Alienware M17 R4 Review - 360hz Display and RTX 3070 Gaming Goodness
TLDRThe Alienware m17 R4 is a high-performance gaming laptop featuring the latest RTX 3070 graphics card, an 8-core Intel processor, and a 360Hz 1080p display. It offers impressive benchmark scores, a solid build quality, and an excellent keyboard and speaker experience. However, the laptop is quite expensive, has limited battery life due to the dedicated GPU, and can get quite loud under heavy gaming load. Despite these drawbacks, it's a powerful machine well-suited for gaming and productivity tasks, provided the user is willing to compromise on battery life and noise levels.
Takeaways
- 💻 The M17 R4 is the latest model released in 2021, featuring the new RTX 3070 graphics card.
- 📈 It maintains the same design as its predecessors, M17 R3 and M17 R2, and offers performance per dollar value.
- 🚀 The laptop comes with an 8-core 16-thread Intel processor, an upgrade from the previous 6-core base model.
- 💡 The M17 R4 includes either 16GB or 32GB of soldered RAM, with the option for additional storage via SSD slots.
- 🌟 A key upgrade is the 360Hz screen, offering the fastest panel currently available on a laptop, although there is no 1440p model yet.
- 🎨 The laptop is available in Lunar Light and Dark Side of the Moon color options, with the former being more accessible in the UK.
- 🔌 It has a variety of ports, including HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, and an Alienware amplifier port.
- 🔊 The laptop features impressive speakers and a well-performing headset jack with auto-detection for plugged-in devices.
- 📊 In terms of performance, the laptop achieves high scores in Cinebench R20, Geekbench 5, and various GPU benchmarks.
- 🔥 During gaming, the laptop reaches high temperatures and produces noticeable fan noise, but the experience is smooth and immersive.
- 🔋 Battery life is a drawback, with a 2-hour runtime in a streaming test due to the lack of Optimus technology and dedicated GPU usage.
Q & A
What is the model being reviewed in the script?
-The model being reviewed is the M17 R4, the latest model released in 2021 with the new RTX 3070 graphics card.
How does the M17 R4 compare to its previous versions in terms of design?
-The M17 R4 looks identical to the M17 R3 and M17 R2 models.
What are the different graphics card options available for the M17 R4?
-The M17 R4 comes with options for the RTX 3070, 3060, and there's also a 3080 version available.
What is the CPU specification for the base model of the M17 R4?
-The base model of the M17 R4 comes with an eight-core, 16-thread Intel processor.
How much RAM does the reviewed model have, and is it upgradable?
-The reviewed model has 16 gigabytes of RAM, and it is soldered on, meaning the amount of RAM needs to be chosen at the time of purchase.
What are the storage options for the M17 R4?
-The model ordered comes with 512 gigabytes of SSD, and the laptop has two 80-millimeter slots and a 42-millimeter slot for additional storage in the future.
What is the standout feature of the M17 R4's display?
-The standout feature of the M17 R4's display is the 360 Hertz screen, which is the fastest panel currently available on a laptop.
What is the color scheme of the laptop reviewed in the script?
-The laptop reviewed has the Lunar Light color scheme.
How is the battery life of the M17 R4 with the 360 Hertz screen?
-The battery life of the M17 R4 with the 360 Hertz screen is not great, with a streaming test yielding only 2 hours and 12 minutes on battery.
What software comes pre-installed on the M17 R4?
-The M17 R4 comes with Alienware Command Center, Dell Driver Update, and a few other pieces of software.
What is the overall recommendation for the M17 R4?
-The M17 R4 is highly recommended as a dedicated gaming laptop with impressive performance, a solid build quality, and a fantastic 360 Hertz screen. However, it is advised to look for discount codes as it is quite expensive, and to consider the battery life and loud fans when making a purchase decision.
Outlines
📱 Introduction and Overview of the m17 R4
This paragraph introduces the latest m17 R4 laptop model, highlighting its release in 2021 and the inclusion of the new RTX 3070 graphics card. The speaker, David, mentions that the design remains similar to previous models and provides a brief on the review structure, including timestamps for viewers to navigate through the content. The paragraph emphasizes the availability of different configurations, including variations in the graphics card (3070, 3060, and 3080 versions) and the Intel processor upgrade from a six-core to an eight-core option. It also touches on the laptop's RAM options, storage capacity, and the new 360Hz screen feature, while noting the absence of a 1440p model at the time of recording.
