CES 2022 | Alienware x14: Dell's newest thin and light gaming laptop launched with a 144Hz screen and Intel Alder Lake processors

Gamers on the lookout for a compact gaming laptop that packs high-end hardware and a compact form factor will be pleased to know that Dell has launched a new Alienware x14 model at CES 2022. It packs Intel's latest Alder Lake processors and Nvidia Ampere graphics cards. Dell claims that it is the thinnest gaming laptop it has made so far. It is 14.5mm (0.57in) thin and weighs 1.8kgs (4lbs). The entry-level variant will cost US$1,499 and will hit shelves later in 2022.

The Alienware x14 features a 14-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) IPS LCD panel with a refresh rate of 144Hz and 7ms response time. It has a peak brightness of 400 nits, covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour spectrum, supports Nvidia G-Sync and Dolby Vision. The included 720p camera with dual-array microphones supports Windows Hello functionality.

One can configure the Alienware x14 with an 11th-generation Intel Core i9-12900H/Core i7-12700H Alder Lake processors. Graphics card choices range between the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 (85W TGP), RTX 3050 Ti (65W TGP) and RTX 3050 (65W TGP). The reduced TGPs will undoubtedly affect the graphics cards' performance, but it is understandable, given the laptop's compact form factor.

Input options on the Alienware x14 include two Thunderbolt 4.0, USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A port, one USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port, one HDMI port, one 3.5mm combo audio jack and a micro SD card slot. Two of the Type-C ports can output video and charge the laptop. The lack of an RJ45 Ethernet jack is likely due to the compact form factor.

Memory and storage options on the Alienware x14 are limited to 32GB of DDR5 5,200MT/s RAM and a 2TB NVMe SSD. Unfortunately, the RAM on the laptop is soldered down, so user upgradability is not an option. The laptop draws power from an 80Wh battery that supports 160W fast charging via a USB Type-C port. Wireless connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E (the USA and South Korea only), Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2.