This Alienware x17 R2 review is long overdue. Because this model should be at the top of your list if you’re in the market for a new gaming laptop. Alienware x17 R2 is powerful and fast, with a great display that will let you experience your games in all their glory. Plus, it’s got a stylish design that will make you stand out from the crowd. So if you’re ready to take your gaming to the next level, read on for our full review of the Alienware x17 R2.
Alienware x17 R2 Features
The Alienware x17 R2 is a gaming laptop that comes with some impressive features, including the latest 12th generation of Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics. This mighty top-of-the-line hardware makes it perfect for playing the latest AAA titles or working on graphics-intensive projects.
Design
The design of the Alienware x17 R2 is very sleek and stylish. It has a silver finish with purple lighting accents, which gives it a cool, futuristic look. The laptop also has a backlit keyboard. Overall, the design of the Alienware x17 R2 is excellent, and it will turn heads when you’re using it in public.
Performance
The Alienware x17 R2 is a powerful laptop, perfect for gaming or other intensive tasks. It comes with Intel Core i7-12700H and i9-12900HK processor options, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, and RTX 3080 Ti video card configurations. In other words, you’ll be able to run the latest games or work on graphics-intensive projects efficiently.
Screen
The Alienware x17 R2 also has a 17.3-inch screen, making it perfect for gaming or watching movies. Its large size means you’ll be able to see all the action clearly, whether you’re playing a fast-paced shooter or watching a Hollywood blockbuster.
The visuals are clear and sharp, and the colors are very vibrant. You’ll enjoy using this laptop for all your entertainment needs.
This FHD non-touch display offers a whopping 360Hz refresh rate, so you won’t miss a single frame while playing your favorite games. This makes the Alienware x17 R2 the perfect choice for serious gamers who want the best experience and are not willing to compromise.
Ports & Connections
The Alienware x17 R2 has several connectors on the laptop’s rear. These include an Ethernet port, an HDMI port, a Mini DisplayPort, and a USB Type-C port. That’s why you’ll be able to easily connect the laptop to various devices, including your TV or monitor.
The Alienware x17 R2 also has a Thunderbolt 3 port, perfect for connecting external storage devices or an external graphics card. This laptop also comes with a built-in SD card reader, so you’ll be able to transfer files from your camera or other devices quickly.
Alienware x17 R2 review of the keyboard
One of the best features of the Alienware x17 R2 is its thin keyboard with the per-key AlienFX backlit feature. It’s perfect for low-light conditions. Thanks to the backlit keyboard, you’ll be able to play your games even in pitch-black. 1.5mm key travel is quite comfortable, and placing the media keys on the right-hand side was a good move on the manufacturer’s part. It also features N-key rollover technology and anti-ghosting technology.
A mechanical Cherry keyboard is optional. But we think it is a worthy upgrade. Those who got to type on an Alienware mechanical keyboard know how incredibly tactile and perfectly audible it is–not too loud, but definitely not quiet. And the 1.8mm key travel makes it a joy to use.
Processor
We cannot write the Alienware x17 R2 review without emphasizing its processors. The 14-core 12th generation Intel Core CPUs make all the difference. Whether you choose the Core i7 option or go all out and invest in the Core i9 configuration, these powerful processors allow you to run the latest games and applications fast and without a snag. Both of course feature the Turbo Boost technology, enabling you to overclock the speed when needed.
Video cards
The Alienware x17 R2 also comes with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060/3070/3080 Graphics card options. An RTX card offers a lot of power, allowing you to play the latest titles at high settings. It also comes with 6GB, 8GB and 16GB of dedicated video memory, ensuring that you won’t run into any performance issues while gaming.
Memory
We cannot review the Alienware x17 R2 without mentioning RAM. As expected, it comes with different amounts of memory that you can choose from. The cheapest model will have 16GB RAM, but it also supports up to 64GB of DDR5 memory. The more memory you opt for, the better your Alienware will be at opening large files quickly, running several apps or programs at the same time, and simply providing a better gaming performance.
SSD storage
The Alienware x17 R2 also comes with different storage drive variations. For example, you can get it with a 512GB, 1TB, 2TB or even 4TB NVMe SSD drive so that you’ll have plenty of space to store your files and backup your games, without having to pay for extra cloud storage.
Speakers
The Alienware x17 R2 features powerful Dolby Atmos-certified speakers and gives you good volume and bass. Besides, stereo separation is also good that gives you incredibly immersive sound while gaming.
Color choice
The Alienware x17 R2 comes in only one color choice which is Lunar Light, with a clear endurance coat that was created for stain resistance. For some reason, Dell discontinued the Dark Side of the Moon color option for this Alienware series, which is a pity. We always thought the darker color on the x17 series looked cool and extra vicious.
Review of the disadvantages of Alienware x17 R2
We cannot carry on with our review without pointing out a few of the downsides of the Alienware x17 R2 laptop. For one, being a 17-inch laptop, it is pretty heavy, so it might not be the best choice if you need to carry your notebook around with you often.
Another downside is poor battery performance. The Alienware x17 R2 lasted for exactly 2 hours and 13 minutes in a work test with the screen at 150 nits. Not impressive, even for a gaming laptop. However, when it comes to watching videos, you can manage to squeeze out over 3 hours of playback, if you tweak your settings. But we suspect that you mostly be using your Alienware x17 R2 as a stationary computer, so having it plugged in should not be an issue, as long as you set up your gaming station near the outlet.
Alienware x17 R2 is a powerful gaming laptop
Earlier this year we wrote about how the Alienware M17 R5 Ryzen Edition might be the most powerful gaming laptop to date. But now it appears that the x17 R2 might top that record. Besides, it is less bulky, and if you favor Intel over AMD, this obviously a better choice for you.
Overall, the Alienware x17 R2 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful gaming laptop. It’s got all the features you need to enjoy the latest games, plus the computer just looks nice thanks to a polished minimal design. So if you’re ready to take your gaming to the next level, the Alienware x17 R2 is a perfect companion.
Alienware Trade-in Value
If you’re interested in upgrading your Alienware, we might have a solution for you here at Gadget Salvation. We buy used gaming laptops, along with a wide range of other computers and gizmos. Using our online real-time estimator, you can calculate an offer within seconds and subsequently sell your Alienware laptop or some other device without leaving the house. Luckily, Alienware gadgets hold pretty good value over time, so you should still be able to get a cash offer even on a much older model.
Conclusion
The Alienware x17 R2 is a powerful and stylish gaming laptop perfect for anyone looking to take their gaming to the next level. It has all the necessary features to enjoy the latest games, a contemporary modern design, a big screen, and a backlit keyboard that makes it easy to use in low-light conditions. Unfortunately, the model is expensive, and not every even pro-level gamer can afford it. Instead, look into other budget gaming laptops to buy in 2022.
