The Aliens Are On The Transfer

Gaming laptops are an fascinating market, and there are a ton of nice choices to select from. The Alienware 16X Aurora is only one of them, and it’s the smaller cousin to the Alienware 18 Space-51 I reviewed this 12 months. I actually preferred the 18. I imply, it’s packed filled with energy and efficiency, and there’s lots to love. However it’s not precisely moveable and movable as a every day driver. Not less than in my view. That’s the place the Alienware 16X Aurora steps in and is a superb different to the 18 for individuals who need gaming energy however mobility too.

Estimated studying time: 17 minutes

I ought to add, whereas the Alienware 16X Aurora is movable, it’s not precisely a slim and light-weight laptop computer both. However if you would like a devoted gaming laptop computer that doesn’t want a flight case to maneuver. Then the Alienware 16X Aurora is the Alien I might suggest. In fact, you realize that you just’re nonetheless going to cart round a reasonably hefty piece of {hardware}. Let’s get into the complete assessment.

The Fast Take

Pay attention, there are trade-offs with many issues, and there’s a trade-off between the Alienware 16X Aurora and the way more highly effective 18 Space-51. Primarily, efficiency. The 16X Aurora isn’t practically as highly effective because the bigger machine, however what you lose in energy, you achieve in mobility and battery. I really feel just like the Alienware 16X Aurora has sufficient energy for many common players and gives higher all-around utility than the bigger laptop computer.

The show is nice, the keyboard is great, and it’s simply an general well-rounded gaming possibility. I believe, should you’re taking a look at Alienware particularly. This laptop computer is a fairly stable selection should you’re ready to surrender the efficiency of the bigger 18 Space-51.

Rating and Backside Line

Alienware 16X Aurora

USD 1,649

Nailed it

• Cool wanting gaming-centric design
• Nice matte show, does properly with glare
• Extra moveable than the Alienware 18 and nonetheless succesful in gaming efficiency
• Alienware software program to handle RGB and video games is sweet
• Worth is honest and inline with different manufacturers for related specs

Wants work

• Nonetheless a bit heavy and ponderous
• Audio system are common, want to enhance
• Battery life is not tremendous, however it is a gaming laptop computer

The bigger Alienware 18 has way more going for it by way of pure gaming chops, however that every one comes with concessions some customers might not like. The Alienware 16X Aurora is much simpler to maneuver round and might match into some backpacks. It’s nonetheless not the thinnest and lightest laptop computer on the market, however should you’re taking a look at Alienware particularly, that is pretty moveable. The ability provide is pretty massive as properly, so hold that in thoughts.

The matte show on my unit was implausible, particularly as a result of it does rather well with glare. The design is distinctly Alienware; you both adore it or don’t. I believe it seems to be cool, although I’m extra of a minimal design lover. Gaming efficiency is greater than respectable, and this configuration dealt with all of the video games I performed with out challenge. Certain, the followers fired up when below load, however that’s regular with all gaming laptops.

The Alienware software program is helpful, and I don’t thoughts it in any respect. Pricing is honest and about the identical as comparable rivals. So what you find yourself having to determine is, would you like Alienware? Should you’re an Alienware fan and also you desire a cell gaming laptop computer, the Alienware 16X Aurora is a superb selection. It’s nonetheless a bit heavier than I choose, however holy cow, way more moveable than the Alienware 18.

