| X16 R2 | RTX 4080 | 175W | 18 453 | 70°C |
| M18 R2 | RTX 4080 | 175W | 18 721 | 66°C |
| Area-51m | RTX 2080 | ~160W | 8 942 | 72°C |
Bright screens on some models but sometimes with limited resolution ★★★☆☆ (14/20)
IPS panel and display quality
All four laptops use IPS panels offering satisfactory color accuracy and wide viewing angles. The Aurora 16X stands out with its 500-nit panel, the brightest in the selection. This high brightness allows for outdoor use in indirect light without annoying glare.
The X16 R2 disappoints with only 350 nits measured on our unit, a value far too low for a computer priced at €3,300. The M18 R2 fares even worse with a maximum of 300 nits, insufficient brightness in many ambient lighting situations. Dell is lagging worryingly behind the competition, which now routinely offers 500 nits or more, or even OLED panels on premium models.
The 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution on the 16- and 18-inch models offers a good balance between definition and performance. The pixel density of 189 pixels per inch ensures sufficient sharpness for office work and gaming. Colors adequately cover the sRGB color space, though they don't quite reach the DCI-P3 standards of high-end displays.
Refresh rate and fluidity
The X16 R2 boasts a maximum refresh rate of 240 Hz, ideal for competitive titles where every millisecond counts. We appreciated the crystal-clear fluidity in Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant, games where the RTX 4080 easily pushes frame rates well above 200. G-Sync eliminates any screen tearing, even in the most chaotic scenes.
The M18 R2 and Aurora 16X both operate at 165 Hz, a rate more than sufficient for most gamers. The difference in responsiveness compared to 240 Hz is only noticeable to extremely competitive players. The absence of ghosting on these three panels confirms their quality.
The Area-51m suffers from its 1920 x 1080 screen with a refresh rate of only 144 Hz. This Full HD resolution looks crude on a 17.3-inch diagonal, with a pixel density of just 127 pixels per inch. Text lacks sharpness, and gaming immersion suffers as a result. For a machine costing €4,300, Dell should have offered at least 1440p, or even 4K.
Webcams and facial recognition
All models feature 1080p webcams offering decent quality for video conferencing. The higher resolution than the standard 720p provides a noticeable improvement in sharpness, although the sensor still struggles in low light with pronounced grain.
Windows Hello works instantly across the entire range. This infrared facial recognition is our preferred login method, far faster and more convenient than a password or fingerprint reader. Recognition rates reached nearly 100 percent in our tests, even with varying lighting conditions or when wearing glasses.
The automatic framing feature available in Windows 11 centers the face in the image, a useful feature when moving around the computer. Software background blur helps to mask a cluttered environment, although the background removal can sometimes be inaccurate around hair.
Exceptional mechanical keyboards but with uneven trackpads ★★★★☆ (17/20)
Cherry MX switches and satisfying keystrokes
The absolute highlight of Alienware computers lies in their keyboards. The M18 R2 and X16 R2 offer optional Cherry MX mechanical switches, providing an unparalleled typing experience. The key travel, crisp tactile feedback, and distinctive sound delight mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
We spent hours typing on these keyboards without ever feeling fatigued. The dedicated macro keys on the left side are easily programmed in Alienware Command Center to automate complex sequences. The full numeric keypad on the M18 R2 proves useful for entering numerical data.
The Area-51m inherits the same mechanical keyboard with an identical layout. The generous key size and comfortable spacing minimize typos. The front-panel multimedia keys allow you to control playback without leaving the game, a handy feature we frequently used.
The Aurora 16X comes with a standard membrane keyboard that is significantly less impressive. The keys feel small and cramped, the travel is short, and the tactile feedback lacks character. For an Alienware computer, this compromise is disappointing, even on an entry-level model. The difference in quality is immediately apparent within minutes of use.
Customizable RGB Backlighting
The per-key RGB backlighting on high-end models allows for complete customization within Alienware Command Center. We tested numerous effects, including a particularly impressive rainbow ripple. At maximum brightness, the keys are clearly visible even in bright sunlight.
The Aurora 16X is limited to a disappointing single-zone backlight. Creating elaborate profiles with different colors for each zone is impossible. This technical limitation is understandable given the price point, but it nonetheless frustrates users accustomed to Alienware standards.
The F1 and F2 keys provide direct access to performance and stealth modes. Switching to stealth mode turns off all RGB lighting, replaces the keyboard backlighting with white, and activates the silent profile. This feature is useful for quickly transforming the computer into a discreet work tool.
