Alienware 15 R2 M.2 Slots

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Alienware has taken the wraps off its refreshed line of gaming notebooks, including the Alienware 13 R3, 15 R3, and 17 R4. The models start at $999, and are slated to be available from January 5, 2017.

M.2. One M.2 slot for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo card. One M.2 2230/2280 PCIe/SATA slots for solid-state drive. One M.2 2280 PCIe slot for Intel Optane Communications Ethernet Table 8. Ethernet specifications Features Values Model number Killer E2500 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller Transfer rate 10/100/1000 Mbps Wireless module Table 9.

New Alienware 13 R3 (2017)

The smallest model in Alienware’s gaming notebook lineup has received the most significant upgrades. Unlike previous generations, the new Alienware 13 now has Intel H-series quad-core processors, in the form of the new “Kaby Lake” Core i5-7300HQ (up to 3.5GHz w/ Turbo Boost) and Core i7-7700HQ (up to 3.8GHz w/ Turbo Boost). The base model’s starting price is $999.

The 2017 Alienware 13 R3

The standard graphics card has been updated to the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 with 2GB of dedicated memory. Upgrades are available to the GTX 1050 Ti 2GB (i5 processor only), GTX 1050 Ti 4GB (i7 processor only), and GTX 1060 6GB. The latter option makes the Alienware 13 Virtual Reality (VR) ready, meaning it can be used with VR headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.

In order to handle processor and graphics card, Alienware says it has redesigned the chassis to improve cooling. The company also says the inbuilt speakers have better sound quality than before as a result of the chassis design. A new material on the notebook’s palmrest is designed to reduce fingerprints. Lastly, Alienware has enhanced the color backlighting of the keyboard for a better look than before, with eight programmable zones.

Like the outgoing model, the Alienware 13 will have an optional 1440p (2,560×1,440) resolution OLED touch display. Other key features include a USB Type-C port with Thunderbolt 3 support, a Killer Networks e2500 Gigabit Ethernet jack, Killer Networks 802.11ac 2×2 wireless with Bluetooth 4.1, and built-in HD webcam with IR presence detection.

The full specifications for the Alienware 13 R3 (2017) are as follows:

  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • Display: 13.3-inch anti-glare panels offered in an HD (1,366×768) resolution with 200-nits brightness; an FHD (1,920×1,080) resolution with 300-nits and IPS technology, or QHD (2,560×1,440) with 400-nits, touch, and OLED technology.
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-7300HQ (up to 3.5GHz Turbo Boost) (Standard); optional Core i7-7700HQ (up to 3.8GHz Turbo Boost).
  • Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 2GB (Standard); GTX 1050 Ti 2GB (i5 processor only); GTX 1050 Ti 4GB (i7 processor only); GTX 1060 6GB
  • Memory: 8GB DDR4-2400 to 32GB DDR4-2400; or 8GB DDR4-2667 to 16GB DDR4-2667, via two So-DIMM slots.
  • Networking: Killer Networks e2500 Gigabit Ethernet; Killer Networks 1435 or 1535 802.11ac wireless adapter with Bluetooth 4.1
  • Battery: 76Wh
  • Storage: 180GB M.2 SATA 6Gb/s SSD (Standard); up to dual 1TB PCI-Express SSDs offered
  • Dimensions: 13×10.6×0.87 inches
  • Average Weight: 5.8 lbs.
  • Power Adapter: 180-watts
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New Alienware 15 R3 (2017)

Like the Alienware 13 R3, the 15 R3 has also received the updated “Kaby Lake” Intel Core-series processors. The base model will start at $1,199 with the Core i5-7300HQ (up to 3.5GHz Turbo Boost), but the Core i7-7700HQ (up to 3.8GHz Turbo Boost) and overclockable Core i7-7820HK (up to 4.4GHz Turbo Boost) are optional.

The 2017 Alienware 15 R3 AlienFX Keyboard

The graphics card options are interesting because an AMD card is finally available; the Radeon RX 470 with 8GB of GDDR5 dedicated memory. The base card is the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti with 2GB of memory. The Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB and GTX 1070 8GB round out the optional cards.

Memory options on the Alienware 15 R3 are the same as they are on the 13 R3. Two So-DIMM slots accept up to 32GB of DDR4. The Alienware 15 R3 has better storage expansion, though, with two M.2 SSD slots and a single 2.5-inch bay. A 180GB SSD is standard, with up to 3TB total storage available as an option.

The Alienware 15 R3’s four 15.6-inch display options all have anti-glare surfaces. The base FHD IPS model is rated for 300-nits of brightness, while there’s an optional panel with the same resolution with Nvidia G-Sync support for a smoother gaming experience. A 120Hz FHD TN panel is alo available with G-Sync, which also bumps the brightness rating to 400-nits. Lastly is the 4K IGZO display, a 300-nit panel without G-Sync support.

