The Alienware m18 R2 is a refreshed update to 2023’s m18, and it remains Dell’s most powerful laptop to date. Dell hasn’t reimagined the original model, but the latest model crams in Intel’s flagship 14th Gen HX processors alongside Nvidia’s high-performance 40-Series graphics card for even better gameplay and productivity performance. It’s otherwise a similar-looking laptop as the first edition, but now with more power and future-proof. Just the way we like … them!
At 18 inches, however, the m18 R2 is a little heavy, even for its size, but that’s not necessarily a deal-breaker if it’ll be staying on your desk most of the time. Again, most of these behemoths are niche machines, so you have good reasons to opt for an 18-inch machine over smaller, equally powerful alternatives in the 15- or 16-inch realm. Also, the Alienware m18 R2 can get pricey, but it makes up with powerful performance, lots of upgrade potential down the line, and solid build quality.
Otherwise, a perfect mix of power and function – including a mechanical keyboard makes the m18 tremendous value for a monstrous laptop for your gaming and creative needs.
About the Alienware m18 R2
- Processor: Intel Core i9-14900HX
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090
- Memory: 32GB
- Storage: 2TB SSD
- Display: 18-inch, 2560 x 1600
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
- Weight: 9.3 pounds
- Dimensions: 1.05 x 16.2 x 12.6 inches
What We Like
Incredibly powerful gaming performance
You’re only purchasing a 10-pound gaming laptop with a massive 18-inch screen unless you absolutely need it and, of course, intend to make the best out of all that power. This Alienware m18 R2 packs the most capable Intel Raptor Lake CPU and Nvidia’s crème de la crème RTX GPU, so yes, it’s going to run any AAA game imaginable at maximum settings in 2024 and beyond.
With the Intel Core i9-14900HX and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU (16GB) and 32GB of RAM, the m18 R2 can run titles like Baldur Gate 3, Armored Core VI and Diablo IV perfectly. It can run Cyberpunk 2077 in RT Overdrive mode at the highest settings, keeping in mind this game strains even the most capable gaming PCs, such as the Alienware Aurora R14.
All competitors in this category are using RTX 4090 laptop GPUs: the Alienware m18 R2, MSI Titan, and Asus ROG Strix Scar all pack Intel’s Core i9-14900HX, while the Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 8 arrives with a Core i9-13980HX but with a much smaller chassis. The m18 R2 and Asus both have 2560 x 1600 screens, but the Titan has a 3840 x 24000 screen.
On Shadow of the Tomb Raider, played at the highest settings, the Alienware averages 172 fps at 1080p and 118 fps at its native 2560 x 1600. It’s almost the same score as the Scar 169 / 120 fps), though the Titan leads the pack at 1080p at 193 fps.
Cyberpunk 2077 on ray tracing is punishing, but at 1080p, all of these systems play over 60 fps. The Alienware and Asus both hit 63 fps, but the frame rates drop to 38. And 39 fps. Respectively at 1600p. As always, when ray tracing is enabled, the systems can stumble a little, but if you let DLSS do its thing, you can easily grasp those frames.
Beyond that, Dell packed one of the fastest SSDs we’ve seen in a gaming laptop, and it’s helpful to have a base of 2TB of storage for big game libraries. It rounds out to a capable gaming machine that’s well put together for the modern gamer.
A premium design and lots of features
Dell’s Alienware gaming machines always look fantastic. The latest Alienware m18 R2 is available in anodized aluminum, and it’s available in a single color called Dark Metallic Moon. The lid has the signature glowing alien logo, and there’s another one on the inside, just above the keyboard, and serves as the power button.
The keyboard is a comfortable affair, fully backlit with RGB LEDs, and there’s a glowing ring around the rear thermal shelf. All the RGB is controlled via the Alienware Command Center app, through which you can manage your performance profiles as well. The trackpad is responsive and large – as it should be on a laptop this huge. The surface has a soft touch of plastic instead of glass, which is common on high-end laptops.
The 16-inch panel is wonderfully sharp at 2560 x 1600, and it’s flanked by fairly narrow bezels that keep it from looking too dated. That display runs at a speedy 165Hz and has a low pixel response time to keep fast-moving objects smearing across the screen. Color accuracy and gamut are also respectable, too.
What We Don’t Like
Large size and hefty compromise portability
As you already guessed, the Alienware m18 R2 is a gargantuan laptop. Like really huge. That’s expected, especially when it packs an 18-inch screen, meaning you can carry it around daily in a backpack.
At 16.1 x 12.6 x 1.05 inches and 9.3 pounds, this laptop is too big to use on your lap, use on a cross-country flight, or carry around in a normal-sized backpack. You might as well have to invest in a bag with an oversized laptop pocket.
As you can tell from the measurements above, this laptop is much larger than most gaming laptops out there. Unlike the smaller Alienware m16 R2, the m18 R2 keeps the thermal shelve on the back, which blasts heat away from the internals with the aid of four cooling fans. That also makes the laptop even larger than the 18-inch display measurement might suggest. Otherwise, everything else feels solid – the hinge, fan grilles, and overall structure.
Battery life is lacking
Gaming laptops have lately gotten their act together and attempted to offer better battery life while remaining absolute beasts on the outside.
We’ve reviewed a few that have lasted over 11 hours, such as the Asus RIG Zephyrus G14 and HP Victus 16, and several more that surpass the critical 8-hour-plus mark, making them suitable for productivity during the workday. But the Alienware m18 R2 isn’t one of these.
It lasts just over 4 hours, with the discrete GPU disabled and performance set to the most efficient profile. The culprit has to be its resolution, with all things equal, a higher-resolution display will drain the battery as the system has to draw more pixels.
Alienware M18 R2 Review | Verdict
The Alienware m18 R2 is a huge gaming laptop that’s designed to live on your desk. It’s built solid and comes with a few surprises, pumping up an already powerful pro-level gaming laptop with an even quicker chip. The result is a high-performance machine that competes on price and performance with other great gaming laptops.
While pricey, the Alienware m18 R2 is a stellar machine that doesn’t disappoint when playing the latest games at the highest settings on that huge 18-inch display. And for creators, the addition of a full HDMI port, Mini Display port, and an SD card means you can quickly go from shooting to editing on a large screen in just a few minutes – you don’t need the extra dongles or hubs anymore.
Granted, the m18 R2 is huge, somehow, you’ll have to plan around that. Also, you might have to invest in a larger laptop bag, but that’s a small price to pay when you get a full-fledged desktop experience you can (somehow) take on the go.
If you need a smaller and cheaper Alienware laptop, the Alienware m16 R2 is an excellent choice. But if you really need a big performance on an equally big gaming laptop, the Alienware m18 R2 is excellent value.
Recommended Configuration
Alienware M18 R2 Gaming Laptop - 18 QHD+ 165Hz 3ms Display
6 used from $2,499.84
The Review
Alienware m18 R2
The Alienware m18 R2 (AWM18R-9583BLK-PUS) is an 18-inch beast that delivers powerful performance thanks to a top-tier Intel Core i9 HX CPU, Nvidia 40-series GPU and lots of RAM. While it’s too large and hefty to travel with, it’s still among the best 18-inch gaming laptops of 2024.
PROS
- Incredibly powerful gaming performance
- QHD+ 165Hz display
- Solid build quality
- Great mechanical keyboard
CONS
- Mediocre battery life
- Very heavy
Review Breakdown
-
ARS SCORE
