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Dell Alienware m15 R3 Laptop Review: Vapor Chamber Saves The Day

Now with beefed-up cooling. It may look the same on the outside, but it's a different beast on the inside. CPU temperatures are much cooler now to address one of our biggest concerns about last year's Alienware m15 R2.

The 2020 Dell Alienware m15 R3 is an internal refresh of the 2019 Alienware m15 R2. However, that statement alone undersells all the changes to the m15 R3 as the latest model offers more than just updated processor and display options that we usually see from most other OEMs. Dell has revamped the cooling solution without impacting the size of the system for what should lead to cooler core temperatures when gaming.

Competitors to the Alienware m15 R3 include other high-end ultra-thin gaming laptops like the MSI GS66, Razer Blade Pro 17, Asus Zephyrus S GX701, Acer Predator Triton, or Lenovo Legion Y740. See our review on the Alienware m15 R2 for more information on the chassis and its features since the m15 R3 is almost visually identically.

More Dell reviews:

Alienware m15 R3 P87F (m15 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-10750H 6 x 2.6 - 5 GHz, Comet Lake-H
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile - 8 GB VRAM, Core: 1260 MHz, Memory: 1375 MHz, GDDR6, 442.94
Memory
16 GB 
, 1600 MHz, 19-19-19-43, Dual-Channel
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel 141 PPI, AU Optronics B156HAN, IPS, AUOB98C, Dell P/N: W8KKR, glossy: no, 300 Hz
Mainboard
Intel HM470
Storage
2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0), 1024 GB 
Connections
4 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 USB 3.1 Gen2, 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbps, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm combo, Card Reader: MicroSD
Networking
Killer E3000 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Controller (10/100/1000/2500MBit/s), Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650w (ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.1
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 19.9 x 360.3 x 276 ( = 0.78 x 14.19 x 10.87 in)
Battery
86 Wh Lithium-Polymer, 6-cell
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 720p
Primary Camera: 0.9 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, Alienware Command Center, Update, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
2.266 kg ( = 79.93 oz / 5 pounds), Power Supply: 895 g ( = 31.57 oz / 1.97 pounds)
Price
1900 USD
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
84.8 %
07/2020
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
2.3 kg19.9 mm15.60"1920x1080
82.6 %
05/2020
Eluktronics RP-15
R7 4800H, GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
1.9 kg20 mm15.60"1920x1080
86 %
05/2020
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
2.1 kg19.9 mm15.60"3840x2160
81.3 %
05/2019
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
i7-9750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
2.1 kg19 mm15.60"1920x1080
82.8 %
05/2020
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
i9-10980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
2.2 kg20 mm15.60"1920x1080

Case

The easiest way to identify an Alienware m15 R3 from the m15 R2 is by looking for the MicroSD card reader along the left edge. Otherwise, the systems share the same chassis design. The current look is barely a year old so it's not time for Dell to completely refresh the chassis just yet.

Another smaller exterior update is the use of a new "High Endurance Clear Coat" finish to reduce fingerprint buildup. We suspect that this will make a bigger difference on the black chassis option as fingerprints are already difficult to see on our white test unit.

Matte black and white color options remain. The red option from the Alienware m15 R1 is no more
Matte black and white color options remain. The red option from the Alienware m15 R1 is no more
Tobii eye-tracking is optional on some SKUs. The feature is not present on our test unit
Tobii eye-tracking is optional on some SKUs. The feature is not present on our test unit
Lid opened to maximum angle of ~140 degrees. The extended rear prevents it from opening further
Lid opened to maximum angle of ~140 degrees. The extended rear prevents it from opening further
Same chassis materials and texture as the Alienware m15 R2, but slightly heavier by about 100 g
Same chassis materials and texture as the Alienware m15 R2, but slightly heavier by about 100 g
The larger rear improves cooling but at the cost of increase size and weight
The larger rear improves cooling but at the cost of increase size and weight
Honeycomb ventilation grilles along the bottom
Honeycomb ventilation grilles along the bottom
363 mm / 14.3 inch 275 mm / 10.8 inch 21 mm / 0.827 inch 2.2 kg4.76 lbs360.3 mm / 14.2 inch 276 mm / 10.9 inch 19.9 mm / 0.783 inch 2.3 kg5 lbs360 mm / 14.2 inch 246 mm / 9.69 inch 20 mm / 0.787 inch 1.9 kg4.25 lbs360 mm / 14.2 inch 252 mm / 9.92 inch 19 mm / 0.748 inch 2.1 kg4.55 lbs358 mm / 14.1 inch 248 mm / 9.76 inch 19.8 mm / 0.78 inch 2.2 kg4.82 lbs355 mm / 14 inch 235 mm / 9.25 inch 19.9 mm / 0.783 inch 2.1 kg4.63 lbs297 mm / 11.7 inch 210 mm / 8.27 inch 1 mm / 0.03937 inch 5.7 g0.01257 lbs

Connectivity

Ports remain identical to the m15 R2 including the return of the proprietary Graphics Amplifier port. The USB-C port, however, can now recharge the laptop. We would have loved to see LED indicators for the rear ports much like on the older Lenovo Legion Y730 for easier access. As of now, they are hard to see without first getting up and reaching over.

Front: No connectivity
Front: No connectivity
Right: 2x USB 3.1 Type-A
Right: 2x USB 3.1 Type-A
Rear: HDMI 2.0b, mini-DisplayPort 1.3, Thunderbolt 3 w/ USB-C charging, Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port, AC adapter
Rear: HDMI 2.0b, mini-DisplayPort 1.3, Thunderbolt 3 w/ USB-C charging, Alienware Graphics Amplifier Port, AC adapter
Left: Noble Lock, Gigabit RJ-45, USB 3.1 Type-A, 3.5 mm combo audio
Left: Noble Lock, Gigabit RJ-45, USB 3.1 Type-A, 3.5 mm combo audio

SD Card Reader

Transfer rates are extremely fast with our UHS-II test card. Moving 1 GB of pictures from card to desktop takes only about 6 seconds much like on the XPS series.

Fully inserted MicroSD card sits almost flush against the edge
Fully inserted MicroSD card sits almost flush against the edge
SD Card Reader
average JPG Copy Test (av. of 3 runs)
MSI GS75 10SF-609US
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 UHS-II)
204.8 MB/s +8%
Dell XPS 15 9500 Core i7 4K UHD
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
198.5 MB/s +5%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XA
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
195 MB/s +3%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 UHS-II)
189.3 MB/s
Eluktronics RP-15
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
36.4 MB/s -81%
maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test (1GB)
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XA
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
241 MB/s +7%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 UHS-II)
225 MB/s
MSI GS75 10SF-609US
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro M501 UHS-II)
209.7 MB/s -7%
Dell XPS 15 9500 Core i7 4K UHD
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
197.9 MB/s -12%
Eluktronics RP-15
  (Toshiba Exceria Pro SDXC 64 GB UHS-II)
37.5 MB/s -83%

Communication

The Killer AX1650w comes standard for Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and Bluetooth 5.1. It is essentially identical to the Intel AX201 but with gaming-specific enhancements.

