Took a Dare...Very Surprised
review by
bluehawaiiastr
In the past I've owned some ASUS ROG and MSI gaming laptops and always found myself avoiding Alienware because of the idea of being expensive for visual design over computing power and for being a DELL product (bad, bad, bad lifelong experiences with DELL). But after coming across the new-gen Alienware 15, I thought I'd try some new territory on a hedge that maybe I'd give one a try and discovered by far one of the best laptops I've ever owned.
First off, the price for the AW 15-5350SLV is extremely competitive with other similar spec brands/models which is why I first even considered it as an option because I was so used to assuming Alienware is too far out of my budget. The AW 15-5350SLV's $1700 price tag shows up similar ASUS ROG models with identical specs, but plus the slimmer chassis and aesthetic design versus the almost brick-like density and bulk of an ROG.
The components aren't the ABSOLUTE top-of-the-line for mobile gaming platforms BUT are definitely top shelf. The Intel Core i7-4710HQ is the base processor model for modern gaming laptops but performs exceptionally well turbo boosted (ver. 2.0) to 3.5GHz. Not recommended at all to overclock laptop processors even like an i7, but I found I can get an extra 0.2-0.31GHz safely out of the i7 just for benchmarking purposes (using Intel XTU). Very consistent performance and steady core temperatures even with turbo boosting or continuous high-usage processing. Works very well with its twin core, the integrated nVidia GeForce GTX 970m.
I've worked with both the 970m and 980m and will honestly say the 980m kicks serious assover the 970m, but the 970 still easily gets the job done especially for the package price. Runs cleanly with all 3D settings maxed out and still keeps a decent heat output without maxing the fan out. Also installed the "nVidia GeForce Experience" program/"game-ready drivers" and runs really well for optimizing the 970m for gaming and multi-displays. I slightly experimented but the 970m isn't really overclocking material, which differs from the 980m because a few friends got a 980 boosted +500MHz without fatal heating and voltage errors. So yeah, don't mess with the 970m in terms of internal processor settings. The thing is plenty powerful and effective without being flagship. Still on top in the GTX 900 series family, so save a bit with the AW 15-5350SLV. Although they do offer an AW 15 with a 980m but only with a 4K touchscreen display, which I personally am not a fan of. 4K on laptops so far is still not quite there yet (text appears jagged, most games don't fully support it, uses more CPU and GPU power, out of sync colors) and touchscreens either get really dirty or are never used so I'd rather have a step-down 970m and void a 4K touchscreen with a way higher price tag.
** In addition to the internal GPU, DELL seems confident that for maximum graphics superiority, that Alienware owners should also purchase a "graphics amplifier"...basically a big clunky external cage that has a custom connector to all new-gen AW laptops that has a single slot for any desktop graphics card and transfers that raw power into the laptop. So the moral: cool idea, but really sorta overkill. Maybe useful if you're trying to cheat a benchmark, playing extremely graphics-heavy games,or into professional video production, but for a few more hundred dollars you might as well get the 980m model. Again though, very cool concept but at least for me,I don't realy need it. My friend is a heavy PC gamer with an identical AW 15 and the graphics amplifier thing with a double-slot EVGA GTX 980M in it. The performance boost is insane if you're using an external HD display or HDTV but most on games I play, the 970m by itself still easily runs 60+ fps with maximum peak around 110/120 fps in certain small periods. So just depends on yours budget and graphics demands.
The physical laptop itself is a super solid build. Keyboard is superbly sturdy, comfortable and brilliantly backlit. Also features a column of macro keys to the left. DIdn't think I'd ever use these but ended up finding them to be ingenious over time when-reaching to the other half of the keyboard to throw a grenade was too far. Keys and values/controls can be easily assigned in the included "Alienware TactX" macro key editor program. The build materials are premium.The standard 15.6" HD screen is accurate and crisp when paired with the GTX 970m (make sure to specify over the built in Intel HD Graphics). It's the perfect size without being a briefcase like the 17 and feeling like a glorified chromebook like the 13. Easily fits into a backpack or laptop satchel. The material around the keyboard is tactile and has that nice matte feel. Only downside is it's a total finger/handprint magnet and is basically unavoidable so I recommend and external keyboard for gaming to keep the laptop face clean. Trackpad is decently accurate, not really for gaming use but very responsive and buttons feel solid and confident. Screen backing and bottom plating are sleek and solid. While being such a sturdy build, the AW 15 is relatively light and low-profile for its class. Gaming laptops are expected to have some bulk, and the AW 15 has a little weight and big dimensions but still above its competitors.
