17.3-inch beast of a laptop for hardcore gamers.
The latest Alienware M17 R5 gaming laptop hit the markets on April 21st. And already, it seems to be the best-suited gaming machine for hardcore gamers to date. Furthermore, it is the first-ever notebook to use AMD SmartShift MAX, SmartAccess Graphics, and SmartAccess Memory technology. Its predecessor, the Alienware M14 R4, is a powerful gaming device, but the R5 version pushes the boundaries even further.
Please keep reading for more details about the amazing Alienware M17 R5.
Alienware M17 R5: Design & Display
OK, so the Alienware M17 R5 is huge! But let’s face it, it was not meant to be a portable laptop. At 7.3 pounds (11.76 x 15.64 x 1.05 inches), it is packed with high-end gaming hardware.
Still, its design is quite eye-catching. The M17 R5 appears to be meticulously engineered. The Dark Side of the Moon color option the model comes in is based on Alienware’s Legend 2.0 industrial design with copper alloy components.
As the model name suggests, the display is 17.3-inch. Users can choose from FHD (1920 x 1080) 165Hz, FHD 360Hz, and UHD (3840 x 2160) 120Hz options.
In addition, all Alienware M17 R5 configurations come with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos certification. The model also features ComfortView Plus, a low blue light technology that does not degrade image quality and lessens eye strain.
Alienware M17 R5: Configurations & Performance
The M17 R5 lineup offers the following configurations:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (up to 4.7GHz max boost), AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX (up to 4.9GHz), and AMD Ryzen 9 6980HX (up to 5.0GHz).
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (4GB), NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB), GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (8GB), and RTX 3080 Ti (16GB).
- RAM: 16GB, 32GB and 64GB options (DDR5 4800MHz).
- Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB (NVMe SSD).
The base AMD Ryzen 7 and RTX 3050 Ti configuration start at $1,599.99. But those who want to go all out should expect to spend well over $4000.
Alienware M17 R5 gaming laptop line features AMD SmartAccess Graphic technology for enhanced performance and optimized battery consumption.
Alienware M17 R5: Ports & Connectivity
The model has a reasonably good amount of I/O ports. Several ports are available on the Alienware M17 R5.
You will find a global headphone/mic combo jack and the RJ-45 Realtek ethernet port on the left side. On the right, there is a Type-A USB port 3.2 and a Type-A USB 3.2 with PowerShare. The remaining HDMI 2.1 output, Power/DC-in port, Type-C USB, and another Type-A USB 3.2 are on the back.
We should note the 2.5Gbps ethernet port option is not available on the RTX 3050 Ti models. Those come with the 1Gbps ethernet port instead.
Alienware M17 R5: Keyboard & Battery
All Alienware M17 R5 models have a low-profile 1.8mm key travel with a 1-zone AlienFX backlit keyboard. Overall, it is pretty comfortable for typing and gaming, and the trackpad is very responsive. Additionally, users can opt for a CherryMX mechanical keyboard with an ultra-low profile and per-key AlienFX RGB. We love that Alienware continues to work with this switch maker and are confident that many gamers will appreciate the lovely audible feedback from typing on a mechanic keyboard.
As for the battery, the M17 R5 is equipped with a 68Whr lithium-ion pack. But higher-end, more expensive configurations can come with up to 99Whr power.
The standard 68Whr version can last up to 4 hours, which is honestly more than we could ask from such a power-hungry gaming laptop. Furthermore, there are five different power profiles to choose from:
- Full Speed, for maximum power.
- Performance mode to prioritize graphics tasks.
- Balance mode for optimizing CPU/GPU performance.
- Battery save mode to extend battery life.
- Quiet preset (for video streaming and music).
In Conclusion
The new Alienware M17 R5 is a beast of a laptop designed to play the most demanding games with impressively high frame rates. Users can also appreciate the well-thought-out AMD Ryzen processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series graphics combo. And sure, the M17 R5 isn’t cheap, but you can sell your used gaming laptop right here at GadgetSalvation and put that cash towards your new toy. In addition, we offer free shipping and quick turnaround so that you can order your Alienware in no time!
