It is large, it is highly effective and it would arguably be from one other planet. That is a straightforward approach to consider the Alienware m18, a brand new big-screen gaming laptop computer from Dell’s Alienware model. Introduced throughout CES 2023 in January, it is already on the CNET testing bench and blowing me away with its large show and top-shelf elements. 

That is as a result of Alienware despatched one of many highest-end configurations doable, together with an Intel Core i9-13980HX CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card. Together with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB solid-state drive (the one selection that felt kinda skimpy), which means this precise construct will value $3,549. Be aware that costs and configuration choices can shift in build-to-order methods like this. Additionally, the Core i9-13980HX is not listed as an obtainable choice simply but. Dell says it is coming later in April. 

For those who’re extra within the large display screen than the massive efficiency, the least costly construct of this technique is at the moment $2,099, however contains solely an Nvidia 4060 GPU, 16GB of RAM and a single 512GB SSD — a configuration that might value a lot much less in different gaming laptops. 

8.6

Alienware m18

$3,549 at Dell

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Like

• Large display screen for gaming
• Wonderful efficiency from the Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU
• Tactile CherryMX keyboard
• Plenty of ports and connections
• Cheaper than the opposite 18-inch gaming laptop computer we have reviewed

Do not Like

• Blander shade choices than the earlier technology
• Higher elements drive up the worth
• Followers can get loud whereas gaming

This isn’t the one 18-inch gaming laptop computer of 2023. In truth, it is not even the primary one we have reviewed this 12 months. That was the Razer Blade 18, which is similar to this in total look, really feel, choices and efficiency. Whereas some could want the marginally much less gamer-y design of the Razer, the model we reviewed value $3,799 and solely had an Nvidia 4080 GPU, not the 4090 discovered right here. It is $4,499 to leap as much as a 4090 GPU within the Razer. 

Not like the comparatively flat mainstream keyboard on the Razer Blade 18, the Alienware m18 has a CherryMX RGB keyboard with a hefty 1.8mm of key journey… and a really audible clack to its keys. Some individuals want this for including to the desktop gaming keyboard really feel. I discover it distracting, however can see the way you would possibly prefer it. 

Massive-screen star

The display screen is the massive star right here. There are two 18-inch choices to select from — a 2,560×1,600-pixel panel with a 165Hz refresh charge, and a 1,920×1,200-pixel one at a wild 480Hz. Whereas pairing an Nvidia 4090 GPU with a 1200p display screen looks as if a waste, the super-fast refresh charge will enchantment to aggressive players who care extra about insane body charges than decision. 

As it’s, within the 1600p model I examined I used to be in a position to crank new video games as much as their full graphics settings at full decision and get nice outcomes. For Hogwarts Legacy, I ran every thing on extremely settings, together with the ray-tracing results (which have been criticized for killing efficiency on different PCs) and nonetheless obtained a gradual body charge of a minimum of 120 frames per second. 

Our different benchmarks have been equally spectacular, and the 4090 on this Alienware outmatched the 4080 within the Razer Blade 18 in each take a look at. (Take a look at outcomes are on the finish of this overview.) So sure, that is essentially the most highly effective gaming laptop computer we have ever examined, however that is at all times true of the most recent and biggest, till the subsequent {hardware} gen comes alongside. 

Legendary feel and look

The newest revamp of the Alienware design language, known as Legend 3.0, does not reinvent a lot however makes some attention-grabbing tweaks. The rear panel is flatter, reasonably than barely angled, and a few small tweaks to the entrance lip make the system simpler to open one-handed. There is a new foot design beneath, mainly a plastic riser that permits for first rate airflow. 

The 15-inch Alienware x15 R2 I reviewed final 12 months ended up being one among my all-time favourite gaming laptops, and that was partly due to the good design and shade palette. I actually favored the retro-futurism of the matte white outer chassis. This time, the one choice at the moment obtainable is a near-black that Alienware calls darkish metallic moon. It is positive, however feels rather more like a gaming laptop computer cliche than the earlier shade scheme. However should you like darkish, brooding gaming laptops, you are all set. 

You probably have an older Alienware machine, one other attention-grabbing latest replace is to the Alienware Command Heart. That is a proprietary software program package deal that permits for fine-tuned controls of many system capabilities in addition to efficiency monitoring. 

The 2 large belongings you’ll in all probability use it for are leaping between efficiency presets and adjusting the per-key RPG lighting results, which additionally lengthen to the alien head logos, a shade border across the rear panel and even matching equipment like the brand new AW620M wi-fi mouse, a $99 accent with 26,000 dpi monitoring. Sure, it is costly, nevertheless it additionally carries over that matte white look I favored a lot from final 12 months. 

The newest model of ACC is an enchancment over older variations, which I at all times discovered unintuitive. Some capabilities, together with for lighting management, are less complicated and your entire app feels much less cluttered. 

If you are going to mess around with the efficiency presets, prepare for some fan noise and scorching air. Presets embrace Battery, Quiet, Efficiency and Max, and by default the system might be set to leap into efficiency mode when a particular sport (or any sport) is launched. 

A mix of quad inside followers, a vapor chamber and large warmth pipes all assist preserve the system cool, and even operating high-end video games it does not really feel as fiery to the contact because the 15-inch Alienware x15 did. That stated, scorching air does blow out from vents on each side and the rear, and I discovered my proper hand getting hit with heat air when utilizing a mouse comparatively near the system. 

One other benefit of a giant system like that is that there is room for lots of ports and connections. Whereas some slim laptops are right down to a few USB-C ports, this has virtually every thing you’d need. I will simply listing the ports under. 

• 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 port with PowerShare
• 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports
• 2x Thunderbolt Four Gen 2 Kind-C 
• 1x RJ45 Ethernet port
• 1x audio jack
• 1x HDMI 2.1 port
• 1x Mini DisplayPort

A giant display screen with a giant physique for all these ports, followers and different goodies is rarely going to be simple to lug round. I clocked the laptop computer itself at 8.7 kilos, and a complete of 12 kilos together with the ability brick. 

Sure, it is a wildly costly laptop computer with elements far past the wants of mainstream players (or anybody who does not need to spend $3K-plus on a laptop computer). That stated, it looks like a discount in comparison with the same Razer Blade 18, so there’s an argument to be made that it is actually a really financially cheap choice. I am not saying your partner, mum or dad or companion would agree with that argument, nevertheless it’s value a shot.

Enjoyable truth: This is not the primary 18-inch gaming laptop computer from Dell. Again in 2013, I reviewed the then-new Alienware 18, a $4,000 monster that supported twin GPUs. The 18-inch design did not catch on again then, however I believe it has a significantly better shot now. 

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