Among Dell’s lineup of mid-range gaming laptops, the Alienware M15 R7 has established itself on the shelves and is expected to displace the M5 / M6 model. The previous generation’s reputation as one of the best gaming laptop options on the market was largely attributed to its cost-effective design choices and emphasis on performance over fancier features.
The R7 has here to bring the Alienware M15 experience we all know and love up to 2023’s standards with Intel’s most recent 12th generation processors and additional space for RTX 3070 Ti and RTX 3080 Ti graphics cards. Throughout two weeks of intense work and play, we put the newest iteration through its paces.
Design
The Alienware M15 R7, with its plastic body and bulkier profile, adheres to the same design aesthetic as the model it replaces. Dell puts an emphasis on component value in these machines, so you do sacrifice some of the X-more range’s robust build attributes. The Alienware x14, for instance, has a luxurious aluminum and magnesium chassis but does significantly reduce your power level in exchange. The R7 doesn’t feel quite as substantial as these more expensive devices, but if you don’t intend to carry it around, you’ll like its substantial weight.
But this isn’t the portable device you’re looking for. The Alienware M15 R7 weighs just under 6 pounds and has a truly enormous power adaptor. It takes up a lot of backpack space because it is so large. The R7 obviously requires a lot of power because there is a lot going on within, but seriously, this brick is a plague.
Features
The Alienware M15 R7 won’t let you down if you’re seeking for an all-in-one computer without functional compromises. You’re covered for the newest generation connections with three USB-Type A 3.2 Gen 1 ports (one with 5Gbps capability, and another built with Powershare on top), a Type-C with Thunderbolt 4 and Power Delivery, and an HDMI 2.1 port. Also, the majority of these connections are on the rear, which will be a huge help to anyone who struggles with cable management like I do.
Also, I was really impressed with the mSeries keyboard. This key set feels fantastic because to its noticeably tactile snap and somewhat longer 1.8mm travel distance. This is a delightful sensation, much better than the thin butterfly keyboards we’re used to, that makes typing and gaming easy and quick. The trackpad that I used was snappy and didn’t interfere with any work.
Performance
Your sacrifices in terms of constructing materials start to pay off here. Alienware’s M15 R7 computer can fly. Using the i7-12700H processor and RTX 3070 Ti GPU in our test machine, we were able to effortlessly bench well over 60 frames per second on the highest settings for all games used. With Ultra textures and all sliders set to maximum, even stress testing this machine with a demanding Red Dead Redemption 2 run produced amazing results—76 frames per second on average. With an i9 processor in charge, that kind of performance surpasses even that of the RTX 3080 Ti Razer Blade 15.
The Fire Strike GPU scores also outperformed the M5 model from the previous year, with an astounding 24,894 score providing a clear lead over the 22,883 figure provided by a build using an RTX 3080 from the previous year. Nonetheless, this Processor can undoubtedly keep up. Both the 15,897 Cinebench core score and the 7,623 PC Mark 10 score clearly place this system among the most potent ones available. This results in extremely smooth performance for both productivity and gaming in real life. Even my largest Cities Skylines save files and a crowded Planet Coaster map didn’t phase this machine.
Using the Alienware m15 R7 for gaming
An AMD Ryzen 7 6800H CPU, 16GB of DDR4-4800 (dual-channel), a 512GB SSD, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, and a 165 Hz, 1920 x 1080 display are all included in our Alienware m15 R7 review unit. This configuration really allowed the laptop to show off its gaming prowess.
Before starting our tests, I made the decision to play a few games on my own to acquire a feel for the system, including the free-to-play esports title Overwatch 2. I noticed about 200 frames per second while playing the game at 1080p on the Epic setting without using V-Sync, which is a terrific way to push the high-refresh screen.
The m15 R7 finished third (69 fps) in the Shadow of the Tomb Raider test (1080p Highest), just behind the MSI Sword 15. (70 fps). At 74 frames per second, the Asus TUF Gaming F15 won. The GeForce RTX 3060 GPU is present in each of the gaming laptops in this group.
The m15 R7 finished in second place (84 fps) in Far Cry 6 (1080p, Very High), much behind the performance of the Asus TUF Gaming F15 in first place (99 fps). At 60 frames per second and 70 frames per second, the Alienware x14 and Sword 15 lagged behind.
Grand Theft V (1080p, Very High) tightened up the benchmark standings, and the m15 R7 won by averaging 95 frames per second. The TUF Gaming F15 and Sword 15 tied for second with 90 frames per second, while the x14 once more came in last with 70 frames per second.
Touchpad and keyboard
The Alienware m15 R7 keyboard lacks a number pad and features a largely conventional layout. The top function row is half as tall as the conventional keys, while the right side has special keys for volume, mute, and the microphone.
I had no issue writing 96.5 words per minute using keyhero.com with 92.25 percent accuracy because the keys were highly sensitive to my touch. That wasn’t too far behind my typing speed on a desktop keyboard, which was 86.43 words per minute and 89.46 percent accuracy on the MSI Sword 15.
The RGB backlight for the keyboard can be adjusted using the Alienware Command Center program, which is a great touch. You can adjust the color to suit your preferences. Our review unit, however, has just one RGB zone for the keyboard. It costs $50 to upgrade to per-key RGB lighting on Dell’s website.
Purchase it if
Play video games in 1080p.
Although a 1440p model is offered, we contend that a 1080p display with all graphics settings set to their highest makes this laptop the most suitable for high-framerate gaming.
You appreciate the design of Alienware.
We have to acknowledge that Dell has created an instantly identifiable and elegant style for its Alienware machines, though it definitely isn’t for everyone. This laptop is no exception; it shouts “gaming” from the get-go.
You enjoy fast frame speeds
For esports players, the 360Hz version of the Alienware m15 R7 is a dream since it enables you to achieve absurdly high framerates in frantic shooters like Valorant where speed is everything.
