Unleashing the Power: Alienware m15 R5 Ryzen Edition Review

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Design and Specifications
• Performance and Cooling
• Display Options
• Keyboard and Trackpad
• Ports and Connectivity
• Battery Life
• Upgradeability
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

🚀 Alienware M15 R5 Ryzen Edition: A New Era for Alienware

The Alienware M15 R5 Ryzen Edition has finally brought together the powerful combination of a Ryzen CPU and an Nvidia GPU in an Alienware laptop, something that hasn't been seen since 2007. With Ryzen CPUs gaining popularity in 2021, Dell has taken an optimistic approach towards their supply chain for this new release. In terms of design, the M15 R5 features a monochromatic aesthetic with a dark gray chassis and the latest version of Dell's anti-stain clear coat for added durability. The new Alienware Legend design is a sleek iteration that some may prefer over the older design. However, there are some changes to the ports, with the Alienware Graphics Amplifier port being discontinued and the addition of a USB-C port that supports display output.

Design and Specifications

The Alienware M15 R5 Ryzen Edition boasts a thinner profile compared to its predecessor, but its weight remains similar. It's important to note that Dell has chosen to focus on thermals rather than slimness, which proves beneficial in housing the Ryzen CPU. The chassis is available only in "Dark Side of the Moon" color, which complements the overall monochromatic look that the laptop embodies. Moreover, Dell has introduced QHD display options for this edition, providing a more immersive and sharper visual experience for gamers. The laptop comes with various configuration options, including the choice between different Ryzen CPUs and Nvidia GPUs.

Performance and Cooling

The highlight of the Alienware M15 R5 Ryzen Edition is undoubtedly the Ryzen CPU. Available with either the Ryzen 7 5800H or the higher-end Ryzen 9 5900HX, these CPUs outperform their Intel counterparts in terms of raw power and efficiency. With less heat generated, users no longer have to worry about thermal throttling and can enjoy uninterrupted hours of gaming. However, it's worth mentioning that the GPU wattage has slightly decreased for this edition, limiting the maximum graphics performance for those seeking to play AAA titles at their highest settings.

Display Options

Dell has raised the bar with the introduction of QHD display options for the Alienware M15 R5 Ryzen Edition. These displays offer a 16:9 aspect ratio and come in a range of refresh rates, including 165Hz and an impressive 360Hz option. The higher refresh rates ensure smoother gameplay and reduced motion blur, enhancing the overall gaming experience. The QHD displays also support both G-Sync and advanced Optimus technology, allowing users to switch between dedicated graphics-only mode and switchable graphics mode.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard on the Alienware M15 R5 Ryzen Edition remains similar to previous models, with options for either the zone backlit keyboard or per-key RGB lighting. The zone backlit keyboard features Alienware's signature Tron lighting, creating an immersive gaming atmosphere. The per-key RGB keyboard, on the other HAND, offers a more personalized lighting experience. Additionally, the laptop now offers Cherry MX Ultra mechanical keyboard switches, which provide a tactile typing experience. However, the trackpad on the M15 R5 feels slightly cheaper compared to previous models, with a harder press and a more hollow sound when clicked.

Ports and Connectivity

In terms of ports, the Alienware M15 R5 Ryzen Edition features a variety of options. The laptop includes three USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port that supports 4K at 120Hz for external displays, and a USB-C port with DisplayPort out capabilities. However, it's important to note that the laptop does not feature Thunderbolt 3 or 4 support due to Intel's intellectual property rights. The exclusion of the Alienware Graphics Amplifier port is understandable since the Graphics Amplifier has been discontinued. Nevertheless, the laptop still offers a comprehensive selection of ports to meet users' connectivity needs.

Battery Life

Despite being a gaming laptop, the Alienware M15 R5 Ryzen Edition surprises with its decent battery life. With an 86Wh battery and the power-saving capabilities of the AMD Radeon Vega iGPU, users can expect between six and a half to eight hours of battery life during regular office tasks and streaming. The laptop's switchable graphics mode allows it to leverage the low-power iGPU when performing light tasks, allowing for better power efficiency. This makes the M15 R5 Ryzen Edition a viable option for users seeking a balance between gaming performance and battery life.

Upgradeability

Alienware enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the M15 R5 Ryzen Edition offers upgrade options that were missing in previous generations. The laptop features two RAM slots for DDR4 memory, enabling users to add or upgrade their RAM easily. This is a significant improvement from previous models that lacked upgradeability. Additionally, the Wi-Fi card is socketed, providing an opportunity for users to upgrade to the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard in the future.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful Ryzen CPUs offer improved performance and thermal efficiency compared to Intel counterparts.
• QHD display options with high refresh rates enhance gaming visuals.
• Upgradeable RAM slots and socketed Wi-Fi card provide flexibility for future upgrades.
• Decent battery life for a gaming laptop.
• Comprehensive port selection including HDMI 2.1 and USB-C with DisplayPort out.

Cons:

• Decreased GPU wattage compared to previous Alienware models may limit maximum graphics performance.
• The trackpad feels cheaper and requires a harder press.
• No Thunderbolt 3 or 4 support due to Intel's intellectual property.

Conclusion

The Alienware M15 R5 Ryzen Edition marks an exciting chapter for Alienware as it embraces the power of Ryzen CPUs in its gaming laptops once again. With improved thermal efficiency, upgradeability options, and a variety of QHD display choices, this laptop caters to gamers seeking top performance without compromising on visual quality. While some compromises have been made, such as the decreased GPU wattage and the exclusion of Thunderbolt support, the overall Package of the M15 R5 Ryzen Edition is hard to ignore. Dell has created a formidable contender in the gaming laptop market, offering a compelling option for those looking to experience the performance benefits of Ryzen CPUs combined with Nvidia GPUs.

Resources:

• Alienware M15 R5 Ryzen Edition