Alienware X17 R2 vs. Alienware M18 R1: Full specs comparison

We have comprehensively analyzed the technical specifications for the Alienware X17 R2 and Alienware M18 R1 models. Our report includes intricate details such as the CPU, memory, storage, battery life, display quality, and other features.

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Alienware X17 R2 image

Alienware X17 R2

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Alienware M18 R1 image

Alienware M18 R1

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Alienware X17 R2 Pros

Reasons that Alienware X17 R2 is better than Alienware M18 R1.

About 7% lighter

Alienware X17 R2 weighed 6.54 pounds, 7% lighter than the 7 pounds Alienware M18 R1.

WeightAlienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
Pound
6.54 lbs.
7 lbs.
Kilogram
2.97 kg
3.18 kg

Alienware M18 R1 Pros

Reasons that Alienware M18 R1 is better than Alienware X17 R2.

Newer manufacturing

2023 vs. 2022

Much faster CPU performance

Intel Core i9-13900HX inside Alienware M18 R1 has a 53% better multi-core CPU performance score than the Intel Core i9-12900HK inside Alienware X17 R2.

Geekbench 5 multi-core score
Alienware M18 R1 - Intel Core i9-13900HX
20,000
Alienware M18 R1 - Intel Core i7-13700HX
15,438
Alienware X17 R2 - Intel Core i9-12900HK
13,006
Alienware X17 R2 - Intel Core i7-12700H
11,774
Supports larger memory

Alienware M18 R1 supports a larger memory capacity than the Alienware X17 R2. It supports up to 64GB versus 32GB of system memory on the Alienware X17 R2.

Max system memory size
Alienware M18 R1
64 GB
Alienware X17 R2
32 GB
Has two more ports and slots

Alienware M18 R1 has more ports and slots count than the Alienware X17 R2. It has twelve versus ten amount of ports and slots on the Alienware X17 R2.

PortsAlienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
full-size SD card slotNoYes
HDMIYesYes
headphone jackYesYes
microSD card slotYesNo
Mini DisplayPortYesYes
power portYesYes
RJ-45YesYes
Thunderbolt 4YesYes x2
USB-AYes x2Yes x3
USB-CYesYes
Total1012

Key Similars

Similar characteristics share between Alienware X17 R2 and Alienware M18 R1.

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 M18 R1 - 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 M18 R1
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
$2,260.00
See at Amazon
Dell Alienware X17 R2 Gaming Laptop (2022) | 17.3" 4K | Core i9-2TB SSD - 32GB RAM - RTX 3080 | Cores - 12th Gen CPU - 8GB GDDR6X Win 11 Home
 Dell Alienware X17 R2 Gaming Laptop (2022) | 17.3" 4K | Core i9-2TB SSD - 32GB RAM - RTX 3080 | Cores - 12th Gen CPU - 8GB GDDR6X Win 11 Home
By Dell
$2,436.27
See at Amazon
Dell Alienware X17 R2 Gaming Laptop - 17.3-inch FHD 480Hz Display, Intel Core i9-12900HK, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti 16GB GDDR6, VR Ready, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home - Lunar Light
 Dell Alienware X17 R2 Gaming Laptop - 17.3-inch FHD 480Hz Display, Intel Core i9-12900HK, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti 16GB GDDR6, VR Ready, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 11 Home - Lunar Light
By Dell
$2,089.99
See at Amazon
Alienware M18 R1 Price
Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop - 18-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 480Hz 3ms Display, AMD Ryzen 9-7845HX, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GDDR6, 1-Year Premium Support - Dark Metallic Moon
 Alienware m18 AMD Gaming Laptop - 18-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) 480Hz 3ms Display, AMD Ryzen 9-7845HX, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 GDDR6, 1-Year Premium Support - Dark Metallic Moon
By Alienware
$2,850.98
See at Amazon
Alienware M18 Gaming Laptop QHD+ Display, Intel Core i7-13700HX, 16 GB DDR5 RAM, 1 TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8 GB GDDR6, Windows 11 Home, 1 Year Premium Support, Dark Metallic Moon.
 Alienware M18 Gaming Laptop QHD+ Display, Intel Core i7-13700HX, 16 GB DDR5 RAM, 1 TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8 GB GDDR6, Windows 11 Home, 1 Year Premium Support, Dark Metallic Moon.
By Alienware
$2,232.99
See at Amazon
Dell Alienware M16 R1 Gaming Laptop, Intel 16-Core i7-13700HX, 16" WQXGA 165Hz IPS Display, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 64GB DDR5 1TB SSD, Per-Key RGB Backlit Keyboard, Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 6E, Win11 Pro
 Dell Alienware M16 R1 Gaming Laptop, Intel 16-Core i7-13700HX, 16" WQXGA 165Hz IPS Display, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 64GB DDR5 1TB SSD, Per-Key RGB Backlit Keyboard, Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 6E, Win11 Pro
By Dell
$2,449.00
See at Amazon

