My thoughts exactly. Alienware laptops are great, but the display is lacking. Not all of us wanna buy a monitor, and some of us wanna have a decent display at least 500 NITS. AT LEAST.
You’d never complain if there wasn’t something brighter. Most people gaming are not running even at full brightness on a 300 nit screen. Gaming at the beach?
I have it and i think it is made for people who planned for a desktop replacement. I do gaming and productivity and can always use it in the lowest brightness. I dont think having a higher nits is needed only when your using it outside.
Alienware used to be at the forefront of gaming laptops. The last amazing laptop they had was the A51M. A standard 300nit IPS is unacceptable. This is why I went with the 2024 Blade 18 with the 300hz mini led
people commenting here about how shity is the panel. but this laptop is cheaper also, for me that is the selling point. just bought it and ill be hooking it upto my tv so the panel doesnt matter.
Wasn't the Acer Predator Helios 18 as much or cheaper than the Alienware and the Acer has a Mini LED screen. Last time I checked the Acer Predator Helios 18 2023 version was U. S. $2500 to $2700 at Best Buy and Amazon so the 2024 version should be just a little more.
I recently learned that Intel's 13th and 14th generation processors were manufactured with a serious microcode algorithm issue that causes PCs and laptops to freeze. Have you ever noticed something like this?
Exact review as a M18R1 owner...screen is OK and good enough as long as the room is not too bright. Everything else is top notch for the price and even better on sale vs all other options. Recommended a massive sealed laptop fan as well as these run hot but I don't need to run it at max to keep it cool.
Go for Legion, stay away from this one, it's unstable (mine has multiple failures, after now 4 months) and the support is horrible (at least here), dead cpu/ssd etc
Thanks for the detailed review. Really good laptop let down by a bad dim display. Does Alienware only test their laptops in a dark room? 500 nits minimum or no purchase from me.
Who knows what their reasoning was, maybe that was just the display that was avialable to them, or they opted for that one, keeping the price "down" instead of asking for another 1000$ for a MiniLED ...
my PalWorld crashes on this laptop sometimes, but not on some Lenovo Legion with 3080 and Alienware with AMD chip and 3070... I heard there are issues with 14th gen Intel and motherboard... how do I set the BIOS to prevent crashes?
The 13th and 14th gen cpus are faulty - They are oxidizing/breaking down, there is nothing yuu can do except to RMA the unit. Millions of processors affected - ua-cam.com/video/gTeubeCIwRw/v-deo.html
@@mickeystrudel8697 My laptop has the 14900HX... seems like this one is not recalled... not sure if affected... it did crash PalWorld once in a while I had to change the Alienware Control Center "Performance" to lower (it has nVidia 4080), while my 3 year old Lenovo laptop with nVidia 3080 never crashed PalWorld
I got the M18 R2 and love it. As usual, Alienware doesn't disappoint. I had the R1 AMD variant but i had issues with it (It had some hardware problems) so I waited for the R2 and it's been solid and really amazing to use.
I recently learned that Intel's 13th and 14th generation processors were manufactured with a serious microcode algorithm issue that causes PCs and laptops to freeze. Have you ever noticed something like this?
@@fractalelf7760 untrue, mine is currently dead after only 3 months normal use (balanced mode, no OC) from overheating, with 110° spikes. Intel might stall and pretend it doesn't affect the mobile versions but that's bs. Many other 14900HX owners saw their CPU die too like me.
@@fractalelf7760 they didn't admit it for the desktop CPUs either first, until the roar became too obvious... 🙄 I know what i can see on my own, first hand experience, and what i shared with other owner of this CPU experimenting the same problems. But yeah, Intel says, ok.
What’s a decent computer for photography with loads of ram and fast processor. Something to stack photos. Not looking to spend 5k AUD. Something mid range.
Same here (am i your friend by any chance ? *laugh*) with 104°-110° and up to 95+ while idle (didn't have any overcloaking settings, balanced mode, and barely anything installed on the machine), CPU is dead now, was replaced along with mainboard.
@@DaClaymore well, first fixing the mess from the previous tech (already did a part myself, but i'm limited because of warranty) and then getting an original SSD replacement instead of the cheap slow one they're trying to force down my throat.. Thanks anyway, have a nice day/evening !
I see brightness being important on standard laptops, but why is it such a pain point for reviewers on a desktop replacement? The device should virtually never be used outside, so the complaint's ubiquity is confusing me.
