LaptopDell78% by External Reviewers

Dell Alienware x17 17.3"

Gaming Laptop

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Product Overview

Dell Alienware x17 is a flagship-level 17.3-inch gaming laptop. A refinement of the m17 series that supersedes the m17 R4 unveiled at CES this year, the x17 is powered by 11th-gen Intel Tiger Lake processors up to i9-11980HK.

Compared to the m17 R4, the x17 offers some of the fastest display options available on the market right now. Its 4K UHD panel covers 100% Adobe RGB color space, just like before, while refreshing at 120Hz, double of the 60Hz available to the m17 R4. The standard display is now a 165Hz FHD unit, also an improvement.

Another key selling point is the possibility to configure an ultra-low profile mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches. Per-key RGB back lighting is also standard.

I/O-wise, the x17 comes with Thunderbolt 4 as well as other modern ports. It comes with WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 wireless connectivity as well.

GPU-wise, Dell has not been able to bring anything new, as NVIDIA is still on top with its RTX 3000-series chips.

For those who wish for a bit more portability, Dell also markets the 15.6-inch x15 unveiled at the same time.

Ratings

What we found

Pros

Beautiful 4K, 120Hz 4K display
Excellent battery life
Excellent keyboard and touchpad

Cons

Nothing in particular

What external reviewers found

External score 78%

Pros

Great keyboard
Excellent performance
Excellent gaming performance
Good battery life

Cons

Lacks numpad
Lackluster webcam
Mediocre keyboard and touchpad
No Thunderbolt 3 port
No 4K display