WLAN module is soldered and cannot be removed
WLAN module is soldered and cannot be removed
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Eluktronics RP-15
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1408 (1199min - 1516max) MBit/s +17%
MSI GS75 10SF-609US
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1270 (1080min - 1388max) MBit/s +6%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650w
1202 (1013min - 1346max) MBit/s
Dell XPS 15 9500 Core i7 4K UHD
Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650s
1049 (862min - 1225max) MBit/s -13%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XA
Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650x Wireless Network Adapter (200NGW)
716 MBit/s -40%
iperf3 receive AX12
Eluktronics RP-15
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX200
1447 (1179min - 1507max) MBit/s +5%
Dell XPS 15 9500 Core i7 4K UHD
Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650s
1446 (653min - 1555max) MBit/s +5%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650w
1375 (1240min - 1425max) MBit/s
MSI GS75 10SF-609US
Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201
1177 (773min - 1353max) MBit/s -14%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XA
Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650x Wireless Network Adapter (200NGW)
682 MBit/s -50%
050100150200250300350400450500550600650700750800850900950100010501100115012001250130013501400Tooltip
Alienware m15 R3 P87F; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1374 (1240-1425)
Alienware m15 R3 P87F; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø1202 (1013-1346)

Webcam

ColorChecker
5.1 ∆E
11.8 ∆E
11.6 ∆E
4.8 ∆E
10.7 ∆E
12.6 ∆E
8.2 ∆E
7.4 ∆E
13 ∆E
10.1 ∆E
10.5 ∆E
11.5 ∆E
6.1 ∆E
4.6 ∆E
12.2 ∆E
8.2 ∆E
10.6 ∆E
7.9 ∆E
8 ∆E
10.3 ∆E
9.2 ∆E
3 ∆E
9.2 ∆E
12.9 ∆E
ColorChecker Alienware m15 R3 P87F: 9.14 ∆E min: 3.05 - max: 12.97 ∆E

Maintenance

The bottom panel is secured by 8 Philips screws and it's relatively easy to remove. Users have access to three storage bays now, but WLAN and RAM remain soldered. Dell has upped the maximum configurable RAM to 32 GB when compared to the m15 R2.

Accessories and Warranty

There are no extras in the box other than the usual AC adapter and paperwork. The standard one-year limited warranty applies with extension options of up to 4 years.

Input Devices

Keyboard and Touchpad

Exact same keyboard and clickpad as on the Alienware m15 R2 including per-key RGB lighting. The Space key is not backlit
Exact same keyboard and clickpad as on the Alienware m15 R2 including per-key RGB lighting. The Space key is not backlit
Clickpad (10.5 x 6 cm) is smaller than on the XPS 15, but its integrated keys are firmer and not as spongy
Clickpad (10.5 x 6 cm) is smaller than on the XPS 15, but its integrated keys are firmer and not as spongy
Key feedback is firmer than on the MSI SteelSeries keyboard with relatively quiet clatter save for the loud Space key
Key feedback is firmer than on the MSI SteelSeries keyboard with relatively quiet clatter save for the loud Space key
Arrow keys are smaller and more cramped than the main QWERTY keys. Feedback is otherwise similar despite the size difference
Arrow keys are smaller and more cramped than the main QWERTY keys. Feedback is otherwise similar despite the size difference

Display

The Alienware m15 R3 drops the 60 Hz and 240 Hz IPS options on last year's model in favor of 144 Hz as the new base option and 300 Hz as the new high-end option. The 300 Hz AUO B156HAN on our test unit is similar to the one found on the MSI GS66. Users can also configure with 60 Hz 4K OLED, but the ultra-smooth refresh rate of 300 Hz makes it tough to go back to 60 Hz unless if you really value the deeper colors and higher native resolution of OLED.

60 Hz, 144 Hz, 300 Hz, and 4K UHD OLED options
60 Hz, 144 Hz, 300 Hz, and 4K UHD OLED options
Very narrow side bezels relative to the thick bottom and top bezels
Very narrow side bezels relative to the thick bottom and top bezels
Matte panel is slightly grainier when compared to glossy
Matte panel is slightly grainier when compared to glossy
Moderate-heavy uneven backlight bleeding along the bottom right corner
Moderate-heavy uneven backlight bleeding along the bottom right corner
304.1
cd/m²
317.1
cd/m²
294.2
cd/m²
323
cd/m²
326.7
cd/m²
311.6
cd/m²
321
cd/m²
338.5
cd/m²
307.2
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
AU Optronics B156HAN tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 338.5 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 315.9 cd/m² Minimum: 15.13 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 326.7 cd/m²
Contrast: 990:1 (Black: 0.33 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 2.4 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 1.51
ΔE Greyscale 3.2 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
99.2% sRGB (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
63.7% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
69.8% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
98.9% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
68.6% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.13
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
AU Optronics B156HAN, IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080
Alienware m15 P79F
Samsung SDCA029, 156WR04, OLED, 15.60, 3840x2160
Eluktronics RP-15
BOE NV156FHM-N4G, IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
Samsung SDCA029, AMOLED, 15.60, 3840x2160
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
AU Optronics B156HAN08.2 (AUO82ED), IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
AUO B156HAN12.0 (AUO328E), IPS, 15.60, 1920x1080
Display
30%
-7%
29%
-6%
1%
Display P3 Coverage
68.6
99.9
46%
63.7
-7%
99.9
46%
64.9
-5%
69.5
1%
sRGB Coverage
98.9
100
1%
92
-7%
100
1%
91
-8%
99.6
1%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
69.8
100
43%
65.2
-7%
97.4
40%
65.9
-6%
70.8
1%
Response Times
57%
-163%
54%
-31%
-120%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
4 ?(1.6, 2.4)
2.6 ?(1.2, 1.4)
35%
17.2 ?(6, 11.2)
-330%
2.7 ?(1.2, 1.5)
32%
7.2 ?(3.8, 3.4)
-80%
14 ?(6.8, 7.2)
-250%
Response Time Black / White *
10.8 ?(5.2, 5.6)
2.3 ?(1, 1.3)
79%
10.4 ?(6, 4.4)
4%
2.6 ?(1.1, 1.5)
76%
8.8 ?(4.4, 4.4)
19%
9.6 ?(5.2, 4.4)
11%
PWM Frequency
60.2 ?(100)
59.5 ?(100)
Screen
-17%
-28%
-5%
-5%
5%
Brightness middle
326.7
452.1
38%
298.6
-9%
366.7
12%
286
-12%
316
-3%
Brightness
316
452
43%
289
-9%
371
17%
275
-13%
311
-2%
Brightness Distribution
87
90
3%
90
3%
91
5%
90
3%
92
6%
Black Level *
0.33
0.35
-6%
0.37
-12%
0.21
36%
Contrast
990
853
-14%
773
-22%
1505
52%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
2.4
6.34
-164%
5.01
-109%
5.21
-117%
2.19
9%
3.03
-26%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
6.06
12.97
-114%
7.06
-17%
7.92
-31%
4.4
27%
7.32
-21%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
1.51
2.52
-67%
2.27
-50%
1.1
27%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
3.2
2.8
12%
5.4
-69%
2
37%
2.2
31%
3.9
-22%
Gamma
2.13 103%
2.21 100%
2.54 87%
2.17 101%
2.41 91%
2.42 91%
CCT
7129 91%
6114 106%
7461 87%
6514 100%
6405 101%
7439 87%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
63.7
91
43%
59.1
-7%
86.6
36%
59
-7%
65
2%
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
99.2
100
1%
91.6
-8%
100
1%
91
-8%
100
1%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
23% / 5%
-66% / -41%
26% / 12%
-14% / -8%
-38% / -12%

* ... smaller is better

Color space covers all of sRGB and approximately 64 percent of AdobeRGB much like most other fast refresh rate panels. Dell's OLED option promises DCI-P3 coverage with HDR playback compatibility at the cost of a slower 60 Hz refresh rate.

vs. sRGB
vs. sRGB
vs. AdobeRGB
vs. AdobeRGB

Measurements with an X-Rite colorimeter reveal color temperature to be slightly on the cool side. An end-user calibration addresses this to improve the average grayscale DeltaE value from an already low 3.2 to an even lower 1.8. Otherwise, colors are accurate out of the box with no real need for further calibration.

