We appreciate the inherent simplicity and community fostered by game consoles, where every user experiences the same gameplay, technically. However, PCs consistently lead in pushing technical boundaries and achieving peak game performance. The PC landscape spans everything from budget-friendly web-based Chromebook alternatives struggling with basic tasks to high-end rigs for esports professionals, demanding users, and enthusiasts. While desktop computers typically offer the best performance, the gaming laptop segment is rapidly expanding due to its inherent portability. Today’s subject falls squarely into this category: the Alienware M15 R6. On paper, it boasts impressive specifications, but does it justify its significant price?
Alienware was acquired by Dell in 2006, yet it retains its brand identity as Dell’s “high-end gaming” line. Their portable gaming models range from entry-level configurations with Intel i5 or equivalent AMD processors starting around 17,000 SEK, to premium 17-inch models equipped with the latest Intel i9 processors, 32 GB of RAM, 2TB SSDs, and Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 3080 graphics cards, costing twice as much.
The specific model we evaluated features the following configuration:
Intel i9 11900H processor
15.6″ QHD (2560 x 1440) display
32GB DDR4 memory (X16)
1TB M.2 PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070
Windows 11
Alienware mSeries 4-Zone AlienFX RGB keyboard
Savvy readers will note that the exact configuration we tested is not currently listed in Dell’s Swedish product offerings. However, given the customization options available, we estimate the price of the described setup to be approximately 30,000 SEK. This represents a considerable investment.
The Look
Alienware’s distinctive design is immediately apparent. We find the aesthetic to be appealing, characterized by soft lines, the signature UFO-inspired RGB lighting, and the iconic alien logo. The overall design projects a modern, gaming-oriented, and engaging feel. The power adapter, however, is substantial, adding noticeable weight when carrying the laptop (a smaller adapter is available separately, but arguably should be included at this price point). The laptop itself weighs approximately 2.5 kg, increasing to 3.1 kg with the power adapter. While not excessively heavy, it is not particularly lightweight either, a common trade-off in high-performance gaming laptops.
The screen
The display provides a vibrant and color-accurate experience for gaming. While the contrast ratio is not exceptional, the color fidelity and brightness (350 nits) partially compensate. The specified response time is 1 ms, likely obtained under controlled lab conditions. Real-world response times are closer to 3-4 ms, which remains commendable and is further enhanced by the 240 Hz refresh rate, a significant improvement over standard 120 Hz panels. Our test model included IR facial recognition, providing a seamless and convenient method for unlocking the system.
Connections and internal hardware
Connectivity options include a selection of USB-C and USB-A ports, an Ethernet port, HDMI (2.1) output, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The dark gray color scheme (“Dark of the moon”) contributes to the stylish design, but the lack of illumination or clear markings around the ports makes connecting cables in low-light conditions somewhat challenging. The rear-mounted USB-C port supports Thunderbolt 4, leveraging Intel’s chipset for high-speed data transfer. However, it unfortunately lacks USB-C charging capabilities, which would have been beneficial for use with external monitors.
The integrated Wifi 6 chip performs exceptionally well, offering the fastest wireless connection we have encountered. Paired with a suitable Wifi 6 router, such as the Netgear Nighthawk AX12 RAX200, data transfer is remarkably quick.
The NvmE-type SSD, utilizing the PCiE 3.0 interface, achieved read speeds of 3.5 GB/s and write speeds of 3.3 GB/s in CrystalDiskMark. File transfers and copies felt exceptionally rapid under the recently released Windows 11 (which we found to be a surprisingly polished operating system).
The 32 GB of memory is ample and offers sufficient speed, but it is not the fastest available, which may be a slight disappointment given the laptop’s ambition and price point. X16 memory modules are marginally slower than X8 modules. The reason for selecting these modules is unclear, but it may be related to the component shortages experienced in recent years. While not a critical flaw, upgrading the memory on a newly purchased high-end laptop to achieve optimal performance can be frustrating.
