Yes, the Alienware x15 and x17 gaming laptops launched on June 15, 2021, as the company’s thinnest and most powerful 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch gaming laptops at that time. They succeeded the Alienware m15 and m17 R4 models, introducing a new Legend 2.0 design, a revamped thermal system, and up to an Intel Core i9-11980HK processor with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (up to 165W TGP on the x17). This article covers the launch details, key specs, design changes, performance expectations, common issues, and how these models compare to their predecessors and rivals.
Background: Why Alienware Launched the x15 and x17
Alienware, a subsidiary of Dell, had long been known for thick, aggressive gaming laptops. By 2021, competitors like Razer and ASUS were offering slimmer alternatives, and Alienware needed to respond. The x15 and x17 were designed to fill a gap: they were thinner than the m-series but still packed high-end components. The launch was part of a broader refresh that also included the m15 R6 and m17 R4, but the x-series was positioned as the premium, ultra-thin option.
Key goals for the x-series included:
- Reducing thickness to 15.9mm (x15) and 20.9mm (x17) without sacrificing performance.
- Introducing a new thermal design called “Cryo-Tech” that uses a vapor chamber and dual intake fans.
- Offering the latest Intel 11th-gen H-series processors and NVIDIA RTX 30-series GPUs.
- Creating a more modern, minimalist aesthetic with the Legend 2.0 design language.
The x15 and x17 were not just incremental updates; they represented a shift in Alienware’s approach to portability and thermals.
Key Specifications and Models
Both laptops came in multiple configurations, but the core specifications were as follows:
| Component | Alienware x15 | Alienware x17 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 15.6” FHD 360Hz or QHD 240Hz | 17.3” FHD 360Hz or QHD 240Hz |
| Processor | Up to Intel Core i9-11980HK | Up to Intel Core i9-11980HK |
| Graphics | Up to RTX 3080 (110W TGP) | Up to RTX 3080 (165W TGP) |
| Memory | Up to 32GB DDR4-3200 | Up to 64GB DDR4-3200 |
| Storage | Up to 4TB (2x 2TB NVMe) | Up to 4TB (2x 2TB NVMe) |
| Battery | 87Wh | 87Wh |
| Weight | ~2.27 kg (5.0 lbs) | ~3.0 kg (6.6 lbs) |
Note that the x15’s RTX 3080 was capped at 110W TGP (Total Graphics Power), while the x17 could go up to 165W, meaning the larger model offered significantly better GPU performance. The x15 also had a smaller battery and fewer ports due to its thinner chassis.
Design and Build Quality
The x-series introduced Alienware’s “Legend 2.0” design, which was a departure from the previous angular, aggressive look. The new design featured cleaner lines, a smooth white or dark gray finish, and a honeycomb pattern around the vents. The laptops were made of magnesium alloy, which kept them light but sturdy. The x15 was notably thin at 15.9mm, while the x17 was 20.9mm thick—still impressive for a 17-inch gaming laptop.
The keyboard was a new “Alienware X-series” keyboard with 1.5mm travel (x17) or 1.2mm (x15), and it featured per-key RGB lighting. The trackpad was large and responsive, but many users preferred a mouse for gaming. The laptops also had a new “AlienFX” lighting system that could sync with games and music.
Thermals and Performance
Alienware’s Cryo-Tech cooling system was a major selling point. It used a vapor chamber (instead of traditional heat pipes) that covered the CPU and GPU, along with two 5th-gen fans that had 33% more airflow than previous models. The fans also had a unique “Eagle” blade design that reduced noise.
In practice, the x17 performed admirably, with the RTX 3080 at 165W delivering desktop-like frame rates in most games. The x15, however, was limited by its lower GPU power, and some reviewers noted that it could get hot and loud under load. The CPU could reach high temperatures, but Alienware’s “Performance Mode” in the Alienware Command Center allowed users to adjust fan curves and power limits.
For gaming, the 360Hz FHD panels were excellent for esports titles like CS:GO and Valorant, while the QHD 240Hz option was better for AAA games with higher detail. Battery life was modest, as expected for gaming laptops—around 4-5 hours of light use.
