The Dell Alienware x14 R1 offers better performance for 3D rendering, machine learning, and gaming due to its more powerful GPU and CPU. However, it is typically more expensive than the HP 17" Laptop. The Alienware also has a higher refresh rate for smoother visual performance and is designed with gaming aesthetics. It is quite portable for a gaming laptop but still heavier than the HP. Meanwhile, the HP 17" Laptop has a larger screen which can be better for general use and productivity, and it’s more affordable but less capable for intensive tasks. The HP’s battery life isn't as long as the Dell's, and its overall performance scores for 3D, machine learning, and engineering tasks are lower. Both laptops have the same amount of RAM and storage, so for everyday tasks, they're similar, but if you're involved in heavy computing or gaming, the Dell is a better fit. 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 x14 R1
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Good overall display quality
Very good overall build quality
Very good portability
Good battery life
Good speakers
Very good keyboard
Advantages of the HP 17" Laptop
The HP 17" Laptop has no clear advantages over the Dell Alienware x14 R1.
Key differences
General Use
7.8/10
7.3/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
411.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
287.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
8.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.1/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and HP 17" Laptop are both good for general use, though the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is somewhat better.
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.
Gaming and AI
7.6/10
6.2/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good for gaming and AI, while the HP 17" Laptop is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
6.8/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is very good for engineering and design, while the HP 17" Laptop is only fair.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is preferred for engineering and design owing to its superior CPU and GPU, which are critical for demanding software applications, alongside a high-quality screen with excellent color coverage and contrast. Conversely, the HP 17" Laptop, while still capable for such tasks with ample RAM and a decent processor, is less potent in terms of graphics performance and screen display quality but offers a larger screen and added comfort of a numeric keypad, making it a more suitable option for those prioritizing screen size and a conventional keyboard layout over top-tier performance and display fidelity.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.2/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and HP 17" Laptop are both good for content creation, though the Dell Alienware x14 R1 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.
Software Development
7.7/10
7.1/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.9/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
6.0/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and HP 17" Laptop are both good for software development, though the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is somewhat better.
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.
Screen Quality
7.9/10
6.6/10
14.0in
SIZE
17.3in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
411.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
287.0 nits
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a better screen than the HP 17" Laptop for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 offers vibrant colors and sharp images beneficial for engineering and design tasks, due to its high-resolution display and wide color gamuts, making it great for detail-oriented work; however, its lower refresh rate hampers its performance for gaming, where smooth motion is key. In contrast, the HP 17" Laptop provides adequate resolution and reasonable color accuracy for general use and non-intensive design work but falls short for gaming and high-end design tasks where superior color gamuts and refresh rates are crucial. For 3D work and gaming, the refresh rate is particularly important, and the lack of a high refresh rate on both models means they would not be ideal for those looking for the best experience in fast-paced games or smooth 3D animation rendering.
Battery
9.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has 9 hours of battery life. The HP 17" Laptop has 5.5 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
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
17.3in
4.0 lbs
WEIGHT
4.5 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.8in
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good portability, while the HP 17" Laptop has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
6.0/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good build quality, while the HP 17" Laptop has only fair build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,201
$510
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a price of $1,201 and the HP 17" Laptop costs $510.
"The Alienware X14 series is thinner, but also slower than the competition. With the X series, you get plenty of modern technology: Intel Alder Lake CPUs, GeForce RTX 3000 GPUs, Thunderbolt 4, PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6E, G-Sync, and Advanced Optimus. However, the slim design has some drawbacks, just like its larger siblings. The shifted hinge position results in a very deep device with a large footprint compared to the competition."
"As far as starter laptops go, the HP Laptop 17 is a sound investment. Sure, it might not be the lightest of options, but what you get for the price is a well-rounded machine that fits multiple niches. Whether it be office duties that require you to multi-task between multiple programs, or study tasks in which you’ll spend hours browsing online, this laptop does it all. Plus, when it's time to unwind, you can watch your favorite shows or movies on a super-wide display. What's best of all is that you can do all this for about half a day on a single charge."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware x14 R1 or the HP 17" Laptop
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 HP
HP, also known as Hewlett-Packard, is an American technology company that develops personal computers and computer peripherals. In the laptop industry, HP is known for its entry level Essential series laptops, its mid-range Pavilion, Envy, and Victus series, and high-end Omen and Spectre series, in addition to its business-oriented EliteBook, ProBook, and Dragonfly series laptops. HP laptops generally undercut other mainstream competitors in terms of price, placing itself as the value-oriented mainstream brand.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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