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8.3 / 10
SCORE Alienware 16X Aurora $1,450 at Dell Pros Strong performance for the price
Big, bright and fast display
Free M.2 slot to add second SSD
User replaceable RAM
Crisp, 1080p Windows Hello webcam Cons Keyboard isn't best for gaming
Audio output underwhelms
When sitting side by side, Dell's two midrange gaming laptops, the Alienware 16 Aurora and 16X Aurora, are nearly indistinguishable. Each features a roomy, 16-inch, 2.5K IPS display wrapped in a buttoned-up navy enclosure. Aside from their ample size, they don't scream "gaming laptop!" They look -- and are priced -- more like the spiritual successors to Dell's shuttered G series than a step-down from Dell's flagship Alienware 16 Area-51. But in the case of the Alienware 16X Aurora, you'll find plenty of gaming-centric features hidden beneath its ordinary exterior.
The Alienware 16X Aurora offers a choice of a Core Ultra 7 or 9 processor from Intel's Arrow Lake series and either an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 or 5070 GPU. Our test system featured the baseline version of each and delivers excellent 3D bang for your buck. It easily outpaced the 16 Aurora while also supplying the better display, keyboard backlighting and webcam. It's also a little lighter.
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