CES 2022 | Sleek Alienware x17 R2 launched with unlocked Core i9-12900HK, RTX 3080 Ti, expandable DDR5-4800 RAM, UHD 120 Hz display, and optional CherryMX keyboard

Dell replaced the Alienware m17 series with the Alienware x17 R1 last year bringing even more CPU, GPU, and display options to the table. This trend continues at CES 2022 with the new Alienware x17 R2. The new Alienware x17 R2 shares a lot in common with its smaller cousin, the Alienware x15 R2, but still offers a few niceties of its own.

The Alienware x17 R2 cuts some flab this time around weighing 3.0 kg compared to 3.2 kg in the previous generation, though the dimensions largely remain the same. The chassis is available in a single Lunar Light color scheme with a high endurance clear coat finish, which Dell claims is stain-resistant.

Dell is offering a similar set of display options as last year with the Alienware x17 R2. Buyers can choose from 17.3-inch FHD 165 Hz, FHD 360 Hz, and UHD 120 Hz options. All panels support Nvidia G-Sync, Advanced Optimus, and Dell's new Dolby Vision certification. The FHD options are limited to 300 nits brightness and 100% sRGB coverage while the UHD variant can go up to 500 nits and cover 99% DCI-P3.

Powering the Alienware x17 R2 are the latest Intel Alder Lake-H processors. While the x17 R2 does offer the Core i7-12700H, the larger chassis enables Dell to also include an unlocked Core i9-12900HK option as well. Also available are the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti and RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPUs along with the entry-level RTX 3060 Laptop GPU. And unlike the soldered LPDDR5 modules on the Alienware x15 R2, the x17 R2 offers proper DDR5-4800 SO-DIMMs up to 32 GB. Buyers can also choose from a variety of single and dual-drive NVMe storage options.

Keeping these powerful components cool is Alienware's Cryo-tech cooling system with a quad-fan design and a Gallium-Silicone Element 31 thermal interface material (TIM). Unlike the Alienware x15 R2 that uses Element 31 in all configurations, Dell uses the new TIM in the x17 R2 only in configurations higher than the RTX 3060.

The quad-fans can be independently controlled as per load. Users will also be able to select between Full Speed (maximum power), Performance Mode (graphics priority), Balanced Mode, Battery Saver Mode, and Quiet Mode (acoustics priority) power states. A 12-phase GPU VRM ensures steady power supply for sustained performance in marathon gaming sessions.

Similar to last year's x17 R1, Dell offers the option of a CherryMX ultra-low profile mechanical keyboard with 1.8 mm key travel and per-key AlienFX lighting with the Alienware x17 R2. The rear RGB stadium lighting is now comprised of 100 micro-LEDs given the larger chassis compared to the x15 R2.

Given that this is an ultra-thin gaming laptop, there are almost no ports on the sides. Users will have to reach to the rear of the device to access one each of the USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, Thunderbolt 4, microSD card slot, and HDMI 2.1-out ports. Networking needs are handled by a combination of the Killer E3100 2.5G NIC and a Killer Wi-Fi 6E (in the US and South Korea) AX1675 WLAN card with Bluetooth 5.2.

Windows 11 Home is offered as the default OS. An 87 Wh battery powers the device.

The Alienware x17 R2 is slated to be available this winter starting from US$2,299 and CA$2,899.

Buy the Alienware x17 R1 with Core i7-11800H and RTX 3070 on Amazon