Alienware m15 R2

Just caught wind of this. Returning my laptop and waiting for this. They strunk the Area 51m into the same size as the original M15 and brought all the sexiness with it.

Update:
Missed there was a new M17 R2 also.

M15 R2
https://www.notebookcheck.net/New-D...ntially-a-miniaturized-Area-51m.421368.0.html

M17 R2
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Alien...h-even-thinner-Alienware-m17-R2.422290.0.html

 

LOL, good luck. Enjoy your soldered RAM and let us know how well the CPU is running at 5.2GHz.

 

If it runs at 4.8GHz I'd be surprised. I'm sure liquid metal would be required to run it that high. 16gb will be enough for me, but that does bite it's soldered. It's the design and the fact the the current M15-m17 have poor cooling solutions. The Area 51m was pretty solid so if they learned from the Area 51m and put that into a smaller machine I'm all for it.

 

I'm not going to argue about the design - I hate the new one, would be ashamed to pull that thing out of the bag in public, however, what's wrong with the temps?

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/m15-m17-bios-1-6-2.828681/

ROTFL, please visit the 51m users' lounge sometimes.

 

The CPU isn't the great temps wise. After a repaste and undervolt it's reasonable. But I'll still high 90's depending on the game. Probably a warped heat sink since that still seems to be an issue from what I've read. And I don't much care what people think.I drive and Orange car. So grabbing people attention isn't anything new to me. lol.

I had an Area 51m. I was probably the within the first dozen of people on the forums that had one. Mine was great. The dual power bricks was too much for me and I sent it back.

 

Haven't seen a single report like that here, certainly not after just undervolting the CPU which everyone does. Congrats on your A51m not going up in smoke during a Minecraft session though.

 

Can't wait for this review

There's not clear yet if it's all soldered, some laptops like Asus soldered the ram as well but there's other free slot for user upgrade.

 

I joke with my one buddy I probably didn't have mine long enough to find out. Had it for roughly 25 days. I've been meaning to double check to see if they made change to prevent that.

 

LOL, you do know RAM should be upgraded with identical modules, and that Dell RAM has fairly poor specs (CL), right? AFAIR the default stick I got in my m15 was CL17 or CL18, which I just threw out and put in 2 proper CL14 HyperX Impact modules.

 

I'm converting you buddy. You will join the ranks. lol.

I have seen some some websites talk it has ram slots. But, I've sure it will be soldered. If that came up I'm sure it's true. I hope they don't do what Asus does. That's just odd.

 

Yes, and some laptops like MSI comes with 16gb single and other free slot to let user upgrading their self, of course should be same modul, idk about ram that AW use though. As long it's same latency, timing and voltage I think you're good.

 

Apparently there is an M17 R2 also. I missed that. And these guys mention there are no so-dimm slots. So RAM looks like it is fully soldered. I'll be surprised if they don't offer 32gb sometime down the road. But that will add to cost. Ouch! Hopefully the M17 gets good screen options like the M15. Otherwise it'll be M15 for me. Though I loved the Area 51m large screen.

Wonder why there is no g-sync?

 

That guy mentioned even Razer core x chroma has Titan ridge TB3 controller, which is huge wrong.
Isn't m17 was also no g sync option? Idk what the difference with g sync nowadays, on my 144Hz laptops monitor without it, feel similar to me as playing on my predator g sync monitor, no lags stutter whatsoever. Better battery life is plus point to me.

 

Dell.com links:
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/cty/pdp/spd/alienware-m17-r2-laptop

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/cty/pdp/spd/alienware-m15-r2-laptop

 

For the 4k model I'd like g-sync. At 120HZ and up I agree it's not completely needed. Looks like the 17" only has FHD 60/120 Hz. Bleh. lol. Will have to see pricing to see What I order. I'm willing to give the OLED screen ago.

That was quick. Nice find.

 

Gsync kills battery life so that would be another "no, thank you" from me. Could just get an A51m if you want g-sync.

 

Looks like they hired a marketing expert from Apple:

"
ADVANCED ALIENWARE CRYO-TECH V3.0
Our latest thermal technology, Advanced Alienware Cryo-Tech v3.0, is engineered to accompany and protect 6-phase CPU voltage regulation and 8-phase GPU voltage regulation, as well as a 10% diameter increase in the CPU fan blades and 20% diameter increase in the GPU fan blades of the new m15. In addition, the new m15 offers improved airflow and 20% less obstruction than Cryo-Tech v2.0 by directly channeling the cooler air onto the most sensitive cores of the system.
"

Larger fans do sound like a good idea, but could be complete BS depending on the RPM. If there was a real improvement why not quote airflow / cfm? Vents look smaller, especially on top and bottom. Let's see some reviews of CRYO-TECH V3.0

 

Outstanding battery life: A Lithium Ion 76WHr battery delivers longer uninterrupted gameplay.


