Alienware m18 R2
Specifications
Alienware m18 R2 (m18 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i9-14900HX 24 x 1.6 - 5.8 GHz, 180 W PL2 / Short Burst, 144 W PL1 / Sustained, Raptor Lake-HX Refresh
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU - 16 GB VRAM, Core: 1950 MHz, RAM: 2250 MHz, 175 W TDP, GDDR6, 551.76, Advanced Optimus, MUX
Memory
32 GB
, SK Hynix, DDR5-5600, 46-45-45-89, Dual-Channel
Display
18.00 inch 16:10, 2560 x 1600 pixel 168 PPI, BOE NE18NZ1, IPS, Controller: BOE0AFB, Dell P/N: HF1FV, glossy: no, HDR, 165 Hz, Adaptive Sync
Mainboard
Intel HM770 (Raptor Lake-S PCH)
Storage
SK Hynix PC811 HFS002TEM9X152N, 2048 GB
Soundcard
Intel Raptor Lake-S PCH - cAVS
Connections
6 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 2 USB 3.1 Gen2, 2 USB 4.0 40 Gbps, 2 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 3 DisplayPort, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm headset, Card Reader: SD
Networking
Intel Killer E5000 (10/100/1000/2500/5000MBit/s), Intel Killer Wi-Fi 7 BE1750x BE200NGW (a/b/g/h/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/ Wi-Fi 6E 6 GHz be = Wi-Fi 7), Bluetooth 5.4
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 26.7 x 410.3 x 319.9 ( = 1.05 x 16.15 x 12.59 in)
Battery
97 Wh Lithium-Polymer
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 11 Home
Camera
Webcam: 1080p30
Primary Camera: 2 MPix
Primary Camera: 2 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, 2W x2, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, Alienware Command Center, Update, Digital Delivery, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
3.955 kg ( = 139.51 oz / 8.72 pounds), Power Supply: 1.076 kg ( = 37.95 oz / 2.37 pounds)
Price
3300 USD
Price comparison
Average Score:
Average of 13 scores (from 20 reviews)
Average of 13 scores (from 20 reviews)
price: - %, performance: 97%, features: 71%, display: 81% mobility: 57%, workmanship: 80%, ergonomy: 88%, emissions: 84%
Reviews for the Alienware m18 R2
Alienware m18 R2 laptop review: Jumping from Core i9-13980HX to i9-14900HX | Notebookcheck
It may be called the Alienware m18 R2, but it's more like the Alienware m18 R1.1. The CPU and GPU perform identically to last year's model for no major year-over-year improvements. Save yourself a few hundred dollars by opting for the m18 R1 version instead.
It may be called the Alienware m18 R2, but it's more like the Alienware m18 R1.1. The CPU and GPU perform identically to last year's model for no major year-over-year improvements. Save yourself a few hundred dollars by opting for the m18 R1 version instead.
This Dell laptop is a powerhouse machine that I'd actually recommend - and it's $500 off
Source: Zdnet.com
Dell's Alienware m18 R2 is right at the top of the line when it comes to the best gaming laptops. This is a powerful machine with a distinct identity that can handle virtually any game you want with vibrant graphics, blazing fast speeds, and can even get dressed for the office at the press of a button. However, this is also quite a large laptop, so although it's portable, it isn't exactly carry-and-go, and it isn't a machine that you can leave unplugged for hours at a time. Pricing can easily rise toward the higher end too, but the cutting-edge technology solidifies the m18 R2 as something that will be near the top of the laptop market for a while.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/11/2025
Source: Zdnet.com
Dell's Alienware m18 R2 is right at the top of the line when it comes to the best gaming laptops. This is a powerful machine with a distinct identity that can handle virtually any game you want with vibrant graphics, blazing fast speeds, and can even get dressed for the office at the press of a button. However, this is also quite a large laptop, so although it's portable, it isn't exactly carry-and-go, and it isn't a machine that you can leave unplugged for hours at a time. Pricing can easily rise toward the higher end too, but the cutting-edge technology solidifies the m18 R2 as something that will be near the top of the laptop market for a while.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/11/2025
Dell Alienware m18 R2 Review: A Bold Desktop Replacement
Source: 91mobiles
So, at the end of the day, does the Dell Alienware m18 R2 justify its beefy price tag? Considering that it’s a desktop replacement, one can forgive the poor battery life to some extent, and make peace with the lack of an OLED display. Other than that, there’s hardly anything to complain about the laptop. It offers a premium design, an excellent keyboard, all possible connectivity ports you’d need, and flagship-grade performance which is complimented by a heavy-duty thermal solution. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line gaming laptop, the m18 R2 is definitely worth considering.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/15/2024
Rating: Total score: 85% performance: 90% display: 80% mobility: 40% workmanship: 80%
Source: 91mobiles
So, at the end of the day, does the Dell Alienware m18 R2 justify its beefy price tag? Considering that it’s a desktop replacement, one can forgive the poor battery life to some extent, and make peace with the lack of an OLED display. Other than that, there’s hardly anything to complain about the laptop. It offers a premium design, an excellent keyboard, all possible connectivity ports you’d need, and flagship-grade performance which is complimented by a heavy-duty thermal solution. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line gaming laptop, the m18 R2 is definitely worth considering.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/15/2024