You can also have light sources indoors, or if it is a beautiful day and you have a garden and want to get some fresh air. 500 nits in 2024 should be the base, but if it was, then the real issue would come to light, the terrible battery life of these machines. By restricting the brightness, they can market battery life better.
I'm very happy with my R1! The desing is my favorite among all 2023-2024 counterparts. The only wish if had more money - Razer blade 18 2024. After my Area 51M - screen is gorgeous! Price was great for 4090 and the temps are also good after lifting the rear side for 3cm while gaming - 76 C without undervolting or other stuff. CPU - 85C after changing TCC offset - no harm on gaming. I expexted bad sound but again, after A51M - this sounds great with the help of dolby atmos. So yes, not ideal but fast , pretty and if you can afford - buy Razer Blade. PS I'm a former fan of Alienware but I realize that now - they make mistakes and the desing of M16 R2 - is UGLY!
HI! I have an m18 r1 too. Have you tried to run a cinebench R23? I purchased mine in september and now it reaches 27000 points. Remember the first weeks with 32K and over and peak on CPU package of 211W. Anyway. I'mreally happy with the boy too
[ Original 18" NE180QDM-NM1 NE180QDM NM1 Gun God 7 QLED Laptop Display LCD Screen No-touch MiNiLED ] Mine should be here by the 25th. The most critical is these 40 pin are "extremely" delicate, take as long as possible on the connector, its irreplaceable entirely. Turned secure boot and slapped in the 32gb 6400 cl38, really fast, just didn't undervolt anything. It really makes no difference and its so tiny, dell will lose its shit.
Current prices: Razer Blade 18 in Black (32GB Memory, 2GB SSD, RTX4090, QHD Mini LED)...$3,899 (out of stock); Alienware m18 R2 (64GB Memory, 2GB SSD, RTX4090, QHD IPS)...$2,899 (available now). I would be shocked if anyone thinks the QHD 300Hz Mini-LED panel and Thunderbolt 5 in the Razer is worth a $1,000 price premium over the Alienware m18 R2. And it gets even worse if you want that Razer in Mercury. Tack on an extra $600 for the Razer chassis that isn't a fingerprint magnet. I like the aesthetics of the Razer Mercury but I don't like the company at all. They always seem to be looking for new ways to price gouge their customers and deliver the poorest value for money in the industry.
How in the world does this io make sense? 5gb ethernet!? Who in the world has faster than 2gb in their homes (i'm sure there are a select few but most of us probably hover between 1gb and 2gb/s). Now, that would be fine; in fact, it's better than fine. Future proofing is great. But we get that crazy fast ethernet ports and have to settle for three usb ports (two usb a and one usb c) with 3.2 gen 1 speeds? I understand this isn't the most expensive 18 inch 4090 device, but those very slow ports coupled with that weak screen, with no option to upgrade to a better display, makes this laptop as frustrating as it is appealing.
@@NotebookcheckReviews It is in deed a nice design and it seduced me both on the paper (performances) as well as when i saw you and Jarrod's review (good job btw ^^) but i really regret having bought it, and wish i would have go for my initial choice, the Legion 5 Pro.
Don't waste your money on this computer - Dell's customer service is overpriced, the computer has too many problems, the keys on the keyboard are chipping off and it hasn't been a year and there hasn't been heavy use. Save the disappointment and move with a different company.
@@fractalelf7760 Had to send in for multitude of repairs during the first few months - mind you I didn't use this the first month I owned it. Computer kept crashing, motherboard replaced x 2, thermal issues - replaced fans, batteries replaced 2 x, the electrical cord that inserts into the computer doesn't stay put and kept falling out which led to the replacement of the line. Keyboard paint chipping was deemed "excessive use" even though the computer literally had only been used for 7 months and not daily. Have never had this happen with other computers. The repair service is outsourced to a foreign country which makes communication very difficult and it's impossible to get the attention of Dell when their support is faltering. The warranty isn't really a warranty - it's a service contract that they'll cherry pick their way through and it's not clear what they really will cover or not cover.
Agree for my part on the shitty support which only provides a premium price, have yet to see them do the job they were paid for. Regarding the keyboard i only have it for now 4 months and even tho it's not what i expected (have to often click twice on keys in game to get the thing done), the keys are still in place on mine. Problem is more for me the support, the bad conception (inversed mainboard with shitty access to cpu, fans burning your fingers on the sides, kinda noisy at moments) and the many issues like overheating, screen bleeding (read and saw many people having that problem) etc
design was ok and elegant enough for my taste, just don't like the alcoves aerations on the top. i liked especially the back of the screen with the embossed 18
Not a gaming laptop guy, but 300 nits of brightness or less for a gaming laptop in 2024 is shameful. Especially when priced above $3k or €3k.
