Alienware, a legendary gamer brand, has been offering an update to its m15 for a few weeks. On the program for this seventh revision, the adoption of 12th generation Intel Alder Lake processors and the latest Nvidia graphics cards, in this case the RTX 3070 Ti and RTX 3080 Ti. Discreet new features, too much to allow the Alienware m15 r7 to stand out from competitors now present in large numbers?
Features of the Alienware m15 R7
| Screen(s) | 15.6″ Full HD LED IPS 360Hz 1ms 100% sRGB 300cd/m² (1920×1080, mat/antireflet) |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-12700H Alder Lake-H (14 cœurs : 6P 2.3 GHz, 8P 1.7 GHz, 45W) |
| RAM installed | 32 Go (2 x 16 Go) DDR4 2666 MHz, 2 slots (occupés) |
| Graphic card | NVIDIA Turing GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8Go GDDR6 Dedicated, Optimus Advanced |
| Storage | 2 SSD M.2 de 512 Go (NVMe PCIe 3.0) |
| connectors | 3 USB 3.2 gen1 (dont 1 PowerShare) + 1 USB 3.2 Type-C (Gen2) Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1 |
| Network | Wi-Fi ax (2×2, Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX201), Bluetooth 5.1, Ethernet Gigabit (Killer E3100) |
| Backlit Keyboard | Oui, RGB, course 1.8mm, Anti-Ghosting, N-Key Rollover |
| Numeric keypad | – |
| Windows Hello | – |
| Audio system | 2 Nahimic speakers |
| Operating system | Windows 11 64 bits |
| Announced autonomy / Battery | 5 hours / Li-Ion 6 cells 86Whr |
| Poids / Dimensions (mm) | 2.5 Kg / 356 x 272 x 24 mm |
Alienware m15 R7 – Châssis / Design
Like the brand’s latest productions, the Alienware m15 r7 is relatively discreet. The backlit alien-shaped logo is finally the most conspicuous element. It is nevertheless possible to deactivate the backlight for more discretion (or to change its color) and thus blend into most environments without denoting. At least on condition of dealing with the imposing inscription “15” present on the back of the screen.
The interior is just as discreet. Only the power button once more in Alien form will be able to attract attention. But that’s also the purpose of an Alienware computer following all. The m15 benefits from an excellent finish. The whole inspires confidence and the magnesium chassis displays excellent rigidity even if the center of the keyboard and the screen are a little more sensitive to pressure.
The underside of the chassis is in keeping with the bonus of pretty ventilation grilles. Access to the components does not pose any difficulty. RAM and SSD can be replaced if needed.
Alienware m15 R7 – Connectors / Ports
The Alienware M15 has a well-supplied connection, distributed over the three sides of the chassis but with a preference for the rear edge. An asset for hiding cables but not always practical for day-to-day management, the backlight tending to dazzle when trying to connect a device. On the other hand, we welcome the presence of a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, a feature that is still rare on a laptop computer. A total of three USB-A ports, a Thunderbolt 4 (and Power Delivery) compatible USB-C, an HDMI 2.1 output and a jack / microphone port are available.
Alienware m15 R7 – Sound System
Its two small speakers placed under the wrist rest deliver a rather satisfactory sound for a laptop. The volume does not lack power and does not saturate (too much) even beyond 50%. The details are well rendered, as is the spatialization.
Alienware m15 R7 – Clavier / Touchpad
Despite the absence of a numeric keypad, which will put some people off, the m15’s keyboard is very pleasant. It benefits from keys with common dimensions (15.9×15.9 mm) for a 15-inch laptop. Ditto for the spacing (3.2 mm). Conversely, the race (1.8 mm) stands out. The touch is very pleasant with the added bonus of good cushioning and a muffled noise, barely perceptible. The keyboard is therefore a success but paradoxically seems more cut out for typing than playing for hours.
The keyboard benefits from an RGB backlighting system. The Alienware logos and the light strip located on the back edge are also customizable via the Command Center utility. The latter is still not the most intuitive there is, and therefore deserves an overhaul in order to offer better ergonomics.
As for the touchpad, it appears secondary here with its limited dimensions (105×60 mm), not the most practical to use. But for a gaming laptop, that shouldn’t be a problem, as the mouse is still the norm (and will remain so).
Alienware m15 R7 – Ecran
Dell now offers three screens on its Alienware M15 R7. Two Full HD, 165 Hz at the entry level or 360 Hz 1 ms as an option, which our model was equipped with. A final panel is offered, in QHD (2560×1440) 2 ms. If gaming isn’t the only use for your future laptop, this is probably the best option to choose. The higher definition has little impact on gaming performance while offering better viewing comfort for other uses.
The AU Optronics panel (AUO8092) covers 99% of the sRGB space ( once morest around 75% for RGB and DCI-P3). The maximum brightness is established at 323 cd/m2 for a contrast ratio of 979:1. Average values, sufficient for playing but which may leave users looking for versatility (photographers, content creators, etc.) unsatisfied.
