Balancing performance and portability is not easy. Laptop manufacturers have struggled to find the right balance for several years, with most choosing to sacrifice features in the name of compromise. This results in the presence of components that are restricted and therefore less efficient than their desktop equivalents.
To avoid this scenario, Dell’s gaming division, Alienware, has opted for the opposite approach, by developing its machines around leading processors and graphics cards. Performance thus remains the common thread during the design process and it is thanks to this that we can choose an Intel Core i9 processor or an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card on the brand new Alienware x16.
The most premium laptop for gamers?
A bold design, remarkable thinness (18.57 mm) and a very beautiful “Lunar Silver” finish, the Alienware X16 asserts itself as a gaming PC. The anodized aluminum and magnesium chassis reinforces the high-end look, while AlienFX lighting captures gamers’ attention, adding a touch of spice to the whole. One thing is certain, it makes you react and does not leave you indifferent, an observation valid for other elements of this machine, starting with its 16-inch screen in 16:10 format. This ratio provides a greater display height compared to the traditional 16:9, which results in a more immersive viewing experience and therefore a better gaming experience.
A tailor-made display
The Alienware x16 offers three display options to meet the needs of all gamers. You have the choice between an FHD+ resolution (1920 x 1200 pixels) with 480 hertz (Hz) refresh for extreme fluidity in games and two QHD+ (2560 x 1600 pixels) screens offering 165 Hz or 240 Hz refresh.
In all cases, these screens are compatible with Nvidia G-Sync and Dolby Vision (HDR) technologies. They feature an extremely low response time of 3ms and cover 100% of the sRGB or DCI-P3 space, which means accurate and wide colors. An anti-blue light filter is also integrated to limit eye fatigue during long gaming sessions.
Innovative thermal management
Thermal management is one of the major challenges for gaming PCs. When electronic components are heavily stressed, they generate significant heat. To avoid reaching critical levels, some such as the processor or the graphics card reduce their performance, this is what is commonly called “Thermal Throttling”. To avoid this, manufacturers seek to optimize the cooling of their machines, failing which they are forced to integrate less powerful components.
Needless to say, Dell refused any compromise and found a solution to get the most out of the components present within the Alienware x16. Four fans are responsible for cooling the sensitive areas that generate the most heat. The air flow is thus 25% higher than that of its predecessor, the Alienware x15 R2. A generously sized vapor chamber is used to dissipate heat, as is the famous “Element 31” material, composed of gallium-silicon, which has excellent thermal conductivity.
This combination of elements means that the Alienware x16 is able to maintain high performance, without suffering from overheating. It can then integrate fast processors such as the Intel Core i7-13700H or Intel Core i9-13900HK, 13th generation chips which are capable of reaching 5.4 GHz and which are usually found in gaming PCs of desk. Four latest generation graphics cards are also offered, GeForce RTX 4060 and RTX 4070 with 8 GB of GDDR6, a GeForce RTX 4080 supported by 12 GB of GDDR6 and even the dantesque RTX 4090 and its 16 GB of GDDR6 memory. The whole thing is supported by 16 or 32 GB of DDR5 RAM, and up to 4 TB of M.2 SSD storage.
Considering the performance, Dell has provided complete connectivity in order to connect the computer to one or more external screens when desired. It thus receives USB-C 3.2 ports with DisplayPort, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort.
These little touches that change the game
PC gaming requires, the Dell Alienware x16 has a keyboard with RGB backlighting integrating CherryMX mechanical keys for maximum precision. It is equipped with six Dolby Atmos compatible speakers, ensuring an efficient audio experience. The Touchpad is 15% wider than on the previous model, offering much better ergonomics. As for the battery, it increases to 90 Wh with a 240W power supply in a compact format for easy transport.
In short, the Alienware x16 really presents itself as the ultimate gaming laptop. Its design, finesse, performance and screen deliver a unique gaming experience.