Grayscale before calibration
Grayscale before calibration
Saturation Sweeps before calibration
Saturation Sweeps before calibration
ColorChecker before calibration
ColorChecker before calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Grayscale after calibration
Saturation Sweeps after calibration
Saturation Sweeps after calibration
ColorChecker after calibration
ColorChecker after calibration

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
10.8 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 5.2 ms rise
↘ 5.6 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 23 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
4 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 1.6 ms rise
↘ 2.4 ms fall
The screen shows very fast response rates in our tests and should be very well suited for fast-paced gaming.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 9 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18110 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

At 300 nits, the display is about average for its category. The OLED option will offer better outdoor viewability since it is both brighter and with higher contrast.

Outdoors on a cloudy day
Outdoors on a cloudy day
Outdoors under shade
Outdoors under shade
Outdoors on a cloudy day
Outdoors on a cloudy day
Wide IPS viewing angles. Colors and contrast shift if viewing from extreme angles
Wide IPS viewing angles. Colors and contrast shift if viewing from extreme angles

Performance

Users can choose between the 10th gen 6-core Core i7-10750H or unlocked 8-core Core i9-10980HK with no third option. A Core i7-10875H or even Ryzen 7 4800H would have been nice to see.

Graphics options range from the Radeon RX 5500M on the low end up to the GTX 1660 Ti, RTX 2060, RTX 2070, RTX 2070 Super, or RTX 2080 Super Max-Q. Mobile Nvidia GPUs have gotten out of control lately and so we recommend picking carefully.

Dell says Nvidia Optimus is not included on SKUs with the 300 Hz panel like the one we have here because the integrated UHD Graphics 630 would have issues running the 300 Hz display. However, Optimus *is* available on the OLED and 144 Hz SKUs which should lead to longer battery life on those configurations.

G-Sync is not supported on the internal 300 Hz display despite the lack of Optimus on our test unit. Fortunately, the feature is still available when connected to external monitors.

All benchmarks below were run on Turbo mode for the best scores possible.

 

Processor

CPU performance is excellent especially in regard to sustainability. When running CineBench R15 xT in a loop, results would be constant throughout without the usual dips over time that we normally see on most other laptops as shown by the chart below.

Upgrading to the Core i9-10980HK should bring roughly 30 percent faster multi-threaded performance. It's too bad that Dell doesn't offer the Core i7-10875H as that would have performed similarly to the Core i9-10980HK but for a cheaper price.

See our dedicated page on the Core i7-10750H for more technical information and benchmark comparisons.

CineBench R15
CineBench R15
CineBench R20
CineBench R20
07014021028035042049056063070077084091098010501120119012601330Tooltip
Alienware m15 R3 P87F GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H, 2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0); CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø1338 (1320.39-1347.39)
Asus ROG Strix G15 G512LI GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Mobile, i7-10750H, Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø1253 (1225.64-1341.61)
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328 GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H, Lite-On CA5-8D512; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø1069 (1047.18-1166.18)
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Mobile, R5 4600H, SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø1341 (1313.46-1397.77)
Maingear Vector 15 GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile, i7-9750H; CPU Multi 64Bit: Ø1181 (1168.74-1264.9)
Cinebench R20: CPU (Multi Core) | CPU (Single Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Multi 64Bit | CPU Single 64Bit
Blender: v2.79 BMW27 CPU
7-Zip 18.03: 7z b 4 -mmt1 | 7z b 4
Geekbench 5.5: Single-Core | Multi-Core
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2: 4k Preset
LibreOffice : 20 Documents To PDF
R Benchmark 2.5: Overall mean
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core)
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
6381 Points +93%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
4396 Points +33%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
3871 Points +17%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
3801 Points +15%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Intel Core i9-9880H
3505 Points +6%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
3299 Points
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
3224 Points -2%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (1749 - 3325, n=43)
2848 Points -14%
Maingear Vector 15
Intel Core i7-9750H
2784 Points -16%
MSI GE63 Raider 8SG
Intel Core i7-8750H
2142 Points -35%
Asus Zephyrus GX501
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
1765 Points -46%
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core)
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
532 Points +11%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
511 Points +7%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
490 Points +2%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
482 Points +1%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
479 Points
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Intel Core i9-9880H
474 Points -1%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (431 - 504, n=43)
473 Points -1%
Maingear Vector 15
Intel Core i7-9750H
432 Points -10%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
428 Points -11%
MSI GE63 Raider 8SG
Intel Core i7-8750H
409 Points -15%
Asus Zephyrus GX501
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
382 Points -20%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
2620 Points +95%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
1972 (1142.92min - 1972max) Points +46%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
1818 (1544.4min - 1818.6max) Points +35%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
1733 (1604.75min - 1733.1max) Points +29%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Intel Core i9-9880H
1623 Points +20%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
1398 (1313.46min - 1397.77max) Points +4%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
1347 (1320.39min - 1347.39max) Points
Maingear Vector 15
Intel Core i7-9750H
1280 Points -5%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (804 - 1418, n=50)
1263 Points -6%
MSI GE63 Raider 8SG
Intel Core i7-8750H
1016 Points -25%
Asus Zephyrus GX501
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
735 Points -45%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
224 Points +11%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
213 Points +6%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
211 Points +5%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
201 Points
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Intel Core i9-9880H
198 Points -1%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (184 - 213, n=45)
196.7 Points -2%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
188 Points -6%
Maingear Vector 15
Intel Core i7-9750H
186 Points -7%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
178 Points -11%
MSI GE63 Raider 8SG
Intel Core i7-8750H
167 Points -17%
Asus Zephyrus GX501
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
160 Points -20%
Blender / v2.79 BMW27 CPU
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (322 - 587, n=43)
389 Seconds * -19%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
345 Seconds * -6%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
326 Seconds *
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
285 Seconds * +13%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
279 Seconds * +14%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
276 Seconds * +15%
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
167.3 Seconds * +49%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4 -mmt1
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
5954 MIPS +32%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
5525 MIPS +23%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
5457 MIPS +21%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (4504 - 5470, n=43)
5114 MIPS +14%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
4666 MIPS +4%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
4504 MIPS
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
4471 MIPS -1%
7-Zip 18.03 / 7z b 4
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
70968 MIPS +101%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
49685 MIPS +41%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
47806 MIPS +35%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
47170 MIPS +33%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
36693 MIPS +4%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
35346 MIPS
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (26040 - 37345, n=43)
33946 MIPS -4%
Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
1449 Points +14%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
1368 Points +8%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
1347 Points +6%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
1269 Points
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (1114 - 1333, n=43)
1263 Points 0%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
1158 Points -9%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
1108 Points -13%
Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
11414 Points +79%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
8586 Points +35%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
8087 Points +27%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
7775 Points +22%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
6380 Points
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (4443 - 6674, n=43)
6135 Points -4%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
5260 Points -18%
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 / 4k Preset
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
21 fps +89%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
13 fps +17%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
13 fps +17%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
12.6 fps +14%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
11.1 fps
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (5.54 - 11.6, n=43)
9.61 fps -13%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
9.27 fps -16%
LibreOffice / 20 Documents To PDF
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
76 s * -26%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
69.1 s * -15%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
64.1 s * -7%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
60.1 s *
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (43.1 - 99.2, n=43)
53.3 s * +11%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
52.4 s * +13%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
48.4 s * +19%
R Benchmark 2.5 / Overall mean
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H
0.708 sec *
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H
0.626 sec * +12%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H
  (0.578 - 0.708, n=42)
0.611 sec * +14%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
0.569 sec * +20%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK
0.565 sec * +20%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
Intel Core i7-10875H
0.547 sec * +23%
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K
0.528 sec * +25%