Rating: Total score: 85% performance: 90% display: 80% mobility: 40% workmanship: 80%
I tested Dell's $3,000 gaming laptop and it spoiled me with unconventional features
Source: Zdnet.com
Dell's Alienware m18 R2 is right at the top of the line when it comes to the best gaming laptops. This is a powerful machine with a distinct identity that can handle virtually any game you want with vibrant graphics, blazing fast speeds, and can even get dressed for the office at the press of a button. However, this is also quite a large laptop, so although it's portable, it isn't exactly carry-and-go, and it isn't a machine that you can leave unplugged for hours at a time. Pricing can easily rise toward the higher end too, but the cutting-edge technology solidifies the m18 R2 as something that will be near the top of the laptop market for a while.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/10/2024
Source: Zdnet.com
Dell's Alienware m18 R2 is right at the top of the line when it comes to the best gaming laptops. This is a powerful machine with a distinct identity that can handle virtually any game you want with vibrant graphics, blazing fast speeds, and can even get dressed for the office at the press of a button. However, this is also quite a large laptop, so although it's portable, it isn't exactly carry-and-go, and it isn't a machine that you can leave unplugged for hours at a time. Pricing can easily rise toward the higher end too, but the cutting-edge technology solidifies the m18 R2 as something that will be near the top of the laptop market for a while.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/10/2024
Alienware M18 R2 review: mothership-scale power and proportions
Source: Stuff TV
The M18 R2 is a desktop replacement in every sense of the world. In top spec guise it has the 2D and gaming performance to rival pre-build tower PCs, and there are enough ports here to plug in almost every peripheral you could name. Alienware’s styling is as on point as ever, and the base price isn’t too outlandish if you’re prepared to make some sacrifices. A merely OK screen isn’t so much of a dealbreaker if you play on an external monitor, too. I can’t ignore that rivals such as the Acer Predator Helios 18 offer mini-LED panels for similar cash, though. The M18 R2 is also an especially heavy laptop, with pretty average battery life.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/09/2024
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Stuff TV
The M18 R2 is a desktop replacement in every sense of the world. In top spec guise it has the 2D and gaming performance to rival pre-build tower PCs, and there are enough ports here to plug in almost every peripheral you could name. Alienware’s styling is as on point as ever, and the base price isn’t too outlandish if you’re prepared to make some sacrifices. A merely OK screen isn’t so much of a dealbreaker if you play on an external monitor, too. I can’t ignore that rivals such as the Acer Predator Helios 18 offer mini-LED panels for similar cash, though. The M18 R2 is also an especially heavy laptop, with pretty average battery life.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 08/09/2024
Rating: Total score: 80%
Alienware m18 R2 review — this gargantuan gaming laptop means business
Source: Tom's Guide
As far as gaming laptops go, you’d have a hard time finding another that performs as well as the Alienware m18 R2. While pricey, the m18 R2 doesn’t disappoint when playing the latest games at the highest settings on that huge 18-inch display. And if you’re a creator, the addition of a full HDMI port, Mini Display port, and an SD card, means you can quickly go from shooting to editing on large monitors in a matter of minutes — you can leave the stupid USB dongles/hubs at home where they belong. Granted, the m18 R2 is very big, so you’ll have to plan around that. That laptop bag you’re used to taking on flights may have to make way for a much bigger one, but that’s a small price to pay when you get a full-fledged desktop experience you can (kind of) take on the go.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/27/2024
Rating: Total score: 90%
Source: Tom's Guide
As far as gaming laptops go, you’d have a hard time finding another that performs as well as the Alienware m18 R2. While pricey, the m18 R2 doesn’t disappoint when playing the latest games at the highest settings on that huge 18-inch display. And if you’re a creator, the addition of a full HDMI port, Mini Display port, and an SD card, means you can quickly go from shooting to editing on large monitors in a matter of minutes — you can leave the stupid USB dongles/hubs at home where they belong. Granted, the m18 R2 is very big, so you’ll have to plan around that. That laptop bag you’re used to taking on flights may have to make way for a much bigger one, but that’s a small price to pay when you get a full-fledged desktop experience you can (kind of) take on the go.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 06/27/2024
Rating: Total score: 90%
How to open Alienware m18 R2 - disassembly and upgrade options
Source: Laptop Media
Support, online available, Short, Date: 05/04/2024
Source: Laptop Media
