Gaming laptops are changing the way we game on the go. But when it comes to choosing the best, the debate between the Alienware m15 and m17 is fierce. These two powerhouses from Dell have captivated tech enthusiasts, laptop shoppers, and business professionals alike, but which one stands out? Let’s break it down.
Review Overview
If you’re torn between the Alienware m15 and m17, you’re not alone. Both models boast impressive specs, sleek designs, and formidable performance. But what sets them apart? This comprehensive review will explore the key differences, performance metrics, and features that make each unique. By the end, you’ll know which laptop fits your needs best.
Key Differences
Case
The first noticeable difference between the m15 and m17 is their size. The m15 is more compact, making it ideal for those who value portability. It’s easier to carry around, whether you’re heading to the office or a gaming convention. With its smaller footprint, it fits snugly in most backpacks.
On the other hand, the m17, with its larger case, feels more like a desktop replacement. Its bigger chassis allows for better heat dissipation, which can be a crucial factor for intense gaming sessions. While it may not be as portable, it offers a more immersive experience.
Both models feature Alienware’s signature alien-head logo and RGB lighting, giving them a futuristic and premium look. The build quality on both is top-notch, with sturdy frames designed to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Display
Display quality is paramount for gamers and professionals alike. The m15 sports a 15.6-inch screen, which balances size and portability. It’s available in Full HD (1920×1080) and 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolutions, with refresh rates up to 300Hz. This makes it perfect for fast-paced games and detailed graphics work.
Meanwhile, the m17 ups the ante with a 17.3-inch display. This larger screen enhances the overall viewing experience, making it ideal for cinematic gaming and creative projects. It also comes in Full HD and 4K UHD options, but its refresh rate maxes out at 360Hz, offering smoother visuals for competitive gaming.
Both displays support NVIDIA G-SYNC technology, ensuring tear-free and responsive gameplay. However, if screen real estate is a priority, the m17 takes the edge here.
Battery
Battery Life on Programming/Coding
When it comes to battery life, both models perform admirably, but there are differences worth noting. For programming and coding tasks, the m15’s battery life averages around 6 hours. This is sufficient for most daily tasks and light development work.
The m17, with its larger battery, can last approximately 7 hours under similar conditions. While the difference might seem minor, it can be significant for those long coding marathons where plugging in isn’t an option.
Battery Life on Web Browsing
For web browsing, the m15 manages to last around 5.5 hours. This is a decent performance for a gaming laptop, ensuring you can stay productive on the go without constantly searching for a power outlet.
The m17, benefiting from its larger battery capacity, extends this to about 6.5 hours. This makes it slightly better suited for everyday tasks like browsing, checking emails, and streaming videos.
Battery Life on Full Brightness and CPU Intensive Tasks
When pushed to the limit with full brightness and CPU-intensive tasks, the m15’s battery life drops to roughly 3.5 hours. This includes activities like video rendering, gaming, and running multiple applications simultaneously.
The m17 also sees a decline under these conditions, but it manages to hold out for around 4 hours. This extra buffer can be crucial during heavy workloads or extended gaming sessions away from home.
CPU
CPU Performance Comparisons
Both the m15 and m17 offer configurations with the latest Intel and AMD processors. The m15 typically comes with options up to the Intel Core i9-11900H or AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX. These processors deliver top-tier performance, handling everything from gaming to professional applications with ease.
The m17, however, often includes higher-end CPU options, such as the Intel Core i9-11980HK or AMD Ryzen 9 5950HX. These chips provide a slight performance boost, which can make a difference in CPU-bound applications.
Web Browsing Performance
For everyday tasks like web browsing, both laptops perform excellently. The powerful CPUs ensure that web pages load quickly, and multitasking between tabs and applications is seamless. The m17’s marginally better processors might give it an edge in handling more demanding web applications, but the difference is negligible for most users.
Photo and Video Editing
For photo and video editing, both laptops shine. The m15’s configurations are more than capable of handling Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro. The m17 takes it a step further with its higher-end CPU options, making it better suited for 4K video editing and large-scale photo projects.
