Alienware X17 R2 vs. Alienware M17 R5: Which is better?

Here is a side by side comparison between Alienware X17 R2 and Alienware M17 R5 specs including CPU, RAM, storage, battery, display, and more.

Alienware X17 R2 Pros

Reasons that Alienware X17 R2 is better than Alienware M17 R5.

About 11% lighter

Alienware X17 R2 weighed 6.54 pounds, 11% lighter than the 7.3 pounds Alienware M17 R5.

WeightAlienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
Pound
6.54 lbs.
7.3 lbs.
Kilogram
2.97 kg
3.31 kg

Alienware M17 R5 Pros

We couldn't find any advantages of Alienware M17 R5 over Alienware X17 R2.

Key Similars

Similar characteristics share between Alienware X17 R2 and Alienware M17 R5.

Supports the same maximum memory size of up to 32GB

Both laptops supports up to 32GB of system memory.

Max system memory size
Alienware X17 R2
32 GB
Alienware M17 R5
32 GB
Uses the same memory type and speed

Both laptops supports the same 4800MHz DDR5 RAM.

Memory type and speed
Alienware X17 R2 - DDR5
4,800 MHz
Alienware M17 R5 - DDR5
4,800 MHz
Upgradable memory

Both laptops come with available RAM slots that allow you to replace or upgrade when needed.

MemoryAlienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
Slots
x2
x2
TypeDDR5DDR5

Prices

Here are the latest price updates and offers for both devices.

Alienware X17 R2 Price
Alienware X17 R2 Gaming Laptop - 17.3-inch FHD 480Hz 1ms Display, Intel Core i9-12900H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti 8GB GDDR6, USB-C, Killer Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home - Lunar Light
Alienware X17 R2 Gaming Laptop - 17.3-inch FHD 480Hz 1ms Display, Intel Core i9-12900H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070Ti 8GB GDDR6, USB-C, Killer Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home - Lunar Light
By Alienware
$2,270.00
Dell Alienware X17 R2 Gaming Laptop (2022) | 17.3" FHD | Core i9 - 1TB SSD - 16GB RAM - 3070 Ti | 14 Cores @ 5 GHz - 12th Gen CPU - 8GB GDDR5 Win 11 Home (Renewed)
Dell Alienware X17 R2 Gaming Laptop (2022) | 17.3" FHD | Core i9 - 1TB SSD - 16GB RAM - 3070 Ti | 14 Cores @ 5 GHz - 12th Gen CPU - 8GB GDDR5 Win 11 Home (Renewed)
By Dell
$2,396.79
Dell Alienware X17 R2 Gaming Laptop (2022) | 17.3" 4K | Core i9 - 1TB SSD - 32GB RAM - RTX 3080 | 14 Cores @ 5 GHz - 12th Gen CPU - 10GB GDDR6X Win 11 Home (Renewed)
Dell Alienware X17 R2 Gaming Laptop (2022) | 17.3" 4K | Core i9 - 1TB SSD - 32GB RAM - RTX 3080 | 14 Cores @ 5 GHz - 12th Gen CPU - 10GB GDDR6X Win 11 Home (Renewed)
By Dell
$2,619.97
Alienware M17 R5 Price
Alienware M17R5 Gaming Laptop - 17.3-inch FHD 480Hz Display, AMD Ryzen 9-6900HX, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GDDR6, Windows 11 Home, 1 Year Support - Dark Side of the Moon, Black
Alienware M17R5 Gaming Laptop - 17.3-inch FHD 480Hz Display, AMD Ryzen 9-6900HX, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GDDR6, Windows 11 Home, 1 Year Support - Dark Side of the Moon, Black
By Alienware
$1,839.97
Dell Alienware m17 Ryzen Edition R5 Gaming Laptop (2022) | 17.3" FHD | Core Ryzen 7 - 512GB SSD - 16GB RAM - RTX 3060 | 8 Cores @ 4.7 GHz - 12GB GDDR6 Win 11 Home (Renewed)
Dell Alienware m17 Ryzen Edition R5 Gaming Laptop (2022) | 17.3" FHD | Core Ryzen 7 - 512GB SSD - 16GB RAM - RTX 3060 | 8 Cores @ 4.7 GHz - 12GB GDDR6 Win 11 Home (Renewed)
By Dell
$1,059.99
Dell Alienware m17 Ryzen Edition R5 Gaming Laptop (2022) | 17.3" FHD | Core Ryzen 7 - 1TB SSD - 16GB RAM - RTX 3060 | 8 Cores @ 4.7 GHz - 12GB GDDR6 Win 11 Home (Renewed)
Dell Alienware m17 Ryzen Edition R5 Gaming Laptop (2022) | 17.3" FHD | Core Ryzen 7 - 1TB SSD - 16GB RAM - RTX 3060 | 8 Cores @ 4.7 GHz - 12GB GDDR6 Win 11 Home (Renewed)
By Dell
$1,008.99

