Laptops

Dell Alienware 15 R4: A Gamer’s Review

In search of a gaming laptop that can redefine your gaming journey? The Dell Alienware 15 R4 is your answer.

This powerful laptop is designed specifically for gamers, with a range of features and capabilities that make it perfect for even the most demanding games.

In this blog post, we will take a quick look at the Dell Alienware 15 R4 gaming laptop.

Will also discuss their feature, specifications, performance, display, design, benchmarks, and price.

Pros

  • Powerful performance
  • Sleek design
  • Excellent display
  • Great cooling system
  • Customizable lighting

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Heavy
  • Short battery life
  • Loud fans

Dell Alienware 15 R4 Price

Dell Alienware 15 R4 costs about $1399.81 and you can buy it from Amazon.

Dell Alienware 15 R4 Specifications

ComponentSpecification
ProcessorIntel Core i7-8750H (Quad-Core, 6MB Cache, up to 4.1GHz w/Turbo Boost) 
Operating SystemWindows 10 Home 64-bit
Display15.6 inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 60Hz Anti-Glare IPS, 300-nits
Graphics NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 with 8GB GDDR5
Memory16GB DDR4 at 2666MHz (2x8GB) or 32GB DDR4 at 2666MHz (2x16GB)
Hard Drive256GB PCIe SSD (Boot) + 1TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s (Storage)
Audio2.0 Speaker configuration, headphone jack, microphone jack
BatteryOptional 99Whr, 68Whr standard, 4-Cell Battery
WirelessKiller Wireless-AC 1435 or Killer Wireless-AC 1550
USD Ports(2) USB 3.0, USB Type-C, Thunderbolt 3
Video PortsHDMI, Mini DisplayPort
Weight3.49 kg (7.69 lb)
Item model number‎Alienware 15 R4
ColorBlack
Battery LifeAround 5 Hours

Design and Build Quality

dell alienware  15 r4 design & build quality

When it comes to gaming laptops, design and build quality are crucial factors to consider.

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 boasts a sleek and modern design that is both stylish and functional.

The laptop has a black and silver color scheme with an Alienware logo on the lid that lights up when the laptop is turned on.

It’s build quality is also impressive, with a sturdy and durable chassis that can withstand the rigors of daily use.

This laptop is a well-designed and well-built gaming laptop that is sure to impress even the most discerning gamers.

The laptop’s sleek and modern design, sturdy chassis, and comfortable keyboard make it a top choice for anyone looking for a high-performance gaming laptop.

Display

display

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 boasts a 15.6-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

It features an anti-glare coating that reduces reflections and eye strain, making it ideal for extended gaming sessions.

The display is also bright and colorful, producing vivid and accurate colors that bring games to life.

The Alienware 15 R4’s display has a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is standard for most laptops.

The laptop also features Nvidia G-Sync technology, which synchronizes the display’s refresh rate with the graphics card’s output to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering.

This technology ensures that you get a smooth and seamless gaming experience, without any distractions or interruptions.

Performance

performance

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 is a high-performance gaming laptop designed to deliver fast and seamless gameplay.

It comes with a powerful processor and graphics card that can handle even the most demanding games without any lag or slowdown.

The laptop is powered by an 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8750H processor, which offers a base clock speed of 2.2 GHz and a maximum clock speed of 4.1 GHz.

This processor is capable of handling multiple tasks at once, making it ideal for gamers who like to stream their gameplay or run other applications in the background.

It is also equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, which delivers stunning visuals and smooth gameplay.

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 is a high-performance gaming laptop that delivers fast and seamless gameplay.

Its powerful processor, graphics card, and memory ensure that you can run even the most demanding games without any lag or slowdown.

Gaming Graphics

Dell-Alienware-15-R4-Gaming-graphics

When it comes to gaming, graphics are one of the most important factors to consider.

It does not disappoint in this aspect. It comes equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card.

This means you can enjoy high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay.

The NVIDIA GeForce graphics card is one of the most popular graphics cards for gaming laptops.

It is powerful enough to handle most modern games at high settings. The 6GB of GDDR5 memory ensures that you can run multiple applications at the same time without any lag or stuttering.

This Dell laptop also supports VR (Virtual Reality) gaming.

This means you can enjoy your games from any angle without any distortion.

Alienware 15 R4 is a great laptop in terms of gaming with powerful graphics and a high-quality display.

Audio Quality

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 is equipped with two front-firing speakers and a subwoofer, providing a decent audio experience for a gaming laptop.

The sound quality is clear, and the volume is loud enough to fill a small room without distortion.

