Which Alienware M17 Is Right for You? R4 vs. R5 Compared
What To Know
- The R4 features a dual-fan design with a vapor chamber, while the R5 upgrades to a triple-fan design with a larger vapor chamber and improved airflow.
- The m17 R4 and R5 both come pre-installed with Windows 10 and Alienware Command Center, which provides a range of customization options for performance, lighting, and fan control.
- The Alienware m17 R5 features a triple-fan design with a larger vapor chamber and improved airflow, providing better cooling performance than the R4.
The Alienware m17 series has been a staple in the gaming laptop market, offering powerful performance and sleek designs. With the recent release of the Alienware m17 R5, it’s time to compare it to its predecessor, the m17 R4, to determine which one reigns supreme for gaming enthusiasts.
Design and Build Quality
Both the m17 R4 and R5 feature similar designs with sleek lines and angular edges. However, the R5 introduces a few subtle changes, including a new Legend 2.0 design with a hexagonal pattern on the lid. Both laptops have a sturdy build quality with a magnesium alloy chassis and a honeycomb-structured bottom panel for improved airflow.
Display
The m17 R4 and R5 offer a variety of display options, including 1080p 360Hz, 1440p 240Hz, and 4K 120Hz panels. The R5 adds a new 1080p 300Hz panel for even smoother gameplay. All displays support NVIDIA G-Sync technology for tear-free visuals.
Performance
The m17 R4 and R5 are both powered by the latest Intel Core i7 and i9 processors. The R5 offers the 11th-generation H-series processors, while the R4 features the 10th-generation H-series processors. Both laptops also offer NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3000 series graphics cards, with the R5 featuring the latest 3080 and 3070 Ti options.
Cooling System
The m17 R4 and R5 both utilize advanced cooling systems to keep temperatures under control during intense gaming sessions. The R4 features a dual-fan design with a vapor chamber, while the R5 upgrades to a triple-fan design with a larger vapor chamber and improved airflow.
Connectivity
The m17 R4 and R5 offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and Mini DisplayPort. The R5 adds a dedicated RJ-45 Ethernet port for wired connections, while the R4 requires an adapter.
Battery Life
Battery life is often a compromise on gaming laptops. The m17 R4 offers a 90Wh battery, while the R5 upgrades to a 97Wh battery. Both laptops provide similar battery life, lasting around 5-6 hours on average use.
Features and Software
The m17 R4 and R5 both come pre-installed with Windows 10 and Alienware Command Center, which provides a range of customization options for performance, lighting, and fan control. The R5 introduces a new feature called AI-powered Game Optimizer, which automatically optimizes game settings based on your system’s capabilities.
The Bottom Line: Which One Should You Choose?
The Alienware m17 R4 and R5 are both excellent gaming laptops, but the R5 offers several improvements over its predecessor. With its upgraded processor, graphics card, cooling system, and additional features, the R5 is the better choice for gamers who demand the best possible performance and experience.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q1. Which laptop has a better display?
A1. The Alienware m17 R5 offers a wider range of display options, including a 1080p 300Hz panel for smoother gameplay.
Q2. Does the R5 have a longer battery life than the R4?
A2. No, both the R4 and R5 provide similar battery life, lasting around 5-6 hours on average use.
Q3. Which laptop has a better cooling system?
A3. The Alienware m17 R5 features a triple-fan design with a larger vapor chamber and improved airflow, providing better cooling performance than the R4.
Q4. Does the R5 support Thunderbolt 4?
A4. No, both the R4 and R5 support Thunderbolt 3, not Thunderbolt 4.
Q5. Which laptop is lighter?
A5. The Alienware m17 R4 is slightly lighter than the R5, weighing around 5.8 pounds compared to 6.1 pounds for the R5.
