Hands-on with Dell Alienware x16 R1: Unique Design with RGB TouchPad, Powerful Intel Gen 13th

At the CES 2023 consumer electronics show, Dell introduced gamers to the new generation of Alienware laptops named Dell Alienware x16 R1. This is one of the world's first laptops equipped with the powerful performance of Intel Core 13th generation processors, accompanied by a stunning new design with RGB TouchPad. So what else is new with Dell Alienware x16 R1? Let's get hands-on with Dell Alienware x16 R1 to find out more about the product!

Note: This article references images from the PCMag YouTube channel.

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Hands-on with Dell Alienware x16 R1: Robust Design, Stunning RGB TouchPad

First glance at Dell Alienware x16 R1, the first impression the machine brings is a rather bulky figure. Overall, Dell Alienware x16 R1 has a design that isn't much different from the previous generation, with a very robust gaming-style appearance but has become more harmonious, resembling a spacecraft. At the back, Dell Alienware x16 R1 still looks very prominent with the LED-lit alien logo, accompanied by the unique highlight of the machine, the meticulously CNC-engraved 'X' detail at the lower corner of the back.

Exploring the front cooling vent area of Dell Alienware x16 R1, this area remains largely unchanged compared to previous Alienware generations with a beautiful multicolored LED strip reigning here. However, this year's version becomes more distinctive as the cooling vent area is where all device ports are gathered, including: Charging port, two Thunderbolt 4 integrated USB-C ports, two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, HDMI 2.1 port, mini-DP port, and microSD card reader slot. Although some ports have been omitted, personally, I find there are still enough for users to connect necessary peripherals for their gaming sessions.

In terms of finish, Dell Alienware x16 R1 is entirely crafted from aluminum alloy material, making the machine durable and capable of withstanding certain impacts. Especially, the back surface of the machine is sandblasted to reduce fingerprint smudges and elevate the overall premium feel of the device. Moreover, despite being crafted from metal, Dell Alienware x16 R1 is not too heavy, weighing only 2.7 kg, so you can still easily put it in your backpack and use it anywhere without any difficulties.

Opening up, Dell Alienware x16 R1 stands out with its tenkeyless keyboard system arranged with reasonable spacing to avoid users pressing the wrong keys while displaying gaming skills. However, I do not highly appreciate the placement of the power button because this is a position where users are very likely to accidentally press while typing. On the other hand, the RGB LED backlight of the machine is a plus point as the manufacturer has integrated it right below the keyboard and on the TouchPad, which looks very unique. This not only beautifies the product but also helps users easily orient the mouse position when working in low-light environments.

Moreover, Dell Alienware x16 R1 also boasts extremely impressive display quality. Specifically, the machine is equipped with a wide 16-inch screen, using an IPS panel with QHD+ resolution (2,560 x 1,600 pixels), accompanied by relatively thin screen bezels, improving the overall display capability of the machine. Furthermore, the screen of Dell Alienware x16 R1 also has a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, providing good image output with precise, vibrant details, combined with a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz, which can meet graphic demands or give you stunning, smooth gaming battles.

Dell Alienware x16 R1 boasts powerful specs with Intel Core Gen 13th, RTX 4090

Before delving into the specs, let me summarize a few hardware specifications of Dell Alienware x16 R1 for quick reference:

• Display: 16-inch size, IPS panel, QHD+ resolution (2,560 x 1,600 pixels), 240 Hz refresh rate.
• CPU: Intel Core i9-13900HK.
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090.
• RAM: 32 GB LPDDR5 standard, 6,000 MHz bus speed.
• Storage: Upgradable up to 4 TB with 2 PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSD slots.
• Battery: 90 Wh.

See more: Latest Intel 13th Generation Raptor Lake Chip: Optimal Performance, Powerful

Besides its distinctive robust design, Dell Alienware x16 R1 also features a powerhouse hardware system of the latest generation. Specifically, the machine is equipped with the Intel Core i9-13900HK processor, one of the most powerful chips currently from Intel. With the inclusion of this 13th-generation 'dinosaur', performance is probably not a concern anymore as I don't think there will be any tasks that can trouble Dell Alienware x16 R1 at this point. Moreover, the device also boasts the mighty RTX 4090 graphics core from NVIDIA, so tasks like heavy gaming, graphic design, or office work are all handled effortlessly.

To ensure the best possible stability for the 'monsters' in the processor world, all configuration versions of Dell Alienware x16 R1 use Element 31 thermal conductive material (Note: Element 31 refers to Gallium, the main component of liquid metal thermal paste) for cooling both the CPU and GPU. Additionally, it's highly likely that Dell Alienware x16 R1 configurations using RTX 4080 and RTX 4090 will be equipped with a vapor chamber cooling system, along with a 12-phase VRM transformer system to distribute power rationally and maintain the machine's performance at the highest level during prolonged gaming sessions.

Dell Alienware x16 R1 also comes with 32 GB of RAM, along with the ability to upgrade to 4 TB of storage capacity, so multitasking with multiple tasks as well as advanced storage is not a big issue with this laptop. However, Dell Alienware x16 R1 uses LPDDR5 RAM standard soldered onto the motherboard, making it difficult to upgrade, but a gaming laptop with 32 GB of RAM should be more than enough for you to both game and livestream smoothly.

Summary

Carrying the 'bloodline' of the renowned Alienware gaming laptop series, it can be said that Dell Alienware x16 R1 is a leading laptop today with a powerhouse configuration coming from the 13th generation Intel processor, accompanied by the highest-end graphics core from the RTX 4000 series, helping to handle all tasks from gaming to graphic work seamlessly. Although Dell has not announced the release date or pricing of this new Alienware model, NotebookCheck has predicted that the machine may soon be available in the first quarter with a price starting from 3,099 USD (approximately 72.73 million VND).

So what do you think about Dell Alienware x16 R1? Leave your comments below to let everyone know, thank you for taking the time to read my article.

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