Common Problems and Issues
As with any laptop, the x15 and x17 had some reported issues:
- Thermal throttling: Some units experienced CPU throttling under sustained load, especially with the i9-11980HK. This was partly due to the thin chassis and could be mitigated by using a cooling pad or repasting.
- Fan noise: Under load, the fans were audible—some users found them whiny. Alienware later released a BIOS update to improve fan curves.
- Coil whine: A high-pitched noise from the GPU or VRM was reported by some users, though it was not universal.
- Driver issues: Early units had occasional GPU driver crashes, but these were resolved with updates.
- Battery drain: Some users reported that the battery drained faster than expected even when plugged in, due to the high power draw of the components.
If you encounter these issues, a good first step is to update the BIOS and drivers from Dell’s support site. For thermals, using a laptop stand with additional airflow can help.
Comparison with Predecessors and Competitors
Compared to the Alienware m15 R4 and m17 R4, the x-series were thinner and had newer processors (11th-gen vs 10th-gen) and a more modern design. However, the m-series often had higher GPU power limits (e.g., m15 R4 had RTX 3080 up to 150W) and better battery life due to larger batteries. The x15’s 110W GPU limit was a notable downgrade from the m15 R4’s 150W, making the x15 less appealing for pure performance.
Against competitors like the Razer Blade 15 Advanced (RTX 3080 at 100W) and ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 (RTX 3080 at 100W), the x15 was comparable, but the x17’s 165W GPU gave it a significant edge over most thin 17-inch laptops. The MSI GE76 Raider had a similar GPU power but was thicker and heavier.
In terms of price, the x15 started at around $2,000, while the x17 started at $2,200. These prices were typical for high-end gaming laptops, but the x15’s performance-per-dollar was lower due to the GPU power limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Alienware x15 and x17 released?
The Alienware x15 and x17 were released on June 15, 2021. They were announced at CES 2021 and became available for order in the US and other regions shortly after the launch date.
What is the difference between the Alienware x15 and x17?
The main differences are size and GPU power. The x17 has a larger 17.3-inch display and can accommodate a higher-power RTX 3080 (165W vs 110W), resulting in better gaming performance. The x17 also has more ports and a better keyboard with 1.5mm travel, but it is heavier and more expensive.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on the Alienware x15 or x17?
Yes, both laptops have two SODIMM slots for RAM (up to 64GB on the x17, 32GB on the x15) and two M.2 NVMe SSD slots. However, the x15’s RAM is soldered in some configurations (e.g., the 32GB version), so check your specific model. The SSDs are user-replaceable.
How does the Alienware x15 compare to the Alienware m15?
The x15 is thinner and lighter than the m15, but the m15 R4 had a higher GPU power limit (150W vs 110W), making it faster in games. The x15 has a newer processor (11th-gen vs 10th-gen) and a more modern design, but if raw performance is your priority, the m15 R4 is better.
Is the Alienware x17 good for gaming?
Yes, the x17 is excellent for gaming, especially with the RTX 3080 at 165W. It can run most AAA games at high settings with high frame rates, and the 360Hz display is ideal for esports. However, it is heavy and has moderate battery life, so it’s best used as a desktop replacement.
What is the battery life of the Alienware x15 and x17?
Battery life is around 4-5 hours for light use (web browsing, video playback) and significantly less during gaming (about 1-2 hours). Both have an 87Wh battery, but the x15’s lower power components may give it slightly better endurance.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for similar thin gaming laptops, consider the Razer Blade 15 or 17, ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 or G17, and MSI GS66 Stealth. These offer comparable performance and portability. If you prioritize performance over thinness, the Alienware m15/m17 or ASUS ROG Strix G15/G17 are better choices.
When choosing, think about your needs: if you want the thinnest possible laptop with good performance, the x15 is a solid pick, but if you want maximum GPU power in a 17-inch chassis, the x17 is hard to beat. Always check the current prices and availability, as they have changed since launch.
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