Trackpads of varying quality
The X16 R2's glass trackpad offers perfect glide and exceptional precision. Multitouch gestures respond instantly and flawlessly. The generous surface area makes it easy to use, although some users may prefer an even larger size.
The Aurora 16X is a major disappointment with its cheap plastic trackpad, giving it a low-end feel. The mechanical click sounds hollow, and the coating is slightly gritty. For an Alienware computer, this level of quality seems unworthy of the brand. Dell should have invested in a glass trackpad, even on this entry-level model.
The M18 R2 and Area-51m offer decent trackpads, though not exceptional. Their responsive surface and suitable dimensions make them comfortable for office use. The RGB backlighting around the edge adds a nice aesthetic touch on compatible models.
Powerful audio on the X16 R2 but with shortcomings on the other models ★★★☆☆ (13/20)
X16 R2 Six-Speaker System
The X16 R2 impresses with its six-speaker audio system totaling 16 watts RMS. Two 2-watt tweeters handle the high frequencies, while four 3-watt woofers manage the mid and low frequencies. This configuration produces a high volume, reaching 85 decibels at a distance of one meter.
The wide soundstage created by the speakers positioned on either side of the keyboard provides remarkable immersion in games. Voices are clear, explosions have a tangible impact, and the spatialization works surprisingly well for integrated drivers. We appreciated the absence of distortion, even at maximum volume.
Bass remains the weak point, with a shallow sound typical of small speakers. An external subwoofer or headphones will significantly improve the experience with games that prioritize ambient sound. Nevertheless, the overall sound reproduction remains above average for laptops.
Disappointment with the other models
The M18 R2 and Area-51m rely on downward-firing speakers, an acoustically unfavorable configuration. The sound drifts into the office rather than towards the user, creating a sense of distance and lack of presence. The total power of 4 watts (two 2-watt speakers) limits the maximum volume to 75 decibels.
The bass is practically nonexistent and the mids sound hollow. Headphones become essential if you're looking for decent audio quality. For such large and expensive computers, this cost-cutting approach to the audio system is questionable. Dell could have easily installed better drivers.
The Aurora 16X inherits the same two-speaker, 2-watt system with predictably mediocre results. The volume peaks at 72 decibels, insufficient to drown out ambient noise in a busy environment. The minimalist sound quality is adequate for dialogue but fails to convey the emotion of an orchestral soundtrack.
| Model | Configuration | Total power | Maximum volume measured | Subjective quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X16 R2 | 6 HP (2×2W + 4×3W) | 16W | 85 dB | Excellent |
| M18 R2 | 2 HP (2×2W) | 4W | 75 dB | Average |
| Aurora 16X | 2 HP (2×2W) | 4W | 72 dB | Disappointing |
| Area-51m | 2 HP (2×2W) | 4W | 74 dB | Average |
Limited battery life but with flexible charging ★★☆☆☆ (11/20)
Batteries of adequate size but insufficient
Battery capacities range from 90 watt-hours on the Aurora 16X and X16 R2 to 97 watt-hours on the M18 R2 and Area-51m. These figures seem generous on paper but struggle to power such demanding configurations.
Our standardized YouTube streaming test over Wi-Fi at 200 nits reveals disappointing battery life. The X16 R2 lasts 6 hours and 34 minutes, a decent duration but an hour and a half less than the M16 R2 with the same battery and similar components. The M18 R2 barely manages 4 hours, just enough for an extended work session.
The Aurora 16X and Area-51m both suffer from a battery life of around 3 hours, a prohibitively short lifespan for mobile use. Dell even advertises only 2 hours for the Area-51m in real-world conditions, an estimate unfortunately confirmed by our own tests. These laptops require constant proximity to a power outlet.
contrasting battery performance
The X16 R2 maintains excellent CPU performance on battery, with Cinebench scores nearly identical to when plugged in. The RTX 4080 GPU is throttled to 55 watts, a limitation that still allows most games to run at reduced settings. We achieved 45 frames per second on Cyberpunk 2077 at 1600p with medium settings, acceptable playability for casual mobile gaming.
The M18 R2 and Area-51m suffer a dramatic battery drain. Gaming performance becomes catastrophic, with frame rates dropping by 70 percent. Only solitaire remains playable, severely limiting the portability of these machines. Dell aggressively throttles the CPU and GPU to preserve even a semblance of battery life.
The Aurora 16X exhibits similar behavior, with a severe throttling effect as soon as it's unplugged. Office tasks remain smooth, but any computationally intensive work suffers. This limitation transforms these laptops into quasi-desktop computers requiring a constant power supply.
