Dell Alienware m18 R1 (2022)

Dell Alienware m18 R1 (2022)

Manufacturer	Dell
Product family	Alienware
Release date	2022 (2022)
Introductory price	USD 2900 to 4500
Discontinued	No
Operating system	Windows 11 Pro
CPU	Intel Core i9-13980HX
Memory	32 GB DDR5-4800 (2x 16GB) or 32 GB DDR5-5800 (2x 16GB)
Memory slots	2 user accessible
Storage	1 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Storage slots	4 user accessible (2x M.2 2280, 2x M.2 2230)
Removable storage	SD card slot
Display	Screen size: 18 inch Panel type: IPS Coating: Matte (anti-glare) Resolution: 1920 x 1200 or 2560 x 1600 Refresh rate: 165 Hz or 480 Hz Brightness: 336 to 372.8 Nits sRGB: 100 % Adobe RGB: 89.8 % P3: 97.7 % VRR: G-Sync Screen-to-body ratio:
Graphics	Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop 16 GB GDDR6 150 W Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop 16 GB GDDR6 175 W
Sound	2 x 2 W stereo speakers
Camera	1080p webcam
Touchpad	5.1 inches (13 cm) x 3.1 inches (7.9 cm)
Connectivity	Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i Bluetooth 5.2 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (Type-A) 2 x Thunderbolt 4 1 x HDMI 2.1 1 x mini-DisplayPort 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack 1 x 2.5 GbE
Dimensions	W: 15.71 inches (39.9 cm) D: 11.57 inches (29.4 cm) H: 1.21 inches (3.1 cm)
Mass	8.9 pounds (4.0 kg)
Power brick	330W AC adapter
Battery	97 WHr Li-Polymer
Keyboard	Per-key RGB backlit, black (US) Standard full size layout
Chassis	Color: Dark side of the moon Materials: Aluminum lid; Plastic keyboard deck and bottom cover Cooling: 4 fans with liquid metal cooling and vapor chamber
Number pad	Full size
Fingerprint reader	No
Facial recognition	No
Website	Dell

All statements attributed to reviews are the reviewer's own opinion. Note that these claims were accurate at the time of publication and may be dated when you are reading this article. Read more.

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   The Dell Alienware m18 R1 (2022) is a high-end gaming laptop designed for performance enthusiasts and professional gamers. It features top-tier components, including the Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, making it one of the most powerful gaming laptops available. The m18 R1 is built with a robust chassis and offers extensive upgrade options, but its large size and weight make it less portable.

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) is equipped with the Intel Core i9-13980HX processor. This high-performance CPU features 24 cores and 32 threads, with a base clock speed of 2.2 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 5.6 GHz. It is designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking with ease.

Reviewers have praised the m18 R1 for its exceptional CPU performance. In gaming benchmarks, the processor consistently delivered top-tier results, outperforming many competitors. The performance cores averaged 4.39 GHz, while the efficiency cores ran at 3.05 GHz during stress tests. The CPU also excelled in synthetic benchmarks, scoring 21,005 in Geekbench 5 multi-core tests and 32,601 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core tests.

Benchmarks:

• Geekbench 5: 21,005 (multi-core)
• Cinebench R23: 32,601 points (multi-core), 2,106 points (single-core)
• Blender v2.79 BMW27 CPU: 97 seconds
• 7-Zip 18.03: 129,804 MIPS

Graphics

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) comes with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, available in two configurations: one with a 150 W TGP and another with a 175 W TGP. Both configurations feature 16 GB of GDDR6 memory and support advanced technologies like DLSS and Ray Tracing.

The GPU performance is outstanding, with the m18 R1 achieving high frame rates in various gaming benchmarks. In Overwatch 2 at Ultra settings, the laptop achieved frame rates between 400 and 460 fps. The GPU averaged 2,220.13 MHz at 64.15 °C during stress tests. In synthetic benchmarks, the m18 R1 scored 192 fps in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p and 163 fps at 1200p. It also performed well in Grand Theft Auto V, recording 181 fps at 1080p and 175 fps at 1200p.

Benchmarks:

• Shadow of the Tomb Raider: 192 fps (1080p), 163 fps (1200p)
• Grand Theft Auto V: 181 fps (1080p), 175 fps (1200p)
• Far Cry 6: 123 fps (1080p), 121 fps (1200p)
• 3DMark Fire Strike: 46,998 points
• 3DMark Time Spy: 21,617 points
• 3DMark Port Royal: 10,000 points
• 3DMark Speed Way: 5,794 points

Memory

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) is available with 32 GB of DDR5 memory, either at 4800 MHz or 5800 MHz. The memory operates in dual-channel mode, providing fast data access and multitasking capabilities.

