Dell Alienware
When it comes to high-end gaming laptops, the Dell Alienware 17 R5 stands as one of the most powerful and visually stunning machines ever created by Dell. Designed for gamers who want desktop-level performance in a portable form factor, this laptop combines cutting-edge hardware, a premium build, and a bold gaming aesthetic. In this detailed review, we’ll explore every aspect of the Dell Alienware 17 R5, including its design, performance, features, display, battery, and overall gaming experience.
Overview of Dell Alienware 17 R5
The Dell Alienware 17 R5 is a 17.3-inch gaming laptop that belongs to Alienware’s premium lineup, known for delivering exceptional gaming performance and futuristic design. This machine is targeted at hardcore gamers, streamers, and creators who demand nothing but the best.
The laptop is equipped with Intel’s 8th-generation processors, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series graphics, and a massive Full HD or 4K display. Every element of the Dell Alienware 17 R5 screams performance and durability — from its magnesium alloy chassis to its customizable RGB lighting.
Specifications of Dell Alienware 17 R5
Here’s a quick look at the technical specifications of the Dell Alienware 17 R5:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 17.3-inch FHD (1920×1080) or UHD (3840×2160), 60Hz/120Hz options |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8750H / Core i9-8950HK (up to 4.8 GHz) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 / GTX 1070 / GTX 1080 (8GB GDDR5) |
| RAM | Up to 32GB DDR4 (2400 MHz) |
| Storage | Up to 1TB PCIe SSD + 1TB HDD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home / Pro |
| Keyboard | AlienFX customizable RGB backlit keyboard |
| Battery | 99Wh lithium-ion |
| Weight | Approx. 4.42 kg |
| Ports | USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, Audio Out |
Design and Build Quality
The Dell Alienware 17 R5 boasts a striking design that sets it apart from ordinary gaming laptops. The futuristic look, illuminated AlienFX lighting zones, and premium build materials make it both visually appealing and structurally solid.
The chassis is built using magnesium alloy, copper, and steel for durability and efficient thermal management. The Alienware logo on the lid glows with customizable RGB lighting, giving the laptop a signature gaming identity. The overall build is sturdy and feels like a tank — exactly what you’d expect from a high-end gaming laptop.
Display Quality – Immersive and Bright
One of the major highlights of the Dell Alienware 17 R5 is its large 17.3-inch display. It’s available in both Full HD and 4K UHD resolutions with refresh rate options up to 120Hz. The display supports NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, ensuring smooth visuals with minimal screen tearing.
Colors look vivid and accurate, making it perfect not only for gaming but also for video editing, content creation, and streaming. The anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections, ensuring comfortable long-hour gaming sessions.
Performance – Desktop-Level Power
Performance is where the Dell Alienware 17 R5 truly shines. Powered by up to Intel’s Core i9-8950HK processor and paired with NVIDIA’s GeForce GTX 1080 GPU, this laptop handles demanding AAA games with ease. Whether you’re playing Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, or Call of Duty: Warzone, the frame rates remain smooth and consistent.
The inclusion of dual storage (SSD + HDD) ensures both speed and capacity. The SSD enables lightning-fast boot and load times, while the HDD provides ample space for large game libraries. With up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, multitasking is effortless — from gaming and streaming to video rendering.
Cooling System – Efficient and Quiet
The Dell Alienware 17 R5 uses advanced thermal technology to keep performance stable even during heavy gaming sessions. The laptop features a dual-fan cooling system with copper heat pipes that effectively dissipate heat from both the CPU and GPU.
Even under intense load, the system maintains impressive thermal efficiency without excessive noise. The fans ramp up only when needed, striking a good balance between cooling performance and acoustic comfort.
Keyboard and Trackpad – Designed for Gamers
The Dell Alienware 17 R5 comes with a full-size keyboard featuring customizable AlienFX RGB lighting zones. Each key feels tactile, responsive, and comfortable, making it perfect for both gaming and typing. The anti-ghosting technology ensures that every keystroke registers accurately, even during fast-paced gameplay.
The trackpad is smooth, precise, and also features customizable lighting. However, most gamers will likely prefer using an external gaming mouse for maximum control.
Audio and Speakers
Audio quality on the Dell Alienware 17 R5 is impressive. The laptop features front-firing speakers that deliver loud and clear sound. Whether it’s explosions in a shooter game or background music in a story-driven RPG, the audio feels immersive.
Additionally, it supports Alienware Sound Center software, allowing users to tweak audio settings for a personalized experience. Pair it with a quality gaming headset, and you’ll have a fully immersive soundscape.
Battery Life
As with most gaming laptops, battery life isn’t the strongest suit of the Dell Alienware 17 R5, but it’s still decent considering the hardware. The large 99Wh battery can last around 4–6 hours for normal usage such as browsing or watching videos. However, while gaming, expect around 1.5–2 hours of runtime before needing to plug in the charger.
That said, Alienware laptops are meant to be used plugged in for optimal performance, especially when gaming with the GPU running at full power.
Connectivity and Ports
The Dell Alienware 17 R5 is equipped with all the connectivity options a gamer or creator would need. It includes multiple USB 3.0 ports, a Thunderbolt 3 port, HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, and audio jacks. The Thunderbolt 3 port allows for high-speed data transfer and supports external GPU setups for even more performance.
There’s also an Alienware Graphics Amplifier port, which lets you connect an external desktop GPU for future upgrades — a unique advantage that adds to the system’s longevity.
Gaming Experience
The gaming experience on the Dell Alienware 17 R5 is phenomenal. Games like GTA V, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Cyberpunk 2077 run smoothly at high or ultra settings. The 120Hz display combined with G-SYNC technology makes gameplay fluid, with minimal lag or tearing.
The high refresh rate and powerful GPU ensure that competitive gamers get the responsiveness they need, while the vibrant display enhances immersion for story-driven titles. This laptop is truly built for those who demand top-tier gaming performance without compromise.
Upgradability
One of the best features of the Dell Alienware 17 R5 is its upgradability. You can easily access the internals to upgrade RAM and storage. This flexibility ensures that the laptop remains future-proof for years to come, allowing users to adapt to evolving software and gaming requirements.
Pros and Cons of Dell Alienware 17 R5
Pros
- Powerful CPU and GPU performance
- Premium build quality with RGB customization
- Large and vibrant display (up to 4K UHD)
- Excellent keyboard and sound system
- Good cooling performance
- Upgradable components
Cons
- Heavy and bulky (not ideal for portability)
- Expensive compared to rivals
- Limited battery life during gaming
Who Should Buy Dell Alienware 17 R5?
The Dell Alienware 17 R5 is best suited for:
- Hardcore gamers who want desktop-level performance
- Streamers and content creators who need power for multitasking
- Professionals who require a high-performance laptop for 3D modeling, rendering, or editing
- Enthusiasts who appreciate premium design and build quality
If portability isn’t your top priority and you’re after a powerful machine that can replace your desktop, the Dell Alienware 17 R5 is an excellent choice.
Final Verdict – Is Dell Alienware 17 R5 Worth It?
The Dell Alienware 17 R5 is a beast of a laptop that delivers uncompromising performance, excellent build quality, and stunning visuals. While it’s on the heavier side and commands a premium price, the value it offers to serious gamers and creators is undeniable.
Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or creating content, the Dell Alienware 17 R5 ensures you never run out of power. It’s more than just a laptop — it’s a statement of performance and style.