Availability

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
Released20222022
Release Date
  • Announced on January 4, 2022.
  • Available starting in Winter 2022.
  • Announced on January 4, 2022 (CES 2022)
  • Available starting in Spring 2022.
PricingStarting at $2,299Starting at $1,599
Applicable Models-
  • Alienware m17 R5
  • Alienware m17 R5 AMD
  • 2022 Alienware m17
  • 2022 Alienware m17 AMD
Generations

Exterior

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
Dimensions
  • 15.718” x 11.791” x 0.823” (399.23 x 299.49 x 20.9 mm)
    With FHD 360Hz diplay.
  • 15.718” x 11.791” x 0.843” (39 9.23 x 299.49 x 21.4 mm)
    With FHD 165Hz or UHD 120Hz diplay.
15.64 x 11.76 x 0.5756 ~ 1.05 ~ 0.89 inches (397.3 x 298.71 x 14.62 ~ 26.7 ~ 22.6 mm)
Weight6.54 ~ 6.82 lbs. (2.96 - 3.09 kg)7.3 lbs. (3.3 kg)
Colors
Lunar light
With High Endurance Clear Coat and Silky - Smooth Finish
Dark Side of the Moon
With High Endurance Clear Coat.
Keyboard and TrackpadKeyboard
  • Alienware X-Series thin keyboard
    • Per-key RGB LED with AlienFX lighting
    • Anti-ghosting and N-key rollover technology.
    • 1.5mm key travel.
  • Alienware's CherryMX ultra-low-profile mechanical laptop keyboard
    • Per-key AlienFX lighting
    • 1.8mm key travel
    • Includes N-key rollover and anti-ghosting technology
Touchpad
  • Multi-touch gesture Premium Precision glass touchpad with integrated scrolling.
  • 4.13 x 2.36 in (105 mm x 80 mm) precision touchpad with multi-touch gesture support.
  • Supports AlienFX touchpad.
Keyboard
  • Alienware M Series 1-Zone AlienFX keyboard
    • 1.8mm key travel
    • Includes Anti-ghosting technology
  • Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB keyboard
    • 1.8mm key travel
    • Includes N-key rollover technology
  • Alienware's CherryMX ultra-low-profile mechanical laptop keyboard with per-key AlienFX lighting
    • 1.8mm key travel
    • Includes N-key rollover technology
Touchpad
  • Multi-touch gesture Premium Precision glass touchpad with integrated scrolling.
  • 4.13 x 2.36 in (105 mm x 80 mm) precision touchpad with multi-touch gesture support.
Chasis Information
  • Based on Alienware's Legend 2.0 industrial design language
  • Constructed with CNC aluminum and magnesium alloy parts
  • Engineered with Alienware Cryo-Tech™ Cooling technology
  • Includes Alienware's Quad-Fan Design
    Patent-pending
  • Element 31 thermal interface material
    Available with NVIDIA graphics options higher than 3060.
Chassis Features
  • Based on Alienware's Legend 2.0 industrial design language
  • Engineered with Alienware Cryo-Tech™Cooling technology
  • Constructed with copper alloy thermal components
  • Vapor chamber cooling technology
    Only found in configurations using AMD Ryzen 9 processors and Radeon RX 6850M XT graphics.