The bass could be stronger, and the overall sound lacks depth.

To enhance your audio experience, the laptop comes with Sound Center software.

This software allows you to customize your audio settings, including bass, treble, and volume.

You can also choose from different audio profiles, such as movies, music, and gaming, to optimize your audio experience for your needs.

The laptop features a built-in microphone that provides clear and accurate voice input for gaming or video conferencing.

The microphone is located at the top of the screen, which is an ideal position for capturing your voice without any obstructions.

Battery Life

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 comes with a 68Wh battery, which is not the largest in the market.

This gaming laptop deliver a decent battery life compared to its competitors.

During our battery test, which involves continuous web browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness, the Alienware 15 R4 lasted for 4 hours and 46 minutes.

It offers a decent battery life for a gaming laptop.

However, if you plan on gaming for long periods, it is recommended to keep the laptop plugged in.

Software

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 comes with a preinstalled application called Alienware Command Center.

This software provides a single interface to customize and enhance your gaming experience.

The dashboard displays the most recently played or added games and provides game-specific information, themes, profiles, and access to computer settings.

You can customize the lighting, macros, and other settings to your liking.

Alienware Digital Delivery is another preinstalled application that automatically downloads and installs all the software that you purchased with your system.

This process will be part of the initial setup of your system when you turn it on for the first time.

The Alienware Command Center Package Manager is an exclusive software that integrates into a single interface application designed to control features of your Alienware computer.

User Interface

The Alienware 15 R4 runs on Windows 10, which is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options.  

You can personalize your desktop, start menu, and taskbar with your favorite apps and shortcuts.

Windows 10 also comes with a built-in game mode that optimizes your system for gaming performance.

This feature can boost your FPS and reduce input lag, giving you a competitive edge in online games.

It comes with a user-friendly interface and preinstalled software that enhances your gaming experience.

The Alienware Command Center and Package Manager allow you to customize your system and manage updates and drivers.

Windows 10 provides a familiar and customizable operating system with built-in game mode for optimal gaming performance.

Connectivity and Ports

Ports

USB Ports

The Alienware 15 R4 comes with a total of four USB ports, two of which are USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports that can transfer data at speeds of up to 5 Gbps.

The other two are USB 3.1 Gen 2 ports that support SuperSpeed+ data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps.

Graphics Amplifier Port

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 also features an external graphics port that allows you to connect an Alienware Graphics Amplifier.

This feature enables you to enhance the graphics performance of your laptop, making it perfect for gaming or other graphics-intensive applications.

HDMI and Mini DisplayPort

It comes with both an HDMI port and a Mini DisplayPort, allowing you to connect to external displays.

The HDMI port supports resolutions of up to 4K, while the Mini DisplayPort supports resolutions of up to 5K.

Ethernet Port

The Alienware 15 R4 features a Gigabit Ethernet port, allowing you to connect to wired networks for faster and more reliable internet speeds.

Audio Ports

It features a headphone jack and a microphone jack, allowing you to connect your favorite headphones or a microphone for gaming or other audio-related activities.

SD Card Reader

The Alienware 15 R4 comes with an SD card reader that supports Micro Secure Digital (mSD), Micro Secure Digital High Capacity (mSDHC), and Micro Secure Digital Extended Capacity (mSDXC) cards.

This feature is perfect for photographers or other users who need to transfer data from their cameras or other devices.

It offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it easy to connect to all your devices and peripherals.

Keyboard & Touchpad

Keyboard & Touchpad

The keyboard on the Dell Alienware 15 R4 is a standout feature, designed specifically for gamers.

The keys are well-spaced and have a good amount of travel, making it easy to type and game for extended periods.

The keyboard also features customizable RGB lighting, which is a nice touch for those who like to personalize their setup.

The touchpad on the Dell Alienware 15 R4 is also impressive, with a smooth and responsive surface that makes it easy to navigate.

The touchpad is large enough to accommodate multi-touch gestures, which is useful for tasks like scrolling and zooming.

The keyboard and touchpad are top-notch, providing a comfortable and responsive experience for both gaming and everyday use.

Power Consumption

One of the primary concerns while using a gaming laptop is power consumption. The Dell Alienware 15 R4 comes with a 99Wh and 64Wh battery.

which is quite large for a gaming laptop. However, the battery life of a gaming laptop is always a concern, especially when you are playing demanding games.

According to our tests, the Dell Alienware 15 R4 consumes around 130 watts of power when playing games at high settings.

This is a bit higher than some of its competitors, but it is still within an acceptable range.

When you are not gaming, the laptop consumes around 20 watts of power, which is quite reasonable.