Hahaha, this is Apple-grade BS. They've put in a much smaller battery and claim it delivers longer battery life lol

 

Spec wise seems similar to ASUS GX502 Zephyrus S. Although the ASUS does have gsync with option to switch to Optimus.

 

Can't believe that they updated the m15, m17 so early. I like the new looks but spec wise I think they actually downgraded. The original m15/17 can take up to three storage options, or you can get the 90wh battery without the HDD slot. The most unacceptable downgrade is the soldered RAM! If the news are true and the RAMs are soldered, we will be limited to 32GB max (and pay a lot for that). The orginal m15/17 can be upgraded with dual 32GB RAMs and we can choose higher quality option. Overall, I think this update is quite disappointing. I guess more soldered means more profit.

 

Couldn't agree more. A step in the wrong direction towards Apple.
The RAM which came with the m15 was cr.p CL17 or CL18, I don't remember, and it would cost 2x the price of a 32GB CL14 HyperX Impact kit to upgrade it to 32GB. So, yes, profits are definitely involved, but even that ridiculous price won't give the new m15 users top quality they are probably hoping for.

 

Acer does this on their Triton 500 too. I'd like to see this more so we have a choice. I know it takes alot of time to get a g-sync panel green lit. . .so maybe new panels are just coming out to quick for nvidia?

 

Yeah you're right. Although the Triton has an inverted motherboard, which can be a pain to service.

 

I watched one video on how you would take that apart. I would break a ribbon cable connector. I have bad luck with those and don't mess with them.

 

Frank Azor in this video mentions 1 sodimm that is open to upgrade:

 

"So you can even do some RAM upgrades"

Hahahah, I give up.

 

Noooooo! Curse you Azor! I don't think I can sell one 16gb sodimm. Well time to find out.

 

I wonder if the m17r2 got improved cooling.

 

Looks great but why did the remove the ten key row again? While i like the looks of the new ones, they again use glossy bezels. Was really eager to see if they would update the little AW13, maybe make it a 16:10 to fill out those bezels. Shame that greatness isn't what dell want's to sell, but soldered ram in a device as big as a mini cooper.

 

Both M15 and M17 have new cooling. How good it performs is yet to be seen.

They made a bold statement that the M15 is the replacement for the AW13. So chances of it coming back are likely slim. I wouldn't mind a slimmer AW13 myself. I'm not to pleased about the soldered ram either. There is a single ram slot so you can upgrade it. It seems like you can get the soldered memory upgraded when you buy it. Possibly 8gb and 16gb. We will have to see when it goes up for sale. Why they went this route is beyond me. Probably saves a few bucks.

 

Shows you how good they know what people want. The AW13 was a brilliant machine and only needed modernization. Had they right thickness for good cooling and offered enough space for 2 sodimm and 2 M.2, yet was build like a tank and had a great battery life.

 

It also had a very small screen for its size, especially vertically-wise. I guess a 3:2 screen would have fit there nicely.

 

It probably didn't sell as well as they wanted. So they axed it. Plus I'm sure they thought that since the m15 was close to the same size they were giving us an improvement. The new R2 versions if built with the same material as the area 51m will be tanks. Still I agree with you. A smaller version still would be nice. But I don't think there are any 144hz 13.3" displays. So probably not likely to happen.

 

Or they just wanted to save money by cutting down on the number of different system designs.

 

Am I the only one that gets irritated when Azor constantly refers to every laptop he shows off as a "bad boy"?

 

OLED on the 15", but the numpad was dropped. Numpad on the 17", but no premium screen for content-creation (not even 4K currently). Soldered RAM... Smaller battery...

Why did Dell have to take a step forward and a step--or a few--back?!

I hope that upgraded cooling is significantly better.

 

Seeing Dell use cheap tactics to save $, Just goes to show they’re running out of ideas on improvements. As for cooling, I wouldn’t hold my breath as we all know what’s to come. In the end you’re just another # in their stock market bump. Look to intels new gaming laptop lineup with the dual fold out screen looks very promising & innovative.


https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.th...ps-dual-screen-foldable-windows-computex-2019

 

Totally likely. Like I said it likely didnt sell as well as it's larger brother. So they made the larger laptop smaller and figured it would make everyone happy. But, we all know that never works out.

For me the upgrades out weigh the downgrades. Much cleaner look, slim bezels, hopefully improved keyboard, improved track pad, and hopefully better cooling. Out of all the things they took away the smaller battery is the only one that bugs me. It will likely only have 3 -3 1/2 hours of battery. Enough for an inflight movie. I am curious if the 240w brick will be enough for the i9 versions. Might snag a 330w regardless.

 

The battery is a showstopper for me, and sorry, I'm not buying a laptop with soldered RAM if I can help it - if only to send a message. I am also fairly comfortable that the new CPUs won't be significantly faster than my 8750 (with HyperX Impact memory lol) - not without heavy laptop modification anyway. In summary, no technical reasons to upgrade for existing m15 users are apparent so far. The improved VRM? Seriously? The CPU takes up 20-30W in games and runs at 70C.