* ... smaller is better

Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64Bit
1347 Points
Cinebench R15 OpenGL 64Bit
135 fps
Cinebench R15 Ref. Match 64Bit
99.6 %
Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64Bit
201 Points
Help

System Performance

PCMark results are where we expect them to be for the high-end gaming category. We highly recommend that users become familiar with the pre-installed Alienware Command Center software as it directly controls the performance and fan behavior of the laptop more so than the default Windows power profiles.

PCMark 10 Standard
PCMark 10 Standard
PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 8 Home Accelerated
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated
PCMark 8 Work Accelerated
PCMark 10
Score
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i9-10980HK, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB1T0HALR
6490 Points +4%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H, 2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0)
6255 Points
Average Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (5179 - 6255, n=4)
5792 Points -7%
Eluktronics RP-15
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H, Phison PM81000GPMQCN28BTF-E12S4 M.2 NVM SSD
5706 Points -9%
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-9750H, 2x Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8 (RAID 0)
5654 Points -10%
Alienware m15 P79F
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
5485 Points -12%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H, Lite-On CA5-8D512
5244 Points -16%
Essentials
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H, Lite-On CA5-8D512
9993 Points +5%
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i9-10980HK, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB1T0HALR
9953 Points +4%
Eluktronics RP-15
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H, Phison PM81000GPMQCN28BTF-E12S4 M.2 NVM SSD
9765 Points +2%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (9509 - 10017, n=4)
9735 Points +2%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H, 2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0)
9540 Points
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-9750H, 2x Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8 (RAID 0)
9231 Points -3%
Alienware m15 P79F
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
8599 Points -10%
Productivity
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i9-10980HK, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB1T0HALR
8452 Points +8%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (7860 - 8826, n=4)
8255 Points +5%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H, Lite-On CA5-8D512
7954 Points +1%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H, 2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0)
7860 Points
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-9750H, 2x Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8 (RAID 0)
7661 Points -3%
Eluktronics RP-15
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H, Phison PM81000GPMQCN28BTF-E12S4 M.2 NVM SSD
7586 Points -3%
Alienware m15 P79F
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
7445 Points -5%
Digital Content Creation
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H, 2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0)
8855 Points
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i9-10980HK, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB1T0HALR
8819 Points 0%
Alienware m15 P79F
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
6998 Points -21%
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-9750H, 2x Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8 (RAID 0)
6936 Points -22%
Eluktronics RP-15
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H, Phison PM81000GPMQCN28BTF-E12S4 M.2 NVM SSD
6808 Points -23%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (4872 - 8855, n=4)
6734 Points -24%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H, Lite-On CA5-8D512
4926 Points -44%
PCMark 8
Home Score Accelerated v2
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H, 2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0)
5702 Points
Eluktronics RP-15
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H, Phison PM81000GPMQCN28BTF-E12S4 M.2 NVM SSD
4937 Points -13%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (3372 - 5702, n=4)
4545 Points -20%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H, Lite-On CA5-8D512
3696 Points -35%
Alienware m15 P79F
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
3570 Points -37%
Work Score Accelerated v2
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H, 2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0)
6224 Points
Eluktronics RP-15
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H, Phison PM81000GPMQCN28BTF-E12S4 M.2 NVM SSD
5969 Points -4%
Average Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (5678 - 6224, n=4)
5940 Points -5%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H, Lite-On CA5-8D512
4705 Points -24%
Alienware m15 P79F
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-8750H, Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
4465 Points -28%
PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2
5702 points
PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2
6224 points
PCMark 10 Score
6255 points
Help

DPC Latency

LatencyMon shows DPC latency issues when opening multiple tabs on our homepage. 4K UHD video playback on YouTube is otherwise smooth and with no dropped frames unlike what we observed on the recent Asus ROG G532.

DPC Latencies / LatencyMon - interrupt to process latency (max), Web, Youtube, Prime95
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
Radeon RX 5600M, R7 4800H, Samsung PM991 MZ9LQ512HALU
2216 μs * -84%
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i9-10980HK, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB1T0HALR
1916 μs * -59%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H, Intel Optane Memory H10 with Solid State Storage 32GB + 512GB HBRPEKNX0202A(L/H)
1877 μs * -56%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK, 2x Intel SSD 660p 1TB SSDPEKNW010T8 (RAID 0)
1475 μs * -22%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H, 2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0)
1206 μs *
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SE-045
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, i7-10750H, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB1T0HALR
1154 μs * +4%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Mobile, R5 4600H, SK Hynix BC511 HFM512GDJTNI
1000 μs * +17%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H, Lite-On CA5-8D512
905 μs * +25%
Eluktronics RP-15
GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H, Phison PM81000GPMQCN28BTF-E12S4 M.2 NVM SSD
515 μs * +57%
MSI GS75 10SF-609US
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10875H, WDC PC SN730 SDBPNTY-512G
364 μs * +70%

* ... smaller is better

Storage Devices

There are three M.2 storage slots compared to two on last year's model, but the third one only accepts shorter 2230 or 2242 drives. Our unit comes configured with two 512 GB Micron 2200S NVMe SSDs in RAID 0 configuration. Performance is close to a single 512 GB Lite-On CA5-8D512 SSD as found on the Razer Blade 15. It's possible that other SKUs and capacities will come from different drive manufacturers and not just Micron.

