Alienware x16 offers 175 W TGP graphics while being thinner than even the Razer Blade 16, but there are some caveats

Mobile Nvidia GPUs come in a wide range of TGP targets in order to support a wide range of laptop designs. The GeForce RTX 4080, for example, can range from as low as 60 W up to 175 W. Thicker laptops can support higher TGP targets, but the new ultra-thin Alienware x16 is an interesting exception as it supports the current maximum of 175 W while being thinner than most other 16-inch alternatives.

In our recent tests with the Alienware x16, the RTX 4080 in the system is one of the fastest we've benchmarked when compared to other gaming laptops with the same GPU. The differences can be minor, but they're consistent nonetheless and still impressive considering that the Alienware x16 is just under 19 mm thick.

The catch, however, is that the Alienware x16 makes up for its thin Z height by being larger in length and width. The Blade 16, for example, is about 3 mm thicker than the Alienware x16, but it's over 40 mm shorter in length and noticeably lighter as well. Additionally, the Alienware x16 maxes out at the Core i9-13900HK instead of the significantly faster Core i9-13950HX likely due to thermal budgeting and balancing concerns against the GPU. Dell offers the thicker Alienware m16 for users who want to maximize both CPU and GPU power instead of just the GPU.

Users can learn more about the Alienware x16 in our full review on the unit here.