

Secondly, the internal fans would sometimes continue to run very loudly even when the system is sleeping or hibernating on Performance or Overdrive modes.Īdvanced Optimus is supported meaning users can switch between discrete GPU and Optimus modes via Nvidia Control Panel without needing to reboot. Firstly, the software fails to load if an external monitor is connected. We experienced a couple of bugs with Alienware Command Center worth mentioning even after updating to the latest version at the time of writing.

It still loads very slowly, however, especially when compared to the speedier MSI Center or the Schenker Control Center equivalents. Dell has completely refreshed the Command Center software this year to be easier to use and with larger font sizes than before. We set our unit to Performance mode via Windows, discrete GPU mode via Nvidia Control Panel, and Overdrive mode via Alienware Command Center prior to running any benchmarks below. MSI has yet to announce a new 18-inch model at the time of writing. All configurations otherwise support G-Sync and full DCI-P3 colors.ĭirect competitors include other 18-inch gaming laptops like the Razer Blade 18 or Asus ROG Strix Scar 18. Other SKUs are available from the RTX 4060, Core i7-13700HX, and 1600p 165 Hz display with CherryMX ultra low-profile mechanical keyboard. Our configuration in review is a higher-end specification with the 13th gen Core i9-13980HX CPU, 175 W GeForce RTX 4090, membrane-based RGB keyboard, and 1200p 480 Hz IPS display for approximately $2900 USD. A lot has changed since then, of course, but performance hunters who want something larger than the usual 17-inch solution may find a lot to like from an 18-inch form factor where features and thermals can be maximized.


Unveiled earlier this year alongside the mobile Intel Raptor Lake-H series and mobile Ada Lovelace GeForce RTX 40 series, the flagship Alienware m18 R1 is the first 18-inch model in its family since 2013.