CDM 5.5
CDM 5.5
AS SSD
AS SSD
WLAN module sits in between the second and third M.2 slots
WLAN module sits in between the second and third M.2 slots
Copper heat spreaders for both our M.2 SSDs
Copper heat spreaders for both our M.2 SSDs
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0)
Alienware m15 P79F
Toshiba XG5 KXG50ZNV512G
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
Lite-On CA5-8D512
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
2x Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8 (RAID 0)
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB1T0HALR
AS SSD
-9%
4%
2%
25%
Seq Read
2058
1937
-6%
2021
-2%
2506
22%
1065
-48%
Seq Write
2316
1066
-54%
2090
-10%
1712
-26%
2360
2%
4K Read
39.72
31.76
-20%
47.71
20%
48.32
22%
48.09
21%
4K Write
62.9
102.6
63%
101.1
61%
103.6
65%
110.7
76%
4K-64 Read
1334
1140
-15%
856
-36%
624
-53%
1635
23%
4K-64 Write
1271
938
-26%
1041
-18%
1253
-1%
1829
44%
Access Time Read *
0.062
0.058
6%
0.052
16%
0.08
-29%
0.071
-15%
Access Time Write *
0.388
0.04
90%
0.111
71%
0.04
90%
0.034
91%
Score Read
1580
1366
-14%
1105
-30%
923
-42%
1790
13%
Score Write
1565
1147
-27%
1351
-14%
1528
-2%
2176
39%
Score Total
3968
3168
-20%
3037
-23%
2896
-27%
4950
25%
Copy ISO MB/s
1685
946
-44%
2474
47%
Copy Program MB/s
669
452.8
-32%
679
1%
Copy Game MB/s
1493
1013
-32%
1037
-31%
CrystalDiskMark 5.2 / 6
5%
13%
-6%
9%
Write 4K
67.3
148.4
121%
118.7
76%
97
44%
131.3
95%
Read 4K
41.47
49.65
20%
52.4
26%
49.58
20%
45.84
11%
Write Seq
2239
1139
-49%
2247
0%
1838
-18%
2370
6%
Read Seq
2112
2353
11%
2234
6%
2421
15%
1509
-29%
Write 4K Q32T1
488.9
484.7
-1%
515
5%
326.9
-33%
481.5
-2%
Read 4K Q32T1
557
542
-3%
584
5%
372.9
-33%
560
1%
Write Seq Q32T1
2654
1139
-57%
2235
-16%
1894
-29%
2392
-10%
Read Seq Q32T1
3137
3108
-1%
3171
1%
2828
-10%
3232
3%
Total Average (Program / Settings)
-2% / -4%
9% / 7%
-2% / -1%
17% / 18%

* ... smaller is better

2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0)
CDM 5/6 Read Seq Q32T1: 3137 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write Seq Q32T1: 2654 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K Q32T1: 557 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K Q32T1: 488.9 MB/s
CDM 5 Read Seq: 2112 MB/s
CDM 5 Write Seq: 2239 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Read 4K: 41.47 MB/s
CDM 5/6 Write 4K: 67.3 MB/s

Disk Throttling: DiskSpd Read Loop, Queue Depth 8

No graph data

GPU Performance

The GeForce RTX 2070 is performing where we expect it to be relative to other laptops in our database equipped with the same GPU. Raw performance is almost 20 percent faster than the RTX 2070 Max-Q version as found on the Razer Blade 15 to be on the same level as the RTX 2070 Super Max-Q. Upgrading to the RTX 2070 Super or RTX 2080 Super Max-Q will net users very marginal improvements in the one-digit range based on our experience with a range of gaming laptops.

Interestingly, Fire Strike scores between Balanced mode, Performance mode, and Turbo fan mode are very close between them despite the differences in fan noise. If you don't plan on overclocking and don't mind higher core temperatures, then you can game on Balanced mode or Performance mode for quieter fan noise without sacrificing all that much performance.

See our dedicated page on the mobile GeForce RTX 2070 for more technical information and benchmark comparisons.

3DMark 11
3DMark 11
Fire Strike Ultra
Fire Strike Ultra
Time Spy
Time Spy
Fire Strike (Balanced mode)
Fire Strike (Balanced mode)
Fire Strike (Turbo fan mode)
Fire Strike (Turbo fan mode)
Fire Strike (Performance mode)
Fire Strike (Performance mode)
3DMark
1920x1080 Fire Strike Graphics
Intel Core i9-10900K
NVIDIA Titan RTX, i9-10900K
35884 Points +73%
MSI GE63 Raider 8SG
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile, i7-8750H
25432 Points +23%
Asus Strix Scar 17 G732LXS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK
24416 Points +18%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK
22183 Points +7%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H
21121 Points +2%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i9-9880H
20997 Points +1%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H
20712 Points
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (18169 - 21138, n=19)
20123 Points -3%
Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 GX550LXS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q, i9-10980HK
19914 Points -4%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Radeon RX 5600M, R7 4800H
18807 Points -9%
Asus Zephyrus GX501
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Max-Q, i7-7700HQ
18219 Points -12%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H
18166 Points -12%
Eluktronics RP-15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H
16808 Points -19%
Maingear Vector 15
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile, i7-9750H
14718 Points -29%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Mobile, R5 4600H
10209 Points -51%
2560x1440 Time Spy Graphics
Intel Core i9-10900K
NVIDIA Titan RTX, i9-10900K
14857 Points +88%
MSI GE63 Raider 8SG
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile, i7-8750H
9797 Points +24%
Asus Strix Scar 17 G732LXS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK
9638 Points +22%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK
8389 Points +6%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i9-9880H
8028 Points +1%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H
7910 Points
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H
7829 Points -1%
Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 GX550LXS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q, i9-10980HK
7665 Points -3%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (7006 - 8028, n=18)
7651 Points -3%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H
6722 Points -15%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Radeon RX 5600M, R7 4800H
6312 Points -20%
Eluktronics RP-15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H
6280 Points -21%
Asus Zephyrus GX501
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Max-Q, i7-7700HQ
5636 Points -29%
Maingear Vector 15
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile, i7-9750H
5534 Points -30%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Mobile, R5 4600H
3773 Points -52%
2560x1440 Time Spy Score
Intel Core i9-10900K
NVIDIA Titan RTX, i9-10900K
14774 Points +89%
Asus Strix Scar 17 G732LXS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK
9629 Points +23%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK
8531 Points +9%
MSI GE63 Raider 8SG
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile, i7-8750H
8501 Points +9%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i9-9880H
8110 Points +4%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H
8066 Points +3%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H
7818 Points
Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 GX550LXS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q, i9-10980HK
7780 Points 0%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (6890 - 8253, n=18)
7537 Points -4%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Radeon RX 5600M, R7 4800H
6610 Points -15%
Eluktronics RP-15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H
6600 Points -16%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H
6527 Points -17%
Maingear Vector 15
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile, i7-9750H
5697 Points -27%
Asus Zephyrus GX501
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Max-Q, i7-7700HQ
5390 Points -31%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Mobile, R5 4600H
4011 Points -49%
3DMark 11
1280x720 Performance GPU
Intel Core i9-10900K
NVIDIA Titan RTX, i9-10900K
51146 Points +96%
MSI GE63 Raider 8SG
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile, i7-8750H
34897 Points +33%
Asus Strix Scar 17 G732LXS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK
34021 Points +30%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK
30568 Points +17%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H
28900 Points +10%
Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 GX550LXS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q, i9-10980HK
27202 Points +4%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H
26160 Points
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i9-9880H
25845 Points -1%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (23335 - 27298, n=21)
25775 Points -1%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Radeon RX 5600M, R7 4800H
25706 Points -2%
Asus Zephyrus GX501
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Max-Q, i7-7700HQ
23540 Points -10%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H
23326 Points -11%
Eluktronics RP-15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H
22629 Points -13%
Maingear Vector 15
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile, i7-9750H
19670 Points -25%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Mobile, R5 4600H
13927 Points -47%
1280x720 Performance Combined
Intel Core i9-10900K
NVIDIA Titan RTX, i9-10900K
22283 Points +68%
Asus Strix Scar 17 G732LXS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK
17605 Points +33%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i9-9880H
16364 Points +24%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XB-8DE51B0SP
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i7-10875H
16347 Points +23%
Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo 15 GX550LXS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q, i9-10980HK
15885 Points +20%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK
15465 Points +17%
Eluktronics RP-15
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, R7 4800H
13824 Points +4%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H
13239 Points
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Radeon RX 5600M, R7 4800H
13126 Points -1%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (8716 - 16364, n=21)
12534 Points -5%
Maingear Vector 15
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile, i7-9750H
12192 Points -8%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H
11818 Points -11%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Mobile, R5 4600H
9885 Points -25%
MSI GE63 Raider 8SG
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Mobile, i7-8750H
9038 Points -32%
Asus Zephyrus GX501
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Max-Q, i7-7700HQ
8935 Points -33%
3DMark 11 Performance
21233 points
3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score
41006 points
3DMark Fire Strike Score
18127 points
3DMark Time Spy Score
7818 points
Help
Shadow of the Tomb Raider - 1920x1080 Highest Preset AA:T
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K, NVIDIA Titan RTX
165 fps +77%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
104 fps +12%
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Intel Core i9-9880H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
95 fps +2%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
93 fps
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
91 (72min) fps -2%
MSI GS75 10SF-609US
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
89 fps -4%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (74.2 - 97, n=11)
88.7 fps -5%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
85 fps -9%
Alienware m15 P79F
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
84 fps -10%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XA
Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
80.6 fps -13%
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SE-045
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
77 fps -17%
Eluktronics RP-15
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
75 fps -19%
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
74.2 fps -20%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, AMD Radeon RX 5600M
68 fps -27%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Mobile
51 (39min) fps -45%
The Witcher 3 - 1920x1080 Ultra Graphics & Postprocessing (HBAO+)
Intel Core i9-10900K
Intel Core i9-10900K, NVIDIA Titan RTX
139 (129min - 151max) fps +72%
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
Intel Core i9-10980HK, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile
85.7 (80min - 91max) fps +6%
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
81 (77min - 86max) fps
MSI GE65 Raider 9SF-049US
Intel Core i9-9880H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
78.4 fps -3%
Average NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
  (64 - 82.1, n=21)
74.3 fps -8%
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
Intel Core i9-10980HK, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q
70.5 (55min) fps -13%
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile
70.2 (58min) fps -13%
MSI GS75 10SF-609US
Intel Core i7-10875H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
67.5 (61min - 75max) fps -17%
Dell G5 15 SE 5505 P89F
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, AMD Radeon RX 5600M
66.1 (62min - 70max) fps -18%
Alienware m15 P79F
Intel Core i7-8750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
64.4 fps -20%
Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED XA
Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
63.5 fps -22%
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SE-045
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
63.4 (48min) fps -22%
Eluktronics RP-15
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile
62.4 fps -23%
Asus Zephyrus GX501
Intel Core i7-7700HQ, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Max-Q
61.9 fps -24%
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
61.9 (58min - 69max) fps -24%
Maingear Vector 15
Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Mobile
61.3 fps -24%
Asus ROG Strix G15 G512LI
Intel Core i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Mobile
40.1 (37min - 44max) fps -50%
Acer Nitro 5 AN515-44-R5FT
AMD Ryzen 5 4600H, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Mobile
38.3 (29min) fps -53%
051015202530354045505560657075Tooltip
Alienware m15 R3 P87F GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H, 2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0); FPS: Ø70.8 (65-79)
low med. high ultra
The Witcher 3 (2015) 356.7 249.9 149.8 81
Dota 2 Reborn (2015) 142 133 125 120
X-Plane 11.11 (2018) 96.1 87.3 71.9
Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) 138 111 103 93

