Alienware Unveiled Powerful Gaming Laptop Trio: x16 R2, m16 R2, and m18 R2

Dell unveiled its latest Alienware lineup of gaming laptops during CES 2024, featuring three new models: the redesigned Alienware m16 R2, Alienware x16 R2, and Alienware m18 R2.

Alienware x16 R2 with the 100 Micro LEDs illuminated touchpad

Alienware x16 R2

At the forefront of the new Dell gaming laptop range is the Alienware x16 R2, positioned as the powerhouse among the trio. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the x16, which debuted at CES the previous year, the Alienware x16 R2 boasts a similar striking design featuring the iconic RGB-illuminated trackpad. Thanks to the embedded 100 Micro LEDs, the touchpad delivers a smooth rainbow color animation.

Alienware x16 R2

Under the hood, the x16 R2 showcases significant upgrades compared to the previous model. The system integrates Intel’s Core Ultra CPUs, offering configurations up to the Core Ultra 9 185H with 16 cores, 24MB L3 cache, and a maximum clock speed of 5.1 GHz. Enhancing the gaming experience, it is equipped with up to a high-end NVIDIA RTX 4090 mobility GPU featuring 16 GB of memory. The laptop sports a 16″ QHD+ display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, a 240Hz refresh rate, NVIDIA G-Sync, and Optimus support, ensuring fluid in-game motion with a rapid 3ms response time.

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the six-speaker setup for an immersive sound experience. Weighing 2.72 kg, the x16 R2 introduces a more modern look and supports up to 32 GB of LPDDR5x-7467 memory—the highest memory speed in any Alienware system. Storage options include up to 4 TB of PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD or an 8 TB RAID 0 configuration. Connectivity features WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and various USB Type-C ports, including USB4. The cooling system incorporates Alienware’s Element 31 thermal interface material, vapor chamber cooling, and a substantial rear end to maintain optimal temperature levels even with compute-intensive workloads such as 3D gaming. While the release date for the Alienware x16 R2 is yet to be disclosed, it is expected to be available soon, starting at a price of $2,099.99.

Alienware m16 R2

Alienware m16 R2

Moving on to the mid-range model, the Alienware m16 R2 has seen the most significant changes of the series, with a complete redesign that decreased its footprint by 15 % compared to the previous model, the m16. The new gaming laptop is equipped with up to an Intel Core Ultra i9-185H CPU, a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8 GB GPU, and up to 64 GB of DDR5-5600 memory. The laptop features a 16″ QHD+ display with a 240Hz refresh rate, AMD Freesync, and G-Sync compatibility. The battery is a 90Whr 6-cell design, and connectivity options include WiFi 6E/BT5.3, as well as WiFi 7/BT5.3 alternatives. Weighing 2.61 kg with maximum specifications, it comes with up to a 280W or a 240-watt GaN adapter.

The Alienware m16 R2 is set to launch on January 11, 2024, with select configurations starting at approximately $1,649.99, followed by additional configurations, starting from about $1,499.99.

Alienware m18 R2

Alienware m18 R2

The last model of the lineup is the Alienware m18 R2, featuring Intel 14th Gen HX CPUs, with configurations reaching up to a Core i9-14900HX boasting 24 cores and clock speeds of 5.8 GHz. This model supports up to NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, accommodates up to 64 GB of DDR5-5200/5600 memory, and offers storage options up to 4 TB NVMe, expandable to 8 TB with a secondary slot. The laptop is powered by a 97 Whr battery and comes with up to a 360W GaN adapter. AlienFX Lighting support is a consistent feature across all models, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.

Alienware m18 R2 will be released on January 11, 2024, starting ~$1,899.99 (US) with 4080 and 4090 configs coming soon.

The Dell Alienware’s new gaming laptop 2024 lineup presents a comprehensive range catering to varying performance needs, combining cutting-edge hardware specifications with visually appealing designs, promising an immersive gaming experience for users across different preferences and requirements.