Reviewers have noted that the memory configuration contributes to the overall high performance in both gaming and productivity tasks. The m18 R1 performed well in file transfer tests, achieving 1,521.53 MBps, and secured first place in the Handbrake test with a time of two minutes and 39 seconds. The AIDA64 benchmarks also showed impressive results, with memory copy speeds of 80,776 MB/s and read speeds of 89,096 MB/s.

Benchmarks:

• AIDA64 Memory Copy: 80,776 MB/s
• AIDA64 Memory Read: 89,096 MB/s
• AIDA64 Memory Write: 79,917 MB/s
• 7-Zip 18.03: 129,804 MIPS

Storage

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) comes with a 1 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, providing fast load times and quick access to files. The laptop supports up to four M.2 SSDs (2x M.2 2280 and 2x M.2 2230), allowing for extensive storage expansion.

The SSD performance is competitive, with CrystalDiskMark showing sequential read speeds of 7,028 MB/s and write speeds of 6,386 MB/s. The AS SSD benchmark scored the SSD at 10,562 points, indicating solid performance without throttling.

Benchmarks:

• CrystalDiskMark Sequential Read: 7,028 MB/s
• CrystalDiskMark Sequential Write: 6,386 MB/s
• AS SSD Total Score: 10,562 points

Co-processors

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) does not include any dedicated co-processors for AI or other specialized tasks.

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) features a CherryMX ultra-low-profile mechanical keyboard with per-key AlienFX RGB effects. The keyboard is comfortable for typing and gaming, with smooth and silent key presses. The per-key RGB lighting allows for customization, enhancing the gaming experience.

An alternative membrane-based RGB keyboard is also available, providing deep travel and firm feedback. Optional CherryMX mechanical switches are available for those who prefer a clickier experience.

Touchpad

The touchpad on the Alienware m18 R1 (2022) measures 5.1 inches (13 cm) x 3.1 inches (7.9 cm). While it functions adequately for general use, it is considered a bit underwhelming given the size of the laptop. The touchpad is responsive, but users may prefer a larger touchpad for more extensive gestures.

Webcam

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) comes with a 1080p webcam. The webcam has good overall quality with minimal artifacts and good color representation, capturing enough detail for video calls and streaming.

Microphone

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) includes an integrated microphone. The microphone quality is standard for laptops, suitable for casual use but not exceptional.

Output Devices

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Display

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) is available with two display options:

• 18-inch, 1920 x 1200, 480 Hz, IPS, matte finish
• 18-inch, 2560 x 1600, 165 Hz, IPS, matte finish

Both displays support G-Sync and offer excellent color coverage. The 480 Hz display is particularly noted for its ultra-fast refresh rate, making it ideal for competitive gaming. The 2560 x 1600 display provides a higher resolution, suitable for content creation and detailed work.

The displays have average brightness levels, with the 480 Hz panel reaching 336 nits and the 2560 x 1600 panel reaching 372.8 nits. The color coverage is impressive, with the 480 Hz panel covering 109 percent of the sRGB color gamut and 77.4 percent of the DCI-P3 gamut.

Benchmarks:

• Brightness: 336 to 372.8 nits
• Color coverage: 109% sRGB, 77.4% DCI-P3, 89.8% AdobeRGB

Audio

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) is equipped with a pair of 2-watt speakers. The speakers produce clear sound but lack bass and depth, which is disappointing for a laptop at this price point. The audio experience is not immersive, and users are likely to rely on headphones for gaming.

Connectivity

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WiFi

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) comes with a Killer Wi-Fi 6E AX1675i module, providing robust wireless connectivity. The Wi-Fi performance is reliable and optimized for gaming, with excellent throughput and low latency.

Benchmarks:

• iperf3 transmit AX12: 1,209 MBit/s
• iperf3 receive AX12: 1,399 MBit/s

Bluetooth

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) includes Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity with peripherals.

SD Card Reader

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) features an integrated SD card slot, offering convenient access for transferring files from cameras and other devices. The SD card reader offers fast transfer rates, significantly faster than many competitors.

