Alienware M18x R2, GTX 680M SLI, Core i7-3820QM

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Reviews for the Alienware M18x R2, GTX 680M SLI, Core i7-3820QM

Alienware M18x R2 Gaming Laptop: Dual GPUs Attack
Source: Hot Hardware Archive.org version
Straight and to the point, if you're looking for a no-compromises desktop replacement, the Alienware M18x R2 has your name written all over it in big, bold, neon letters. This is the system to get if you don't care about trivial things like portability (it weighs 12 pounds, after all), price (and costs around $4,400), and battery life (dual GPUs...'nuff said).
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/29/2012

90% Alienware M18x R2
Source: Techreview Source Archive.org version
The Alienware M18x R2 is definitely one powerhouse of a computer. It has a fantastic 1080p display, top-of-the-class performance and good battery life. While quite expensive, it makes a great gaming laptop and will handle anything you throw at it.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 10/08/2012
Rating: Total score: 90%

Alienware M18x R2 Notebook Review: NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 680M in SLI
Source: AnandTech Archive.org version
As I mentioned in the conclusion of my review of the Alienware M17x R4, there are no points awarded for repetition. The original M18x was good but not perfect, and simply repeating the design instead of at least iterating it isn't going to somehow result in a better review. I think for the most part the shell does work; the aluminum is attractive and however you feel about Alienware's aesthetics, it's at least distinctive and feels sturdier than competing notebooks from Clevo.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/28/2012

100% Alienware M18x R2 Review
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
Each year, Alienware keeps outdoing itself in terms of performance, and this year's M18x R2 is no different. Its dual Nvidia GPUs, dual SSDs and gorgeous 1080p display put the M18x in a class by itself. The customizable lighting and booming audio just add to the fun. If you have the means, this gaming notebook is absolute perfection.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 08/31/2012
Rating: Total score: 100%

Foreign Reviews

Extraterrestrisch – 17-Zoll-Gamer mit Nvidia GTX-680M-Grafik
Source: Notebookjournal DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/04/2012
Rating: performance: 85% features: 50% display: 30% mobility: 70% workmanship: 60% ergonomy: 70%

Comment

Series:

The Alienware M18x Haswell is undeniably one of the most powerful portable gaming laptops one could hope for. It certainly doesn't come cheap, but it’s an ultra powerful gaming laptop, made of premium materials and design. This huge 18 inch monster weighs in at a massive 5.5 kg. It serves well as a desktop replacement, with occasional jaunts to LAN parties. Covered in anodized aluminum, the feel of this machine is premium all the way. The magnificent exterior with customizable lights is a party favor that is endlessly awesome. There’s even a HDMI port that can switch between input/output allowing use of a HDTV as display, or use of the Alienware M18x’s screen with input from a game console or a cable box.

One of the most unique features of this beast of a machine is that it runs two GeForce GTX 780M cards linked by Nvidia's SLI. The 1920x1080 display is absolutely stunning. Hardcore gamers will have no problems with maxed out settings. The Alienware M18x comes equipped with a slot-loading Blu-Ray drive for media lovers who want to make full use of this machine's graphic abilities. Because of the power-hungry, powerful graphic cards, the battery life is absolutely dismal despite the power saving features of the Haswell Intel Core i7 4900MQ. Using it far from a power outlet will be a very short lived experience. If money does not matter, this is definitely the laptop to own for gaming and performance. 

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680M SLI: High-end SLI-setup of two GeForce GTX 680M, based on the Kepler-architecture and manufactured in 28nm.

Modern games should be playable with these graphics cards at low settings and resolutions. Casual gamers may be happy with these cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.

Intel Core i7: The Intel Core i7 for laptops is based on the LG1156 Core i5/i7 CPU for desktops. The base clock speed of the CPUs is relatively low, but because of a huge Turbo mode, the cores can dynamically overclock to up to 3.2 GHz (920XM). Therefore, the CPU can be as fast as high clocked dual-core CPUs (using single threaded applications) but still offer the advantage of 4 cores. Because of the large TDP of 45 W / 55 W, the CPU is only intended for large laptops.  

3820QM: An Ivy Bridge-based quad-core processor clocked at 2.7 GHz with Turbo Boost support up to 3.7 GHz. Offers an integrated HD Graphics 4000 GPU running at 650-1250 MHz on a dual channel DDR3 memory controller.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.

18.40": This display size is a standard format for desktop replacements (DTR). The DTR laptops are heavier to carry, need more power, but texts are easy to read and high resolutions are no problem. DTR are mainly intended for stationary desk use, where weight and energy hunger don't matter. In return, you enjoy the advantages of high resolutions (more details, better legibility).» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.

5.7 kg:

A laptop in this weight range is a heavyweight that you rarely carry around. This is meant for desktops and the devices tend to score with a large display and high performance and replace desktop devices.

Alienware: Alienware was founded in the USA in 1996. The European headquarters is located in Ireland. Alienware has been part of the Dell Group since 2006. The product range mainly focuses on gaming laptops and desktops, which are developed and manufactured by Dell. The trademark is a slightly futuristic design with an Alien as the logo. Additionally, workstations for private and business customers are sold.

As with every brand, there are also some points of criticism with Alienware. Some customers have complained about the high prices of the products, while others have criticized the quality of customer services. There have also been some reports of problems with the reliability and durability of some Alienware products. However, many customers have also had positive experiences with the brand and appreciate the powerful gaming computers.

95%: This rating is indeed excellent. There are not many models that are rated better. This can definitely be seen as a purchase recommendation.

» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

Devices with the same GPU

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