By The Alienware 16 Area-51 is a high-end gaming laptop with the recently introduced Nvidia RTX 5080 graphics and the high-end Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU. It’s a stunning device with high-end features like a mechanical keyboard. Even though it’s not a cheap gaming laptop, the pricing is competitive when compared to other laptops with comparable hardware, and Alienware’s model might be a better value.
Specification
A 24-core Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and an Nvidia RTX 50-series GPU are combined in the 16-inch Alienware 16 Area-51 gaming laptop. Although the RTX 5080 GPU was included in our evaluation model, this machine is also available with an RTX 5070 Ti or 5090 GPU. The base model starts at $2,999, while the one we evaluated retails for $3,349.
Attention should be drawn to the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX. Based on the Arrow Lake architecture, this Core Ultra (Series 2) processor is considered incredibly fast. In our benchmarks, this machine was placed at the top. If the Copilot+ PC AI features of Windows 11 are cared about, disappointment might be felt due to the slow neural processing unit (NPU). That issue shouldn’t be worried about unless it’s known that those features are truly needed — especially since hints have been given by Microsoft that their usage might eventually be expanded. However, it could be considered important by some that these features aren’t included at launch.
- Alienware 16 Area-51 AW30 model number
- CPU: 275HX Intel Core Ultra 9
- GPU/Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 NPU: Intel AI Boost (up to 13 TOPS) Memory: 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Display: 16-inch 240Hz refresh rate 3200×1800 IPS display
- 1 TB SSD for storage
- Webcam: 3840 x 2160, 8MP
- Two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 5 ports, three USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) ports, one HDMI 2.1 port, one combination audio jack, and one SD card slot are all connected.
- Networking: Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7.
- Biometrics: Windows Hello IR camera
- Capacity of battery: 96 watt-hours
- 14.37 x 11.41 x 1.12 inches in size
- 7.49 pounds in weight
- MSRP as tested: $3,349
Design and Build Quality
This laptop is just as well-built as the other Alienware computers I’ve tested. The “Liquid Teal” color has a lid that, under certain lighting conditions, resembles forest green. “A dark iridescent finish on the anodized aluminum [that] gives the system a dynamic sheen,” according to Dell. It is not a slim and light laptop, weighing around seven and a half pounds, but it is quite affordable for a device with this much power.
This design is distinctly Alienware, with a luminous Alienware logo on the lid, a light bar on the hump at the back, and black used throughout the remainder of the computer, including on the keyboard tray and lid, so you aren’t constantly staring at that Liquid Teal. I like the way the color pops and the way it looks. You’ll need to determine if this is the correct style for you, but it doesn’t look like just another gaming laptop. I am aware that not everyone prefers this color scheme, and there is a reason why so many gaming laptops are either bright and white or conventional black.
A “thermal bump” with gorilla glass on the bottom allows you to see inside the computer and isn’t just for airflow intake. This machine has the type of upscale touch you’ll find here. Yes, that looks awesome!
As you can see in some of the pictures, the anodized aluminum finish does collect fingerprints a bit more than I would want. Although it’s not unusual, it’s worth noting because we’re discussing upscale details.
Display and Speakers
The Alienware 16 Area-51 features a 16-inch IPS screen with a QHD+ resolution (3200 x 1800 pixels), 500 nits of brightness, a rapid 240 Hz refresh rate, a 3 ms response time, and Nvidia G-Sync.
These specs are excellent on paper, and they also look fantastic in person. It has a fantastic display that enhances the visual appeal of games, and its quick response time and refresh rate contribute to its wonderful experience. This laptop performed exceptionally well in Doom: The Dark Ages, displaying high quality settings at a good frame rate thanks to its fast hardware.
The drawbacks are the same as those that appear on paper. The resolution falls short of 4K, and games here do not support HDR. This isn’t an OLED; even though an OLED display has a slower refresh rate or response time, some people will still prefer its brighter colors. However, I believe you will be satisfied with this monitor if you are not desperate for an OLED or HDR display.
Performance
I was smashing through demons in the recently released Doom: The Dark Ages on the highest “Ultra Nightmare” settings with fluid performance thanks to the Alienware 16 Area-51’s scream-good gaming performance. Regarding the “cryo-tech cooling technology,” the laptop’s quieter fans, enhanced airflow, and overall better cooling performance, Dell has a lot to say. The cooling system performed admirably during gaming, keeping the keyboard decently cold and directing the majority of the hot air out the back, where it won’t annoy you.
However, as usual, we tested the Alienware 16 Area-51’s performance using our common benchmarks.
Battery life
Before stopping itself, the Alienware 16 Area-51 operated for an average of 253 minutes, or a little more than four hours. Although not much, it is lower than some of its rivals. And if you’re looking for a powerful gaming laptop that you can use while plugged in, it doesn’t matter.
To put it another way, you won’t want to use this laptop for a few hours away from an outlet, but you can. It’s also important to note that you must always keep the laptop plugged into an outlet for optimal gaming performance.
Conclusion
The Alienware 16 Area-51 is an amazing 16-inch gaming laptop. Yes, it’s a good amount of money, but it’s competitively priced with other high-end gaming laptops with similar hardware, and you also get an amazing package. I love having a mechanical keyboard in a laptop.
If you’re looking for a capable PC with the latest high-end hardware and this fits your budget, you’ll be happy with this machine. It’s excellent.
It’s not for everyone, though! Make sure to think about the kind of display you want; the HP Omen Max 16 would be a better choice if you want an OLED panel. Some people could be put off by the greenish “Liquid Teal” as well. I like the vibe, but I think it’s not everyone’s taste. It would be good if Dell provided this laptop in a variety of colors.
