Alienware M18x

Specifications

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Reviews for the Alienware M18x

80% Alienware M18x (AMD Graphics) Notebook Review
Source: Laptop Mag Archive.org version
As the saying goes, two is always better than one, but which dual video card setup should you get on the Alienware M18x: AMD's or Nvidia's? While the AMD-powered M18x scored a little higher on the synthetic 3DMark06 test, the Nvidia-powered configuration had slightly higher frame rates in actual game play. At present, Alienware also charges $150 more for the Nvidia cards, making the AMD seem like a better value on this rig, though Nvidia has a minor edge in real-world performance. With either video card option, the Alienware M18x remains the gaming notebook to beat, if money is no object. If you don't have $4,500 laying around, the next best option is the $2,076 ASUS G73SW-A2 with its 2-GHz Intel Core i7-2630QM CPU, 16GB of RAM, Nvidia GeForce GTX 560M, and 750GB, 7,200-rpm hard drive and 160GB SSD. But if you're looking for the most powerful gaming rig in the land, stick with the Alienware M18x.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/11/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%

Alienware's M18x, Part 2: AMD's Radeon HD 6990M in CrossFire
Source: AnandTech Archive.org version
We had a hunch that NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 580M would continue to be the fastest single GPU available in notebooks, and that turned out to be accurate...mostly. In a couple of games the 580M is a slam dunk, while in others it trades blows with AMD's Radeon HD 6990M.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/14/2011

80% Alienware M18x Notebook review
Source: Tech Advisor Archive.org version
If you’re looking for a proper desktop replacement -- replacing a gaming desktop, that is -- the Alienware M18x is undoubtedly the notebook to pick. It’s massive and has a price tag that’s painful, but its performance is almost unparalleled.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 09/22/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%

85% Alienware M18x gaming notebook
Source: Good Gear Guide Archive.org version
The Alienware M18x is a desktop replacement notebook in the truest sense — it’s powerful enough to replace a desktop workstation, but it’s also as big and as heavy as a desktop PC. The Alienware M18x is, for a laptop, incredibly powerful. It’s also incredibly bulky, incredibly heavy, and incredibly expensive. It’s just an incredible machine.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 09/16/2011
Rating: Total score: 85%

80% Alienware M18X review
Source: Techradar Archive.org version
Essentially, if you're not a hardcore gamer, there is no reason to spend this kind of money. But if you want the best mobile gaming experience around, this is what you should be looking at.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/12/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%

80% Dell Alienware M18x 18.4in gaming notebook
Source: Reg Hardware Archive.org version
The M18x lives up to expectations. It feels lovingly crafted around gamers' needs, combining superlative design, build quality, aesthetics and scalable power. But it comes at a cost. The review model's price compares reasonably well to other gaming laptops, but component upgrades incur a luxury brand tax, with the top spec costing close to £5k. The real issue, however, is one of positioning. The extra size, weight and power consumption required by the dual graphics cards pushes it into competition with much cheaper desktops. For all it's gaming power, that's one contest the M18x can't win.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 09/02/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%

Alienware M18x Review – even aliens use gaming notebooks
Source: Gaming Rig Archive.org version
For a gaming notebook of its size the Alienware M18x delivers huge amounts of raw power with the build quality and high end components we’ve grown accustomed to from Alienware. Starting with pure performance and moving all the way to the multimedia or desktop replacement sector, the M18x doesn’t disappoint.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/01/2011

80% Alienware M18x Review
Source: Stuff TV Archive.org version
In gaming parlance, the M18x is a big bundle of win. However, the specced-up model we tested is expensive, and configuring it with a lower spec lessens its appeal drastically. You can spend half as much on a laptop which will perform three quarters as well and look four fifths as good. For most of us, the numbers don't add up. But if money isn’t an issue and you want the best, this is it.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 05/29/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%

70% Alienware M18x 18.4-Inch Gaming Laptop Computer
Source: Comp Reviews Archive.org version
Alienware's latest gaming laptop comes in the form of the larger than life 18.4-inch M18x system that features a 1920 x 1080 full HD display. Unfortunately, the base M18x is somewhat underwhelming for the price with only 4GB of memory, a small 320GB hard drive, and an average NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M 1.5GB graphics card.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/07/2011
Rating: Total score: 70%

100% Alienware M18x Laptop Review
Source: Hardwareheaven Archive.org version
Where to start with the M18x? Well it probably has to be the size... this system is a desktop replacement without doubt and has a significant weight to it thanks to the tough, metal outer shell and large display with high end components/cooling inside. These factors do count towards build quality in a positive way though because the M18x feels well build, looks great and has an epic feel to the screen.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/19/2011
Rating: Total score: 100% price: 80% performance: 100% workmanship: 100%

Foreign Reviews

92% Crossfire-Notebook Alienware M18x
Source: PC Games Hardware - 8/11
Comparison, , Length Unknown, Date: 07/01/2011
Rating: Total score: 92% performance: 94% features: 95%

Alienware M18x
Source: Notebookjournal DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/06/2011
Rating: performance: 80% features: 50% display: 70% mobility: 80% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 50%

84% Test Alienware M18x Notebook
Source: Notebookcheck DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 06/01/2011
Rating: Total score: 84% performance: 99% display: 82% mobility: 60% workmanship: 90% ergonomy: 87% emissions: 78%

Alienware M18x
Source: HardwareLuxx DE→EN Archive.org version
Positive: workmanship, performance, software package, sound quality, fan control; negative: heavy and bulky, dark display with low contrast
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/21/2011

Звезда Смерти: тест ноутбука Alienware M18x c двумя AMD Radeon 6970M
Source: 3DNews.ru RU→EN Archive.org version
expensive, fast, not mobile
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 12/14/2011

80% Alienware M18x
Source: Laptopworld.dk DA→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/27/2011
Rating: Total score: 80%

Alienware M18x
Source: Itsvet HR→EN Archive.org version
fantastic quality but expensive
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/10/2011

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. 

AMD Radeon HD 6970M Crossfire: Two HD 6970M graphics card in Crossfire mode (also sometimes called 6970M X2). The gaming performance is usually a bit lower than a similar Nvidia SLI system due to comparatively worse driver support.

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.  

2920XM: Fastest mobile Quad-core processor in Q1 2011 based on the Sandy Bridge architecture with an integrated graphics card and 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.

5.64 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.

83.25%: This rating is slightly above average, there are somewhat more devices with worse ratings. However, clear purchase recommendations look different.

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

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight