All in the Name
Mention the phrase – computer enthusiast – and most will immediately picture a humongous computer that is packing the latest in high-end specs. This includes top-of-the-line CPU(s), equally as powerful graphics, and then some. Now hold that thought for a few seconds; then consider this: what will the reaction be if Alienware, the gaming division in Dell, manages to cram all these capabilities into a portable gamer’s machine.
Indeed, this market stalwart is bringing back the heydays of pure innovation at Dell; this is applicable even with gaming thanks to how Alienware is deeply involved. Indeed – just like that – this new entry is now on the consideration list for most and, somewhat, acts as a reminder to all that the original pioneer is back in town.
How is it any different from the rest? For starters, it’s not common knowledge that this compact powerhouse rocks an Intel 8th Generation Core i9 CPU.
9th Wonder
Yes, it’s true – this next-gen Alienware 15 R4 packs in the highest possible performance CPU for notebooks. Right now, the CPU is not at the max Core count like the desktop Intel 8th Generation Core i9; even so, the all-new mobile processor is more than capable in competing with proper high-end desktops. To make it even more amazing, the Intel 8th Generation Core i9-8950HK processor can be pushed up to 5GHz!
With the right tweaks, of course, just so it won’t meltdown. Like all previous Alienware entries, it also means that this portable gaming monster needs some serious power when under heavy loads; hence, the presence of the hefty 240W adaptor.
This is a rare inclusion since these power-bricks are usually smaller. This is to make sure that there is enough juice to power the high-spec innards in this bad boy.
Heavenly Images
Alienware has paired the powerful Intel 8th Generation Core i9 with the similarly powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080, the mobile variant that comes in the NVIDIA Max-Q design.
While a tad slower than its desktop variant, it is optimised for performance efficiency and cooling. This is suitable for a notebook as it will not have hot air roaring out and burning everything during an intense gaming session.
For the display, it’s a 15.6” Full HD 120Hz panel that pairs nicely with the NVIDIA top-end GPU. This should give gamers a fluid and fast responsive visual experience. There is only one nitpick: due to the screen being smaller than the overall footprint of the device, there are large bezels surrounding it. If a bigger panel, resulting in thinner bezels, replaces that, then it would be more elegant.
True Spec-Out
This next-gen Alienware 15 also rocks a Toshiba 256GB NVME storage system, promising users a really zippy performance. Indeed, everything loads really fast, provided most critical apps are installed on the main NVMe storage. For games and larger content, it’s best to load them up on the 1TB HDD.
There are also a plethora of peripheral connectors, namely two USB 3.0 Type-A; two USB 3.0 Type-C, with one of them supporting 40Gbps Thunderbolt; separate 3.5mm audio and microphone jacks; KillerLAN Network e2500 Ethernet Port; a mini-DisplayPort 1.2; one HDMI 2.0, and an Alienware Graphics Amplifier jack. Phew! Complementing all that is the sleek and stylish chassis that has minimal flex and rocks RGB LED accents. The last ones come in the form of side-bars that light up in sync with the Alienware logo. The keyboard also offers the same lighting effects.
Running the Gauntlet
Overall, how did the next-gen Alienware 15 fare? Personally, it blew my mind. The Alienware Command Centre is certainly one of the most well-thought piece of software that yours truly had the pleasure of using on any high-end product. Not only is overclocking easy with this app, various elements – clockspeed, PC power usage, RGB effects – can be managed together seamlessly. All these customisations can be saved into various profiles too.
Personally, that takes the cake. Gaming on the device is awesome, of course. The 2mm travel on the built-in keyboard is comfortable and the macro keys on the side is a Godsend.
Even with the lack of a numpad, Alienware manages to cram a nearly full-sized keyboard layout still. Obviously, with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 powering this device, everything is silky smooth.
Portable Powerhouse
Honestly, for an Alienware – originally gamer platform stalwart – this is a pleasant surprise. The Alienware 15 R4 is not what most will expect as a response to the efforts of other brands. Usually a portable gaming device like will result in a trick-out and gimmicky notebook.
However, in reflecting its roots as one of the pioneers for this segment, this next-gen gaming entry is truly something else. Add to the fact that Alienware bundles together an awesome carrying bag with this beast of a gaming system, makes this new offering all sweeter than most. A big plus point: there are two dedicated peripherals for this Alienware – a Alienware mechanical keyboard and gaming mouse, both next-gen. Their own reviews will come out in the following month, so keep a lookout for them!
(Text by: Din)