Exporting 4k/8k Videos
When exporting high-resolution videos, the m17’s superior CPU options can significantly reduce rendering times. The m15 still performs admirably, but if time is of the essence, the m17’s processing power will be a valuable asset.
Benchmarks
3D Marks
In 3DMark benchmarks, both the m15 and m17 score impressively, reflecting their top-tier gaming performance. The m17 tends to score slightly higher due to its better cooling and potential for more powerful GPU configurations.
Cinebench
Cinebench tests reveal the m17’s superiority in multi-core performance, thanks to its higher-end CPUs. The m15, while still powerful, lags slightly behind in these intensive benchmarks.
UserBenchmark
UserBenchmark scores indicate that both laptops offer exceptional performance across a range of tasks. The m17 edges out the m15 in CPU and GPU-intensive tasks, making it the better choice for those who need maximum power.
Graphics Card
Both the m15 and m17 are available with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series GPUs. These graphics cards deliver cutting-edge performance for gaming, rendering, and AI applications.
The m15 typically offers configurations up to the RTX 3070, which is more than capable for most tasks. The m17, however, can be configured with an RTX 3080, providing an extra boost for those demanding the best possible performance.
RAM and Storage
Memory and storage options are critical for performance and usability. Both laptops offer up to 32GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and future-proofing.
Storage options include fast NVMe SSDs, with capacities up to 2TB. This provides plenty of space for games, applications, and large media files. Both models also support additional storage options if needed.
Sound
Alienware has paid attention to the audio experience as well. The m15 features a robust sound system with clear highs and deep lows, providing an immersive audio experience whether you’re gaming or watching movies.
The m17, benefiting from its larger chassis, houses a more powerful audio system. This results in richer sound and better bass response, enhancing the overall experience.
Connectivity
Connectivity is crucial for modern laptops. Both the m15 and m17 offer a wide array of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and audio jacks. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of peripherals and external devices.
The m17, with its larger form factor, includes additional USB ports and possibly an SD card reader, making it slightly more versatile for connectivity needs.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Alienware m15 and m17 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If portability and a balanced performance are your priorities, the m15 is an excellent choice. Its compact size and powerful internals make it ideal for on-the-go professionals and gamers alike.
However, if you need the extra screen real estate, better cooling, and slightly superior performance, the m17 stands out. It’s perfect for those who can sacrifice a bit of portability for enhanced features and a more immersive experience.
Both laptops exemplify Alienware’s commitment to quality and performance. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a top-tier machine ready to handle anything you throw at it.
For personalized advice and to explore more about these powerful laptops, sign up for our newsletter or book a consultation with one of our tech experts. Discover the perfect gaming or professional laptop that meets your every need.
Here’s a detailed comparison table for the Alienware m15 and Alienware m17, highlighting their key features:
| Feature | Alienware m15 | Alienware m17 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-12700H / i9-12900H (12th Gen) | Intel Core i7-12700H / i9-12900H (12th Gen) |
| RAM | 16GB / 32GB DDR5 (Upgradeable) | 16GB / 32GB DDR5 (Upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512GB / 1TB / 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD (Upgradeable) | 512GB / 1TB / 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD (Upgradeable) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 / 3070 / 3080 Ti | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 / 3070 / 3080 Ti |
| Display | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 165Hz or QHD (2560 x 1440) 240Hz | 17.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 165Hz or UHD (3840 x 2160) 120Hz |
| Battery | 86 WHr, Up to 6-7 hours | 97 WHr, Up to 6-7 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home / Pro | Windows 11 Home / Pro |
| Weight | Approx. 2.42 kg (5.34 lbs) | Approx. 3.0 kg (6.61 lbs) |
| Ports | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio jack | 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), HDMI 2.1, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Keyboard | AlienFX RGB Backlit Keyboard | AlienFX RGB Backlit Keyboard |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Webcam | 720p HD Camera | 720p HD Camera |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos |
| Cooling System | Alienware Cryo-Tech Cooling | Alienware Cryo-Tech Cooling |
| Build Quality | Magnesium alloy and CNC-machined aluminum | Magnesium alloy and CNC-machined aluminum |
| Price Range | Starts around $2,200 | Starts around $2,500 |