AW 15 ships maxed out at 16GB of RAM, which is sorta a drawback for me because I have a habit for loading things with over 16GB of RAM but it's not a mobile workstation or anything so plenty sufficient. Dual-fan cooling system is quiet even in moderate gaming situations. Disperses heat very efficiently and I like how it has rubber feet at all four corners for enhanced airflow from the front to back. I've used a lot of ROG's with only two on the back and they got steamy real fast. Keep in mind being a gaming laptop, it will put out a substantial amount of heat compared to a basic home laptop so don't expect to sit and watch a 2-hour movie with it resting on your legs without it getting too hot for comfort. But that's not what they're designed for and still runs cooler than other 15" models. Sorta bummed doesn't have a built in optical drive and had to buy a clunky external blu-ray drive, but just depends on your needs.
The big talk about Alienware is the flashy appeal, and I must agree. I'm really more about processing power than an attractive presentation but I don't really mind with the AW 15's lighting systems. The computer has 10 assignable lighting zones that can be customized from an array of colors and then saved and can be loaded again. Everything from the lights on the front and sides to the little alien head power button and even the entire trackpad surface can be changed. Fancy and a little much? Yes. A conflict in overall appeal? Not really. If its daytime or you just don't want lights, they can be easily turned off or dimmed etc all from the "AlienFX Editor" which is actually an extremely user friendly UI for lighting zones. Aside from lights, the body has aggressive side angling/vents and a mysterious minimal styling that makes it truly unique.
Onboard wireless and wired networking are provided by Killer Wireless which is some powerful stuff. Very accurate and the best for gaming and beating the ping. HD audio is powerful and even can customized for gaming or media. Ships with a 128GB SSD (found out its a Samsung) for the OS and system files and a 1TB (7500rpm) HDD for storage. The SSD is great but fills up quickly...damn Windows 8 files and nVidia files take up good amount of space plus user libraries automatically assigned there too, so might need to do some rerouting onto the HDD. I was a little skeptical at first reading some reviews about the HDD failing in a short period of time, but so far no errors and even reads downloaded games from steam very rapidly, although probably considering eventually replacing with another SDD. For the price and simplicity, the stock setup works fine.
My major issue with the AW 15 is the stock OS. Ships with Windows 8.1 which runs very snappy and glitch-free, but I've just never been a fan of Windows 8. Too many little secret gestures, a frantic start-menu, illogical navigation, and the use of "apps" (I think apps are for smartphones and tablets. I buy a PC to run real software and for hard gaming) just make it an awkward experience for me. I bought an OEM license of Windows 7 Pro 64 to load, but currently can tolerate Windows 8 without having to re-download all the drivers and services. So if you can tolerate Windows 8, you should be fine. Also, always had problems with DELL products but when I use my AW 15 it feels like its own product. Has small amounts of DELL bloatware/support crap but easily removable. Makes it feel like a serious computer instead of another DELL defect nightmare.
So, personally the best out of many gaming laptops I've experienced due to its clean package, reliability/consistent performance, and top-shelf specs matched to its median price in its range of competitors. And I mean hey, it's made by the first big name in gaming laptops. It's got a solid history and rep behind it. I recommend it hands down regardless of little setbacks. Hope this review helped.
Pros | Cons |
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Powerful, GPU is lightning, Solid build, Visually stunning, Responsive keyboard/trackpad, Relatively quiet and cool* | Windows 8.1, No optical drive, Major fingerprint magnet, |
Ratings