Display

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
Size17.3 Inches17.3 Inches
Info
  • 17.3” FHD with 165Hz
    1920 x 1080 127 PPI ComfortView Plus NVIDIA G-Sync Advanced Optimus 3ms response time 300 nits 16:9 100% sRGB Dolby Vision Anti-glare WVA
  • 17.3” FHD with 360Hz
    1920 x 1080 127 PPI ComfortView Plus NVIDIA G-Sync Advanced Optimus 1ms response time 300 nits 16:9 100% sRGB Dolby Vision Anti-glare WVA
  • 17.3” UHD with 120Hz
    3840 x 2160 255 PPI ComfortView Plus NVIDIA G-Sync Advanced Optimus 4ms response time 500 nits 16:9 99% DCI-P3 Dolby Vision Anti-glare WVA
  • 17.3” FHD 165Hz
    1920 x 1080, 16:9, 127 PPI, 165Hz 3ms, 300 nits, 100% sRGB, AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-SYNC, Advanced Optimus, ComfortView Plus, Dolby Vision.
  • 17.3” FHD 360Hz
    1920 x 1080, 16:9, 127 PPI, 300Hz 1ms, 300 nits, 100% sRGB, AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-SYNC, Advanced Optimus, ComfortView Plus, Dolby Vision.
  • 17.3” UHD 120Hz
    3840 x 2160, 16:9, 255 PPI, 300Hz 3ms, 500 nits, 100% Adobe RGB, AMD FreeSync, AMD SmartAccess, ComfortView Plus, Dolby Vision.

Ports

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
Alienware X17 R2 Ports
Image Source: Dell
Left (1)
  • 1 x power port
Right (1)
  • 1 x headphone jack
    Headphone/Microphone
Back (8)
  • 1 x Thunderbolt 4
    40 Gpbs, USB 4.0 (40 Gbps), Power Delivery (5V/3A)
  • 1 x USB-C
    USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps), Power Delivery (5V/3A)
  • 2 x USB-A
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)
  • 1 x HDMI
    v2.1
  • 1 x Mini DisplayPort
    v1.4
  • 1 x RJ-45
    2.5 Gbps
  • 1 x microSD card slot
Left
  • 1 x RJ-45
    2.5Gb Ethernet standard.
    1Gb Ethernet on models with RTX 3050 Ti.
  • 1 x Headset 
    3.5mm jack.
Right
  • 2 x USB-A 
    1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps).
    1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps) with PowerShare.
Back
  • 1 x USB-C
    USB 4 Gen 2 (40Gbps), 15W PD-out, DisplayPort 1.4 standard.
    USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps), 15W PD-out, DisplayPort 1.4 on models with RTX 3050 Ti.
  • 1 x USB-A
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps).
  • 1 x HDMI 2.1
    Supports up to 4K@120Hz display out.
  • 1 x Power/DC-in Port