My thoughts exactly. Alienware laptops are great, but the display is lacking. Not all of us wanna buy a monitor, and some of us wanna have a decent display at least 500 NITS. AT LEAST.
It's to transfer more power to the hardware than the screen. Which is how it scored the numbers it did
💯🎯
I got it for
You’d never complain if there wasn’t something brighter. Most people gaming are not running even at full brightness on a 300 nit screen. Gaming at the beach?
I have it and i think it is made for people who planned for a desktop replacement. I do gaming and productivity and can always use it in the lowest brightness. I dont think having a higher nits is needed only when your using it outside.
Alienware used to be at the forefront of gaming laptops. The last amazing laptop they had was the A51M. A standard 300nit IPS is unacceptable. This is why I went with the 2024 Blade 18 with the 300hz mini led
I really wished they would offer a similar option at least!
cant wait to see ur screen start burning and have a dead pixel in about a year next, happy to see that soonly !
@@NotebookcheckReviewsmay I know when the blade 18 2024 will be released? Thanks
ok but your laptop is slower than both the alienware and definitely the scar.
@@TrentWW-u3fAnd good luck with repairs. Also, the screen is closer to 350 in measurements…
I’ll be upgrading from a dell xps 13 i7 evo ( terrible for blender) do you think this labtop is a big boost?
Yes, yes and yes ;)
people commenting here about how shity is the panel. but this laptop is cheaper also, for me that is the selling point. just bought it and ill be hooking it upto my tv so the panel doesnt matter.
Yepp, that is exactly what I was talking about!
Just bought this with the 4070 and 480hz display. Love it but I wish I would've went with the MSI Raider, that machine looks amazing
What about CPU throttling? Keyboard temp?
Wasn't the Acer Predator Helios 18 as much or cheaper than the Alienware and the Acer has a Mini LED screen. Last time I checked the Acer Predator Helios 18 2023 version was U. S. $2500 to $2700 at Best Buy and Amazon so the 2024 version should be just a little more.
Yeah i’d go for the Acer Predator helios 18 honestly.
I think I'm not the only one who's waiting for the new 14 inch laptops from manufacturers, but 18 inchers should be nice for some people out there ^^
I doubt, everyone is crazy about 14" right out.
I wonder if they are going to do something like an M14, similar to the new M16 R2.
Got my m18 and been using it for nearly a month now. Its just straight up amazing!!! worth buying
Loved the Mech and bigger keyboard. I just got mine 5 days ago
Trying ro get rid of before they have to scrap em because of faulty processors
I recently learned that Intel's 13th and 14th generation processors were manufactured with a serious microcode algorithm issue that causes PCs and laptops to freeze. Have you ever noticed something like this?
@@VazgShah79 yes, mine is dead, 14900hx, this very model alienware m18r2
Exact review as a M18R1 owner...screen is OK and good enough as long as the room is not too bright. Everything else is top notch for the price and even better on sale vs all other options. Recommended a massive sealed laptop fan as well as these run hot but I don't need to run it at max to keep it cool.
Yo Alex, saw your short video yesterday about RB18. When will that review come out🎉🎉🎉
I will do my very best to get it done in the coming week!
Prices for all of these are insane in comparison with my Aorus 17H with RTX 4080 that I found on sale for $1,400 USD
Hey community..
Which would you recommend for me, between this m18r2 or Legion Pro 7i?
Your responses will be appreciated🙏🏿
Go for Legion, stay away from this one, it's unstable (mine has multiple failures, after now 4 months) and the support is horrible (at least here), dead cpu/ssd etc
Thanks for the detailed review. Really good laptop let down by a bad dim display. Does Alienware only test their laptops in a dark room? 500 nits minimum or no purchase from me.
Who knows what their reasoning was, maybe that was just the display that was avialable to them, or they opted for that one, keeping the price "down" instead of asking for another 1000$ for a MiniLED ...
@@NotebookcheckReviews Good point. At Dell's scale they probably made the right choice.
my PalWorld crashes on this laptop sometimes, but not on some Lenovo Legion with 3080 and Alienware with AMD chip and 3070... I heard there are issues with 14th gen Intel and motherboard... how do I set the BIOS to prevent crashes?
The 13th and 14th gen cpus are faulty - They are oxidizing/breaking down, there is nothing yuu can do except to RMA the unit.
