The Alienware M17 R5 is a heavyweight gaming laptop in every sense. Released in July 2022 with a starting price around $2,100, this 17-inch powerhouse packs top-tier components into an aggressive angular frame with enough RGB lighting to bathe an entire room.
Make no mistake, this system is built expressly for enthusiasts who demand cutting edge specifications to deliver desktop-caliber AAA gaming experiences. Between AMD and Nvidia‘s latest silicon and an array of display options, Alienware leaves little room for compromise.
If you‘re searching for a mobile battlestation to anchor your gaming setup for years to come, the Alienware M17 R5 warrants a close look. Let‘s dig in and see where this futuristic beast excels and where a few caveats remain.
Configuration Options: Find the Right Components for You
One major advantage of the M17 R5 is the level of customization Alienware provides. With careful selection between multiple hardware tiers, you can tailor this laptop closely to your needs and budget.
CPU
All models currently include AMD‘s stellar Ryzen 9 6900HX, an 8-core/16-thread processor with max boost clocks reaching 4.9 GHz. This chip rips through gaming, content creation, and productivity workloads with the brute force of its Zen 3+ architecture.
| Component | Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | AMD Radeon RX 6850M XT (12GB GDDR6) | Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti (16GB GDDR6) |
| Display | 17.3" QHD (2560 x 1440) 240Hz 3ms | 17.3" UHD (3840 x 2160) 120Hz 3ms |
| Memory | 16GB DDR5 4800MHz (2x SODIMM) | 32GB or 64GB DDR5 4800MHz (2x SODIMM) |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
GPU
For graphics, AMD and Nvidia fans can both indulge with two potent offerings. The Radeon RX 6850M XT delivers superb 1440p gaming while the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti stands at the apex for enthusiasts wanting to max out 4K visuals.
Display
Alienware equips their latest model with a choice between buttery smooth high refresh rate 1080p panels or vibrant, color-accurate 4K resolutions. Esports players will appreciate the former while single player fans can admire every environmental detail in the latter.
Memory & Storage
With support for 64GB DDR5 RAM and dual NVMe SSDs in a RAID 0 array, the M17 R5 gives you room to grow over an extended ownership period. Launch titles and those 5 years down the road should play flawlessly without slowdowns.
Performance & Benchmarks: Desktop-Level Gaming
Okay, let‘s get to the numbers. How does the M17 R5 actually perform under pressure? Reviews across tech publications like PCWorld and CNET indicate that Alienware‘s heavy chassis pays real thermal dividends.
The Ryzen 9 and Radeon RX 6850M XT averaged 150-186 fps running games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Red Dead Redemption 2 maxed out at 1080p. Even punishing Cyberpunk 2077 remained highly playable at 30-45 fps in 4K Ultra.
Stepping up to the RTX 3080 Ti pushes limits even further with esports titles rocketing up near 400 fps in 1080p. Demanding games like Control saw 100+ fps in 1440p with ray tracing effects active. In 4K, you can expect 60+ fps in virtually any title with some settings adjustments.
Simply put, the M17 R5 sets new standards for gaming laptops. The frame rates achieved significantly outpace even premium machines like Razer Blades and ROG Zephyruses. You‘ll be set for years with performance headroom to spare as games only grow more complex.
Design & Features: Form Follows Performance
The thick angular frame of the M17 R5 plays home to an abundance of gamer creature comforts. That starts with a deeply satisfying Cherry MX mechanical keyboard with per key RGB backlighting powered by AlienFX software.
The offset rear hinges angle the display for an immersive view while allowing exhast vents along the honeycomb back panel to breathe freely. This aids heat dissipation from the speedy components within. Speaking of, the M17 R5 remained remarkably cool across reviewers‘ stress testing, a strong endorsement of the vapor chamber cooling inside.
As a desktop replacement perfect for your gaming cave, connectivity must satisfy. The M17 R5 delivers with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and a variety of other ports.
Gamers will also appreciate the HD webcam for streaming along with integrated speakers boasting Dolby Atmos spatial audio. Did I mention enough RGB lighting to illuminate half your room?
Upgradeability & Future Proofing
Given its premium pricing, prospective buyers will want confidence that their investment lasts. The good news is Alienware packs this laptop with areas to grow over its lifespan.
User upgradeable areas after initial purchase include:
- Support for 64GB dual-channel RAM via 2 SODIMM slots
- Space for two PCIe NVMe solid state drives – configure RAID for ultra speedy access
- Rear panel to access networking card, Wi-Fi antennas, etc
As your needs change or component standards evolve, extending the capabilities of your M17 R5 becomes straightforward. And after Alienware‘s Torx screwdriver makes internal access a breeze, enthusiastic tinkerers can even entertain modifying the existing liquid cooling setup down the road!
Who Should (And Shouldn‘t) Buy The M17 R5?
The M17 R5 intends solely as an elite option for AAA gaming enthusiasts who refuse performance compromises. If you desire high frame rate visuals maxed across a 17-inch premium gaming panel backed by AMD and Nvidia‘s fastest laptop silicon, this system delivers.
Gamers Who Will Love It
- Those building a 4K-ready gaming setup
- Content creators that value GPU/CPU muscle
- Fans who prefer heavy desktop replacements
- Techies who enjoy upgrading components
- RGB lighting configuration hobbyists
Shoppers Who Can Likely Find Better Values
- Road warrior professionals needing portable power
- Value hunters on tighter budgets
- Casual gamers playing esports or older titles
If your needs call for the pinnacle gaming laptop money can buy, nothing rivals the Alienware M17 R5 today. But competitors like Asus and Razer outmatch it for mobility. And budget options provide 80% of performance at 50% of the cost. Prioritize based on your individual gaming and lifestyle needs.
One thing remains certain – with AMD and Nvidia‘s latest tech onboard, you‘ll struggle to find a future-proof gaming laptop brimming with more upgradable power potential than this graphics titan from Alienware.
