Alienware x16 R2 gaming laptop seen on desktop (Image source: Allen Ngo)
With gaming laptops, performance sometimes comes at the expense of portability. The slender Intel Core Ultra 9-powered Alienware x16 R2 breaks that mold with stable, high-refresh rate gaming. At a $1,800 sale price, the 16-inch Alienware laptop features a discrete RTX 4080 graphics card.
Some high-end gaming laptop models are bulky enough to make their form factor less appealing. However, even with the potent RTX 4080 GPU, the Alienware x16 R2 is slimmer than many less capable alternatives. Competitive gamers will appreciate the 16-inch QHD+ display with enough power to realize a 240Hz refresh rate.
After subscribing to a newsletter for a 10% off coupon code, buyers can purchase the compact Alienware x16 R2 for $1800. With an MSRP of $3,200, the sale price is the lowest this configuration has ever sold for.
The notebook discounted at the Dell Store runs on the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor. Despite its advantages with AI tasks, some gamers would prefer a 13th or 14th-gen processor. As revealed in Notebookcheck’s Alienware x16 R2 review, the notebook scored underwhelming multi-thread benchmarks. Still, the current steep discount makes the Alienware laptop with Arrow Lake chip a much more tempting value.
Alienware x16 R2 gaming laptop top view (Image source: Allen Ngo)
Alienware x16 R2 gaming laptop rear ports (Image source: Allen Ngo)
Alienware x16 R2 gaming laptop screen outdoors in shade (Image source: Allen Ngo)
With a focus on durability, the x16 R2 impresses with its metal-dominated construction. Yet, thanks to a compact chassis, it weighs in at six pounds or less. The gaming laptop boasts the usual Alienware flair of its desktops and notebooks, with RGB lighting trimming its rear-mounted ports. Desktop gamers will feel at home typing on the low-profile Cherry MX mechanical keyboard.
A rare combination of an RTX 4080 GPU and trim design
The included RTX 4080 graphics card is what makes many 16-inch gaming laptop options unaffordable. At a more reasonable price, the Alienware x16 R2 takes full advantage of its 2560×1600 display. G-Sync support helps to keep frantic gameplay smooth, even at a maximum 240Hz refresh rate. Although not part of the more recent Nvidia Blackwell line, the GPU’s DLSS 3.5 upscaling generates impressive frame rates.
Thanks to 32 GB of LPDDR5X memory, the Alienware x16 R2 can handle intensive video editing. The only drawback is that the soldered dual 16 GB modules are not upgradeable. If the 1 TB of M.2 NVMe storage isn’t enough, buyers can select capacities of up to 8 TB.
Even in a crowded 16-inch market, the Alienware laptop has some notable advantages. The premium build quality and space-efficient design compete well against the latest contenders.
Purchase the Alienware x16 R2 gaming laptop for $1800, after using the 10% off newsletter coupon.
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Adam Corsetti – Tech Writer – 463 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2025
I became interested in technology at a young age and enjoyed discovering the latest innovations. While earning college degrees in publishing, I created several PC hardware and gaming websites. My passion has always been to guide readers on what products can truly improve their lives. After many years as a Tech Writer for Game Rant, I’m anxious to share my knowledge with a new audience at Notebookcheck.