Alienware 16 Space-51 evaluate: Efficiency from one other planet

The Alienware 16 Space-51 is a high-end gaming laptop computer with a high-end Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX CPU and Nvidia RTX 5080 graphics, which had been each only recently launched. It’s a lovely machine with premium touches like a mechanical keyboard. Whereas it’s no funds gaming laptop computer, it’s competitively priced in comparison with different laptops with related {hardware} — and Alienware’s model may be a greater bundle.

Alienware 16 Space-51: Specs

The Alienware 16 Space-51 is a 16-inch gaming laptop computer that mixes a 24-core Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX CPU together with an Nvidia RTX 50-series GPU. Our evaluate mannequin had an RTX 5080 GPU, however you may also get this machine with an RTX 5070 Ti or 5090 GPU. Whereas the mannequin we reviewed retails for $3,349, the bottom mannequin begins at $2,999.

That Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX is price highlighting! This Core Extremely (Collection 2) processor is predicated on the Arrow Lake structure and is screaming quick. In our benchmarks, this machine topped out the charts. Nonetheless, it has a gradual neural processing unit (NPU) and doesn’t meet the bar for Home windows 11’s Copilot+ PC AI options, if these matter to you. (Except that is one thing you recognize you care about, I wouldn’t fear about it — particularly since Microsoft is signaling it might someday roll out these options extra extensively. However they aren’t right here at launch, and that will matter to some individuals.)

• Mannequin quantity: Alienware 16 Space-51 AW30
• CPU: Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX
• Reminiscence: 32GB DDR5 RAM
• Graphics/GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080
• NPU: Intel AI Enhance (as much as 13 TOPS)
• Show: 16-inch 3200×1800 IPS show with 240Hz refresh charge
• Storage: 1 TB SSD
• Webcam: 8MP 3840×2160 digicam
• Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 5 (USB Sort-C), 3x USB Sort-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x combo audio jack, 1x SD card slot
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
• Biometrics: IR digicam for Home windows Hey
• Battery capability: 96 Watt-hours
• Dimensions: 14.37 x 11.41 x 1.12 inches
• Weight: 7.49 kilos
• MSRP: $3,349 as examined

Alienware 16 Space-51: Design and construct high quality

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware laptops I’ve reviewed have had stable construct high quality, and this laptop computer is not any exception. The “Liquid Teal” shade has a lid that appears quite a bit like forest inexperienced in some lighting. Dell describes it as “a darkish iridescent end on the anodized aluminum [that] provides the system a dynamic sheen.” At about seven and a half kilos, it’s no thin-and-light laptop computer, however it is vitally affordable for a machine this highly effective.

With a glowing Alienware emblem on the lid, a light-weight bar on the bump on the again, and black used all through the remainder of the machine — together with on the keyboard tray and lid, so that you aren’t taking a look at that Liquid Teal on a regular basis — that is very a lot an Alienware design. I just like the look and the way the colour stands out. It doesn’t appear to be simply one other gaming laptop computer, however you’ll should determine whether or not it’s the best search for you. I do know not everyone seems to be on the lookout for any such shade scheme, and there’s a cause why so many gaming laptops are a standard black or a pointy and clear white.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

On the underside, there’s a “thermal bump” with gorilla glass that isn’t nearly airflow consumption: it helps you to look inside the underside of the machine. That is the form of high-end contact you’ll discover on this machine. It does look cool!

The anodized aluminum end does choose up fingerprints a bit of greater than I’d like — one thing you’ll see in a couple of of the pictures. That’s common, however since we’re speaking high-end touches, it’s price noting.

Alienware 16 Space-51: Keyboard and trackpad

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware 16 Space-51’s keyboard is completely wonderful. Our evaluate unit had a Cherry MX extremely low-profile mechanical keyboard. A mechanical keyboard in a laptop computer is sort of unprecedented — I feel the one time I’ve ever used a mechanical keyboard constructed right into a laptop computer was once I reviewed one other Alienware machine. It’s positively a tiny bit louder than the standard non-mechanical keyboards, nevertheless it’s pretty quiet.

There’s not a lot room to complain, though I’ll say that many players would in all probability choose that the Copilot key wasn’t so giant. Situated simply to the left of the arrow keys, it’s certain to get in the way in which. Positive, it appears laptops will need to have a Copilot key nowadays — however why does the important thing should be so large? Fortunately, you possibly can disable it or remap it to a different operate.

The laptop computer’s keyboard additionally has per-key backlighting you possibly can customise. Even the touchpad is an RGB touchpad that lights up if you contact it — and shortly after, so it’s not on on a regular basis. The touchpad itself feels nice to make use of, with a easy floor, a crisp mechanical clicking motion, and an excellent place under the keyboard.

