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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Alienware m17 R5 is often significantly less expensive and may be better for those on a tighter budget who still want strong performance for general use, gaming, and engineering tasks. Its battery is larger which may offer longer usage times, but it is heavier, possibly affecting portability. In contrast, the MSI Vector GP76 typically costs more but provides higher performance due to a better GPU and more RAM, making it well-suited for more demanding 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering uses. However, its smaller battery might lead to shorter usage times. Both laptops have large screens and similar resolutions, but the GP76 is a bit lighter which might be an advantage for those moving around frequently. 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 m17 R5
- Very good overall display quality
- 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
- Very good overall build quality
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.7
8.4
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
480Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Vector GP76 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Alienware m17 R5 is good.
The Dell Alienware m17 R5 is geared towards gaming with its high screen refresh rate, which enhances the fluidity of fast-paced scenes, while the MSI Vector GP76 leverages a stronger GPU for more demanding 3D tasks and gaming graphics. Although both have high-quality IPS screens and capable CPUs, the Alienware's higher refresh rate provides smoother visuals for gameplay, and the Vector GP76's better GPU offers improved performance for gaming and 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
8.1
8.7
8.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
7.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The MSI Vector GP76 and Dell Alienware m17 R5 are both very good for engineering and design, though the MSI Vector GP76 is somewhat better.
The Dell Alienware m17 R5, with its AMD Ryzen CPU and Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU, is optimized for gaming and engineering software, offering powerful multitasking capabilities and decent screen quality, but it’s heavier and has louder operating noise. In contrast, the MSI Vector GP76 shines with a superior Intel CPU and Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti GPU, more RAM for complex tasks, and excellent heat management, though it's similarly heavy and not as portable. Both machines have comparable IPS screens but the Alienware's slightly higher screen refresh rate is a consideration for fast-paced visual tasks.
Screen Quality
8.1
7.9
17.3in
SIZE
17.3in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
480Hz
REFRESH RATE
360Hz
301.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
264.0 nits
The Dell Alienware m17 R5 has a better screen than the MSI Vector GP76 for gaming and AI, while the MSI Vector GP76 has a better screen for content creation, and software development.
The Dell Alienware m17 R5 and the MSI Vector GP76 both have high-resolution displays with bright panels, ensuring crisp image quality and good visibility for tasks like browsing, video streaming, and office work, making them well-suited for general use. For engineering and design, both laptops provide wide color gamuts, delivering accurate colors necessary for detailed design work and content creation. However, their lower refresh rates may not be ideal for gaming and 3D applications, where smoother motion and quick screen updates are critical for an immersive experience.
Cost
$1,100
$1,760
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell Alienware m17 R5 has a price of $1,100 and the MSI Vector GP76 costs $1,760.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.8
8.0
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
301.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
264.0 nits
5.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
5.5/10
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 m17 R5 is good.
PerfectRec’s General Use Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for general productivity, web browsing, streaming, video calls, and running a wide variety of apps and programs.
Content Creation
7.8
8.0
8.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
1920 x 1080
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 m17 R5 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
7.4
7.6
8.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The MSI Vector GP76 and Dell Alienware m17 R5 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
5.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware m17 R5 has 5 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
Poor
Poor
17.3in
SIZE
17.3in
7.3 lbs
WEIGHT
6.3 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The MSI Vector GP76 and Dell Alienware m17 R5 both have poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Vector GP76 to have very good build quality, while the Dell Alienware m17 R5 has 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 m17 R5 and the MSI Vector GP76 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware m17 R5 | MSI Vector GP76 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,100 | $1,760 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2022 | May 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 15.6'' x 11.8'' x 1.05'' | 15.6'' x 11.2'' x 1.02'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 7.3 lbs | 6.39 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 15.64" | 15.63" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 11.76" | 11.18" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 6800H | 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 | 5 Hours | 4 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 97 Wh | 65 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 17.3" | 17.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 480Hz | 360Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 301 nits | 264 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 5.5/10 | 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 | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 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 | 3 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 1 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Ports | |||
Thunderbolt Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware m17 R5
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NotebookCheck
Christian Hintze | January 2023
"Overall, the all-AMD system in the Alienware m17 R5 is impressive, especially the graphics performance. However, various driver issues and unnecessary inconsistencies prevent us from truly enjoying such a potent gaming machine. In addition to strong 3D performance, we particularly like the build quality, the fairly bright UHD display with high color space coverage, and the fact that the gamer is often quiet when not under load and also rather quieter than some competitors under load."
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 m17 R5 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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