Internal Specs

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
Processor
  1. 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-12700H
    14 cores, 20 threads, 2.30 → 4.70 GHz, 24MB SmartCache, 45W
  2. 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-12900HK
    14 cores, 20 threads, 2.50 → 5.00 GHz, 24MB SmartCache, 45W
  1. AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800H
    8 cores, 16 threads, 3.20 → 4.70 GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 16MB L3 Cache, 45W
  2. AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HX
    8 cores, 16 threads, 3.30 → 4.90 GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 16MB L3 Cache, 45W
  3. AMD Ryzen™ 9 6980HX
    8 cores, 16 threads, 3.30 → 5.00 GHz, 4MB L2 Cache, 16MB L3 Cache, 45W
Integrated Graphics
  1. 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-12700H
    Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    96 Execution Units, 400 → 1400 MHz
  2. 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-12900HK
    Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
    96 Execution Units, 400 → 1450 MHz
  1. AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800H
    AMD Radeon™ 680M Graphics
    12 Graphics Cores, 2200 MHz
  2. AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HX
    AMD Radeon™ 680M Graphics
    12 Graphics Cores, 2400 MHz
  3. AMD Ryzen™ 9 6980HX
    AMD Radeon™ 680M Graphics
    12 Graphics Cores, 2400 MHz
Memory
  • 16GB 32GB
    Dual Channel DDR5 4800MHz
Memory Slots
  • 2 x DDR5 SODIMM slots.
Memory Configurations
  • Speed: 4800MHz
  • Memory Type: Dual-channel DDR5
  • Minimum Memory: 16 GB
  • Maximum Memory: 32 GB
  • 8GB 16GB 32GB
    Dual Channel DDR5 4800MHz
Memory Slots
  • 2 x DDR5 SODIMM slots.
Memory Configurations
  • Speed: 4800MHz
  • Memory Type: Dual-channel DDR5
  • Minimum Memory: 16 GB
  • Maximum Memory: 32 GB
Discrete Graphics
  • NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 - 6GB GDDR6
  • NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 30 Series Laptop Graphics
  • NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 30 Series Laptop Graphics
* Up to 12-phase HyperEfficient graphics voltage regulation.
NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™
  • 3050 Ti - 4GB GDDR6
    TGP: 80W, Dynamic Boost: 10W, Max Power: 90W, Speed: 1462.5 → 1695 MHz.
  • 3060 - 6GB GDDR6
    TGP: 115W, Dynamic Boost: 25W, Max Power: 130W, Speed: 1387 → 1702 MHz.
AMD Radeon™ RX
  • 6700M - 10GB GDDR6
    Max Power with AMD SmartShift MAX: 135W.
  • 6850M - 12GB GDDR6
    Max Power with AMD SmartShift MAX: 175W.
Storage
  • Storage slots: 2 x M.2 2280 PCIe slots
Single Storage Configuration
  • 256GB 512GB 1TB 2TB
    PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Dual Storage Configuration
  • 512GB 1TB 2TB 4TB
    RAID-0 (2 x PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD)
  • Storage slots: 2 x M.2 2280 PCIe slots
Single Storage Configuration
  • 256GB 512GB 1TB 2TB
    PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
Dual Storage Configuration
  • 512GB 1TB 2TB 4TB
    RAID-0 (2 x PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD)

Connectivity

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
Wi-FiKiller Wi-Fi 6E AX1675
Dual Band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz WiFi 6E 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
  • Mediatek Wi-Fi 6 MT7921
    Dual Band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz , WiFi 6 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax.
  • Qualcomm Wi-Fi 6E WCN6856
    Dual Band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz , WiFi 6E 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2
EthernetKiller E3100 2.5G Ethernet Controller
Transfer rate: 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps
  • Realtek RTL8111H-CG Gigabit ethernet controller
    Transfer rate: 10/100/1000 Mbps
  • Realtek RTL8125BGS 2.5Gb ethernet controller
    Transfer rate: 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps

Battery

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
Size87 WHr, 6-cell smart lithium-ion battery
64Wh 97Wh
Power Supply
240W 330W
power adapter.
180 240W
Barrel type power adapter.

Software

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
OSWindows 11
Home Pro
Windows 11
Home Pro
Built-in AppsAlienware Command CenterDashboard navigates all features, including themes, system performance, and overclocking.
  • Five Tailored Power States
    full speed performance balanced quiet battery saver
  • Game Library to manage titles from multiple services
  • FX supports full RBG values up to 16.8 million colors
  • Power Management adjusts power plans with a game
  • Overclocking controls system performance and overclocking profiles
  • Sound Center dials in the perfect sound by managing sound profiles, audio effects, and Audio Recon
AlienFX Lighting Detail
  • Programmable with up to 16.8 million distinct colors
  • Rear stadium lighting is now engineered with 90 micro-LEDs for a bold new look
Alienware Command Center
  • Dashboard navigates all features, including themes, system performance, and overclocking
  • Game Library to manage titles from multiple services
  • FX supports full RBG values up to 16.8 million colors
  • Power Management adjusts power plans with a game
  • Overclocking controls system performance and overclocking profiles
  • Sound Center dials in the perfect sound by managing sound profiles, audio effects, and Audio Recon

