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Alienware x16 R2 gaming laptop chassis
Alienware

Alienware x16 R2

Expert rating8.7 / 10

View on Dell StoreView on dell.com
CPU:
Core Ultra 9 185H
GPU:
RTX 4090 16GB
RAM:
32GB LPDDR5X
Display:
16" 2560x1600 240Hz

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Manufacturer: Alienware Last updated: 2026-10-10

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Alienware x16 R2 Review

Alienware x16 R2 with Core Ultra 9 185H, RTX 4090 16GB and 32GB soldered LPDDR5X in a thin high-refresh gaming chassis.

Corrected in Session 6 spot-check: the real x16 R2 tops out at Meteor Lake Core Ultra 9 185H and RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, not Arrow Lake HX 275HX / RTX 5080 as originally published -- nanoreview.net and Dell listings confirm no such configuration exists for this chassis.

Overview

The x16 R2 trades RAM upgradability for a thinner chassis than Alienware's m-series, pairing Meteor Lake H with RTX 40-series graphics and a single free M.2 slot.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Expert rating8.7 / 10

The Alienware x16 pairs a Core Ultra 9 185H with RTX 40 series graphics, 32GB of LPDDR5X and a 16 inch 2560 by 1600 IPS panel at 240Hz. It adds Thunderbolt 4, WiFi 7, a 90Wh battery and a free second SSD slot, which is a lot of capability in a slim gaming chassis.

The 32GB of memory is soldered and capped at 32GB, so it cannot be expanded. At 2.4 kg, it is still a substantial laptop to carry.

Best for

  • Slim high-refresh gaming

Not for

  • RAM upgraders

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity and variant

BrandAlienware
SeriesAlienware x16
Series IDalienware-x16-r2
SKU NameAlienware x16 R2 (Ultra 9 185H, RTX 4090, 32GB)
Chassis Codex16 R2
Region SoldNorth America

Class and platform

Laptop ClassGaming
Release Year2024
Operating SystemWindows 11 Home
Weight2.4 kg

Processor

CPU BrandIntel
CPU ModelCore Ultra 9 185H
CPU Cores16
CPU Base Power45 W
CPU Max Turbo Power115 W

Sustained power

Sustained Power SourceNot Measured
Power Adapter Wattage330 W

Graphics

GPU BrandNVIDIA
GPU ModelGeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU
VRAM16 GB
GPU Max Graphics Power150 W
Graphics SwitchingAdvanced Optimus

Memory

RAM Capacity32 GB
RAM TypeLPDDR5X
Memory Form FactorSoldered
Memory SolderedYes
Max RAM Supported32 GB

Upgradability

RAM Slots0
RAM Slots Free0
Storage Slots2
Storage Slots Free1
Storage Form FactorM.2 2280
Storage InterfacePCIe 4.0 x4
SATA Bay PresentNo

Storage as shipped

Storage Capacity1000 GB
Storage TypeNVMe SSD

Display

Display Size16 inches
Resolution Width2560 px
Resolution Height1600 px
Refresh Rate240 Hz
Panel TypeIPS
Brightness ConditionVendor Unstated
TouchscreenNo

Battery and ports

Battery Capacity90 Wh
Thunderbolt SupportThunderbolt 4
WiFi StandardWiFi 7

FAQs

Can you upgrade the RAM in the Alienware x16 R2?

No. The memory (32 GB of LPDDR5X) is soldered to the motherboard and there are no memory slots, so it cannot be upgraded after purchase. Choose the capacity you need when you buy.

Can you upgrade the SSD in the Alienware x16 R2?

Yes. It has 2 M.2 2280 slots (PCIe 4.0 x4). 1 is free as shipped, so you can add a second drive. It ships with 1000 GB NVMe SSD.

What display does the Alienware x16 R2 have?

The Alienware x16 R2 has a 16-inch, 2560x1600, IPS, 240 Hz non-touch display.

Does the Alienware x16 R2 have Thunderbolt?

Yes. It supports Thunderbolt 4.

How big is the battery in the Alienware x16 R2?

The Alienware x16 R2 has a 90 Wh battery.

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