Specs Comparison

Availability

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
Released20222023
Release Date
  • Announced on January 4, 2022.
  • Available starting in Winter 2022.
  • Announced on January 3, 2023 (CES 2023)
  • Available starting in Q1 2023.
  • AMD models will be available starting in Q2 2023.
PricingStarting at $2,299Starting at $2,099 or $2,849 (CA)
Applicable Models-
  • Alienware m18 Gaming Laptop
  • Original Alienware m18 Gaming Laptop
  • First Gen Alienware m18 Gaming Laptop
  • Alienware m18 R1 Gaming Laptop
  • Alienware m8 (2023) Gaming Laptop
  • Alienware m18 with 13th Gen Intel-HX55 processors
  • Alienware m18 with RTX 4000-Series
Generations-

Exterior

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
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.
16.15 x 12.59 x 0.95 - 1.05 - 0.988 inch (410.3 x 319.9 x 24.1 - 26.7 - 25.1 mm)
Weight6.54 ~ 6.82 lbs. (2.96 - 3.09 kg)N/A
Colors
Lunar light
With High Endurance Clear Coat and Silky - Smooth Finish
Dark Metallic Moon aluminum
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.
  • Alienware mSeries Per-Keyy AlienFX RGB keyboard.
  • 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 touchpad with integrated scrolling.
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.
  • Featuring the new Alienware's Legend 3.0 industrial design language
  • Updated Perimeter foot enables increased bottom side airflow aiding system and gaming performance
  • Reformed V-rail edges aid in daily use providing an ergonomic approach to using the laptop
  • All configurations are certified for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technologies
  • Engineered with Alienware Cryo
  • Tech ™Cooling technology
  • Constructed with copper alloy thermal components
  • Vapor chamber cooling technology over both the CPU and GPU

Display

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
Size17.3 Inches18 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
  • 18” FHD+ 480Hz 3ms
    1920 x 1200, 16:10, 480Hz, 300-nits, 100% DCI-P3 gamut,1000:1 contrast ratio, ComfortView Plus, 3ms response time, NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync + Dynamic Display Switching.
  • 18” QHD+ 165Hz 3ms
    2560 x 1600, 16:10, 165Hz, 300-nits, 100% DCI-P3 gamut, 1000:1 contrast ratio, ComfortView Plus, 3ms response time, NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync + Dynamic Display Switching.

Ports

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
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
Alienware M18 R1 Ports
Image Source: Dell
Left (4)
Alienware M18 R1 Ports - Left
Image Source: Dell
  • 1 x RJ-45
  • 1 x USB-A
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), PowerShare
  • 1 x USB-A
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)
  • 1 x headphone jack
    Headphone/Microphone
Right (1)
Alienware M18 R1 Ports - Right
Image Source: Dell
  • 1 x USB-C
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)
Back (7)
Alienware M18 R1 Ports - Back
Image Source: Dell
  • 2 x Thunderbolt 4
    40 Gpbs, USB 4.0 (40 Gbps), 15W (5V/3A) Power Delivery, DisplayPort 1.4
  • 1 x USB-A
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)
  • 1 x HDMI
    v2.1
  • 1 x Mini DisplayPort
    v1.4
  • 1 x full-size SD card slot
  • 1 x power port