Support, online available, Short, Date: 05/04/2024
Alienware m18 R2 review – Top-Tier Performance with a Few Pricey Quirks
Source: Laptop Media
There is no doubt that the Alienware m18 R2 is a capable gaming machine. We also like the design that easily stands out among the competition. The chassis is stable, well-built, and feels premium to the touch which corresponds to the high expectations of such an expensive piece of tech. Also, the input devices are comfortable. For the fans of RGB lighting, this device offers plenty of illuminated areas including the lid, the back, the Power button, and the keyboard. The overall performance is definitely on point. The cooling is potent and this leads to a high CPU and GPU clocks during long full system loads. Still, the observed frequencies aren’t unprecedented. Opening the laptop is pretty easy. Unfortunately, the CPU and GPU are placed on the other side of the board and you don’t have direct access to them.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/03/2024
Source: Laptop Media
There is no doubt that the Alienware m18 R2 is a capable gaming machine. We also like the design that easily stands out among the competition. The chassis is stable, well-built, and feels premium to the touch which corresponds to the high expectations of such an expensive piece of tech. Also, the input devices are comfortable. For the fans of RGB lighting, this device offers plenty of illuminated areas including the lid, the back, the Power button, and the keyboard. The overall performance is definitely on point. The cooling is potent and this leads to a high CPU and GPU clocks during long full system loads. Still, the observed frequencies aren’t unprecedented. Opening the laptop is pretty easy. Unfortunately, the CPU and GPU are placed on the other side of the board and you don’t have direct access to them.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/03/2024
Alienware M18 R2 Gaming Laptop Review: When Speed Is of the Essence
Source: CNet
A simple refresh of the debut model, the Alienware m18 R1, the m18 R2's main differences from its predecessor are the 14th-gen Intel HX CPUs it now uses and updated networking. It's still a powerful gaming-laptop-slash-desktop-replacement, but I can't help be a little disappointed by the display choices. If you plan to use a standalone monitor most of the time, it's not that big a deal, though. The line starts at roughly $1,900, which is on the low side compared to competitors like the Asus ROG Strix G18, Acer Predator Helios Neo 18, Razer Blade 18 and more, but that's primarily because their base configurations are in some way higher-powered than the m18. The Alienware starts at a Core i7-14650HX and GeForce RTX 4060, while the rest start with a Core i9-14900HX and/or RTX 4070, along with the same display as the m18 or better.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/25/2024
Rating: Total score: 84%
Source: CNet
A simple refresh of the debut model, the Alienware m18 R1, the m18 R2's main differences from its predecessor are the 14th-gen Intel HX CPUs it now uses and updated networking. It's still a powerful gaming-laptop-slash-desktop-replacement, but I can't help be a little disappointed by the display choices. If you plan to use a standalone monitor most of the time, it's not that big a deal, though. The line starts at roughly $1,900, which is on the low side compared to competitors like the Asus ROG Strix G18, Acer Predator Helios Neo 18, Razer Blade 18 and more, but that's primarily because their base configurations are in some way higher-powered than the m18. The Alienware starts at a Core i7-14650HX and GeForce RTX 4060, while the rest start with a Core i9-14900HX and/or RTX 4070, along with the same display as the m18 or better.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/25/2024
Rating: Total score: 84%
The Most Powerful Alienware Gaming Laptop! m18 R2 Review (2024)
Source: Jarrod'sTech
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/19/2024
Source: Jarrod'sTech
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/19/2024
Alienware M18 R2 review: luggable gaming laptop has power to spare
Source: T3
The Alienware M18 R2 remains among the best large gaming laptops, with the improvements on this year's model underlining its success. There’s a definite speed bump from the 14th Gen Intel processor and the Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, while the cooling system deals admirably with the system's considerable heat. It’s still a noisy beast, though, and being an 18-inch model it inevitably weighs a lot. That’s the trade-off for high-end gaming laptops, though, but serious gamers will really enjoy all it offers.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/14/2024
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: T3
The Alienware M18 R2 remains among the best large gaming laptops, with the improvements on this year's model underlining its success. There’s a definite speed bump from the 14th Gen Intel processor and the Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, while the cooling system deals admirably with the system's considerable heat. It’s still a noisy beast, though, and being an 18-inch model it inevitably weighs a lot. That’s the trade-off for high-end gaming laptops, though, but serious gamers will really enjoy all it offers.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 04/14/2024
Rating: Total score: 80%
