Alienware revealed a flock of new gaming devices at CES 2024, including its new Alienware m16 R2: a redesigned gaming laptop packed with an Intel Ultra H Series processor, RTX 40 Series graphics, and an all-new “Stealth Mode” approach.
Set to launch on January 11, the revamped Alienware gaming laptop aims to be the most versatile gaming laptop yet. This time, it’s ditching the thermal shelf on its predecessor, allowing for a 15% smaller footprint.
So, does this mean less power? The 16-inch laptop also features a new thermal solution to keep the heat off when playing demanding titles. The redesigned Alienware Cryo-tech thermals offer two ultra-thin fans with 94 fan blades and four copper heat pipes. It claims to be 43% more efficient than the previous model, meaning better cooling with a smaller frame.
Moreover, the m16 R2 has a larger palm rest and touchpad thanks to the throwing away of the thermal shelf. Plus, the touchpad is bordered by an RGB stadium loop lighting, which was moved from the rear.
In terms of specs, expect up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU, up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 with 8GB of GDDR6 video RAM, upgradeable dual-channel DDR5 RAM up to 64GB (32GB x 2), and up to 8TB of M.2 SSD for storage. For a laptop with dimensions of 14.3 x 9.8 x 0.93 inches and weighing 2.5kg (5.6 pounds), that’s quite a bit of power under the hood (although the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i is a tad bit smaller).
As for the display, Alienware delivers a 16-inch QHD+ (2500 x 1600) 240Hz display with a 3ms response rate, Nvidia G-Sync and MAD Free-Sync, and 100% sRGB colour gamut coverage.
The Alienware m16 R2 is set to launch on January 11, 2024, in select markets and starts from $1,649. More configurations will be available at a later date. At CES 2024, Alienware also revealed performance updates to its Alienware x16 R2 and m18 R2 gaming laptops, along with 4K QD-OLED gaming monitors, one with a 360Hz refresh rate.
The Alienware m16 R2’s “Stealth Mode” isn’t about its size reduction. It’s a function requested by the community to “tone things down” in the lighting department.
With RGB-lit keyboards and borders on gaming laptops becoming the norm, many users want a way just to switch this off. That’s why the m16 R2 now comes with a hotkey that cloaks the laptop.
“This handy new feature was inspired by customers who found lighting effects distracting in certain spaces, like a library, café or
classroom,” Alienware states. “Now a quick tap of the F2 shortcut key turns the keyboard backlighting white, switches off all other AlienFX lighting zones, and shifts performance mode to Quiet to reduce fan noise.”
It’s made for work and studying rather than having all the gaming effects active when users try to concentrate in quiet settings. Yes, it means the laptop won’t be entirely using its power, but a quick tap of the key again will bring it back to full performance mode.
Check out the deep dive on the m16 R2 below.
Alienware isn’t the only company with new tech to show off at CES 2024; Razer announced its world-first haptic gaming cushion, and it will help gamers feel “lifelike tactile sensations that envelop your whole body.”