It comes with a power adapter that can deliver up to 240 watts of power.

This means that you can charge your laptop quickly and efficiently.

Upgrade Options

RAM

The Alienware 15 R4 comes with up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM, but if you want to upgrade it, you can do so easily.

The laptop has two RAM slots, which means you can add more RAM without having to remove the existing modules.

Storage

The Alienware 15 R4 comes with a variety of storage options, including HDDs and SSDs.

If you want to upgrade your storage, you can do so by replacing the existing drive or adding a new one.

The laptop has two M.2 slots and one 2.5-inch drive bay, which means you can add up to three drives.

Graphics Card

If you want to improve your gaming performance, you can connect an external graphics card using the laptop’s Thunderbolt 3 port.

CPU

The Alienware 15 R4 has a powerful Intel Core i7-8750H processor, but if you want to upgrade it, you’re out of luck.

The processor is soldered onto the motherboard, which means it can’t be replaced.

Battery

The battery is integrated into the laptop and can’t be replaced.

It is a powerful gaming laptop that can handle most modern games with ease.

While you can’t upgrade the CPU or battery, you can upgrade the RAM and storage to improve your gaming performance.

Performance Benchmark

3DMark Fire Strike Ultra

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 scored 4,693 in 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra, which is an impressive score.

This benchmark measures the performance of the graphics card and the CPU under extreme conditions.

Cinebench R15

It scored 1,126 points in Cinebench R15, which is a benchmark that measures the performance of the CPU.

This score is impressive and indicates that this laptop is capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing and rendering.

Read Also: Best Alienware aka Nware 17in Laptops for Gaming

CrystalDiskMark

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 has a 1 TB SSD, which is a fast and reliable storage solution.

In the CrystalDiskMark benchmark, it achieved a sequential read speed of 3,500 MB/s and a sequential write speed of 2,700 MB/s.

These speeds are impressive and indicate that this machine is capable of handling large files quickly.

Gaming Performance

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 is designed for gaming, and it does not disappoint. It can handle the latest AAA games at high settings without any issues.

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card provides smooth and fluid gameplay, and the Intel Core i7 processor ensures that the games run smoothly without any lag.

It is a powerful laptop that can handle demanding tasks with ease.

Its impressive benchmark results and gaming performance make it a great choice for gamers and professionals alike.

Thermal Performance

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 gaming laptop boasts a robust cooling system with fans, heat pipes, and heatsinks to effectively manage the heat generated by its powerful CPU and GPU.

It strategically places internal components for optimal heat distribution, while its thermal management software allows users to fine-tune cooling settings.

This design aims to strike a balance between performance and heat control, making it suitable for demanding gaming and tasks.

For specific thermal performance details, referring to official reviews and specifications is recommended.

User Reviews

 Here are a few highlights from user reviews:

  • “This laptop is an absolute beast. It runs all of my games on max settings with ease.” – User on Amazon
  • “The build quality is top-notch and the keyboard feels great to type on.” – User on Best Buy
  • “The cooling system is very effective at keeping the laptop from overheating during intense gaming sessions.” – User on Dell’s website

Read Also: Free Texting on Web: How to Send Text from Web for Free?

All in all

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 gaming laptop is a strong contender for gamers.

It looks cool, it’s well-built, and it’s powerful. The screen is colorful and smooth, making games look great.

It has a fast processor and graphics card that make games run really well. The sound is amazing.

The battery lasts around 5 hours, and it has cool lights and can connect to many things. People who have used it like its power and how it’s made.

FAQs

Does the Dell Alienware 15 R4 have a good cooling system?

Yes, the Dell Alienware 15 R4 has an advanced cooling system that includes a dual-intake and dual-exhaust airflow design, high-performance copper heat sinks, and thermal controls that dynamically adjust the system’s thermal profile based on the workload.

The laptop also has AlienFX customizable lighting that can indicate the temperature of the system.

Can the Dell Alienware 15 R4 run VR games?

Yes, the Dell Alienware 15 R4 is VR-ready and can run virtual reality games smoothly.

Its NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card is powerful enough to handle the demanding graphics of VR games.

The laptop also has a Thunderbolt 3 port that supports external graphics amplifiers for even better performance.

Does the Dell Alienware 15 R4 have good battery life?

The Dell Alienware 15 R4 has a 68Whr battery that can provide up to 5 hours of battery life, depending on the usage.

Stephen Birb

Tech enthusiast and experienced blogger, bringing you the latest tech reviews and updates on software, gadgets, gaming, and technology. Stay up-to-date with the newest advancements in tech!

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