The Thin and Light Gaming Laptop - Alienware X15
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Save 10% and Free Worldwide Shipping by using offer code CIRCUIT at ridge.com If you're looking for a gaming laptop without the bulk, then the 2021 Alienware X15 might be for you. Buy Alienware X15 On Best Buy (Paid Link): geni.us On NewEgg (Paid Link): geni.us Buy Alienware X17 On Best Buy (Paid Link): geni.us On NewEgg (Paid Link): geni.us Buy Dell XPS 15 On Amazon (Paid Link): geni.us On Best Buy (Paid Link): geni.us On NewEgg (Paid Link): geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. ►GET MERCH: lttstore.com ►SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com ►LTX EXPO: ltxexpo.com AFFILIATES & REFERRALS --------------------------------------------------- ►Affiliates, Sponsors & Referrals: lmg.gg ►Check out our podcast gear: kit.co ►Private Internet Access VPN: lmg.gg ►Our Official Charging Partner Anker: lmg.gg ►Secretlabs Gaming Chairs: lmg.gg ►MK Keyboards: lmg.gg ►Nerd or Die Stream Overlays: lmg.gg ►Green Man Gaming lmg.gg ►Amazon Prime: lmg.gg ►Audible Free Trial: lmg.gg ►Our Gear on Amazon: lmg.gg FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Instagram: @shortcircuityt Facebook: @ShortCircuitYT FOLLOW OUR OTHER CHANNELS --------------------------------------------------- Linus Tech Tips: lmg.gg TechLinked: lmg.gg Mac Address: lmg.gg Techquickie: lmg.gg LMG Clips: lmg.gg Channel Super Fun: lmg.gg Carpool Critics: lmg.gg CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 0:30 Charger 1:00 Unboxing 1:28 Overview 3:20 Downloading 5:10 Display 7:55 Gaming 8:47 Webcam 10:01 Audio 11:05 Cracking it open 12:30 Outro
The Alienware X15 is presented as a sleek, ultra thin gaming laptop that aims to balance portability with high-end performance. The host emphasizes its lightness relative to typical gaming rigs, noting a weight around 2.3 kilograms compared to the Dell XPS 15’s lighter figures, and remarks how this form factor is impressive given that the model packs an RTX 3080. Early on, the video covers unboxing details, the substantial 240-watt charger, and the lack of built-in ethernet on the laptop itself, which is mitigated by a USB-C ethernet adapter. The build quality and cooling system are praised, with a four-fan radiator layout and abundant venting described as a strong point for maintaining thermals under load. The intro also flags some missing hardware niceties, like a larger trackpad and more USB-A ports, which affect everyday usability. As the host runs initial game downloads and tests, performance is demonstrated across real-world scenarios. The machine feels fast in preliminary benchmarks and gaming tests, with the RTX 3080 operating in a way that keeps the system responsive while temperatures are monitored with Hardware Info. Display options are explored, including a 1080p 360 Hz panel and a 1440p 240 Hz panel, with commentary on brightness levels and outdoor visibility. The trackpad and keyboard receive mixed feedback: the keyboard is highly regarded, while the trackpad is described as undersized and awkward due to venting-driven keyboard placement. The webcam and Windows Hello integration are noted as solid additions, delivering convenient login. In a broader assessment, the host weighs the X15’s strengths against its compromises. While the laptop excels in raw performance, power delivery, and cooling efficiency, it sacrifices some ergonomics, such as a larger trackpad and more balanced keyboard placement, which affects long-term usability during gaming or productive work. The display quality is praised in terms of color and viewing experience, yet brightness is cited as a potential drawback for outdoor use, particularly on the 1080p model. The speaker system is criticized as weak for a premium machine, and the price,over two thousand dollars,stays a major talking point. Overall, the X15 is framed as an exceptional gaming device in a remarkably thin chassis, with a recommended caveat that buyers should consider display choice and input ergonomics before purchasing.
Topics · technology · laptops · gaming · hardware · review
Questions answered
- What are the key hardware specifications of the Alienware X15 in this video?
- The X15 reviewed uses an i7-11800H CPU, 32 GB of RAM, a dual 1 TB SSD RAID 0 configuration, and an RTX 3080 GPU rated at 110 watts. It also includes a 87 watt hour battery, a range of I O ports, and a MUX for GPU display performance.
- How does the display option affect usability and brightness according to the video?
- There are two main display configurations discussed: a 1080p 360 Hz panel and a 1440p 240 Hz panel. The 1080p panel is noted to be only about 300 nits in brightness, while the 1440p panel offers about 400 nits, which would be better for brightness. The host also comments on outdoor usability and overall brightness when lights are dimmed in the room.
- Does the X15 include a MUX switch and why is it important?
- Yes, the X15 includes a MUX switch, which helps minimize performance loss by routing the GPU output directly to the display, avoiding the integrated graphics path. This is highlighted as a strong point because it preserves gaming performance even when the system is using the display connected to Nvidia or AMD GPUs.