Emissions

System Noise

Perhaps the most important change between the m15 R2 and m15 R3 relates to the new Cryo-Tech cooling solution. The m15 R3 utilizes 39 percent more copper and 25 percent more fan blades over the m15 R2 for approximately 10 percent greater CFM air intake. To top it all off, the system now integrates vapor chamber cooling for all Nvidia GPU SKUs which Dell also recently embraced for its XPS 17 series. The vapor chamber applies only to the CPU and not the GPU, however.

While the vapor chamber has a significant impact on CPU temperature that our next section will demonstrate, fan noise and behavior hasn't changed by all that much gen-to-gen. Gaming, for example, still induces a fan noise of ~50 dB(A) much like most other high-performance gaming laptops in this size class. The Alienware is therefore not noticeably quieter or louder despite the cooling changes.

Fan noise will hover up to a maximum of 30.7 db(A) against a background of 26.3 dB(A) when set to Quiet mode while Turbo mode will instantly crank up the fans to their maximum of 59.7 dB(A) no matter the onscreen load. The fans will also pulse more frequently if set to Balanced mode and so it's recommended to run the laptop on Quiet mode if simply browsing or video streaming.

Evolution of Alienware m15 cooling from the R1 up to the R3 (Source: Dell)
Evolution of Alienware m15 cooling from the R1 up to the R3 (Source: Dell)
twin ~55 mm to 60 mm fans. They are essentially silent when browsing on Quiet mode
twin ~55 mm to 60 mm fans. They are essentially silent when browsing on Quiet mode
Fan noise ramps up quickly when set to Balanced mode or higher. We're able to notice coil whine or electronic noise when placing an ear near the keyboard keys
Fan noise ramps up quickly when set to Balanced mode or higher. We're able to notice coil whine or electronic noise when placing an ear near the keyboard keys
Fan noise profile (White: Background, Red: System idle, Blue: 3DMark 06, Orange: Witcher 3 on Performance power profile, Green: Turbo mode)
Fan noise profile (White: Background, Red: System idle, Blue: 3DMark 06, Orange: Witcher 3 on Performance power profile, Green: Turbo mode)
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-10750H, 2x Micron 2200S 512 GB (RAID 0)
Alienware m15 R2 P87F
GeForce RTX 2080 Max-Q, i7-9750H, 2x Toshiba XG6 KXG60ZNV512G (RAID 0)
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, i7-10750H, Lite-On CA5-8D512
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, i7-9750H, 2x Intel SSD 660p SSDPEKNW512G8 (RAID 0)
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, i9-10980HK, Samsung SSD PM981 MZVLB1T0HALR
Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 G532LWS
GeForce RTX 2070 Super Mobile, i9-10980HK, 2x Intel SSD 660p 1TB SSDPEKNW010T8 (RAID 0)
Noise
-13%
-3%
-14%
-15%
-10%
off / environment *
26.3
28.3
-8%
28.4
-8%
30
-14%
30
-14%
26.5
-1%
Idle Minimum *
26.7
28.5
-7%
28.4
-6%
31
-16%
32
-20%
27.1
-1%
Idle Average *
26.7
28.5
-7%
28.4
-6%
33
-24%
34
-27%
32.2
-21%
Idle Maximum *
30.7
49
-60%
31.7
-3%
38
-24%
39
-27%
34
-11%
Load Average *
40.2
49
-22%
47.7
-19%
50
-24%
53
-32%
52.4
-30%
Witcher 3 ultra *
51
49
4%
47.5
7%
53
-4%
48
6%
57.5
-13%
Load Maximum *
59.7
55
8%
49.5
17%
56
6%
53
11%
57.5
4%