Camera & Audio

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
Camera
  • Front-facing camera.
    Alienware HD (1280x720 resolution) camera.
  • Windows Hello IR support.
  • Front-facing camera.
    Alienware HD (1280x720 resolution) camera.
  • Optional Windows Hello IR support.
Audio
  • Controller: Realtek ALC3281
    • 7.1 Digital Audio out using HDMI out connection
    • Alienware Sound Center via Alienware Command Center
  • Speakers:
    • 2 x 4W speakers
  • Microphone:
    • Dual-array microphones
  • Dolby Atmos-certified audio.
    • 7.1 Digital Audio out using HDMI out connection
    • Alienware Sound Center via Alienware Command Center
  • Speakers:
    • 2-Way (Woofer/Tweeter) Stereo Speaker Design
    • Includes Discrete Smart Amp Woofer technology
  • Microphone:
    • Digital-array microphones in the camera assembly

Misc

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
SensorsWindows Hello IR CameraOptional Windows Hello IR Camera
SecurityWindows Hello IR camera for Facial BiometricsWindows Hello IR camera for Facial Biometrics
Warranty1 Year Hardware Service with Onsite/In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis-

Key Features

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5
At Glance
Released in Early
2022
16:9 4K UHD
17.3”
2160p 120Hz
Weight
6.54 lb
2.97 kg
Up to
Intel Core i9-12900HK
14C/20T, 2.50 → 5.00 GHz
Geekbench 5
1,798
Single Core
Geekbench 5
13,006
Multi-Core
With integrated
Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
96 Execution Units, 400 → 1450 MHz
Upgradable up to
32GB
4800 MHz DDR5
Alienware X17 R2 Ports
Nvidia GeForce
RTX 3080 Ti
16GB GDDR6
Released in Early
2022
16:9 4K UHD
17.3”
2160p 120Hz
Weight
7.3 lb
3.31 kg
Up to
AMD Ryzen 9-6980HX
8C/16T, 3.30 → 5.00 GHz
With integrated
AMD Radeon™ 680M Graphics
12 Graphics Cores, 2400 MHz
Upgradable up to
32GB
4800 MHz DDR5
AMD Radeon
RX 6850M
12GB GDDR6 SmartShift up to 175W

Comparison Summary

Alienware X17 R2 vs. Alienware M17 R5

Dell has released the Alienware X17 R2, a 17.3-inch machine, in early-2022. It is powered by up to 14-core Intel Core i9-12900HK with a boost clock speed up to 5.00 GHz. The laptop has a dedicated GPU option up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 Ti with 16GB GDDR6.

On the other hand, we have the 17.3-inch Alienware M17 R5 was introduced by Dell around the same time in early-2022. It comes with up to an octa-core AMD Ryzen 9-6980HX with a boost clock speed up to 5.00 GHz. It has a dedicated GPU option up to AMD Radeon RX 6850M with 12GB GDDR6 SmartShift up to 175W.

Geekbench 5 Single Core

Alienware X17 R21
12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-12700H1,65892.21%
2
12th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-12900HK1,798100.00%
Alienware M17 R51
AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800H1,45080.65%
2
AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HX1,50083.43%
01,798

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

Alienware X17 R21
12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-12700H11,77490.53%
2
12th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-12900HK13,006100.00%
Alienware M17 R51
AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800H8,54865.72%
2
AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HX8,87668.25%
013,006

Both Alienware X17 R2 and Alienware M17 R5 have the same 17.3-inch display size. In addition, The Alienware X17 R2 weighs 6.54 lbs. about 11% lighter than the 7.3 lbs. Alienware M17 R5. Moreover, measured at 15.72” x 11.79” x 0.82”, the Alienware X17 R2 is much more portable than the Alienware M17 R5 at 15.64” x 11.76” x 1.05”.

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M17 R5

Moving over to upgradability, Dell claims that the Alienware X17 R2 supports up to 32GB 4800 MHz DDR5 memory that you can upgrade with two memory module slots on the motherboard. It also comes with two M.2 slots that users can easily upgrade and install an additional SSD to expand the storage on the device.

For Alienware M17 R5, it supports up to 32GB 4800 MHz DDR5 memory that you can upgrade with two memory module slots on the motherboard. It also has two M.2 slots that users can easily swap or add an extra SSD to get extra space when needed.

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