Millions of processors affected - ua-cam.com/video/gTeubeCIwRw/v-deo.html
@@mickeystrudel8697 My laptop has the 14900HX... seems like this one is not recalled... not sure if affected... it did crash PalWorld once in a while I had to change the Alienware Control Center "Performance" to lower (it has nVidia 4080), while my 3 year old Lenovo laptop with nVidia 3080 never crashed PalWorld
I got the M18 R2 and love it. As usual, Alienware doesn't disappoint. I had the R1 AMD variant but i had issues with it (It had some hardware problems) so I waited for the R2 and it's been solid and really amazing to use.
How much FPS are getting in Online Multi-player FPS games like Apex legends ?
Heat?
@@lewx-ui3lz im also having heat issues
I recently learned that Intel's 13th and 14th generation processors were manufactured with a serious microcode algorithm issue that causes PCs and laptops to freeze. Have you ever noticed something like this?
Doesn’t affect mobile processors.
@@fractalelf7760 untrue, mine is currently dead after only 3 months normal use (balanced mode, no OC) from overheating, with 110° spikes. Intel might stall and pretend it doesn't affect the mobile versions but that's bs. Many other 14900HX owners saw their CPU die too like me.
@@ForHerLight Thats what Intel says 😅
@@fractalelf7760 they didn't admit it for the desktop CPUs either first, until the roar became too obvious... 🙄 I know what i can see on my own, first hand experience, and what i shared with other owner of this CPU experimenting the same problems. But yeah, Intel says, ok.
@ FWIW, I am hounding Dell on this question - they have not supported the final microcode fix from September but done all the rest…
Can u tell me is RTX 3070 available in this leptop... Cauz i have bought today wich have RTX 3070 pls ans me 💙💙
love the wallpapers mate! would you please share them with us?
I usually get them from unsplash.
Just look "abstract wallpaper"
@@NotebookcheckReviews many thanks! keep on the greate review videos!
Will do, thanks for watching!
What’s a decent computer for photography with loads of ram and fast processor. Something to stack photos. Not looking to spend 5k AUD. Something mid range.
A friend of mine told me his m18 is getting hot even in idle and reaches cpu temps over 100 degrees C while gaming. Would you say this is normal?
Same here (am i your friend by any chance ? *laugh*) with 104°-110° and up to 95+ while idle (didn't have any overcloaking settings, balanced mode, and barely anything installed on the machine), CPU is dead now, was replaced along with mainboard.
@ you can never have too many friends. Come sit down by the fire, I’ll go get us something to drink. Make yourself at home.
@@DaClaymore haha, cool. I already have the source of heat, it has an alien head on it, no need for the fire 🤭
@@ForHerLight Sorry to hear that, hopes your replacement fairs better this time. Fingers crossed.
@@DaClaymore well, first fixing the mess from the previous tech (already did a part myself, but i'm limited because of warranty) and then getting an original SSD replacement instead of the cheap slow one they're trying to force down my throat.. Thanks anyway, have a nice day/evening !
I see brightness being important on standard laptops, but why is it such a pain point for reviewers on a desktop replacement?
The device should virtually never be used outside, so the complaint's ubiquity is confusing me.
You can also have light sources indoors, or if it is a beautiful day and you have a garden and want to get some fresh air. 500 nits in 2024 should be the base, but if it was, then the real issue would come to light, the terrible battery life of these machines. By restricting the brightness, they can market battery life better.
Most people are going to leave it on a desk indoors. It's not an Ultrabook...
I'm still waiting for aftershock rift 16x review.
They seem to use the same barebones as the MXG Neo 16 we just reviewed:
ua-cam.com/video/y7d36XvXnFQ/v-deo.html
Just got the m16. I’m now wishing I got this but I couldn’t pay the difference.
What type of monitor you used to hooked with m18? Type and brand. Thanks
That is the Agon AOC PD49.
Review coming soon!
@@NotebookcheckReviews thanks you for fast respone
Thank you!
I think they will setting mini LED for next Nvidia 50 laptops
Probably!
If this thing got any brighter it would give you like 30min of battery life. lol
I'm very happy with my R1! The desing is my favorite among all 2023-2024 counterparts. The only wish if had more money - Razer blade 18 2024. After my Area 51M - screen is gorgeous! Price was great for 4090 and the temps are also good after lifting the rear side for 3cm while gaming - 76 C without undervolting or other stuff. CPU - 85C after changing TCC offset - no harm on gaming. I expexted bad sound but again, after A51M - this sounds great with the help of dolby atmos. So yes, not ideal but fast , pretty and if you can afford - buy Razer Blade.