* ... smaller is better

Noise Level

Idle
26.7 / 26.7 / 30.7 dB(A)
Load
40.2 / 59.7 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 26.3 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2038.43939.841.640.32533.532.733.135.237.63135.135.535.535.538403028.325.327.933.55029.130.527.127.733.36338.133.527.630.331.28029.427.125.926.731.710027.325.524.924.43212529.626.222.923.930.316029.626.422.522.832.92003327.319.420.236.52503427.819.420.638.631536.9311817.843.340039.331.21618.345.250038.429.914.916.144.763036.929.114.314.143.38003526.813.513.541.6100036.927.813.513.344125038.129.513.412.945.7160040.131.114.51347.4200041.130.313.813.248.8250040.729.513.713.349315040.629.414.413.349.7400042.126.614.113.550.9500040.524.115.513.650.463003418.614.713.747.7800030.115.81413.743.21000025.914.91413.740.21250022.614.614.313.4381600017.513.31312.731.7SPL51.140.226.726.359.7N7.63.40.90.813.5median 36.9median 27.3median 14.4median 13.7median 43.3Delta5.34.52.22.75.5hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseAlienware m15 R3 P87F

Temperature

Surface temperatures when idling are very warm with hot spots reaching 43 C to 45 C likely because the fans are completely idle at this state. Thus, the price to pay for a silent browsing or video streaming experience is a warmer laptop.

When gaming or running extreme loads, surface temperatures can reach over 50 C near the center of the keyboard similar to what we recorded on the MSI GS66. The WASD keys become warm as well but not enough to be uncomfortable to the touch.

Four sets of exhaust vents
Four sets of exhaust vents
AC adapter when running extreme loads
AC adapter when running extreme loads
Max. Load
 44.6 °C
112 F
55.8 °C
132 F
44.2 °C
112 F
 
 37.2 °C
99 F
50 °C
122 F
37 °C
99 F
 
 29.4 °C
85 F
29.2 °C
85 F
28.8 °C
84 F
 
Maximum: 55.8 °C = 132 F
Average: 39.6 °C = 103 F
44.2 °C
112 F
50 °C
122 F
45 °C
113 F
32.6 °C
91 F
62 °C
144 F
33.8 °C
93 F
31 °C
88 F
36.2 °C
97 F
32.4 °C
90 F
Maximum: 62 °C = 144 F
Average: 40.8 °C = 105 F
Power Supply (max.)  54 °C = 129 F | Room Temperature 22 °C = 72 F | Fluke 62 Mini IR Thermometer
(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 39.6 °C / 103 F, compared to the average of 33.8 °C / 93 F for the devices in the class Gaming.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 55.8 °C / 132 F, compared to the average of 40.4 °C / 105 F, ranging from 21.2 to 68.8 °C for the class Gaming.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 62 °C / 144 F, compared to the average of 43.2 °C / 110 F
(±) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 35.4 °C / 96 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(±) Playing The Witcher 3, the average temperature for the upper side is 35.8 °C / 96 F, compared to the device average of 33.8 °C / 93 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are cooler than skin temperature with a maximum of 29.4 °C / 84.9 F and are therefore cool to the touch.
(±) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.9 °C / 84 F (-0.5 °C / -0.9 F).
System idle (top)
System idle (top)
System idle (bottom)
System idle (bottom)
Witcher 3 stress (top)
Witcher 3 stress (top)
Witcher 3 stress (bottom)
Witcher 3 stress (bottom)
Prime95+FurMark stress (top)
Prime95+FurMark stress (top)
Prime95+FurMark stress (bottom)
Prime95+FurMark stress (bottom)

Stress Test

When running Prime95, clock rates would spike to 4.4 GHz for a couple of seconds before stabilizing at 4.2 GHz and at a core temperature of 81 C. Running both Prime95 and FurMark will cause the CPU to run at 99 C much like on most other Alienware and XPS 15/17 systems. The high core temperature is the price to pay for the excellent CPU performance sustainability we mentioned above.

Running Witcher 3 in Turbo fan mode is more representative of real-world gaming loads. The CPU and GPU would stabilize at 73 C and 65 C, respectively, compared to 96 C and 79 C on the cheaper MSI GL65 equipped with the same CPU and GPU. If the Alienware is running on Balanced mode, CPU and GPU temperatures would stabilize at warmer 80 C and 74 C readings, respectively, while clock rates remain almost the same. Thus, Turbo fan mode can provide additional headroom for end-user GPU overclocking.

Results are still significantly better than what we recorded on last year's m15 R2 where the CPU and GPU would stabilize at 99 C and 70 C, respectively, even when Turbo fan mode is active. Dell's new cooling solution for the m15 R3 is likely responsible for the tangible improvements. 

Running on battery power will limit graphics performance. A Fire Strike run on batteries would return Physics and Graphics scores of 18534 and 9994 points, respectively, compared to 18538 and 20712 points when on mains.

System idle (Turbo fan on)
System idle (Turbo fan on)
Witcher 3 stress (Turbo fan on)
Witcher 3 stress (Turbo fan on)
Prime95 stress (Turbo fan on)
Prime95 stress (Turbo fan on)
Prime95+FurMark stress (Turbo fan on)
Prime95+FurMark stress (Turbo fan on)
CPU Clock (GHz) GPU Clock (MHz) Average CPU Temperature (°C) Average GPU Temperature (°C)
System Idle (Turbo fan off) -- -- 48 50
System Idle (Turbo fan on) -- -- 34 34
Prime95 Stress (Turbo fan on) 4.2 -- 81 48
Prime95 + FurMark Stress (Turbo fan on) 3.8 1305 94 75
Witcher 3 Stress (Turbo fan on) 4.2 - 4.3 1650 ~73 65

Speakers

Stereo speakers located near front corners. Palm rests will vibrate to the touch when volume is high
Stereo speakers located near front corners. Palm rests will vibrate to the touch when volume is high
Pink noise at maximum volume. Bass reproduction could be better considering the size of the system
Pink noise at maximum volume. Bass reproduction could be better considering the size of the system
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2037.939.837.92532.333.132.33134.635.534.64030.525.330.5503227.1326334.627.634.68034.925.934.910040.524.940.512545.922.945.916051.722.551.720054.919.454.92506119.46131563.71863.740058.21658.25005614.95663064.614.364.680071.413.571.4100071.913.571.9125073.513.473.5160074.514.574.5200080.113.880.1250077.713.777.7315078.714.478.7400082.514.182.5500076.715.576.7630069.214.769.2800076.81476.81000079.61479.61250080.914.380.91600080.31380.3SPL89.526.789.5N760.976median 73.5median 14.4median 73.5Delta9.72.29.735.335.132.931.831.83236.535.132.428.93328.936.328.848.32761.52752.924.860.92462.822.763.32269.521.267.82174.82075.919.472.718.97117.770.117.86917.671.817.668.117.671.417.673.717.670.417.571.617.671.617.669.617.459.717.583.630.662.51.5median 69.6median 17.84.72.4hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseAlienware m15 R3 P87FApple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Alienware m15 R3 P87F audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (89.5 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(-) | nearly no bass - on average 20.6% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (8.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(±) | reduced mids - on average 6.6% lower than median
(+) | mids are linear (6.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | higher highs - on average 5% higher than median
(±) | linearity of highs is average (7.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(±) | linearity of overall sound is average (16.5% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 39% of all tested devices in this class were better, 6% similar, 55% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 18%, worst was 132%
Compared to all devices tested
» 23% of all tested devices were better, 5% similar, 72% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple MacBook 12 (Early 2016) 1.1 GHz audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (83.6 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(±) | reduced bass - on average 11.3% lower than median
(±) | linearity of bass is average (14.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.4% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.5% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (10.2% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 5% of all tested devices in this class were better, 2% similar, 93% worse
» The best had a delta of 5%, average was 19%, worst was 53%
Compared to all devices tested
» 3% of all tested devices were better, 1% similar, 96% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Energy Management

Power Consumption

The Alienware is a very power-hungry machine — perhaps more than it needs to be. When gaming, the system draws 215 W compared to only 155 W on the MSI GS66 equipped with the GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q or 185 W on the MSI GP65 with the exact same Core i7 and RTX 2070 GPU. Keep in mind that the RTX 2070 Super Max-Q is essentially on par with our standard mobile RTX 2070 in terms of graphics horsepower.