Connectivity-wise, the Alienware 15 R3 also has a USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 3 support. Alienware says the new 15 R3 can go for up to 11 hours with its larger 99Wh battery and a non-G-Sync monitor. (G-Sync increases power draw due to its reliance on the dedicated graphics card.)

Alienware 15 R3 (2017) Specifications:

  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • Display: 15.6-inch anti-glare panels offered in an FHD (1,920×1,080) resolution with 300-nits brightness and IPS technology; a second FHD panel that adds on G-Sync support; another FHD that is a TN panel, but has a 120Hz refresh rate and G-Sync support; lastly, a 4K (3,840×2,160) IGZO panel with touch but without G-Sync support.
  • Processor: Intel Core i5-7300HQ (up to 3.5GHz Turbo Boost) (Standard); optional Core i7-7700HQ (up to 3.8GHz Turbo Boost); optional Core i7-7820HK (up to 4.4GHz Turbo Boost).
  • Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 2GB (Standard); GTX 1060 6GB; GTX 1070 8GB; or AMD Radeon RX 470 8GB
  • Memory: 8GB DDR4-2400 to 32GB DDR4-2400; or 8GB DDR4-2667 to 16GB DDR4-2667, via two So-DIMM slots.
  • Networking: Killer Networks e2500 Gigabit Ethernet; Killer Networks 1435 or 1535 802.11ac wireless adapter with Bluetooth 4.1
  • Battery: 68Wh (Standard) or 99Wh
  • Storage: 180GB M.2 SATA 6Gb/s SSD (Standard); up to dual 1TB PCI-Express SSDs + 1TB hard drive offered (3TB maximum)
  • Dimensions: 15.3x12x1 inches
  • Average Weight: 7.7 lbs.
  • Power Adapter: 180- (Standard) or 240-watts

New Alienware 17 R4 (2017)

The Alienware 17 R4 is similar to the Alienware 15 R3 in most respects. It has a slightly higher $1,299 starting price, one of the reasons of which is likely that its base processor is the Core i7-7700HQ, as opposed to a Core i5-7300HQ on the 15 R3.

The graphics choices are the same as the Alienware 15 R3, with the exception that this model offers the top-shelf GeForce GTX 1080, Nvidia’s fastest mobile graphics card. Memory, storage, battery, and other areas are identical to the Alienware 15 R3.

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Alienware 17 R2 Specs

A major advantage of the Alienware 17 R4 over the 15 R3 is its optional Tobii IR eye-tracking technology. In supported games, Tobii can assist with targeting and aiming, and also integrates with the 17 R4’s AlienFX LED lighting system. It can also be used for non-gaming functionality, such as looking at your computer to wake it up.

Alienware 17 R4 (2017) Specifications:

  • Operating System: Windows 10
  • Display: 17.3-inch anti-glare panels offered in an FHD (1,920×1,080) resolution with 300-nits brightness and IPS technology; a second FHD panel that adds Tobii IR eye-tracking; a QHD (2,560×1,440) panel that is TN, but has a 120Hz refresh rate, 400-nit brightness rating, and G-Sync support; lastly, a 4K (3,840×2,160) IPS panel with Tobii but without G-Sync support.

  • The 2017 Alienware 17 R4

    Processor: Intel Core i7-7700HQ (up to 3.8GHz Turbo Boost) (Standard); optional Core i7-7820HK (up to 4.4GHz Turbo Boost).
  • Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 2GB (Standard); GTX 1060 6GB; GTX 1070 8GB; GTX 1080 8GB; or AMD Radeon RX 470 8GB
  • Memory: 8GB DDR4-2400 to 32GB DDR4-2400; or 8GB DDR4-2667 to 16GB DDR4-2667, via two So-DIMM slots.
  • Networking: Killer Networks e2500 Gigabit Ethernet; Killer Networks 1435 or 1535 802.11ac wireless adapter with Bluetooth 4.1
  • Battery: 68Wh (Standard) or 99Wh
  • Storage: 180GB M.2 SATA 6Gb/s SSD (Standard); up to dual 1TB PCI-Express SSDs + 1TB hard drive offered (3TB maximum)
  • Dimensions: 16.7×13.1×1.18 inches
  • Average Weight: 9.74 lbs.
  • Power Adapter: 180- (Standard), 240-, or 330-watts
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Pricing and Availability

Availability for all models is expected from January 5, 2017. The Alienware 13 will start at $999, the 15 R3 at $1,199, and the 17 R4 at $1,299.