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Specifications

[[{"Ft":"Connectivity","Fn":"Ports","Fv":"2x USB 3.2 Gen1 + 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 + 1x Thunderbolt 4 + 1x HDMI 2.1 + 1x Mini DisplayPort 1.4 + 1x RJ45 + 1x Audio combo + 1x MicroSD"},{"Ft":"Connectivity","Fn":"Wireless Connectivity","Fv":"WiFi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Camera | Front","Fv":"720p HD"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Colors","Fv":"Lunar Light"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Material","Fv":"Magnesium Alloy exterior shell and copper alloy thermal components"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Microphone","Fv":"Dual-array microphones"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Speakers","Fv":"4 speakers, 8W in total"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Switch Type","Fv":"Optional CherryMX ultra-low profile mechanical keyboard"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Depth","Fv":"299.49 mm / 11.791\u0026#34;"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Height","Fv":"21.4 mm / 0.843\u0026#34;"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Width","Fv":"399.23 mm / 15.718\u0026#34;"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Weight","Fv":"3.02 kg / 6.65 lbs ~ 3.2 kg / 7.05 lbs"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Aspect Ratio","Fv":"16:9"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Brightness","Fv":"500 nits"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Display Diagonal","Fv":"17.3 inch"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Display Type","Fv":"IPS"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Gamut","Fv":"100% Adobe RGB"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Refresh Rate","Fv":"120 Hz"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Resolution","Fv":"FHD (1920x1080) or 4K UHD (3840x2160)"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Response Time","Fv":"4 ms"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Audio","Fv":"Realtek ALC3281"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Graphics","Fv":"NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6, RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6, or RTX 3080 16GB GDDR6"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Keyboard Backlight","Fv":"Per-key AlienFX RGB lighting"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Operating System","Fv":"Windows 10"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Processor","Fv":"Intel Core i7-11800H or i9-11980HK Tiger Lake"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"RGB Lighting","Fv":"AlienFX lighting programmable with up to 16.8 million distinct colors"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Variable Framerate","Fv":"NVIDIA G-SYNC available for IPS 360Hz panel"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Memory | Capacity","Fv":"16, 32, or 64 GB"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Memory | Type","Fv":"DDR4 3200MHz or DDR4 XMP 3466MHz"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Storage","Fv":"Up to 4TB (2x 2TB) PCIe NVMe SSD, RAID supported"},{"Ft":"Production","Fn":"Debut","Fv":"2021-06"}],[{"Ft":"Connectivity","Fn":"Ports","Fv":"2x USB 3.2 Gen1 + 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 + 1x Thunderbolt 4 + 1x HDMI 2.1 + 1x Mini DisplayPort 1.4 + 1x RJ45 + 1x Audio combo + 1x MicroSD"},{"Ft":"Connectivity","Fn":"Wireless Connectivity","Fv":"WiFi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Camera | Front","Fv":"720p HD"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Colors","Fv":"Lunar Light"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Material","Fv":"Magnesium Alloy exterior shell and copper alloy thermal components"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Microphone","Fv":"Dual-array microphones"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Speakers","Fv":"4 speakers, 8W in total"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Switch Type","Fv":"Optional CherryMX ultra-low profile mechanical keyboard"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Depth","Fv":"299.49 mm / 11.791\u0026#34;"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Height","Fv":"21.4 mm / 0.843\u0026#34;"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Width","Fv":"399.23 mm / 15.718\u0026#34;"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Weight","Fv":"3.02 kg / 6.65 lbs ~ 3.2 kg / 7.05 lbs"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Aspect Ratio","Fv":"16:9"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Brightness","Fv":"300 nits"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Display Diagonal","Fv":"17.3 inch"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Display Type","Fv":"IPS"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Refresh Rate","Fv":"165Hz"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Resolution","Fv":"FHD (1920x1080) or 4K UHD (3840x2160)"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Response Time","Fv":"3 ms"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Audio","Fv":"Realtek ALC3281"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Graphics","Fv":"NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6, RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6, or RTX 3080 16GB GDDR6"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Keyboard Backlight","Fv":"Per-key AlienFX RGB lighting"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Operating System","Fv":"Windows 10"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Processor","Fv":"Intel Core i7-11800H or i9-11980HK Tiger Lake"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"RGB Lighting","Fv":"AlienFX lighting programmable with up to 16.8 million distinct colors"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Variable Framerate","Fv":"NVIDIA G-SYNC available for IPS 360Hz panel"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Memory | Capacity","Fv":"16, 32, or 64 GB"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Memory | Type","Fv":"DDR4 3200MHz or DDR4 XMP 3466MHz"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Storage","Fv":"Up to 4TB (2x 2TB) PCIe NVMe SSD, RAID supported"},{"Ft":"Production","Fn":"Debut","Fv":"2021-06"}],[{"Ft":"Connectivity","Fn":"Ports","Fv":"2x USB 3.2 Gen1 + 1x USB 3.2 Gen2 + 1x Thunderbolt 4 + 1x HDMI 2.1 + 1x Mini DisplayPort 1.4 + 1x RJ45 + 1x Audio combo + 1x MicroSD"},{"Ft":"Connectivity","Fn":"Wireless Connectivity","Fv":"WiFi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Camera | Front","Fv":"720p HD"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Colors","Fv":"Lunar Light"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Material","Fv":"Magnesium Alloy exterior shell and copper alloy thermal components"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Microphone","Fv":"Dual-array microphones"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Speakers","Fv":"4 speakers, 8W in total"},{"Ft":"Construction","Fn":"Switch Type","Fv":"Optional CherryMX ultra-low profile mechanical keyboard"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Depth","Fv":"299.49 mm / 11.791\u0026#34;"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Height","Fv":"20.9 mm / 0.823\u0026#34;"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Size | Width","Fv":"399.23 mm / 15.718\u0026#34;"},{"Ft":"Dimensions","Fn":"Weight","Fv":"3.02 kg / 6.65 lbs ~ 3.2 kg / 7.05 lbs"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Aspect Ratio","Fv":"16:9"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Brightness","Fv":"300 nits"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Display Diagonal","Fv":"17.3 inch"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Display Type","Fv":"IPS"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Refresh Rate","Fv":"360 Hz"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Resolution","Fv":"FHD (1920x1080) or 4K UHD (3840x2160)"},{"Ft":"Display","Fn":"Response Time","Fv":"1 ms"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Audio","Fv":"Realtek ALC3281"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Graphics","Fv":"NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6, RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6, or RTX 3080 16GB GDDR6"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Keyboard Backlight","Fv":"Per-key AlienFX RGB lighting"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Operating System","Fv":"Windows 10"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Processor","Fv":"Intel Core i7-11800H or i9-11980HK Tiger Lake"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"RGB Lighting","Fv":"AlienFX lighting programmable with up to 16.8 million distinct colors"},{"Ft":"Function","Fn":"Variable Framerate","Fv":"NVIDIA G-SYNC available for IPS 360Hz panel"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Memory | Capacity","Fv":"16, 32, or 64 GB"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Memory | Type","Fv":"DDR4 3200MHz or DDR4 XMP 3466MHz"},{"Ft":"Performance","Fn":"Storage","Fv":"Up to 4TB (2x 2TB) PCIe NVMe SSD, RAID supported"},{"Ft":"Production","Fn":"Debut","Fv":"2021-06"}]]

