Alienware M18 R2 Review - The Power House Returns!

The Alienware m18 r2 new for 2024 with the 14th gen intel processors and 270w of combined CPU and GPU power budget. A large desktop replacement laptop that easily could replace most desktops.

⚡️*TIMESTAMPS*
0:00:00 - Intro
0:01:06 - Specs
0:01:47 - Ports
0:02:29 - RGB
0:03:06 - Trackpad
0:03:19 - Keyboard
0:04:24 - Speakers
0:05:08 - Screen
0:05:32 - Webcam
0:05:46 - Internals
0:06:34 - Performance
0:07:49 - Gaming
0:08:22 - AWCC
0:09:16 - Battery Performance
0:10:03 - Conclusion

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#alienware #gaming #gaminglaptop

[andreasbehrens]

My m18 r2 arrived last Monday. I'm completely thrilled. The thing is awesome, not just for gaming but also for working. I ordered the version with the RTX 4090 and the i9 14900hx.

[Linflas]

I bought the M18 R1 a year ago and couldn't be happier with it. I am using it with a thunderbolt dock as my main workstation at home and it does fit in my Everki laptop backpack laptop slot.

[zroeder]

Great review. I would love to hear the actual audio from the fans. It can be helpful for those of us who are bothered by high frequency fan noise.

[sunnoowyn]

I bought my M18 last October i9 4080 RTX working perfectly. Really love it.

[tbrenneke]

Your reviews are terrific. I look forward to them. Keep up the great work.

[ThOnlyRandy]

Ohh yeah…it’s Alienware season! 🎉 - thanks for your in-depth reviews as always!

[LoisCP]

Good Review!
Easier control of the AWCC's RGB lighting when connecting Alienware-specific mice and peripherals.

[TechnicolorTube]

A true desktop replacement. Detailed review Dave. Alienware really have a great package here, but it's still being let down by that dim 300 nit screen. 18" is immersive on the go, but it's so dim you'd only be able to use it in a dark room. Thanks again.

[narutodayo]

Thanks for the great review. What's your opinion on 18" 1600p for productivity? Is it enough resolution? Is text sharp or does it start looking jagged and pixelated? I've been pleased with text sharpness at 1600p at 17" but have been wondering if 18" is a step too far.

[JasonW]

Just received mine and I love it. Sent as a replacement for my M18R1. Not just replaced, but upgraded from 4080 to 4090 with 2x storage. Dell's customer support is phenomenal. It's nice you mention that here. It's something other reviewers don't give much attention, but absolutely should.

[olalekanadebayo]

It's always nice watching your reviews, they are always very detailed. Thanks

[ThomasAAT]

Great review! Not much have changed compared to the R1, but its enough to get my attention + bugs from the R1 is more ruled out. But sadly the R2 dosent come with the option for Nordic keyboard. In its self not a deal breaker as you can change the keyboard layout in settings, but the signs will be different. So my 17R3 would do it one more year until W10 is not supported by MS. Then the M18R3 or X16R3 is my candidates.

[andreilopera]

I bought an M18 R1 3 months ago thanks to your review with a ryzen 7845hx and 4080, 1080p 480hz version and I freeking love it! It's a beast

[Ornal]

Still rocking M15 R5. Alienware laptops got models for everyone. This is premium experience and quality.

[JesseProwisor]

Great review! I bought the R1 last year - dell outlet - GREAT price (probably $2000 less than the equivalent Razer). and... I love it! My biggest concern was the screen; but I am pleasantly surprised. It doesn't feel like 300 nits... not sure why, but it feels brighter. This is a GREAT desktop replacement (it's BIG). One unexpected point: I am running this with the lid closed (usually) and not seeing a performance hit!!! The fans are normal (no more than when open). I've never been able to do that with any gaming laptop.! Thanks again for the awesome review and advice!

[UltimateEntertainments]

awesome review, but do you think they will release m17 with a numpad like the m18?? i used to purchase the 17 inch laptops, but all new versions of alienware 17 keyboards are without numpads

[modalities]

I've just purchased the M18 R2 2024 with the normal keyboard about six weeks ago. I agree with your review as my experience is nearly identical.
The NITs could be higher and while it does boast a WiFi 7, the Bluetooth range is less than 28 ft.. I use the M18 R2 for graphics design, video creation, and DAW recording/music production.

One "gotcha" is that the max boot drive that I could install was 1TB. The second M.2. slot supports up to 4TB.

[cueball]

I'm still happy I chose to purchase my M18 last year. The addition of a dedicated MUX switch is cool, but not a deal breaker.

[smokeyarcade]

This was the first M18 R2 review i've seen! I'm hoping my local Best Buy gets them in as I would like to get one. I've always enjoyed Alienware machines and last year's R1 at my store had the AMD configuration, i tried it and it had some serious issues so i'm hoping with the M2 being all intel, that best buy gets them in and I can pick one up.

[PatrickKelly-pnck]

Will the Crucial 96GB kit you reviewed a while back work in the r2?