Alienware ignores the presence of a fingerprint sensor. However, the Alienware m15 r7 can be equipped with an infrared webcam at least, on models with a 165 Hz screen. A significant plus on a daily basis to unlock your Windows session without needing to enter your password. On the other hand, in terms of the quality of the images returned, the latter lack definition with, in addition, a marked noise. To the point of wondering how is it possible to have such a deplorable webcam on a computer sold for more than 2500€! So of course, most players have a well-made USB webcam, but all the same it is time for manufacturers to make an effort in the age of teleworking and remote meetings.
Alienware m15 R7 – Performances
High-end gaming PC requires, Alienware has chosen to integrate the fastest processors in the Intel Alder Lake range. The m15 r7 is therefore offered either with a Core i7-12700H (as on the model tested), or a Core i9-12900H. These 2 CPUs are 14-core processors (including 6 high-performance, 8 efficient – 20 threads). The difference is to be found on the side of the TDP and the higher maximum frequency. At least in theory because in practice, the differences will however be tenuous. Better to settle for the Core i7 and keep the budget for another upgrade.
On the graphics card side, this Alienware m15 r7 offers the entire Nvidia range, namely the GeForce RTX 3060, the RTX 3070 Ti or the RTX 3080 Ti. The configuration tested is equipped with the RTX 3070 Ti (TGP 140W), which is the best performance/lifespan/budget figure. The €650 requested to spend on the 3080 Ti seems unreasonable to us except to make Ray-Tracing a priority (and once more).
In practice, the performance is in line with the expectations that buyers of a high-end gaming laptop may have. To simplify, all current games can run in Ultra with at least 90-100 FPS (without Tracing). The graphics card can also be an asset for content creators, especially those for whom video plays a central role. Davinci Resolve, Première Pro or After Effects being able to exploit OpenCL capacity or CUDA cores to speed up certain calculations. Be careful though, do not expect a performance gap as large as in games by going from an RTX 3060 to an RTX 3070 Ti. Depending on your gaming requirements, opting for the first can therefore be an interesting option for mixed use.
As for the CPU power, it progresses significantly compared to the previous generation. A quick reminder, Intel Alder Lake processors now include “high-performance” cores (6 in number) and “efficient” cores (8 here). It is therefore advisable not to focus solely on the total number of cores. A design already seen at Apple on the mobile chips of the iPhone and iPad and now included in the famous Mac M1. Without going into details, let’s say for simplicity that the goal is to offer better performance while limiting energy consumption during phases that do not require a lot of power.
Alienware m15 R4 – Noise pollution / Noise / Temperatures
A relatively thin chassis (less than 2.5 cm) associated with some of the most efficient components of the moment, there is no doubt that discretion will not be required. Unsurprisingly, fans of the Alienware m15 pick up quite quickly once the pace picks up to nearly 50 dBA in games. A value comparable to that of its main competitors, with similar configurations. However, the frequency of the fans having to tend towards the treble, the m15 is perceived as being louder than its counterparts.
Too bad because on the temperature side, the progress is there. The processor always tends to come close to 100°C, at least during the short minute before the fans kick in. Then, the CPU stabilizes around 80-85°C. The graphics card oscillates between 75 and 80°C (with an ambient temperature of 22-24°C).
Alienware m15 R7 – Autonomy / Battery
Autonomy has never been the strong point of the m15 and it is not this seventh iteration that reverses the trend. It is indeed difficult to exceed 5 hours on battery power, even with undemanding use (web browsing – brightness at 140 cd/m2).
Our opinion on the Alienware m15 R4
Acquiring an Alienware gaming laptop is above all choosing the prestige of a brand dedicated to gamers for years. It is also opting for a top-of-the-range model and therefore, the buyer is entitled to expect the best. Nothing to say on the chassis side, excellent. The design displays a welcome bias as always on Alienware computers. Consensus is therefore not required, but in a market where the trend is towards uniformity, differentiating yourself with a touch of audacity can pay off.
The player ready to spend more than 2500€ in his future portable gaming PC expects to have the best components of the moment. This is the case with Nvidia graphics cards now in their Ti versions (Advanced Optimus compatible) and 12th generation Intel processors. Enough to deliver solid performance, among the best in the category.
For the rest, the Alienware m15 r7 can count on a discreet and pleasant keyboard to use on a daily basis. Temperatures are well managed and the possibility of opting for a 360 Hz screen is a major asset for gamers. Too bad that the frequency of the fans is not better studied in order to improve the perception of noise by the user. Finally, we must also deal with an autonomy that is just acceptable in 2022, even for a gaming computer. As for the price, with an entry ticket at €2,200 (RTX 3070 Ti), it may seem like a premium. However, taking into account its qualities, the m15 is finally positioned quite close to its main competitors.
The Alienware m15 R7 scores 4/5
- Points forts
- Performances (RTX 3070 Ti 140W)
- Very comfortable RGB keyboard
- Port Ethernet 2,5 Gbit/s
- Look that stands out
- To review
- Limited autonomy
- Deplorable webcam quality, Windows Hello reserved for certain screens
- Perceived noise
See the available configurations of the Alienware m15 r7