💻 Detailed Specifications and Design
In this paragraph, the focus shifts to a more detailed examination of the m17 R4's specifications and design elements. David discusses the laptop's port selection, including the Kensington lock, RJ45, USB 3.0 ports, a headset jack, and the absence of a full-size SD card slot. He also mentions the laptop's lighting features, such as the Alienware lighting ring and the illuminated keyboard. The paragraph further explores the laptop's build quality, the speaker quality, and the new high-endurance coating on the lunar light color variant. Additionally, David provides insights into the laptop's cooling system, the effectiveness of the vents, and the automatic power-on feature when the laptop is opened.
🎮 Performance Benchmarks and Gaming Experience
This paragraph delves into the performance benchmarks and gaming experience offered by the m17 R4. David presents the results of various benchmark tests, including Cinebench R20, Geekbench 5, OpenCL, Time Spy, and Fire Strike, to demonstrate the laptop's impressive performance. He notes the laptop's ability to maintain high frame rates in games like Apex Legends, even when pushed to high settings. The paragraph also addresses the laptop's fan noise and heat management, acknowledging that while the fans can be loud, they can be adjusted through the Alienware Command Center software. David concludes by mentioning an upcoming video that will provide more in-depth performance analysis.
🔋 Battery Life, Power Supply, and Final Thoughts
The final paragraph discusses the m17 R4's battery life, power supply, and overall evaluation. David notes the laptop's subpar battery life, attributing it to the lack of Optimus technology and the constant use of the dedicated RTX 3070. He suggests that users seeking better battery life might prefer the 144Hz model. The paragraph also covers the laptop's 240-watt power supply and its portability. David concludes the review by reiterating the laptop's high price point and powerful performance, making it suitable for dedicated gaming. He acknowledges the competition from Ryzen processors but defends the m17 R4's performance, build quality, and feature set. Despite the high cost and battery life concerns, David recommends the laptop for users who desire a high-performance gaming machine with excellent display and audio quality.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡M17 R4
💡RTX 3070 Graphics Card
💡Intel Processor
💡RAM
💡SSD Storage
💡360 Hz Screen
💡Lunar Light
💡Alienware Command Center
💡Battery Life
💡Gaming Performance
Highlights
The M17 R4 is the latest model released in 2021 with the new RTX 3070 graphics card.
The M17 R4's design is identical to the previous M17 R3 and R2 models.
The new 3000 series graphics card offers improved performance with models including the 3070, 3060, and a 3080 version.
The laptop features an Intel processor with an 8-core 16-thread CPU, an upgrade from the previous 6-core base model.
RAM options include 16GB or 32GB, which is soldered on, so buyers should choose wisely at the time of purchase.
Storage options start with a 512GB SSD, with the laptop having multiple slots for additional storage expansion.
The M17 R4 introduces a 360Hz screen, the fastest available on a laptop currently.
The laptop is available in Lunar Light and Dark Side of the Moon color options, with the former being more readily available in the UK.
The laptop's design is compact and solid for a 17-inch model, with a unique look that sets it apart from other black laptops.
The laptop's ports include a Kensington lock, RJ45, USB 3.0 ports, a headset jack, a micro SD card slot, HDMI 2.0, Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt, and an Alienware amplifier port.
The Alienware M17 R4 features an automatic power-on function when the lid is opened.
The laptop's keyboard is highly praised for its travel, feel, and layout, making it one of the best on the market.
The trackpad is a glass, Microsoft Precision device that is accurate and responsive, supporting all expected gestures.
The laptop's build quality is solid, with a high endurance coating on the Lunar Light color that prevents discoloring over time.
The laptop's speakers are loud and clear, providing a high-quality audio experience for a gaming laptop.
In benchmark tests, the laptop scores highly with impressive results in Cinebench R20, Geekbench 5, OpenCL, Time Spy, and Fire Strike.
The laptop's cooling system, featuring a vapor chamber, allows for good heat management and thermal performance without throttling.
The laptop's battery life is limited due to the lack of Optimus technology and the power demands of the 360Hz screen and RTX 3070 GPU.
The laptop's price is quite high, but discounts can make it more accessible for those seeking a dedicated gaming laptop with powerful performance.
The laptop's Alienware Command Center software could use improvement for a more intuitive and less clunky user experience.