Internal Specs

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
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. 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-13650HX
    14 cores, 20 threads, 1.90 → 4.90 GHz, 24MB SmartCache, 55W
  2. 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-13700HX
    16 cores, 24 threads, 1.50 → 5.00 GHz, 30MB SmartCache, 55W
  3. 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-13900HX
    24 cores, 32 threads, 1.80 → 5.40 GHz, 36MB SmartCache, 55W
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. 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-13650HX
    Intel® UHD Graphics
    16 Execution Units, → 1550 MHz
  2. 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-13700HX
    Intel® UHD Graphics
    32 Execution Units,
  3. 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9-13900HX
    Intel® UHD Graphics
    32 Execution Units, 300 → 1650 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
8 GB 16 GB 32 GB 64GB
4800 MHz Dual-channel DDR5 SDRAM.
2 x SO-DIMM slots.
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™ 4050 - 6GB GDDR6
    TGP: 115W, Dynamic Boost: 25W, Max Power: 140W, 2370 MHz
  • NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 - 8GB GDDR6
    TGP: 115W, Dynamic Boost: 25W, Max Power: 140W, 2070 - 2175 MHz
  • NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4080 - 12GB GDDR6
    TGP: 150W, Dynamic Boost: 25W, Max Power: 175W, 1860 - 2280 MHz
  • NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4090 - 16GB GDDR6
    TGP: 150W, Dynamic Boost: 25W, Max Power: 175W, 1590 - 2040 MHz
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)
4 x M.2 2230/2280 slots (Up to 2TB each)
Fans Number-4
Cooling Info-7 heat pipes and 5 vents.

Connectivity

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
Wi-FiKiller Wi-Fi 6E AX1675
Dual Band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz WiFi 6E 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
  • Intel Killer 1675i Wi-Fi 6E
  • Intel Killer 1690i Wi-Fi 6E
BluetoothBluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.2
EthernetKiller E3100 2.5G Ethernet Controller
Transfer rate: 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps
2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Controller

Battery

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
Size87 WHr, 6-cell smart lithium-ion battery97 WHr, 6-cell smart lithium-ion battery
Power Supply
240W 330W
power adapter.
330W
power adapter.

Software

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
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
    • Brand new architecture with redesigned UI/UX
    • The intuitive dashboard navigates all features, including thermals, system performance, overclocking, and themes
    • Game Library to manage titles from multiple services
    • AlienFX supports full RGB values up to 16.8 million colors, keybinds, and calibration settings on peripherals
    • Power Management pre-sets or manual controls
    • Overclocking controls system performance and overclocking profiles

Camera & Audio

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
Camera
  • Front-facing camera.
    Alienware HD (1280x720 resolution) camera.
  • Windows Hello IR support.
  • Front-facing camera.
    Alienware FHD (1920 x 1080 resolution) camera.
  • 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
  • Speakers:
    • stereo speakers
  • Microphone:
    • Dual-array microphones

Misc

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
SensorsWindows Hello IR CameraWindows Hello IR Camera
SecurityWindows Hello IR camera for Facial Biometrics-
Warranty1 Year Hardware Service with Onsite/In-Home Service After Remote Diagnosis1 Year Premium Support

Key Features

Alienware X17 R2Alienware M18 R1
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
2023
16:10 QHD+
18”
1600p 165Hz
Weight
7 lb
3.18 kg
Up to
Intel Core i9-13900HX
24C/32T, 1.80 → 5.40 GHz
Geekbench 5
2,000
Single Core
Geekbench 5
20,000
Multi-Core
With integrated
Intel® UHD Graphics
32 Execution Units, 300 → 1650 MHz
Upgradable up to
64GB
4800 MHz DDR5
Alienware M18 R1 Ports
Nvidia GeForce
RTX 4090
16GB GDDR6 175W Max

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