Alienware m18 R2 review: A gaming juggernaut with speed to spare
Source: PC World
The Alienware m18 R2 is an incredibly powerful laptop—it can max the settings on any current PC game, and it will probably be able to run any title at native resolution for at least a few years. The mechanical keyboard is fantastic, and for a 10-pound laptop, the design is rather sleek. Just don’t expect to game for hours on battery power. The RTX 4090 will bleed the big 97 Wh battery dry in under two hours. The Core i9 CPU and RTX 4090 inside bump the price of my test unit to $3,550, but even the base model with a Core i7 and RTX 4060 is almost $2,000. This is an objectively expensive laptop, but every laptop with this kind of hardware comes with a big price tag. It’s a matter of priorities. If high-fidelity gaming is what you want from your laptop, it’s hard to do better than the Alienware m18 R2.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/11/2024
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: PC World
The Alienware m18 R2 is an incredibly powerful laptop—it can max the settings on any current PC game, and it will probably be able to run any title at native resolution for at least a few years. The mechanical keyboard is fantastic, and for a 10-pound laptop, the design is rather sleek. Just don’t expect to game for hours on battery power. The RTX 4090 will bleed the big 97 Wh battery dry in under two hours. The Core i9 CPU and RTX 4090 inside bump the price of my test unit to $3,550, but even the base model with a Core i7 and RTX 4060 is almost $2,000. This is an objectively expensive laptop, but every laptop with this kind of hardware comes with a big price tag. It’s a matter of priorities. If high-fidelity gaming is what you want from your laptop, it’s hard to do better than the Alienware m18 R2.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/11/2024
Rating: Total score: 80%
Alienware m18 R2 Review
Source: PC Mag
The Alienware m18 R2 holds few surprises, pumping up an already fast enthusiast-grade gaming laptop with an even quicker chip. The generational gap is noticeable when put head-to-head, but it is not significant enough to warrant an upgrade from the R1 model or a similar recently purchased laptop. The 14th Gen Intel Core i9 HX CPU is still the fastest option around, though, if you’re upgrading from a much older system and looking for the highest possible speeds. On its own merits, this is a slick, well-made, and top-performing desktop-replacement system. Comparing the Alienware m18 R2 with the other 18-inch laptops profiled here doesn’t do it many favors—you may as well opt for getting maximum power out of the system rather than emphasizing thinness since none of these machines is all that portable, and the M18 R2 still weighs the most.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/02/2024
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: PC Mag
The Alienware m18 R2 holds few surprises, pumping up an already fast enthusiast-grade gaming laptop with an even quicker chip. The generational gap is noticeable when put head-to-head, but it is not significant enough to warrant an upgrade from the R1 model or a similar recently purchased laptop. The 14th Gen Intel Core i9 HX CPU is still the fastest option around, though, if you’re upgrading from a much older system and looking for the highest possible speeds. On its own merits, this is a slick, well-made, and top-performing desktop-replacement system. Comparing the Alienware m18 R2 with the other 18-inch laptops profiled here doesn’t do it many favors—you may as well opt for getting maximum power out of the system rather than emphasizing thinness since none of these machines is all that portable, and the M18 R2 still weighs the most.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/02/2024
Rating: Total score: 80%
I tested Dell's $3,000 gaming laptop and it spoiled me with unconventional features
Source: Zdnet.com
Dell's Alienware m18 R2 is right at the top of the line when it comes to the best gaming laptops. This is a powerful machine with a distinct identity that can handle virtually any game you want with vibrant graphics, blazing fast speeds, and can even get dressed for the office at the press of a button. However, this is also quite a large laptop, so although it's portable, it isn't exactly carry-and-go, and it isn't a machine that you can leave unplugged for hours at a time. Pricing can easily rise toward the higher end too, but the cutting-edge technology solidifies the m18 R2 as something that will be near the top of the laptop market for a while.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/22/2024
Source: Zdnet.com
Dell's Alienware m18 R2 is right at the top of the line when it comes to the best gaming laptops. This is a powerful machine with a distinct identity that can handle virtually any game you want with vibrant graphics, blazing fast speeds, and can even get dressed for the office at the press of a button. However, this is also quite a large laptop, so although it's portable, it isn't exactly carry-and-go, and it isn't a machine that you can leave unplugged for hours at a time. Pricing can easily rise toward the higher end too, but the cutting-edge technology solidifies the m18 R2 as something that will be near the top of the laptop market for a while.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 03/22/2024
Alienware M18 R2 Review - The Power House Returns!