Power Delivery and charger compatibility
The X16 R2 thankfully supports 100-watt Power Delivery via its two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. We were able to recharge it with a compact GaN charger and even from a compatible monitor. CPU performance when powered via USB-C is nearly equal to that when plugged into a wall outlet, which is excellent for portability.
The GPU supports 55 watts of power delivery via USB-C, sufficient for light gaming or video editing. This flexibility transforms the user experience by allowing connection to a simple smartphone charger as a backup to recover a few hours of battery life.
Unfortunately, the M18 R2, Aurora 16X, and Area-51m do not support Power Delivery. Their proprietary power supplies become mandatory, eliminating any hope of using a universal charger. The Area-51m further complicates matters by requiring two power supplies of 330 and 180 watts, totaling 510 watts and weighing 2.5 kilograms on their own. Transporting this machine presents a significant logistical challenge.
Alienware Command Center is problematic but has some improvements ★★☆☆☆ (10/20)
Slow and confusing interface
Alienware Command Center remains the weakest link in the user experience. The interface sometimes takes more than 10 seconds to open on a latest-generation NVMe SSD, an unacceptable delay for a simple performance profile change. The animations further slow down navigation between tabs.
The menu structure is confusing, with settings scattered across numerous pages. Changing the keyboard lighting requires navigating through three different submenus. Creating a custom profile for a game demands patience and perseverance, as the process lacks clarity.
The preset performance profiles overlap dangerously. Balanced, Performance, and Overdrive show minimal differences across most criteria. Only Silent and Max Fan modes actually alter thermal behavior. Dell would benefit from simplifying these redundant options.
Some welcome additions
Alienware Command Center 2025 thankfully introduces a dedicated mute switch in the interface, a handy feature for quickly disabling the microphone during video conferences. The ability to enable or disable automatic gaming profiles also enhances flexibility.
The TCC offset setting, which lowers the maximum CPU temperature from 105 to 80 degrees, is a welcome addition. We recommend all users apply the offset of -25 degrees to protect their components without any noticeable performance loss.
The FX section for customizing lighting offers numerous preset effects. The rainbow wave effect we applied in our tests creates a successful gaming atmosphere. Zone or individual key control on compatible keyboards allows for elaborate creations for the most creative users.
Comparison with the competition
Lenovo Vantage and MSI Center significantly outperform Alienware Command Center in responsiveness and interface clarity. Asus Armoury Crate software also offers a smoother experience with better-designed profiles. Dell is lagging worryingly behind its direct competitors.
Stability is also questionable, with occasional crashes requiring a complete restart. Some RGB settings only take effect after several attempts. These recurring bugs are frustrating for those using such expensive computers on a daily basis.
Dell should invest heavily in a complete overhaul of this software, which is damaging the Alienware brand image. Clearly, an intern cannot manage such a critical user experience program on their own. The competition will show no mercy in this area.
Comparison with the competition
Compared to the Lenovo Legion 9 16IRX9 (€3499) , the X16 R2 has a similar price point but lags behind in terms of screen quality. The Legion 9 offers a 1200-nit mini-LED display, while the Alienware only has 350 nits, a noticeable difference in outdoor use. Lenovo also integrates a dual vapor chamber liquid cooling system, keeping the CPU 15 degrees cooler than the X16 R2. The Legion 9 comes with 32GB of LPDDR5X RAM, compared to standard DDR5 in the Dell. GPU performance remains equivalent, with both machines featuring a 175-watt mobile RTX 4090. The Lenovo's battery life reaches 7 hours, compared to 6.5 hours for the Alienware. Lenovo Vantage software outperforms Alienware Command Center in responsiveness. Lenovo Legion 9 rating: 19/20 ★★★★★
The ASUS ROG Scar 18 G835LW-SA138W (€3899) is a direct competitor to the M18 R2. The Scar 18's 500-nit mini-LED display blows away the Alienware's disappointing 300 nits. Asus also offers a 240Hz refresh rate compared to the M18 R2's 165Hz, a tangible advantage in competitive gaming. The Scar 18's user-facing quad-speaker audio system delivers superior sound quality compared to the M18 R2's two downward-facing speakers. CPU and GPU performance are comparable, with Core i9-14900HX and RTX 4090 processors having similar thermal budgets. The ROG Scar 18 maintains a comparable weight of 4.1 kilograms. Asus's battery life of 5 hours and 15 minutes surpasses the M18 R2's 4 hours. Armoury Crate proves more stable than Alienware Command Center. ASUS ROG Scar 18 rating: 19/20 ★★★★★