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Alienware 16X Aurora Specs

• Processor: Intel® Core™ Extremely 9 Processor 275HX (36MB cache, 24 cores, 2.1 to five.4 GHz P-Core)
• Working System: Home windows 11 Dwelling
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5070, 8 GB GDDR7
• Show: 16″, WQXGA, 240 Hz, 100% DCI-P3, ComfortView Plus, G-SYNC
• Reminiscence: 32 GB, 2×16 GB, DDR5, 5600 MT/s
• Storage: 1 TB, M.2, PCIe NVMe, SSD
• Case: Interstellar Indigo
• Keyboard: 1-Zone AlienFX RGB Keyboard, English US
• Ports:
  • 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) ports
  • 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Kind-C® port with Energy Supply
  • 1 Thunderbolt™ 4 (40 Gbps) port with DisplayPort™ 2.1
  • 1 HDMI 2.1 port with Discrete Graphics Controller Direct Output
  • 1 common audio jack (RCA, 3.5 mm)
  • 1 RJ45 ethernet port (1 Gbps)
  • 1 power-adapter port
  • NOTE: To make use of NVIDIA G-SYNC, join your pc to the monitor utilizing an HDMI cable. Alternatively, you should utilize a USB-C to DisplayPort cable (bought individually) to attach the monitor to the Thunderbolt™ 4 port in your pc.
• Dimensions & Weight:
  • Peak (rear): 0.92 in. (23.40 mm)
  • Peak (entrance): 0.76 in. (19.20 mm)
  • Depth: 10.45 in. (265.43 mm)
  • Width: 14.05 in. (356.98 mm)
  • Beginning weight: 5.66 lb (2.57 kg)
  • Most weight: 5.76 lb (2.61 kg)
• Touchpad: Multi-touch gesture premium precision touchpad with built-in scrolling
• Digital camera: 1080p at 30 fps, FHD RGB-IR HDR digicam, dual-array microphones
• Audio and Audio system: Stereo audio system, Realtek AL3204 Audio Controller, 2 W x 2 = 4 W complete
• Wi-fi: MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 MT7925, 2×2, 802.11be, MU-MIMO, Bluetooth® wi-fi card

What’s In The Field?

• Alienware 16X Aurora
• Energy Provide and Energy Cable
• Manuals and Documentation
• Alienware Stickers

Design

The Alienware 16X Aurora design isn’t as boisterous because the 18, however I’m okay with that. This design is way more refined and doesn’t completely scream gaming laptop computer. Sure, there may be an RGB keyboard, however the RGB is much less in your face than with the 18, good for customers who don’t need to be that loud.

The look of the Alienware 16X is way more refined, and even the Interstellar Indigo colour isn’t overdone. The Alienware brand on the lid and the RGB keyboard are most likely the one issues that will alert somebody to this being a gaming laptop computer. The emblem isn’t RGB; it’s simply easy and understated.

This isn’t a slim laptop computer, however it’s additionally not just like the 18″ model. It’s nonetheless capable of match into some backpacks, with some encouragement, and you may transfer round with it. However at virtually 6 lbs, not together with the facility provide, it’s nonetheless plenty of weight to lug round. It may be completed a lot simpler than the Alienware 18, for positive.

The underside of the Alienware 16X Aurora seems to be just like the 18, however the cooling bump isn’t clear. There’s numerous venting throughout this factor, from the underside and sides to the highest and rear. The port choice is pretty first rate and consists of:

• 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) ports
• 1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Kind-C® port with Energy Supply
• 1 Thunderbolt™ 4 (40 Gbps) port with DisplayPort™ 2.1
• 1 HDMI 2.1 port with Discrete Graphics Controller Direct Output
• 1 common audio jack (RCA, 3.5 mm)
• 1 RJ45 ethernet port (1 Gbps)
• 1 power-adapter port

The matte show is good to have a look at, and glare isn’t a difficulty. The IR and webcams are on the prime with privateness shutter. The deck is comfy, as is the keyboard. The trackpad is okay; nothing tremendous superior there. There’s a numpad on the keyboard for individuals who like that.

Total, the design and look of the Alienware 16x Aurora is much extra refined than the 18. It’s nonetheless heavy, however for a gaming laptop computer of this stature, it’s moveable sufficient. I wouldn’t take this on lengthy journeys myself, however you possibly can most likely handle it.

Show

The show on the Alienware 16X Aurora is definitely very good. There may be loads of house for gameplay, and it’s immersive, not as large because the 18 however adequate. This isn’t an OLED show, which I might have most well-liked. However I do respect the matte end, which helps scale back glare.

This show on the Alienware 16X Aurora appears barely much less shiny than the Alienware 18, however it’s pretty shiny and doubtless shiny sufficient for many customers. The colours are vibrant, although not as vibrant as an OLED, and the matte show does play an element in kind of muting the colours. Shiny shows seem to make issues pop extra, however you then get extra glare. The whole lot has a tradeoff.

The show tech is as follows: 16″, WQXGA, 240 Hz, 100% DCI-P3, ComfortView Plus, G-SYNC

There’s actually not way more to say about this show. It’s wonderful, however my private feeling (as with the Alienware 18) is that I would favor an OLED show. However I’m additionally not a severe hardcore gamer. I most likely like plenty of options players would say no to. The underside line is, even with my aversion to OLED, this show continues to be wonderful and greater than appropriate for gaming.