Source: Mash IT
The Alienware m18 r2 new for 2024 with the 14th gen intel processors and 270w of combined CPU and GPU power budget. A large desktop replacement laptop that easily could replace most desktops.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/16/2024
Source: Mash IT
The Alienware m18 r2 new for 2024 with the 14th gen intel processors and 270w of combined CPU and GPU power budget. A large desktop replacement laptop that easily could replace most desktops.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 02/16/2024
Foreign Reviews
Gaming-Monster mit RTX 4090 und i9-14900HX
Source: PC Welt
DE→EN
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/27/2024
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: PC Welt
DE→ENSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 04/27/2024
Rating: Total score: 80%
Test Alienware m18 R2 : surpuissant… et moins cher qu’on l’aurait cru
Source: Clubic
FR→EN
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/10/2024
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 100% display: 70% mobility: 60% workmanship: 70%
Source: Clubic
FR→ENSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 12/10/2024
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 100% display: 70% mobility: 60% workmanship: 70%
Test Alienware M18 R2 : le PC gamer de 18 pouces moins cher que les autres
Source: 01Net FR→EN
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/31/2024
Rating: Total score: 50%
Source: 01Net
FR→ENSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 07/31/2024
Rating: Total score: 50%
Test Alienware m18 R2 : un pc portable gaming tout en puissance
Source: CNet France FR→EN
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/28/2024
Rating: Total score: 70%
Source: CNet France
FR→ENSingle Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/28/2024
Rating: Total score: 70%
Test Alienware m18 R2 : Dell renouvelle sa série m18 avec ce monstre de puissance
Source: Charles Tech FR→EN
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/04/2024
Rating: Total score: 86% performance: 100% display: 90% mobility: 70%
Source: Charles Tech
FR→ENSingle Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 04/04/2024
Rating: Total score: 86% performance: 100% display: 90% mobility: 70%
Alienware m18 R2 评测–顶级性能，少数价格昂贵的怪癖
Source: Laptopmedia CN
zh-CN→EN
Positive: Slim size; light weight; good cooling system; powerful CPU & GPU; great ergonomics; rich set of ports; excellent display. Negative: Heavy; slow 15W charging; high price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/03/2024
Source: Laptopmedia CN
zh-CN→ENPositive: Slim size; light weight; good cooling system; powerful CPU & GPU; great ergonomics; rich set of ports; excellent display. Negative: Heavy; slow 15W charging; high price.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 05/03/2024
Comment
NVIDIA NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU: High-end laptop graphics card based on the Ada Lovelace architecture. Offers 16 GB GDDR6 VRAM with a 256 Bit memory bus and can be configured with 80 - 150 TDP settings (+ Dynamic Boost).
These graphics cards are able to play the latest and most demanding games in high resolutions and full detail settings with enabled Anti-Aliasing.
» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.
i9-14900HX: High-end mobile hybrid processor based on the Raptor Lake architecture with 24 cores and 32 threads. Clocks at a maximum of 5.8 GHz (P cores).» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.
18.00": 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.
3.955 kg:
Only a few laptops are in this weight class because the mobility is rather limited due to the high weight.
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.
79.58%: This rating is not earth-shattering. This rating must actually be seen as average, since there are about as many devices with worse ratings as better ones. A purchase recommendation can only be seen with a lot of goodwill, unless it is about websites that generally rate strictly.
» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.
