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The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated March 21, 2024·
If you're looking for top-notch gaming or 3D rendering performance, both the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the MSI Vector GP76 provide powerful options. The Alienware usually boasts a strong build quality and exclusive features tailored for gamers, with aesthetic appeal being a priority, but it might be heavier and have a shorter battery life. On the other hand, the MSI Vector GP76 typically offers equally robust performance with a focus on functionality over style, which could make it slightly more versatile for multiple scenarios, like engineering tasks, at the expense of the more gamer-centric design of the Alienware. Choose the Alienware for a premium gaming experience with a distinctive look or the MSI for performance-centric tasks in a more subdued package. 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 overall display quality
- Good battery life
- Very good speakers
Advantages of the MSI Vector GP76
- Very good for general use
- Very good for gaming and AI
- Very good for content creation
Key differences
Screen Quality
8.2
7.9
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
302.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
264.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a better screen than the MSI Vector GP76 for general use, and engineering and design, while the MSI Vector GP76 has a better screen for software development.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 boasts a high-resolution display, excellent color accuracy, and brightness, which makes it ideal for general use and engineering tasks that require precision in color representation. However, its lower refresh rate can detract from the experience when engaging in 3D gaming, where smooth motion is key. The MSI Vector GP76, while also featuring a good resolution and adequate color coverage for professional work, similarly falls short in gaming scenarios due to a less-than-optimal refresh rate, which is crucial for a seamless and immersive gaming experience.
Battery
6.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has 6 hours of battery life. The MSI Vector GP76 has 4 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
Poor
16.0in
SIZE
17.3in
5.7 lbs
WEIGHT
6.3 lbs
0.9in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has only fair portability, while the MSI Vector GP76 has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.9
8.0
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
302.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
264.0 nits
6.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
6.7/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Vector GP76 to be very good for general use, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2, with its high-quality CPU and ample RAM, offers smooth performance for everyday tasks; however, its heavy build and shorter battery life make it less portable. The MSI Vector GP76, while also boasting a robust CPU and generous RAM, further impresses with superior screen quality and a balance between performance and battery life, but is also less travel-friendly.
Gaming and AI
7.9
8.4
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Vector GP76 to be very good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 offers a robust GPU and high screen refresh rate that ensures smooth and immersive gameplay, which is vital for gaming and 3D applications; however, the MSI Vector GP76 boasts an even more powerful GPU, further enhancing game visuals and 3D rendering performance. While both have capable CPUs and quality screens, the GPU and screen refresh rate are the standout features for these activities.
Engineering and Design
8.4
8.7
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Vector GP76 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 are both very good for engineering and design.
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and MSI Vector GP76 are equipped with high-performance CPUs and GPUs, ample RAM, and high-quality screens, which are crucial for handling resource-intensive engineering and design tasks efficiently. However, the Alienware may have a slight edge in screen quality for precise visual work, while the MSI might offer a balance with better portability and lower operating noise, which could be important for users who move around frequently or work in quiet environments.
Content Creation
7.9
8.0
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Vector GP76 to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Alienware m16 R2 is good.
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.
Software Development
7.6
7.6
8.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The MSI Vector GP76 and Dell Alienware m16 R2 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.
Build Quality
8.5
8.0
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 and MSI Vector GP76 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,650
$1,760
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell Alienware m16 R2 has a price of $1,650 and the MSI Vector GP76 costs $1,760.
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How the Dell Alienware m16 R2 and the MSI Vector GP76 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m16 R2 | MSI Vector GP76 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,650 | $1,760 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2024 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14.3'' x 9.8'' x 0.93'' | 15.6'' x 11.2'' x 1.02'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 5.75 lbs | 6.39 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 14.33" | 15.63" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.81" | 11.18" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | Intel i7-12700H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6 Hours | 4 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 65 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 17.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 360Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 302 nits | 264 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.8/10 | 5.9/10 | |
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 | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 3 | |
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 Vector GP76
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Marvin Gollor | May 2022
"The MSI Vector GP76 12UGS is a gaming laptop on speed. The advantages are clear: The Vector GP76 is a real gamer with its 360 Hz display and super-fast response times. In addition, the Core i7-12700H has double the power of the CPU in its predecessor and another highlight is the Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti with a real power consumption of 150 watts. This places the device in the top range of our database. The Vector can also operate rather quietly, offers a full sound range, improved battery runtimes, a key-configurable RGB keyboard, a very stable chassis and good upgrade options. Moreover, the display produces a nice, rich and clear picture."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware m16 R2 or the MSI Vector GP76
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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