Software program

Home windows 11 Dwelling and Professional can be found on the Alienware 16X Aurora. There’s not a lot to say about Home windows 11; it really works properly, and Microsoft is doing a good job of holding it related. I’ve been impressed at how Home windows 11 has been saved up to date with the most recent safety patches and updates. This configuration had Dwelling put in.

That CoPilot key continues to be right here as properly. That is to invoke Microsoft Copilot, which is the Home windows AI assistant. It really works; it does what it’s designed to do. However I’m nonetheless not impressed with AI or LLMs, and I believe there are doubtless plenty of privateness points with LLMs and AI software program. I might additionally suggest OPTING OUT of Home windows Recall at setup.

Just like the 18, the Alienware 16X Aurora consists of software program that’s Alienware-focused known as Alienware Command Middle. A few of these options embody.

• Maximize your gameplay with efficiency presets for the facility you want, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing.
• Handle and see CPU, GPU, reminiscence, and thermal stats with out exiting the sport.
• Customise your setup with lighting settings that reach to all of your Alienware equipment, in addition to key binds and calibration.

The Alienware Command Middle is a technique to centralize the extra essential options and settings into one place in order that players can get to them shortly. It really works properly, and I believe most players are going to understand it. Total, the software program expertise is about the identical as the opposite Alienware laptops on the market; it’s good minus CoPilot. I simply nonetheless dislike AI being shoved into all the pieces.

Efficiency

Gaming laptops, normally, are all designed to have an aesthetic look that screams, “PERFORMANCE!” The Alienware 18 has that in spades, whereas the Alienware 16X Aurora pulls again on that just a bit. However that doesn’t imply it doesn’t carry out; it does!

Just like the Alienware 18, this specific configuration is rocking the brand new Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX processor that’s an absolute ripper. Right here’s somewhat background data on this new Intel engine:

The Intel Core Extremely 9 275HX is a cell processor with 24 cores, launched in January 2025. It’s a part of the Extremely 9 lineup, utilizing the Arrow Lake-HX structure with BGA 2114. The Core Extremely 9 275HX has 36 MB of L3 cache and operates at 2.7 GHz by default however can increase as much as 5.4 GHz, relying on the workload. Intel is making the Core Extremely 9 275HX on a 3 nm manufacturing node utilizing 17,800 million transistors. Learn extra on the hyperlink under.

Tech Energy Up

Paired up with the brand new Intel chip is the brand new NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070, 8 GB GDDR7 GPU, which is among the strongest gaming GPUs on the market available on the market. Right here’s a bit extra on that:

Get game-changing efficiency with the GeForce RTX™ 5070 Ti and RTX 5070, powered by NVIDIA Blackwell. Recreation at excessive body charges with DLSS 4, supercharge your creativity with NVIDIA Studio, and allow new experiences with the facility of AI.

NVIDIA

Lastly, the Intel 275HX and NVIDIA 5070 are supported with a decent 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB NVMe M.2 SSD. This configuration of the Alienware 16X Aurora had no points getting via my gaming classes, although this is probably not saying a lot to a few of you, as I most likely don’t play the identical video games you do. Right here’s the listing of video games my son and I normally play on the common, normally on Steam.

• Borderlands 3
• Spider-Man Remastered
• Sniper Elite Sequence
• Forza Sequence
• UFC Sequence
• Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order
• Batman Arkham Sequence
• Fallout 4
• Hogwarts Legacy
• Simply Trigger Sequence
• Future
• Tomb Raider
• Halo

The Alienware 16X Aurora had no points with giving me easy graphics and quick response occasions. The followers did kick on, and sure, you possibly can hear them. However that’s solely going to be a difficulty with others within the room who aren’t carrying a pair of headphones. Should you’re carrying headphones, you don’t hear the followers in any respect. Or heck, you might not care concerning the fan noise.

The keyboard on the Alienware 16X Aurora is first rate, NOT nearly as good because the Alienware 18 keyboard, however first rate. I most likely ought to have used this laptop computer earlier than the 18 as a result of the keyboard on the 18 is simply so a lot better. The trackpad is sweet, not nice, however adequate. Most players shall be slapping a gaming mouse on this, so it’s not an enormous deal.

Total, the Alienware 16X Aurora, on this configuration, is a good middle-of-the-road possibility that ought to get most informal players via gaming and work. I believe it’s sufficient efficiency to present individuals a superb expertise, and should you want extra energy and sport extra intensely, then the far dearer Alienware 18 could be your higher wager. However principally, I believe the bigger swath of primary customers shall be served properly right here.