The integrated speakers deliver adequate sound quality, but lack the refinement found in competing products. Dell should consider collaborating with an audio specialist, similar to Asus’ partnership with Harman Kardon. While MSI’s collaboration with Dynaudio did not yield drastically superior results, the perceived value at this price level should extend to every aspect of the user experience.
Software and fan noise
Alienware’s proprietary software suite, particularly the BIOS interface, offers decent control options, but can feel somewhat disorganized and inconsistent. The relevance and accessibility of certain settings are not always clear. Fortunately, BIOS modifications can be easily performed through Windows. The “Over Clock” (OC) setting implies overclocking capabilities, but in reality, the application only displays static information. Conversely, the system’s performance limits can be relaxed to maximize speed, at the cost of increased fan noise, higher power consumption, and reduced battery life. This resulted in marginal performance improvements in games and Cinebench, but introduced obtrusive fan noise reaching up to 65 dB. We strongly recommend maintaining the “balanced” setting (despite the system inexplicably increasing fan speed even in sleep mode). Another anomaly was the occasional failure to power on with the first press of the power button; the alien logo illuminated, but a second press was required to initiate the system startup.
A gaming computer worthy of the name
While compatibility with Windows 11 is welcome, the primary focus is on gaming performance, which we will now evaluate.
Given the display’s native 1440p resolution, we tested most games at Full HD (1080p), which delivers significantly higher frame rates with minimal discernible visual difference on a 15″ screen. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 allows for connecting to modern TVs supporting up to 120 Hz/FPS, although our testing primarily utilized the integrated display to avoid potential bottlenecks (and reflecting the likely usage scenario for most laptop gamers, who would otherwise opt for a desktop PC).
The visually impressive and time-consuming Red Dead Redemption 2 (using its built-in benchmark) averaged around 100 fps, a satisfying result for fans. The PC version allows for adjusting graphics settings to surpass even the Xbox Series X.
Shadow of Tomb Raider maintained a consistently smooth 120 fps (with occasional dropped frames) across various graphics presets.
Cyberpunk 2077, with the latest patch and High Settings (including ray tracing, but without DLSS), achieved approximately 90 fps on the i9 processor and RTX 3070 graphics card. This performance is commendable given the level of detail and portability of the system (though expected for a gaming laptop in this class).
Remarkably, nearly all tested games exceeded the 60 fps target at maximum settings. Even Ubisoft titles such as Watchdogs: Legion and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, known for their performance demands on PC, performed admirably. Older titles like CS:GO and less demanding games such as Fortnite ran at upwards of 500 fps, a feat unattainable on consoles.
The Alienware M15 R6, with its i9 processor, 32GB of RAM, and GeForce 3070, represents a powerful gaming platform. However, at 30,000 SEK, one expects exceptional performance. This particular Intel configuration has certain limitations. Battery life is average; AMD Ryzen-based models offer better battery performance and are typically 5-6 percent faster overall. Furthermore, gaming laptops featuring newer and faster graphics cards, such as the Radeon RX 6800M or GeForce RTX 3080, deliver nearly twice the GPU performance. The high-end gaming laptop market is highly competitive and rapidly evolving. For its price, the Alienware M15 R6 in its current configuration is a competent gaming PC that will satisfy most users, but it does not represent exceptional value. Potential buyers should evaluate whether alternative models offer superior performance for a comparable price.
Purchasing high-end hardware inevitably involves trade-offs. Regardless of your priorities, the Alienware M15 R6 is both a capable gaming machine and a competent workstation. Windows 11 feels exceptionally smooth on this platform. The hardware demonstrates stability and Alienware’s software is generally well-executed. While not perfect, it avoids the excessive “bloatware” that plagues some manufacturers, resulting in sluggish performance and difficult removal.
We offer a positive recommendation for the Alienware M15 R6 and it earns a place as a new reference system in our editorial office. However, we advise carefully evaluating the available options at this price point, as this configuration will soon be superseded by newer generations. This presents an opportunity to either acquire this model at a reduced price or await the next generation of hardware for similar cost, potentially placing you at the forefront of performance.
At least for a short time.
Test copy provided by Dell. Suppliers of review units have no editorial influence on our assessments, which are always written independently with our readers and consumers in mind.