PS I'm a former fan of Alienware but I realize that now - they make mistakes and the desing of M16 R2 - is UGLY!
HI! I have an m18 r1 too. Have you tried to run a cinebench R23? I purchased mine in september and now it reaches 27000 points. Remember the first weeks with 32K and over and peak on CPU package of 211W. Anyway. I'mreally happy with the boy too
@@96andry96 no, maybe I'll try on this weekend. Interesting... will write here the results.
His voice sounds exactly like agent krauss from hellboy 2. 😅
[ Original 18" NE180QDM-NM1 NE180QDM NM1 Gun God 7 QLED Laptop Display LCD Screen No-touch MiNiLED ]
Mine should be here by the 25th.
The most critical is these 40 pin are "extremely" delicate, take as long as possible on the connector, its irreplaceable entirely.
Turned secure boot and slapped in the 32gb 6400 cl38, really fast, just didn't undervolt anything. It really makes no difference and its so tiny, dell will lose its shit.
Current prices: Razer Blade 18 in Black (32GB Memory, 2GB SSD, RTX4090, QHD Mini LED)...$3,899 (out of stock); Alienware m18 R2 (64GB Memory, 2GB SSD, RTX4090, QHD IPS)...$2,899 (available now). I would be shocked if anyone thinks the QHD 300Hz Mini-LED panel and Thunderbolt 5 in the Razer is worth a $1,000 price premium over the Alienware m18 R2. And it gets even worse if you want that Razer in Mercury. Tack on an extra $600 for the Razer chassis that isn't a fingerprint magnet. I like the aesthetics of the Razer Mercury but I don't like the company at all. They always seem to be looking for new ways to price gouge their customers and deliver the poorest value for money in the industry.
How in the world does this io make sense? 5gb ethernet!? Who in the world has faster than 2gb in their homes (i'm sure there are a select few but most of us probably hover between 1gb and 2gb/s). Now, that would be fine; in fact, it's better than fine. Future proofing is great. But we get that crazy fast ethernet ports and have to settle for three usb ports (two usb a and one usb c) with 3.2 gen 1 speeds? I understand this isn't the most expensive 18 inch 4090 device, but those very slow ports coupled with that weak screen, with no option to upgrade to a better display, makes this laptop as frustrating as it is appealing.
IMAO!Gone are the days when alienware was an iconic gaming laptop brand.now, its rog and legion thats dominating.
I think they are still very competitive, and I mean, look at this beauty ;)
@@NotebookcheckReviews It is in deed a nice design and it seduced me both on the paper (performances) as well as when i saw you and Jarrod's review (good job btw ^^) but i really regret having bought it, and wish i would have go for my initial choice, the Legion 5 Pro.
Don't waste your money on this computer - Dell's customer service is overpriced, the computer has too many problems, the keys on the keyboard are chipping off and it hasn't been a year and there hasn't been heavy use. Save the disappointment and move with a different company.
What problems?
@@fractalelf7760 Had to send in for multitude of repairs during the first few months - mind you I didn't use this the first month I owned it. Computer kept crashing, motherboard replaced x 2, thermal issues - replaced fans, batteries replaced 2 x, the electrical cord that inserts into the computer doesn't stay put and kept falling out which led to the replacement of the line. Keyboard paint chipping was deemed "excessive use" even though the computer literally had only been used for 7 months and not daily. Have never had this happen with other computers. The repair service is outsourced to a foreign country which makes communication very difficult and it's impossible to get the attention of Dell when their support is faltering. The warranty isn't really a warranty - it's a service contract that they'll cherry pick their way through and it's not clear what they really will cover or not cover.
Agree for my part on the shitty support which only provides a premium price, have yet to see them do the job they were paid for. Regarding the keyboard i only have it for now 4 months and even tho it's not what i expected (have to often click twice on keys in game to get the thing done), the keys are still in place on mine. Problem is more for me the support, the bad conception (inversed mainboard with shitty access to cpu, fans burning your fingers on the sides, kinda noisy at moments) and the many issues like overheating, screen bleeding (read and saw many people having that problem) etc
The screen is an absolute disaster on this thing, shameful from Dell at this price point
Have you compared prices to the competition with better screens? ;)
alienware for sure has some of the ugliest looking pc and laptops, why i would never touch one regardless of how fast they are
I guess the design is polarizing. Good thing, there are options! :)
design was ok and elegant enough for my taste, just don't like the alcoves aerations on the top. i liked especially the back of the screen with the embossed 18