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Updated March 21, 2024·
When choosing between the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the MSI GP66 Leopard, consider the following: The Alienware generally offers a more premium build with potentially better gaming and design work performance, but it may cost more and be less portable as it could be heavier and bulkier. On the other hand, the MSI GP66 Leopard is usually more budget-friendly and may offer comparable performance for general use and gaming, with the added benefit of being easier to carry around due to its lighter weight. However, expect some possible compromises on build quality and premium features. Your choice should align with your prioritization of performance, portability, build quality, and cost. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Dell Alienware m16 R2
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good overall display quality
- Good battery life
- Very good speakers
Advantages of the MSI GP66 Leopard
- The MSI GP66 Leopard has no clear advantages over the Dell Alienware m16 R2.
Key differences
Content Creation
7.9
7.4
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and MSI GP66 Leopard are both good for content creation, though the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Screen Quality
8.2
7.5
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
302.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
362.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen than the MSI GP66 Leopard for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, a laptop like the Dell Alienware m16 R2 provides clear, vivid visuals and bright imagery thanks to its high-resolution display and panel type, which enhance everyday activities such as browsing the web or watching videos. Engineers and designers would appreciate its wide color gamuts, ensuring color accuracy for tasks like photo editing or CAD work, where the Dell Alienware excels. On the other hand, for gamers and 3D enthusiasts, the refresh rate takes precedence for smooth motion, and although both laptops may offer decent resolution and panel type, they do not offer the high refresh rates sought after in this space, which is why the screen quality is considered poor for gaming and 3D on both models.
Cost
$1,650
$1,400
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a price of $1,650 and the MSI GP66 Leopard costs $1,400.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.9
7.5
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
302.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
362.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
6.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.8/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and MSI GP66 Leopard are both good for general use.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 offers powerful CPU and RAM, ensuring smooth performance for general tasks, along with a high-quality screen, but its bulk and shorter battery life may limit portability. The MSI GP66 Leopard also boasts a strong CPU and ample RAM, alongside a robust keyboard and cooling system that'll support prolonged use, however, it too is heavier which might deter users looking for something to use on the go.
Gaming and AI
7.9
7.8
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.7/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and MSI GP66 Leopard are both good for gaming and AI.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the MSI GP66 Leopard both offer powerful GPUs and high refresh rates, which are crucial for smooth, detailed gaming and effective 3D rendering. While the Alienware typically has a slight edge in screen quality which enhances the visual experience, the MSI may have a more robust CPU, benefiting overall performance outside of purely graphical tasks.
Engineering and Design
8.4
7.9
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.7/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware m16 R2 to be very good for engineering and design, while the MSI GP66 Leopard is good.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 typically incorporates higher-end CPUs, more RAM, advanced GPUs, and high screen quality suitable for demanding engineering tasks and graphics work, balancing power and precision effectively. The MSI GP66 Leopard, while also strong in CPU, RAM, and GPU capabilities, might offer a balance more skewed towards value, often making it slightly more portable, with a tradeoff in the absolute top-tier performance and display perfection you get with the Alienware.
Software Development
7.6
7.2
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and MSI GP66 Leopard are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Battery
6.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has 6 hours of battery life. The MSI GP66 Leopard has 5 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Fair
Fair
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
5.2 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The MSI GP66 Leopard and Dell Alienware m16 R2 both have only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and MSI GP66 Leopard both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the MSI GP66 Leopard compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m16 R2 | MSI GP66 Leopard |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,650 | $1,400 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | May 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | 14.1'' x 10.5'' x 0.92'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.75 lbs | 5.25 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.33" | 14.09" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.81" | 10.51" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel i7-11800H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 65 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 302 nits | 362 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.8/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 0 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware m16 R2
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Dig into reviews and images
LaptopMag
Momo Tabari | January 2024
"Alienware’s m16 R2 is a solid gaming laptop that leaves much to be desired, particularly in its quest to fulfill your needs as a product for productivity. Battery life under eight hours and a dim display are both vital issues for something that will accompany you through school projects or a workday. However, the Alienware m16 R2 is an exceedingly powerful gaming laptop, consistently being one of the best in our performance tests when compared against similar products. Even then, its display is lacking color, its fans get pretty darn loud, and its speakers aren’t punchy enough to rise above that noise."
MSI GP66 Leopard
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Christian Hintze | December 2021
"The MSI GP66 Leopard is a good budget high-performance gamer. The MSI also does a lot right outside of the pure performance despite it's low price. For example, the adaptive cooling system really surprised us positively, even in Extreme Performance Mode. And the display is not a budget panel either, but at least outshines the competition in terms of brightness. Of course, you also have to accept a few compromises in this price category. These include the Leopard's poor battery runtimes and the less than optimal build quality, which is also noticeable in the more complicated maintenance."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m16 R2 or the MSI GP66 Leopard
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
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