 

The 9750h definitely isn't much of an upgrade to the 8750h. Single core sure. But, in games it really doesn't make any sense. So sticking to the 8750h is a good idea. The 8 cores will be interesting to see if with the proper tweaking they will run without alot of thermal throttling.

My M15 ran cool on the GPU at mid 60's to low 70's. But my CPU ran roughly 76-90. Depending on the game. And that was after a repaste and undervolt. So I'm willing to give this new one a try.

But I agree if it makes too many sacrifices for you then there are plenty of other options. Alot of new laptops coming out.

 

I just think it's all gone in the wrong direction. The light gaming laptops, pretty much all of them, run hot because the chassis is too small to host a sufficient cooling solution. Tinkering around the edges is not going to change much.

Give me AW15 R5 any day. Yes, with that awesome 99Whr battery and throw in 2 extra SODIMM slots (supporting XMP of course) or start supporting 64GB of RAM. Leave ripping technically illiterate people off to Apple, or use the XPS line for that.

 

I'd be all for that honestly. Good battery life, great keyboard, and built like a tank.

 

I don't mind the aesthetic of most of the thin-and-light laptops; with less height to work with, many of the designs are more flat and regular-looking. There are less angles for the sake of angles and the garish (IMO) gamer look. The mobility factor is also not negligible for me. However, the trend for the thinnest laptop possible that can barely handle the internals is definitely unnecessary. It's impressive engineering, but at the expense of the end-users.

How much better would these machines be if they were 1" to 1.2", compared to 0.8"?

In all honesty, I'll probably get the m17 R2 once it gets some kind of color-upgraded screen, and I'll probably be happy with it overall. Yet I'll wistfully note the missed opportunity for Dell to have made a better machine...

 

I knew a comment like this was coming

My initial reaction to soldered ram is also a look of disgust but ASUS did this back in the day with DDR2 and it resulted in lower latency/timings and better overclocking. I doubt this will be the case though as it's Alienware. oh well

 

Sounds like an urban legend. How much extra circuitry does a SODiMM slot add? 5mm tops? How much time does the electrical signal need to cover 5mm? About 15ps right? How would that even move the needle if the memory clock period is 300-400ps? Also how does one determine the effect empirically on a given motherboard if RAM is soldered, so can't be replaced by a SODiMM variant for comparison.

 

no idea

https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/P5K3_PremiumWiFiAP/

I lied it was DDR3

Turbo D3
The Turbo D3 is an onboard memory feature that provides users with guaranteed memory overclocking above DDR3 1500 and reduces clock cycle timing by 50% for random data access. An innovative 10 layered design provides good power delivery, low latency and a high frequency response that makes it easy to reach higher overclocking frequencies - allowing users to enjoy enhanced performance and faster speeds.
Learn more >

 

OK, so the implemented their own DDR3 so to speak using T-Tree design and overclockable, at a time when typical DDR3 DIMMs must have performed less impressively and were hard to overclock?

Why would Dell try to do that when fast DDR4 modules are readily available on the market? Wouldn't Azor mention such an astounding innovation, in a situation where was forced to talk about 6 phase VRMs?

 

There's not enough space for them to do it anyway, and it was never proven that allowing DRAM to have universal access gained anything.

DDR3 was brand new at that time. DDR4 @ high speed requires more system VCCIO and VCSA voltage which is why notebooks are not supporting beyond 2666Mhz except for maybe a Prema modded Clevo or MSI.

If anything Frank should opt for Low profile DDR4 and call it a day.

 

I honestly feel there is more of a push for less flashy laptops because many of them are making a push for these to be tempting for professionals. Now Alienware will probably always try to keep it's flashier look. Which is why I'd prefer over the new Aero 15 and 17. And the new look just sells it for me. I'd gladly walk into a meeting with one of these.

I do have to agree if they made laptops just a bit thicker and gave us bigger batteries and thicker heat pipes I'd be all for it. But everyone is chasing to do what Apple does. And that erks me. And you too I'll bet.

There are 4k slim bezel screens coming to other manufacturers. So I'd be surprised if the M17 doesn't get it soon. I think many using a 17" laptop want something more than 1080p.

 

Aero 15 was my second choice. Next day Amazon delivery. It was actually as expensive as the m15 with 3 year warranty on sale, however, Gigabyte only offered 1y warranty and their service is way worse (they also have that idiotic warranty sticker) plus no AGA support. So, I got myself another Alienware, which was with me in just 2 weeks with DOA GPU (promptly fixed to be fair).

Still, it was fairly close call vs m15 R1, vs this R2 I'd probably get the Aero, or maybe even Razer, on battery grounds alone.