Power consumption when idling on desktop is also very high at 34 W to 59 W which partly explains the very warm idling surface temperatures we recorded above.

We're able to record a maximum of 257.3 W from the large (~20 x 10 x 2.6 cm) 240 W AC adapter when running Prime95 and FurMark simultaneously. Note that the battery will drain very slowly when running such extreme loads on the system.

Power consumption when running 3DMark 06 to represent "medium" loads
Power consumption when running 3DMark 06 to represent "medium" loads
High constant consumption when running Witcher 3
High constant consumption when running Witcher 3
Prime95 initiated at 10s mark. Consumption would spike to 183 W for just a couple of seconds before falling and stabilizing at 163 W
Prime95 initiated at 10s mark. Consumption would spike to 183 W for just a couple of seconds before falling and stabilizing at 163 W
Prime95+FurMark initiated at 10s mark. Consumption would spike to 257 W with almost no falloff to represent excellent performance sustainability
Prime95+FurMark initiated at 10s mark. Consumption would spike to 257 W with almost no falloff to represent excellent performance sustainability
Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.04 / 1 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 34 / 48.6 / 58.2 Watt
Load midlight 129.4 / 257.3 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Alienware m15 P79F
i7-8750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, OLED, 3840x2160, 15.60
Eluktronics RP-15
R7 4800H, GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, AMOLED, 3840x2160, 15.60
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
i7-9750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
i9-10980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
MSI GP65 10SFK-047US
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, IPS, 1920x1080, 15.60
Power Consumption
45%
31%
41%
25%
39%
38%
Idle Minimum *
34
10.9
68%
21.7
36%
11.1
67%
24
29%
13
62%
14.2
58%
Idle Average *
48.6
12.3
75%
30.1
38%
13.7
72%
27
44%
16
67%
18.8
61%
Idle Maximum *
58.2
19
67%
35
40%
33.4
43%
33
43%
27
54%
23.9
59%
Load Average *
129.4
96
26%
112.6
13%
104.4
19%
129
-0%
109
16%
96.9
25%
Witcher 3 ultra *
214.5
161.7
25%
134.4
37%
159.9
25%
176
18%
155
28%
185
14%
Load Maximum *
257.3
229.1
11%
201.5
22%
203.8
21%
216
16%
236
8%
233.4
9%

* ... smaller is better

Battery Life

Runtimes are short even for a gaming laptop likely as a consequence of the very high power consumption readings above and lack of Optimus. Browsing the web on the Balanced power profile lasts just under 3 hours to be shorter than we recorded on the Alienware m15 R1 or m15 R2. Simply idling on desktop at the lowest brightness setting and power profile available would last just 5 hours before automatic shutdown.

Recharging from empty to full capacity takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. The system can be recharged via USB-C much like on the MSI GS75 or Asus Zephyrus M. Some SKUs may come with a smaller 56 Wh battery instead of 86 Wh.

Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
4h 59min
WiFi Websurfing
2h 47min
Load (maximum brightness)
0h 44min
Alienware m15 R3 P87F
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, 86 Wh
Alienware m15 P79F
i7-8750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, 90 Wh
Eluktronics RP-15
R7 4800H, GeForce RTX 2060 Mobile, 46.7 Wh
Razer Blade 15 RZ09-0328
i7-10750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q, 65 Wh
Asus Zephyrus S GX502GW
i7-9750H, GeForce RTX 2070 Mobile, 76 Wh
MSI GS66 Stealth 10SFS
i9-10980HK, GeForce RTX 2070 Super Max-Q, 99.99 Wh
Battery Runtime
85%
28%
44%
30%
106%
Reader / Idle
299
353
18%
505
69%
WiFi v1.3
167
309
85%
213
28%
241
44%
220
32%
364
118%
Load
44
62
41%
102
132%

Pros

+ much cooler CPU temperatures than last generation Alienware m15 R2
+ excellent CPU performance sustainability
+ quiet fans when on Quiet mode
+ new 300 Hz display options
+ can recharge via USB-C
+ 3x M.2 storage bays
+ per-key RGB lighting
+ MicroSD reader

Cons

- very high power consumption; short battery life
- no Optimus or internal G-Sync on 300 Hz SKUs
- MicroSD instead of full-size SD reader
- no Core i7-10875H or Ryzen options
- non-upgradeable RAM or WLAN
- limited display hinge angle
- still loud when gaming
- large footprint

Verdict

In review: Dell Alienware m15 R3 P87F. Test unit provided by Dell US
In review: Dell Alienware m15 R3 P87F. Test unit provided by Dell US

Externally, the Alienware m15 R3 looks like nothing more than a minor update over last year's m15 R2. Instead, all the major changes are internal which is kind of a shame because they will likely go unnoticed to most users. Dell directly addressed one of biggest issues on the m15 R2 with the m15 R3 by moving to a much stronger cooling solution and bringing core temperatures down by about 20 C when gaming. Pair this with the new CPU and GPU options and you have a system that can run both faster and cooler than its immediate predecessor despite looking almost the same from the outside. In short, the Alienware m15 R3 is what the m15 R2 should have been.

With one of the biggest issues from last year's model now taken care of, it's time to improve the other aspects of the system. Fan noise in particular hasn't changed meaning you're still going to want a good pair of headphones when gaming. The thin-and-light chassis isn't as thin or light as others in the same category and the inclusion of a vapor chamber has made the system slightly heavier than before. The very high power consumption and short battery life make the system a poorer solution for travelers as well when compared to the MSI GS66 or Razer Blade 15 which offer almost the same CPU and GPU options as our Dell.

Overall, the Alienware m15 R3 is a notable improvement over the m15 R2 especially in terms of core temperature. The new processor options are also welcomed, but almost everything else remains the same as last year's m15 R2 model for many of the same disadvantages as well.

Alienware m15 R3 P87F - 07/31/2020 v7
Allen Ngo

Chassis
81 / 98 → 83%
Keyboard
85%
Pointing Device
89%
Connectivity
62 / 80 → 78%
Weight
61 / 10-66 → 92%
Battery
51 / 95 → 53%
Display
86%
Games Performance
96%
Application Performance
92%
Temperature
80 / 95 → 84%
Noise
71 / 90 → 79%
Audio
72%
Camera
39 / 85 → 45%
Average
74%
85%
Gaming - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Dell Alienware m15 R3 Laptop Review: Vapor Chamber Saves The Day
Allen Ngo, 2020-07-31 (Update: 2020-07-31)