Experience Gaming Bliss with Alienware M15 R5 - QHD 240Hz, 3070 RTX & Ryzen Power!

Experience Gaming Bliss with Alienware M15 R5 - QHD 240Hz, 3070 RTX & Ryzen Power!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Design and Hardware
   • 2.1 Chassis Design
   • 2.2 Ports and Connectivity
   • 2.3 Upgradable Components
   • 2.4 Display and Webcam
   • 2.5 Keyboard and Trackpad
   • 2.6 Audio Quality
3. Performance
   • 3.1 CPU Performance
   • 3.2 GPU Performance
   • 3.3 Temperature and Fan Noise
4. Gaming Experience
5. Battery Life
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Alienware, a renowned gaming laptop brand, has surprised enthusiasts by introducing a new model featuring AMD's Ryzen CPU. The Alienware M15 for 2021 brings a slightly redesigned chassis and a range of options for powerful components. In this review, we will explore the design, hardware, performance, gaming experience, battery life, and our overall verdict on the new Alienware M15.

Design and Hardware

2.1 Chassis Design

The new Alienware M15 Sports a sleek and stylish design. The "Dark Side of the Moon" color option adds a refreshing change from the previous versions. The iconic Alien head logo is illuminated on the power button, rear lid, and tron ring around the exhaust vents.

2.2 Ports and Connectivity

The laptop is well-equipped with a variety of ports for connectivity. On the left side, you'll find exhaust vents, an RJ45 port, and a headset jack. The right-HAND side features two USB 3 ports and additional exhaust venting. At the rear, there is a USB-C with DisplayPort, USB 3, HDMI 2.1, and a power jack. Notably, there is no Thunderbolt port due to the Ryzen configuration.

2.3 Upgradable Components

One of the highlights of the Alienware M15 is its upgradability. Unlike its predecessors, this model features socketed RAM slots, allowing users to easily upgrade the RAM themselves. Additionally, it offers two M.2 ports for storage expansion. The laptop comes with a 512GB SSD, and users can replace it with an 80mm M.2 SSD for increased storage capacity.

2.4 Display and Webcam

The Alienware M15 boasts an impressive 1440p 240Hz G-Sync panel. The screen is bright, color accurate, and offers a perfect Blend of sharp text and smooth gaming experience. The webcam and microphones are located at the top of the screen, and the model includes Windows Hello facial recognition for convenient login.

2.5 Keyboard and Trackpad

The M15 offers a choice between a membrane or mechanical keyboard. The mechanical keyboard option, reminiscent of a blue switch, delivers a satisfying typing experience. However, some users may need time to adjust to the new layout, which includes media keys positioned on the right side of the Enter key.

2.6 Audio Quality

The downward-firing speakers on the Alienware M15 deliver satisfactory sound quality. While they may not be the best laptop speakers on the market, they outperform many other gaming laptops. The audio is clear, and the speakers are more than capable of providing an immersive gaming experience.

Performance

3.1 CPU Performance

The Ryzen 5000 series CPU in the Alienware M15 proves to be a powerhouse, outperforming its Intel counterparts in both single-core and multi-core benchmarks. It offers a significant improvement over the previous generation, closing the gap with Intel CPUs in single-core scores.

3.2 GPU Performance

Equipped with an RTX 3070 GPU with 125 watts, the Alienware M15 delivers excellent gaming performance. The GPU manages to drive games at the laptop's native 1440p resolution, providing a smooth and immersive experience. Gamers can also downscale the screen to 1080p for higher frame rates without compromising visual quality.

3.3 Temperature and Fan Noise

Under heavy load, the Alienware M15 tends to get hot, with the CPU reaching temperatures between 85 and 95 degrees Celsius. However, the fan noise remains impressively low, sitting around 49 to 50 decibels during gaming. The keyboard does not become uncomfortably hot, allowing for extended gaming Sessions without any major discomfort.

Gaming Experience

Games run smoothly on the M15, even at its native 1440p resolution. With the impressive display and powerful components, gamers can enjoy stunning visuals and responsive gameplay. The laptop's performance shines in demanding games like APEX Legends, delivering fluid gameplay with minimal lag.

Battery Life

The Alienware M15's battery life proves to be average, lasting approximately four and a half hours while streaming videos on YouTube over Wi-Fi at 50% brightness and volume. While it falls short of expectations, it is worth noting that the Ryzen configuration is generally more power-efficient than Intel's counterparts. Further testing will be conducted on a model with a 1080p panel to compare battery life performance.

Conclusion

The Alienware M15 with AMD Ryzen offers a solid Package for gaming enthusiasts. Despite a few downsides, such as average battery life and downward-firing speakers, Dell has listened to user feedback by introducing upgradable components and a remarkable 1440p 240Hz panel. With its sleek design, powerful performance, and immersive gaming experience, the Alienware M15 is poised to be a popular choice among gamers.

Highlights

• Alienware M15 features a sleek design with a "Dark Side of the Moon" color option.
• Upgradable components, including socketed RAM slots and two M.2 ports for storage expansion.
• Impressive 1440p 240Hz G-Sync panel provides excellent visuals and a smooth gaming experience.
• Mechanical keyboard option available, offering a satisfying typing experience.
• Ryzen 5000 series CPU outperforms Intel counterparts in both single-core and multi-core benchmarks.
• RTX 3070 GPU delivers exceptional gaming performance at the laptop's native 1440p resolution.
• Despite high temperatures under heavy load, the fan noise remains relatively low.
• Gaming experience is smooth and immersive, with stunning visuals and responsive gameplay.
• Average battery life may be a drawback, but Ryzen's power efficiency is a positive aspect.
• Overall, the Alienware M15 with AMD Ryzen offers a solid gaming laptop package.

FAQ

Q: Can I upgrade the RAM in the Alienware M15 myself?

A: Yes, the Alienware M15 features socketed RAM slots, allowing users to upgrade the RAM themselves.

Q: Is the keyboard layout comfortable to use?

A: The new keyboard layout may take some time to get used to, especially with media keys positioned on the right side of the Enter key. However, users generally adapt quickly to the change.

Q: How long does the battery last on the Alienware M15?

A: The Alienware M15's battery life is average, lasting approximately four and a half hours while streaming videos on YouTube over Wi-Fi at 50% brightness and volume. Further testing is being conducted to compare battery life with a model equipped with a 1080p panel.

Q: Does the Alienware M15 support advanced Optimus and a mux switch?

A: Yes, the model includes advanced Optimus technology and a mux switch. Users can switch between these options in the BIOS settings.

Resources:

• Alienware
• AMD Ryzen