Alienware m15 R5 Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Alienware m15 R5 Configuration
3. Design and Build Quality
4. Display and Screen Options
5. Keyboard and Touchpad
6. Ports and Connectivity
7. Battery Life
8. Thermal Performance
9. Performance in Games
10. Creator Workloads
11. Storage and Expansion Options
12. BIOS and Linux Compatibility
13. Pricing and Conclusion

Introduction

👽 Alienware, a renowned gaming laptop manufacturer, has recently launched the Alienware m15 R5. This new model is equipped with AMD's Ryzen 5000 processors, which promises a significant boost in performance. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of the Alienware m15 R5 to determine whether it lives up to the expectations of gamers. From its design and build quality to its display options, keyboard, and touchpad, we will explore every detail to provide you with an in-depth analysis. Additionally, we will examine its thermal performance, battery life, and overall gaming and creator workloads. So, let's dive in and see what the Alienware m15 R5 has to offer!

Alienware m15 R5 Configuration

The Alienware m15 R5 is available in various configurations to suit different preferences and budgets. Our review unit is equipped with an 8-core Ryzen 9 5900HX processor, Nvidia RTX 3070 graphics, 16GB of memory, and a 1080p 165Hz screen. However, there are several other options available with different price points, allowing consumers to choose the specifications that best suit their needs. In the following sections, we will explore the design, performance, and features of the Alienware m15 R5 in greater detail.

Design and Build Quality

💪 When it comes to design and build quality, Alienware does not disappoint. The m15 R5 boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic with its dark side of the moon finish. Both the lid and the interior feature a smooth magnesium alloy build, ensuring durability and a premium feel. The laptop weighs approximately 2.5kg (5.5lb), making it relatively lightweight for a gaming laptop of its caliber. The Dimensions are comparable to other 15-inch laptops, although it has a slightly greater depth due to the back section that protrudes. Overall, the Alienware m15 R5 offers a visually appealing design and a sturdy build.

Display and Screen Options

🖥️ The Alienware m15 R5 features a 15.6-inch 1080p display with a refresh rate of 165Hz. The screen offers decent color gamut and acceptable contrast, providing an immersive gaming experience. While our unit does not have a MUX switch, it is important to note that the 1440p 240Hz and 1080p 360Hz models come equipped with advanced optimus and G-Sync support. However, our unit still supports FreeSync, ensuring smooth gameplay. The screen reaches a brightness level of just under 400 nits at maximum, but it is worth noting that different panel options may yield different results. Additionally, the screen has an average grey-to-grey response time of 4.8ms, with some minor overshoot and undershoot detected, indicating the use of panel overdrive. Overall, the Alienware m15 R5 delivers a visually pleasing display suitable for gaming.

Keyboard and Touchpad

⌨️ The Alienware m15 R5 offers two options for the keyboard: the mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX ultra low profile keys and per-key RGB backlighting, or the regular 4 Zone RGB option. While the mechanical keyboard adds a clicky feel to the keys, some users may find that it requires slightly more force than usual, resulting in a loud typing experience. Furthermore, the backlighting does not illuminate the secondary functions, and the handling of brightness control using the F7 shortcut can be inconsistent. As for the touchpad, it provides adequate responsiveness and functionality, although some users may find it slightly small due to the positioning of the air vents above the keyboard. Overall, the keyboard and touchpad of the Alienware m15 R5 offer a mixed experience, with the mechanical keyboard catering to specific preferences.

Ports and Connectivity

🔌 The Alienware m15 R5 offers a range of ports and connectivity options. On the left side, you will find an air exhaust vent, a 2.5 gigabit ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio combo jack. The right side houses two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports and an additional air exhaust vent. The back of the laptop features a USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C port with DisplayPort support, a third USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 output, and the power input. It is worth noting that the Type-C port does not support charging the laptop. However, both the Type-C port and HDMI ports are directly connected to the Nvidia discrete graphics, enabling enhanced performance when connecting an external screen. Overall, the Alienware m15 R5 offers a satisfactory selection of ports and connectivity options.

Battery Life

🔋 In terms of battery life, the Alienware m15 R5 performs admirably. Equipped with an 86Wh battery, it lasted nearly 9 hours in a YouTube playback test, which is significantly longer than many other gaming laptops on the market. The battery life while running actual games is also commendable, making the m15 R5 an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability and extended use on the go. However, it is important to note that the battery life during intensive gaming Sessions may not be as exceptional, as the high-performance components require more power. Overall, the Alienware m15 R5 strikes a good balance between power and battery efficiency.

Thermal Performance

🌡️ The thermal performance of the Alienware m15 R5 is a topic of interest for many gamers. In our tests, we observed that the laptop runs relatively hot under heavy loads. The CPU, represented by the blue bars, reaches a maximum temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, which is technically within spec but on the higher side compared to other laptops. The GPU, on the other HAND, does not experience thermal throttling in these tests. The full speed mode, which sets the fans to maximum speed, does not significantly impact the temperatures during stress tests but does manage to slightly lower the CPU temperature during gaming sessions. Additionally, using a cooling pad further reduces the temperatures by 10 degrees in games. However, it is worth noting that the CPU clock speeds remain below 4GHz, which is lower than what other laptops with the same processor are capable of achieving. Overall, the Alienware m15 R5 exhibits satisfactory thermal performance but falls short when compared to competing models.

