Alienware 18 Space-51 Laptop computer
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Alienware 18 Space-51 retails for $3,199.
- It’s a gaming laptop computer that delivers an unbelievable efficiency because of its highly effective {hardware} and equally highly effective cooling system.
- Touring with the pc will show troublesome due to its weight; you may additionally need to pay fairly a bit for the system.
extra shopping for decisions
Alienware 18 Space-51 is a really becoming title for this laptop as a result of it’s out of this world. It is a high-end gaming laptop computer that may double as a strong work machine. It is like if the Alienware m16 R2 from 2024 hit the gymnasium; it is a very beefy laptop.
It sports activities an 18-inch WQXGA decision (2,560 x 1,600 pixels) show. Though the dearth of a 4K display screen could also be disappointing, I did not thoughts it a lot as a result of it has an unimaginable refresh fee of 300Hz and a response time of 3ms for tremendous easy gameplay.
Additionally: Finest Dell laptops of 2025: These 7 Dell laptops are the very best we have examined
Beneath the display screen is a Cherry MX mechanical keyboard. I fell in love with it the second I started typing. The important thing presses are responsive, the buttons are snug, they usually actually have a clicky really feel that I take pleasure in. I did not assume it was doable to duplicate mechanical keyboards on laptops due to their measurement, however it appears this was doable on the Alienware 18 since it is so huge.
Highly effective efficiency
My evaluate unit contained an Intel Core Extremely 9 275Hx processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, and 64GB of reminiscence. That is technically probably the most highly effective laptop computer I’ve examined all 12 months, so it ought to ship efficiency matching its high-end {hardware}. Nevertheless, based on the benchmark exams, it carried out at about the identical stage because the MSI Raider 18 HX. Beneath is a benchmark desk evaluating the very best outcomes of the 2 machines.
|
Geekbench 6 |
PCMark 10 |
Cinebench R23 |
Cinebench 2024 |
|
|
MSI Raider 18 HX |
21,874 |
8,433 |
40,290 |
2,271 |
|
Alienware 18 Space-51 |
19,245 |
9,274 |
37,715 |
2,137 |
Even when the Space-51 laptop computer falls behind in sure exams, it’s nonetheless a formidable laptop able to dealing with robust artistic workloads like video modifying, music manufacturing, and 3D modeling. Music composition is additional helped by the speaker system, which consists of two woofers and two tweeters, fine-tuned by Dolby Atmos.
Evidently, the machine excels at gaming. I used to be capable of run a number of AAA titles at most graphical settings with out a hitch. And contemplating what number of fashionable titles are terribly unoptimized, that is actually saying one thing.
One essential function provides the Alienware 18 the sting over the Raider 18 as a piece machine, and it is one thing the Alienware m16 R2 additionally had: Stealth Mode. By urgent F7 on the keyboard, Stealth Mode converts the keyboard’s RGB lighting into plain white. It even turns off the touchpad’s backlighting for a extra refined look that matches higher in an workplace setting.
What impressed me probably the most
As nice because the {hardware} was throughout testing, it wasn’t what impressed me probably the most. I already knew it was going to carry out extremely nicely. What actually knocked my socks off was the cooling system. Gaming laptops, as you most likely know, can run actually sizzling, and high-end parts demand plenty of vitality.
Many current gaming laptops possess sturdy cooling techniques, however none are as efficient because the Cyro-Chamber on the Alienware 18. It is a chamber positioned on the underside of the pc that pulls in air to chill down key areas whereas additionally propping up the laptop computer to advertise higher airflow.
What’s actually cool (pun supposed) is you could really see the followers at work. There is a glass panel over it the place you’ll be able to see the laptop computer’s internals. Don’t be concerned about it breaking because it’s made out of Gorilla Glass.
Additionally: This $500 Chromebook Plus has higher efficiency than some PCs I’ve examined
Along with the Cyro-Chamber, the pc has 4 followers concentrating on “aggressive hotspots”, seven copper warmth pipes, “encapsulated gallium-silicon” over the processor, and 6 warmth vents across the facet and again. Having all these cooling parts on one laptop computer appears extreme, however they’re very important to having fun with this gadget.
Even once I had a online game working at its highest graphical settings, the Alienware 18 by no means ran sizzling. At most, it grew to become a bit of heat, however I might at all times comfortably place my hand on the keyboard.
Its fan can develop into noisy, though it is dependent upon the state of affairs. Whereas enjoying “Monster Hunter Wilds”, the followers kicked in when the in-game space noticed heavy rain, and there have been plenty of creatures shifting round. Other than sure conditions, they’re fairly quiet.
An space for enchancment
The Alienware 18 Space-51 laptop computer is best than most desktops in the marketplace. Even should you’re not a gamer, I nonetheless extremely advocate the gadget to artistic professionals who want a strong machine for 3D modeling, video modifying, or software program growth. Its excessive stage of efficiency can’t be understated.
Additionally: This compact laptop computer dock streamlined my workspace – and it is purchase one get one
There’s one essential side concerning the Alienware 18 that makes it exhausting to journey with — it is heavy, and I imply, heavy. The pc alone weighs 9.56 kilos, and the 360W energy adapter weighs 2.2 kilos. So, collectively, that is almost 12 kilos in whole, and you will have that energy adapter readily available. This gadget would not final very lengthy.
Even at its most energy-efficient, the pc solely lasted for about two hours once I ran ZDNET’s customary laptop computer check.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Be ready to shell out the massive bucks for the Alienware 18 Space-51. Costs begin at $3,200 for the bottom mannequin. My evaluate unit retails for $4,450, though I’ve seen reductions on it.
In the event you’re on the lookout for a lighter choice, I counsel testing the Lenovo Legion Professional 7i. It homes comparable {hardware} and weighs simply 5.67 kilos. The MSI Raider 18 HX is one other strong choice that comes with a 4K show.