Alienware 16 Space-51: Show and audio system

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware 16 Space-51 has a 16-inch IPS show with a QHD+ decision (that’s 3200×1800) together with a quick 240Hz refresh charge, 3ms response time, Nvidia G-Sync, and 500 nits of brightness.

On paper, these are nice specs — they usually look nice in actual life, too. It’s an superior show that makes video games look nice, and the quick refresh charge and response time are a part of what makes it really feel so good. Mixed with the speedy {hardware}, this laptop computer delivered wonderful efficiency in Doom: The Darkish Ages, rendering excessive element settings at a excessive body charge.

The downsides are the identical ones you see on paper. There’s no help for HDR in video games right here, and the decision comes in need of 4K. This isn’t an OLED—some individuals will choose the extra vivid colours of an OLED show, even when it comes with a decrease refresh charge or decrease response time. However, in case you aren’t itching for HDR or an OLED show, I feel you’ll be proud of this show.

The audio system are additionally unusually good for a laptop computer. Many gaming laptops — even costly ones — minimize corners on the audio system. Audio sounded nice and punchy in video games like Doom: The Darkish Ages. Music was unusually good for a laptop computer, however I’ll be sincere: when it got here to the readability of the devices in Steely Dan’s Aja and the bass in Daft Punk’s Get Fortunate, the audio system didn’t wow as a lot as the opposite elements on this laptop computer. The expertise is at all times greatest with an excellent pair of headphones or exterior audio system — no shock there.

Alienware 16 Space-51: Webcam, microphone, biometrics

The Alienware 16 Space-51’s 8MP 3840×2160 digicam sounds spectacular on paper. And it appears to be like fantastic in the actual world, nevertheless it doesn’t wow. Take a look at an excellent exterior webcam. That is greater than adequate for on-line conferences and video chats. However, this being a gaming laptop computer, I’d plan to get an exterior webcam in case you plan on streaming.

There’s no bodily digicam privateness shutter, which I do know many individuals wish to see.

The microphone setup additionally simply sounds fantastic to me — it will probably choose up clear sufficient audio, however you received’t be getting the form of crisp, high-quality audio you’ll with an exterior microphone. It’s fantastic, however you’ll at all times have a greater gaming expertise with exterior audio.

In the case of biometrics, this machine has an IR digicam for Home windows Hey so you possibly can sign up together with your face. As standard on Home windows 11 laptops, it labored properly. There’s no fingerprint reader right here, nonetheless.

Alienware 16 Space-51: Connectivity

IDG / Chris Hoffman

The Alienware 16 Space-51 has a stable assortment of connectivity choices. On the left facet, you’ve bought a combo audio jack in addition to a full-size SD card reader.

You’ll discover a lot of the ports on the again — which is the place I choose to see them, because it will get them out of the way in which of your mouse and minimizes annoying cable muddle in your desk.

On the again of the machine, you’ll discover two Thunderbolt 5 (USB Sort-C) ports, three USB Sort-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a spot to plug within the energy adapter. Thunderbolt 5 has been lacking in motion, so it’s spectacular to see it in any respect — though configurations with an RTX 5070 and under get these ports in Thunderbolt 4 type. Whereas it’s at all times good to see higher-end {hardware}, it seemingly received’t make a distinction in the actual world.

Alternatively, that’s it. In case you had been on the lookout for an Ethernet port, for instance, you’ll have so as to add it by way of a dongle.

Wi-fi connectivity is nice now that Intel’s {hardware} has caught up — this laptop computer helps the newest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 wi-fi requirements, and I had no issues with the Wi-Fi.

Alienware 16 Space-51: Efficiency

The Alienware 16 Space-51 delivered screaming-good gaming efficiency, and I used to be tearing via demons within the just-released Doom: The Darkish Ages on the best “Extremely Nightmare” settings with easy efficiency. Dell has quite a bit to say concerning the “cryo-tech cooling know-how” and this laptop computer’s elevated airflow, quieter followers, and all-around improved cooling efficiency. Whereas gaming, the cooling labored properly, with the keyboard staying fairly cool and the machine blasting a lot of the scorching air straight out of the again the place it received’t trouble you.

As at all times, although, we ran the Alienware 16 Space-51 via our normal benchmarks to see the way it performs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

First, we run PCMark 10 to get an concept of general system efficiency. With an general PCMark 10 rating of 8,768, this Alienware machine beat different latest gaming laptops we examined with Nvidia RTX 50-series GPUs. It noticeably outpaced the HP Omen Max 16, regardless of each machines having the identical CPU.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Subsequent, we run Cinebench R20. This can be a closely multithreaded benchmark that focuses on general CPU efficiency. It’s a fast benchmark, so cooling beneath prolonged workloads isn’t an element. However, because it’s closely multithreaded, CPUs with extra cores have an enormous benefit.