Performance in Games

🎮 The Alienware m15 R5, equipped with the powerful Nvidia RTX 3070 graphics, delivers commendable gaming performance. In benchmark tests for games such as Battlefield V, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, and Far Cry 5, the m15 R5 performs on par with or slightly above similarly configured laptops with RTX 3070 graphics. However, it lags behind cheaper options, such as the HP Omen 15, which features lower-tier components. It is worth noting that connecting an external screen bypasses the integrated GPU and provides a notable boost in performance. With the ability to leverage advanced optimus, the Alienware m15 R5 can deliver competitive gaming performance when paired with an external display. Despite not being the top performer in its category, the m15 R5 offers satisfactory gaming performance for most users.

Creator Workloads

💼 The Alienware m15 R5 also caters to creators who require powerful hardware for tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering. In tests with Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, and DaVinci Resolve, the m15 R5 performs decently, but it falls slightly behind other laptops with higher wattage GPUs. The CPU performance is constrained to 35 watts when the GPU is active, leading to lower scores in comparison. However, the m15 R5's scores remain competitive among similarly priced alternatives. The laptop's 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD offers impressive read and write speeds, and the presence of a Second slot allows for future storage expansion. Overall, the Alienware m15 R5 provides satisfactory performance for creator workloads, though there are more specialized options available on the market.

Storage and Expansion Options

💾 The Alienware m15 R5 offers a solid storage solution with its 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD. The read and write speeds are commendable and provide ample space for games, media, and software. Additionally, the laptop features a second M.2 slot, allowing users to further expand storage capacity in the future. This versatility ensures that users can easily manage their data and accommodate their growing storage needs. The Alienware m15 R5 strikes a good balance between performance and storage convenience.

BIOS and Linux Compatibility

🐧 In terms of BIOS and Linux compatibility, the Alienware m15 R5 offers a seamless experience. Booting into a live CD of Ubuntu 21, we found that the touchpad, keyboard, speakers, ethernet, Wi-Fi, and camera worked without any issues. The RGB effects set in Windows persisted in Linux, indicating good compatibility between the two operating systems. The presence of TPM 2.0 and additional BIOS options for keyboard color control further enhance the user experience. The Alienware m15 R5 provides a hassle-free environment for users who prefer to utilize Linux or require compatibility with multiple operating systems.

Pricing and Conclusion

💸 The Alienware m15 R5 is available at various price points, starting from $1300 for the entry-level configuration with a Ryzen 7 5800H and RTX 3050 Ti. However, the model we reviewed, featuring a Ryzen 9 5900HX and RTX 3070, starts at $1900. While the m15 R5 offers several attractive features and commendable performance, it faces tough competition from other gaming laptops in terms of price and overall value. Cheaper alternatives such as the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro and the TUF A15 deliver comparable or better gaming performance at a lower cost. Despite its robust battery life and visually appealing design, the Alienware m15 R5 falls short in terms of thermal performance and overall value for its price point. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Alienware m15 R5 will depend on individual priorities and preferences.

Highlights

• Alienware m15 R5 offers sleek design and premium build quality.
• Display options include a 1080p 165Hz screen with decent color gamut.
• Mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX ultra low profile keys and per-key RGB backlighting is available.
• Adequate selection of ports and connectivity options.
• Battery life lasts for nearly 9 hours during YouTube playback.
• Thermal performance is satisfactory but falls behind competing models.
• Gaming performance is competitive, though cheaper options offer better value.
• Creator workloads perform decently, but higher wattage GPUs provide better results.
• 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD offers good read and write speeds, with an additional slot for future expansion.
• BIOS and Linux compatibility are seamless, allowing for a versatile user experience.

FAQ

Q1: Does the Alienware m15 R5 support Windows Hello face unlock? A1: The availability of Windows Hello face unlock depends on the specific model of the m15 R5. The 1440p 240Hz or 1080p 360Hz models are noted to support Windows Hello face unlock on the Alienware website.

Q2: Can the Type-C port on the Alienware m15 R5 be used to charge the laptop? A2: No, the Type-C port on the Alienware m15 R5 does not support charging the laptop. However, it can be used for other purposes such as data transfer or connecting external displays.

Q3: How does the battery life of the Alienware m15 R5 compare to other gaming laptops? A3: The Alienware m15 R5 offers above-average battery life compared to many other gaming laptops on the market. With nearly 9 hours of playback time during YouTube testing, it provides extended use on the go. However, the battery life may vary during intensive gaming sessions.

Q4: Can the Alienware m15 R5 be easily upgraded? A4: Yes, the Alienware m15 R5 offers upgradeability options. It features two memory slots, allowing users to upgrade or expand the RAM. Additionally, there is a second slot for M.2 SSDs, enabling future storage expansion.

Q5: Does the Alienware m15 R5 provide good value for its price? A5: The Alienware m15 R5 faces tough competition in terms of price and overall value. While it offers several attractive features and satisfactory performance, there are cheaper alternatives that deliver comparable or better gaming performance. Ultimately, the decision to purchase the Alienware m15 R5 will depend on individual preferences and priorities.

Resources:

• Alienware Official Website
• Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
• ASUS TUF A15
• HP Omen 15
• MSI GS76
• ASUS ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition
• Puget Systems
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve
• Ubuntu