Alienware keeps its new x15 and x17 gaming laptops cool with elemental power

Alienware X15 X
Alienware X15 X (Image credit: Alienware)

What you need to know

  • Dell announced the Alienware x15 and x17 gaming laptops today.
  • The x15 is the "world's most powerful sub-16mm 15-inch gaming laptop," according to Dell.
  • Both laptops feature 11th Gen Intel Core H-series mobile processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series laptop GPUs.

Dell announced the Alienware x15 and x17 gaming laptops today. Both laptops feature the latest internals from Intel and powerful NVIDIA RTX 30 series laptop GPUs. Despite their powerful graphics, the x15 is under 16mm thick, and the x17 is just under 21mm thick.

The X-Series laptops run on 11th Gen Intel Core H-series mobile processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series laptop GPUs ranging up to the RTX 3080. The x15 supports graphics power up to 110W, while the x17 goes all the way up to 165W.

The x15 and x17 have CHERRY MX keyboards with 3.5mm ultra-low-profile designs. The displays of the laptops range from FHD with a 360Hz refresh rate up to 4K UHD HDR400.

Alienware x15

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CategoryAlienware x15
OSWindows 10 HomeWindows 10 Pro
Processor11th Gen IntelCore i7-11800HCore i9-11900H
RAM16GB, 32GBDDR4-3200MHz
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForceRTX 3060RTX 3070RTX 3080
StorageUp to 4TB M.2 PCIe SSDDual SSDsRAID 0
Display15.6 inches1920x1080 (FHD)300 nits, 100% sRGB165Hz, 3ms360Hz, 1ms, G-Sync2560x1440 (QHD)400 nits, 99% DCI-P3240Hz, 2ms, G-Sync
PortsUSB-A 3.2 (Gen 1)USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2)Thunderbolt 4microSD card reader3.5mm audioHDMI 2.1
ConnectivityKiller Wi-Fi 6E AX1675Bluetooth 5.2
CameraFront-facing 720pIR camera
KeyboardX-series thinAlienFX lighting1.5mm travelAnti-ghosting
SecurityIR camera
Battery87Wh
Dimensions14.16 x 10.92 x 0.63 inches(359.7mm x 277.3mm x 15.9mm)
WeightFrom 5 pounds (2.27kg)
ColorLunar Light

Alienware x17

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CategoryAlienware x17
OSWindows 10 HomeWindows 10 Pro
Processor11th Gen IntelCore i7-11800HCore i9-11900HK
RAM16GB, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz32GB, 64GB DDR4 XMP 3466MHz
GraphicsNVIDIA GeForceRTX 3060RTX 3070RTX 3080
StorageUp to 4TB M.2 PCIe SSDDual SSDsRAID 0
Display17.3 inches1920x1080 (FHD)300 nits, 100% sRGB165Hz, 3ms360Hz, 1ms, G-Sync2560x1440 (QHD)500 nits, 100% AdobeRGB120Hz, 4ms
PortsTwo USB-A 3.2 (Gen 1)USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2)Thunderbolt 4microSD card readerHDMI 2.1Mini DisplayPort 1.4RJ45 Ethernet3.5mm audio
ConnectivityKiller Wi-Fi 6E AX1675Bluetooth 5.2
CameraFront-facing 720pIR camera
KeyboardX-series thinAlienFX lighting1.5mm travelAnti-ghostingCherryMX ultra low-profileAlienFX lighting1.8mm travelAnti-ghosting
SecurityIR camera
Battery87Wh
Dimensions15.72 x 11.79 x 0.82 inches(399.23mm x 299.49mm x 20.9mm)
WeightFrom 6.65 pounds (3.02kg)
ColorLunar Light

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Since thinner laptop bodies can run into overheating issues, Dell worked on several ways to keep the x15 and x17 cool. The laptops have five patent-pending designs centered around cooling that are exclusive to Alienware.

The x15 and X17 feature the next generation of Alienware Cryo-Tech cooling technology. Part of that tech is Element 31, which is a thermal interface material made from Encapsulated Gallium-Silicone liquid metal compound. Dell states that the X-Series laptops deliver up to a 25% improvement in thermal resistance over competing products thanks to Element 31.

The laptops also have more traditional cooling methods, such as Alienware's (patent pending) Quad Fan design. That fan is controlled by Smart Fan, which uses AI to improve application performance. The laptops sport vents on their backs, tops, and bases.

The Alienware x15 and x17 will be available on June 1, 2021, starting at $1,999 and $2,099, respectively. At launch, both laptops will be available in a limited number of configurations. On June 15, 2021, all configurations of the laptops will be available for purchase.

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Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.