Detailed Review of Dell Alienware m15 R7
Overview of Dell Alienware m15 R7
The Dell alienware m15 r7 has some big shoes to fill, but Alienware has opted for an AMD-powered machine, featuring the Zen 3+ based Ryzen 7 6800H CPU, 16GB dual-channel DDR-4800 RAM, a 512GB PCIe SSD, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU powering a 15.6-inch, 1080p display. Although it comes in at a steep price but it has outstanding performance and attention to detail make it worth considering, especially if you can score a Dell or Alienware coupon.
Design of Dell Alienware m15 R7
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 is a top rank gaming laptop that impresses with its sleek and stylish appearance despite weighing 2.6kg, which is typical of gaming laptops. The minimalistic design of the laptop makes it stand out, and it is a visual treat with its RGB lighting for the keyboard, signature Alienware logos on the lid and power button, and wrap-around light bar on the rear of the laptop. You can customize the lighting for each using Alienware’s Command Center app.
The lid features an RGB alien head logo and an engraved “15” that showcases the laptop’s 15.6-inch size display. When you open the lid, you will find a full-size keyboard with honeycomb cutouts above it on the deck. An RGB alien head logo is located near the top right of the deck, which also doubles as the power button.
On the right side of the chassis, you will find two USB 3.2 Type-A Gen 1 ports, while the left side contains a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and audio combo jack. All the other ports are located at the rear of the m15 R7, between the two honeycomb-styled exhaust ports. This panel includes one USB 3.2 Type-A Gen 1 port, one USB 3.2 Type-C Gen 2 port, an HDMI 2.1 port, and the proprietary charging port. Overall, the Dell Alienware m15 R7 is a top-notch gaming laptop that offers impressive design and functionality.
Display of Dell Alienware m15 R7
The Dell Alienware m15 R7 boasts an impressive display, perfect for gaming enthusiasts. Its 15.6-inch QHD (2,560 x 1,440-pixels) resolution, coupled with an LCD panel, delivers top-notch quality gaming sessions. The laptop features a 240Hz refresh rate with a 2ms response time, which ensures smooth and uninterrupted gameplay. Moreover, the display supports Nvidia G-Sync technology, which reduces screen tearing, and other advanced features such as Nvidia’s Advanced Optimus and ComfortView Plus.
The Alienware m15 R7 also features a 720p webcam that supports Windows Hello face recognition for added convenience and security. Additionally, there is an option to choose an FHD (1,920 x 1,080-pixels) resolution with a 165Hz refresh rate, but this is only available with the RTX 3060 GPU variant.
The Alienware m15 R7 has a claimed panel brightness of 300 nits, which is lower than its competitors, the Asus TUF Gaming F15 (324 nits) and x14 (377 nits). However, in our tests, we found no issues with viewability or clarity when using the laptop in a home and indoor set up or even when used outside on a partly cloudy day. Overall, the Dell Alienware m15 R7’s display is a great choice for those seeking high-quality visuals and immersive gaming experiences.
Keyboard and Trackpad of Dell Alienware m15 R7
The keyboard and trackpad on Dell Alienware m15 R7 are quite similar to the ones on the model released last year. However, it’s worth noting that you will enjoy typing on the keyboard. It has a comfortable and smooth feel that makes it great for both gaming and everyday tasks. If you’re someone who uses their laptop for work, you’ll find that typing on this keyboard is effortless. Additionally, the trackpad is relatively smaller compared to the keyboard size, which is a smart move. Overall, the keyboard and trackpad on this laptop are well-designed and offer a great user experience.
Performance of Dell Alienware m15 R7
The Alienware m15 R7 laptop comes with an impressive AMD Ryzen 7 6800H CPU, featuring a base frequency measuring 3.2GHz and possess a max boost capacity of 4.7GHz. With 8 cores and the ability to execute 16 threads, this processor is capable of delivering smooth performance for demanding tasks.
Additionally, this laptop is equipped with an Intel Core i7-12700H, which has an incredible 14 cores split between Intel’s Performance and Efficiency cores. The processor has 6 P-cores and 8 E-cores added to enhance the laptop’s performance. The Intel Hybrid Architecture is designed to optimize the performance of the laptop by efficiently dividing the workload based on the user’s needs.
The Hybrid Architecture in Alder Lake is especially noteworthy, as it ensures the processor delivers increased performance while minimizing the laptop’s power consumption. This means you can enjoy powerful computing without worrying about draining your battery too quickly. Overall, the Alienware m15 R7 is an impressive laptop with cutting-edge technology that delivers top-notch performance for any task.
Specifications
| CPU | 12th Gen Intel Core™ i7-12700H |
| GPU | Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti, 16 GB GDDR6 |
| RAM | 32 GB, 2 x 16 GB, DDR5, 4800 MHz, dual-channel |
| Storage | 1 TB, M.2 2280, PCIe NVMe, SSD |
| Display | 15.6″, QHD 2560×1440, 240Hz, Non-Touch, Wide Viewing Angle Or (depending on GPU variant) 15.6″, FHD 1920×1080, 165Hz, Non-Touch, AG, WVA, LED-Backlit |
| Webcam | 720p at 30 fps HD camera (with 165Hz FHD panel) Or 720p at 30 fps HD RGB-IR camera (with 240Hz QHD) |
| Ports | 1 USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Port, 1 USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Port with Powershare, 1 Type-C port (Includes Thunderbolt™ 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2, Display Port 1.4, and Power Delivery (5V/3A) capabilities), 1 USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 HDMI 2.1 with HDCP 2.3 support, 1 Power DC In, 1 RJ-45 Killer E3100 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, 1 Global headset jack |
| Wi-Fi | Killer™ Wi-Fi 6 (6E* Pre-certified) AX1675 802.11ax 2×2 Wireless LAN and Bluetooth 5.2 |
If you’re a fan of Alienware’s distinct style and exceptional engineering, the Alienware M15 R7 gaming laptop is definitely worth considering. It’s a powerful machine that provides an immersive gaming experience and represents excellent value for money when compared to other models in its range. Despite its premium price tag, the laptop’s sleek design and signature RGB lighting make it feel like a luxury item. Additionally, the M15 R7 performed admirably in all of our benchmarks and handled every game we tested with ease. Fans of first-person shooters like Valorant and Fortnite will be pleased with its smooth performance and excellent FPS, making it an excellent choice for competitive gaming.