	4K	FHD 165Hz	FHD 360Hz

External Reviews

laptopmag^[1]

Reviewer score 88% (normalized by Neofiliac)

Reviewers from laptopmag have found:

Alienware has retooled its proprietary Cryo-Tech system to keep the X17 cool. The 720p webcam is a little bit of a letdown, considering all the powerful specs it's packing. It's not a bad shooter, in fact, it's par for the course.

Pros

Sleek design
Powerful CPU and GPU
Comfortable keyboard
Excellent battery life

Cons

Lackluster webcam
No Thunderbolt 3

notebookcheck^[2]

Reviewer score 76% (normalized by Neofiliac)

Reviewers from notebookcheck have found:

The most compelling features of the Alienware x17 are its processor performance and CherryMX mechanical keys. The Core i7-11800H CPU here runs noticeably faster than on other laptops equipped with the exact same chip. Charging from empty to full capacity is very fast at around 75 minutes with the included AC barrel adapter. All performance comes at the cost of core temperature, power consumption, size, and weight.

Pros

Strong CPU performance and CherryMX mechanical keys
Slim bezels
Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
Very good battery life

Cons

Higher CPU TDP and GPU TGP targets

pcmag^[3]

Reviewer score 70% (normalized by Neofiliac)

Reviewers from pcmag have found:

The Alienware x17 is a sharper-looking version of the former flagship m17, but we're not sold on the redesign. While larger laptops often pack more power, it performs no better than premium 15-inch gaming rigs. The x17 doesn't particularly outperform smaller systems, and the lighter m17 proved faster.

Pros

Bright 4K display
High-quality components
Good battery life

Cons

Mediocre keyboard and touchpad
No Thunderbolt 3 port

theverge^[4]

Reviewer score 73% (normalized by Neofiliac)

Reviewers from theverge have found:

This version of the X17 includes the ultra-low-profile Cherry mechanical key switches. The key layout is intuitive, though some may be upset that the numpad is missing. The light-up trackpad that illuminates when you touch it, though the light goes out after a few seconds of inactivity.

Pros

Sleek, premium design
Excellent gaming performance
Excellent keyboard

Cons

No 4K display
Lacks numpad

tomshardware^[5]

Reviewer score 84% (normalized by Neofiliac)

Reviewers from tomshardware have found:

The Alienware x17 is one of the sleekest gaming laptops I've seen in a long time. The new design is as pretty and modern as gaming laptops get these days. There's an option for a 1080p, 360 HZ G-Sync display and a non-mechanical keyboard.

Pros

Sleek, modern design
Excellent performance
Great keyboard

Cons

No Thunderbolt 3
Mediocre webcam

Also Check

Product ComparisonProducts in LaptopProducts by DellKeyword g-syncKeyword ips

References

^ Alienware X17 review. [laptopmag].
^ Alienware x17 R1 RTX 3080 laptop review: A new beginning. [notebookcheck].
^ Alienware x17 Review. [pcmag].
^ Alienware X17 review: pretty pixels for a pretty penny. [theverge].
^ Alienware x17 Review: A Designer Gaming Laptop. [tomshardware].

Dell Alienware x17 17.3"

Product Gallery

Product Overview

Ratings

What we found

What external reviewers found

Your rating:

Price Comparison

Specifications

Related Products

External Reviews

laptopmag[1]

notebookcheck[2]

pcmag[3]

theverge[4]

tomshardware[5]

Also Check

References

laptopmag^[1]

notebookcheck^[2]

pcmag^[3]

theverge^[4]

tomshardware^[5]