Benchmarks:

• Average JPG Copy Test: 190.7 MB/s

USB

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) is equipped with a variety of USB ports:

• 1 x USB 3.2 Type-C Gen 2
• 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A Gen 1
• 2 x Thunderbolt 4
• 2 x USB 4.0 40 Gbps
• 1 x HDMI 2.1
• 1 x mini-DisplayPort
• 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack
• 1 x 2.5 GbE

The port selection is robust, making it feel like a desktop replacement. The rear-facing ports can be awkward to reach, but the side ports provide easier access for frequently used devices.

Display Outputs

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) supports multiple external displays through its HDMI 2.1 and mini-DisplayPort outputs. This enhances productivity and gaming setups, allowing users to connect to larger monitors or TVs for an expanded viewing experience.

Case

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The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) features a robust and well-constructed chassis with a high-quality feel. The design includes an aluminum lid, a plastic keyboard deck, and a bottom panel. The laptop is available in a "Dark side of the moon" color scheme, with honeycomb-style vents and RGB lighting contributing to its premium aesthetic.

The laptop's dimensions are 15.71 inches (39.9 cm) x 11.57 inches (29.4 cm) x 1.21 inches (3.1 cm), and it weighs 8.9 pounds (4.0 kg), making it one of the heaviest gaming laptops available. The matte rubberized keyboard deck is prone to collecting fingerprints.

Maintenance

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The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) is designed for easy maintenance and upgradeability. The bottom panel is held on by eight Philips-head screws, allowing for easy access to the internal components.

Upgradeable components:

• 97 WHr battery
• Four M.2 SSD slots (2x M.2 2280, 2x M.2 2230)
• Two DDR5 SODIMM slots

Cooling System

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The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) features a sophisticated cooling system with four fans, liquid metal cooling, and a vapor chamber. This system is designed to manage the heat generated by the high-performance components effectively.

Heat

The laptop maintains reasonable temperatures under load, with the warmest spots located away from the keyboard and palm rests. The hottest point measured 51.7 °C (125.1 °F) during stress tests.

Noise

The fans can be overbearingly loud during operation, especially under load, reaching up to 57 dB(A). This may require users to wear headphones during gaming sessions.

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) ships with a 330 W AC adapter. The laptop consumes significant power, especially under load, with a maximum draw of 339 W when both the CPU and GPU are at 100 percent utilization.

Battery Life

The Alienware m18R1 (2022) is equipped with a 97 WHr Li-Polymer battery. The battery life is relatively short for a gaming laptop, making it heavily dependent on the power brick for extended use.

Reviewers have noted that the battery life during light tasks is below average for this class of laptop. The m18 R1 lasted just two hours and 39 minutes during testing, which is short for a gaming laptop, making it less suitable for portable use.

Benchmarks:

• Idle (without WLAN, min brightness): 5h 34min
• WiFi Websurfing: 4h 20min
• Load (maximum brightness): 0h 44min

Biometrics

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The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) does not support Windows Hello face recognition and does not have a fingerprint reader.

Software

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The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) ships with Windows 11 Pro.

Preinstalled Software

Alienware Command Center

The Alienware Command Center acts as the primary control center for the m18 R1. It allows users to customize performance profiles, RGB lighting, and other system settings. However, some reviewers have noted that the software can load slowly at times.

Other Preinstalled Software

The laptop also comes with other preinstalled software, including Alienware Customer Connect, Alienware Digital Delivery, Alienware Update, Killer Intelligence Center, Realtek Audio Console, and shortcuts for apps like TikTok, Disney Plus, and Spotify.

Linux Support

There is no specific mention of Linux support in the reviews.

Accessories & Warranty

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The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) comes with a 330 W AC adapter and standard paperwork.

There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The Alienware m18 R1 (2022) is considered one of the best giant-screen gaming laptops available, aimed at enthusiasts and professionals with a budget to match. It offers top-tier performance, a high-quality design, and extensive upgrade options. However, its large size and weight, along with short battery life, make it less suitable for portable use.

Problems Summary

• Heavy and not very portable.
• Short battery life.
• Fans can be overbearingly loud under load.
• Speakers lack bass and depth.
• Matte rubberized keyboard deck is prone to collecting fingerprints.
• Rear-facing ports can be awkward to reach.
• Alienware Command Center software can load slowly.

Links

Intel Core i9-13980HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: TomsHardware

Intel Core i9-13980HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: PCMag

Intel Core i9-13980HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: NotebookCheck