Regarding the MSI Vector 17 HX AI A2XWJG-009FR (€2799) , we observe an aggressive price-to-performance ratio compared to the Aurora 16X. The Vector 17 features a fully utilized 140-watt RTX 4070, while the Alienware uses a 70-watt RTX 5060 limited to 70 watts. The MSI's 400-nit, 240Hz IPS display surpasses the X16 R2's 350 nits. The MSI chassis, at 2.8 kilograms, remains lighter than the X16 R2's 2.72 kilograms. MSI integrates a SteelSeries per-key RGB keyboard of comparable quality to Alienware's Cherry MX switches. The MSI Command Center offers a modern interface, contrasting with the clunkiness of Alienware's Command Center. The MSI's battery life tops out at 5 hours, less than the X16 R2's 6.5 hours. The Core i9-14900HX's CPU performance outperforms Alienware's problematic Core Ultra 9. MSI Vector 17 HX rating: 17/20 ★★★★☆
| Criteria | M18 R2 | X16 R2 | Legion 9 | ROG Scar 18 | Vector 17 HX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 3040€ | 3300€ | 3499€ | 3899€ | 2799€ |
| Screen | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Performance | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | ★★★★★★★★★★ | ★★★★★★★★★★☆ | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ |
| Cooling | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | ★★★★★★☆☆☆ |
| Autonomy | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Software | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Overall rating | 18/20 | 14/20 | 19/20 | 19/20 | 17/20 |
Lenovo Legion 9 16IRX9 – Gaming 16″
Conclusion
Overall rating M18 R2: 18/20 ★★★★★
Overall rating X16 R2: 14/20 ★★★☆☆
Overall rating Aurora 16X: 13/20 ★★★☆☆
Overall rating Area-51m: 17/20 ★★★★☆
The Alienware 2025 lineup reveals contrasting personalities. The M18 R2 emerges as the champion with exceptional gaming performance, efficient cooling, and exemplary durability. Despite a screen that's too dim and disappointing battery life, this behemoth brilliantly fulfills its role as a gaming workstation. The Area-51m remains appealing despite its age thanks to its powerful HX processor, but its full HD screen and dual power supplies make it more suitable for those with a taste for nostalgia.
The X16 R2 disappoints with excessive CPU temperatures and a 350-nit screen that's insufficient at this price point. Thermal compromises hinder the performance of the Core Ultra 9, while the chassis could have accommodated better cooling. The Aurora 16X struggles to impress with its throttled RTX 5060 and cheap build quality. Dell should substantially improve the screen, software, and battery life to compete with Lenovo, Asus, and MSI, which offer better-balanced machines at comparable prices.
Sub-notes M18 R2:
- Gaming performance: ★★★★★ (19/20)
- Cooling: ★★★★★ (19/20)
- Build: ★★★★☆ (18/20)
- Screen: ★★★☆☆ (14/20)
- Battery life: ★★☆☆☆ (10/20)
- Value for money: ★★★★☆ (17/20)
One last personal note on design
We cannot conclude this review without expressing our sincere regret regarding the brand's aesthetic evolution. Alienware has abandoned its iconic design from the early models, that characteristic pointed shape at the top of the screen paired with the magnificent Ferrari red color that defined the brand. This bold stylistic choice made each Alienware computer instantly recognizable and asserted a distinctly gaming personality. The current lines, while modern and clean, sorely lack this strong visual signature. In our opinion, Dell should have preserved this design heritage that radically differentiated Alienware from the competition. The current metallic blue or silver-white colors seem bland compared to that vibrant red of yesteryear. Admittedly, this is a purely personal and subjective opinion, but in a market where all gaming laptops look alike, this unique visual identity was a valuable asset that Dell has unfortunately sacrificed on the altar of sobriety.
Some links on our site are affiliate links. This has no impact on the price you pay, but these commissions allow us to fund our work and continuously improve our tests and comparisons. Thank you for your support!
Our best laptop reviews
The fourth iteration of the m18 range, the Alienware R2, stands out as the spearhead.
The 18-inch gaming laptop market has seen marked price inflation since
A refreshed mid-range option in the new Aurora line, the 16X is positioned as the
This marks the fourth consecutive year for Lenovo's Legion 9 lineup, and this 2025 edition is particularly noteworthy.
Xiaomi is making a big splash in the world of affordable tablets with the Poco Pad
Samsung has brought out the big guns with the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, and as soon as we