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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is often less expensive than the MSI Pulse GL66, offers a thinner and lighter design, and has a better port selection with more USB-C and Thunderbolt ports, which could be beneficial for connectivity. Additionally, it boasts longer battery life, making it more suitable for use on the go. On the other hand, the MSI Pulse GL66 features an Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU which is generally more powerful than the Alienware's RTX 3060, potentially offering better performance for 3D applications, machine learning tasks, and gaming. However, the GL66 has shorter battery life and lacks Thunderbolt ports, making it less versatile for peripheral connections. Both have similar storage, RAM, and have gaming laptop appearances, but you may prefer the Alienware for its portability or the MSI for its stronger graphics performance, depending on your priorities. 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 overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Very good portability
- Good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Pulse GL66
- Very good speakers
Key differences
Engineering and Design
8.2
7.5
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI Pulse GL66 is good.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 stands out for engineering and design with its superior screen quality, which effectively displays the full Adobe RGB color space, crucial for precision in design work, and also has higher-grade CPU, RAM, and GPU that provide robust performance needed for complex engineering applications. The MSI Pulse GL66, although offering a solid CPU, RAM, and GPU for engineering tasks, falls slightly behind in screen color accuracy, but it compensates with better portability, more comfortable keyboard, superior speakers, and quieter operation, making it a well-rounded choice for those who value these aspects alongside decent performance.
Content Creation
7.9
7.2
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and MSI Pulse GL66 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
7.0
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and MSI Pulse GL66 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
6.8
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
411.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
245.0 nits
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a better screen than the MSI Pulse GL66 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
If you prioritize a sharp, vibrant display for daily tasks or detailed engineering work, go for the Dell Alienware x14 R1 as it likely offers higher resolution and better brightness, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The MSI Pulse GL66, while serviceable for everyday activities and design, might not provide the same level of detail and color accuracy due to its possibly lesser coverage of professional color gamuts. But for gaming or 3D applications, neither laptop is ideal; the Alienware, despite its overall superior screen, may lack the high refresh rate crucial for smooth, responsive visuals that gamers and 3D designers need, a drawback that the MSI shares.
Battery
9.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Pulse GL66 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
Very Good
Good
14.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.0 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good portability, while the MSI Pulse GL66 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
7.4
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good build quality, while the MSI Pulse GL66 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,201
$1,399
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a price of $1,201 and the MSI Pulse GL66 costs $1,399.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.8
7.3
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
411.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
245.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.0 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
8.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.0/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for general use.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 offers a balance for general use with strong CPU and GPU components, ample RAM, high screen quality, good portability considering its battery life and compact size, and strong scores in heat management, which suggests comfortable use during prolonged sessions.
Gaming and AI
7.6
7.2
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for gaming and AI.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is equipped with an Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU and a 144Hz refresh rate display, making it suitable for gaming and 3D applications, while the MSI Pulse GL66 boasts a more powerful Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU with the same screen refresh rate, providing enhanced gaming and 3D performance; both have robust CPUs and high-quality screens, but the MSI's superior GPU gives it an edge for graphics-intensive tasks.
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How the Dell Alienware x14 R1 and the MSI Pulse GL66 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware x14 R1 | MSI Pulse GL66 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,201 | $1,399 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2022 | March 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.7'' x 10.3'' x 0.57'' | 14.1'' x 10.2'' x 0.94'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.06 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.66" | 14.13" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.34" | 10.2" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-12700H | Intel i7-11800H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 4 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 80 Wh | 53 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 411 nits | 245 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.1/10 | 7.1/10 | |
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 | 7.5/10 | 8/10 | |
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 | 1 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 3 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 4 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware x14 R1
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NotebookCheck
Andreas Osthoff | March 2022
"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."
MSI Pulse GL66
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Christian Hintze | April 2022
"The MSI Pulse GL66 has a lot of potential for improvement. Although the RTX 3060 is only able to use 105 watts, we still liked the gaming performance, particularly since this also makes the Pulse comfortably efficient but not slow by any means. Neither the dark display with its lame response times, nor USB 2.0 or the lack of Thunderbolt will please real gamers. The use of a sticker factory seal, which is at least questionable, also won't inspire any enthusiasm. It is obvious that the laptop is really designed for price-conscious gamers."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware x14 R1 or the MSI Pulse GL66
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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