With a Cinebench R20 multi-threaded rating of 14,145, the Alienware 16 Space-51 topped out the charts as soon as once more, narrowly scraping forward of the Asus ROG Strix G16 and its AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D. (Though, to be truthful, the outcomes are mainly throughout the margin of error right here.)

IDG / Chris Hoffman

We additionally run an encode with Handbrake. That is one other closely multithreaded benchmark, nevertheless it runs over an prolonged interval. This calls for the laptop computer’s cooling kick in, and lots of laptops will throttle and decelerate beneath load.

The Alienware 16 Space-51 accomplished the encode course of in a median of 434 seconds, which is simply over seven minutes. The one different machine even inside spitting distance was the HP Omen Max 16, which has the identical CPU. (HP’s machine was forward right here for some cause, however we are able to put it all the way down to the margin of error.)

The outcomes present simply how highly effective Intel’s 24-core Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX CPU is for multithreaded efficiency. This factor is a beast.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

Subsequent, attending to gaming efficiency, we begin with a typical graphical benchmark. We run 3DMark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU efficiency.

With a 3DMark Time Spy rating of 20960, the Alienware 16 Space-51 delivered excessive efficiency — coming second to the HP Omen Max 16. Each have the identical Nvidia RTX 5080 GPU. Once more, this can be the margin of error, or the HP Omen Max 16’s cooling could also be a bit more practical.

Each machines beat the Razer Blade 16 regardless of that machine having a quicker RTX 5090 GPU. That machine lags in efficiency, sacrificing it for a sleeker design. This exhibits how vital benchmarks are as a substitute of simply on-paper specs!

After that, we run the benchmarks constructed into some normal video games. First, we use the benchmark in Shadow of the Tomb Raider to check all of the gaming laptops we evaluate. It’s an older sport, nevertheless it’s an effective way to match graphical efficiency throughout totally different PCs.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

With a median FPS of 213, the Alienware 16 Space-51 delivered high-end efficiency and left many related methods within the mud.

Lastly, we run the benchmark in Metro Exodus. This can be a extra demanding sport, and we set the benchmark to 1080p decision on the excessive element setting.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

With a median FPS of 92 on this high-end Metro Exodus benchmark, the Alienware 16 Space-51 topped all its opponents — even the Razer Blade with its RTX 5090 GPU couldn’t outpace it, which simply goes to indicate the downsides of packing such highly effective {hardware} into such a skinny machine.

General, the Alienware 16 Space-51 is an absolute monster that squeezes an unimaginable quantity of efficiency out of its high-end Intel CPU and Nvidia GPU. There’s not a lot room to enhance right here — outdoors of splurging for an improve to an RTX 5090 GPU on this machine or getting a desktop gaming PC as a substitute!

Alienware 16 Space-51: Battery life

The Alienware 16 Space-51 is a gaming laptop computer designed for max efficiency, not for lengthy battery life. Nonetheless, Dell has put an enormous 96 watt-hour battery on this machine — it couldn’t be a lot bigger or the U.S. Transportation Safety Administration wouldn’t enable it on an airplane.

IDG / Chris Hoffman

To benchmark the battery life, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Metal on repeat on Home windows 11 with airplane mode enabled at 250 nits display screen brightness till the laptop computer suspends itself. This can be a best-case situation for any laptop computer since native video playback is so environment friendly, and actual battery life in day-to-day use is at all times going to be lower than this.

The Alienware 16 Space-51 ran for a median of 253 minutes earlier than suspending itself — that’s simply over 4 hours. It’s decrease than a few of its opponents, although not by a lot. And that doesn’t actually matter in case you’re on the lookout for a beefy gaming laptop computer to make use of whereas plugged into an outlet.

In different phrases, you should use this laptop computer away from an outlet for a couple of hours in a pinch, however you received’t need to. Additionally, it’s price mentioning that, for critical gaming efficiency, you have to have the laptop computer plugged into an outlet anyway.

Alienware 16 Space-51: Conclusion

The Alienware 16 Space-51 is a tremendous 16-inch gaming laptop computer. Sure, it’s an excellent amount of cash — nevertheless it’s competitively priced with different high-end gaming laptops with related {hardware}, and also you additionally get a tremendous bundle. I like having a mechanical keyboard in a laptop computer.

In case you’re on the lookout for a succesful PC with the newest high-end {hardware} and this matches your funds, you’ll be proud of this machine. It’s wonderful.

However not all the things is for everybody! Make sure to think about what sort of show you need — in order for you an OLED display screen, the HP Omen Max 16 could also be a greater choose. That greenish “Liquid Teal” might give some individuals pause, too — I just like the look, however I think about it’s not everybody’s type. It’d be good if Dell supplied a number of shade choices for this laptop computer.