Audio system/Sound

The Alienware 16X Aurora sound setup is as follows: stereo audio system, Realtek AL3204 Audio Controller, 2 W x 2 = 4 W complete.

These audio system do properly sufficient, however I might say they’re actually not for very immersive experiences. The soundstage is skinny, and the underside finish lacks. Element isn’t all that good, and issues simply fall flat and sq.. I might decide up a set of Alienware Professional headphones to enhance your sound expertise.

Total, these audio system will get you thru, and so they sound okay for what they’re. However don’t count on a large dwelling theater soundstage right here. You may’t actually slam the speaker expertise that a lot; these are laptops, in any case.

Digital camera

The Alienware 16X Aurora comes with one FHD IR digicam for Home windows Hey, and that works completely properly. It additionally has a 1080p at 30 fps webcam that’s fairly good and appears actually first rate sufficient. Should you’re needing to look your greatest for these you’re chatting with on-line or in conferences, this digicam ought to do the trick. Total, I’d say this digicam is above common however not one of the best of one of the best.

Battery Life

Gaming laptops, normally, have pretty poor battery life. Issues have improved through the years, however should you’re even contemplating the Alienware 16X Aurora, you’ll know that you just’re not going to get a full day of battery while you use it for what it’s meant for. This laptop computer sports activities a big 96 watt-hour (Wh) battery.

Even regular day-to-day duties will drain the battery. Simply primary duties, like net looking, writing, and electronic mail, solely obtained me nearly 4.5 hours. Heavy gaming actually takes its toll on the battery, so don’t count on to be gaming all day with out being plugged in. I used to be capable of stand up to 2 hours with some video games, however much less with heavier video games.

Whereas it is a laptop computer, it may be moved round. It’s probably not made for regular productiveness customers who’re consistently on the transfer and wish battery life to be key. I believe heavy players count on this, and it’s regular. It also needs to be mentioned that battery life is subjective, and it will depend on your workload and stream.

You very properly might get greater than I managed. Your battery settings additionally make a distinction. I depart all the pieces on Balanced Mode, however you could possibly get extra with much more conservative settings. Total, the battery is what I might count on from a gaming laptop computer. You simply can’t complain that a lot about it, as a result of it’s what it’s.

Worth/Worth

This configuration of the Alienware 16X Aurora clocks in at USD 1,649. That’s fairly corresponding to the competitors and definitely lower than the 18. You may configure this laptop computer with decrease specs and avoid wasting money; it’s as much as you. However I believe this configuration hits the center floor very properly and has loads of worth.

Wrap-Up

The bigger Alienware 18 has way more going for it by way of pure gaming chops, however that every one comes with concessions some customers might not like. The Alienware 16X Aurora is much simpler to maneuver round and might match into some backpacks. It’s nonetheless not the thinnest and lightest laptop computer on the market, however should you’re taking a look at Alienware particularly, that is pretty moveable. The ability provide is pretty massive as properly, so hold that in thoughts.

The matte show on my unit was implausible, particularly as a result of it does rather well with glare. The design is distinctly Alienware; you both adore it or don’t. I believe it seems to be cool, although I’m extra of a minimal design lover. Gaming efficiency is greater than respectable, and this configuration dealt with all of the video games I performed with out challenge. Certain, the followers fired up when below load, however that’s regular with all gaming laptops.

The Alienware software program is helpful, and I don’t thoughts it in any respect. Pricing is honest and about the identical as comparable rivals. So what you find yourself having to determine is, would you like Alienware? Should you’re an Alienware fan and also you desire a cell gaming laptop computer, the Alienware 16X Aurora is a superb selection. It’s nonetheless a bit heavier than I choose, however holy cow, way more moveable than the Alienware 18.

Pay attention, there are trade-offs with many issues, and there’s a trade-off between the Alienware 16X Aurora and the way more highly effective 18 Space-51. Primarily, efficiency. The 16X Aurora isn’t practically as highly effective because the bigger machine, however what you lose in energy, you achieve in mobility and battery. I really feel just like the Alienware 16X Aurora has sufficient energy for many common players and gives higher all-around utility than the bigger laptop computer.

The show is nice, the keyboard is great, and it’s simply an general well-rounded gaming possibility. I believe, should you’re taking a look at Alienware particularly. This laptop computer is a fairly stable selection should you’re ready to surrender the efficiency of the bigger 18 Space-51.