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What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Alienware x14 R1, with its smaller screen and lighter design, is more suitable for portability and offers a solid performance for general use and gaming. The MSI Raider GE77Hx, on the other hand, offers a larger screen, higher resolution, and more powerful graphics, but is heavier and less portable. It is better suited for intensive engineering tasks and 3D/machine learning applications. The MSI Raider also has a larger storage capacity but provides a shorter battery life compared to the Dell Alienware. If portability and battery life are important to you, go for the Alienware; if you need higher performance and can manage less portability, the MSI Raider is a better choice. 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 portability
- Good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Raider GE77Hx
- Very good for general use
- Very good for gaming and AI
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall display quality
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.6
8.7
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Raider GE77Hx is very good for gaming and AI, while the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1, with its Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU and 144 Hz screen refresh rate, provides a solid gaming and 3D experience, though the MSI Raider GE77Hx steps up the performance with a more powerful Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti GPU and a higher 240 Hz refresh rate, making it very good for gaming and 3D applications. While both have quality displays and capable CPUs, the Raider's superior graphics capabilities and faster screen can offer a more immersive and smooth gaming experience.
Engineering and Design
8.2
8.8
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
7.0/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.8/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Raider GE77Hx and Dell Alienware x14 R1 are both very good for engineering and design, though the MSI Raider GE77Hx is somewhat better.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is equipped with a capable CPU, sufficient RAM, and a powerful GPU that can handle engineering and design software demands, combined with a high-quality screen that's relatively portable thanks to its smaller 14-inch size, contributing to its use for engineering tasks. Conversely, the MSI Raider GE77Hx, while less portable due to its larger 17.3-inch high-resolution display, offers a stronger CPU and GPU setup, more storage space, and a superb keyboard, making it a better fit for users who need greater performance and don’t mind a larger form factor.
Screen Quality
7.9
8.4
14.0in
SIZE
17.3in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
411.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
The MSI Raider GE77Hx has a better screen than the Dell Alienware x14 R1 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
When selecting laptops for general use, the Dell Alienware x14 R1 with its vibrant colors and ample resolution ensures clear and bright visuals, while the MSI Raider GE77Hx offers similar benefits with an added boost in screen size and brightness, delivering even more comfort for daily tasks. For engineering and design, the MSI Raider stands out due to its wider color gamuts, providing more accurate color reproduction which is essential for detailed and color-sensitive work, despite the Dell Alienware's competent display. However, when it comes to gaming and 3D applications, both laptops fall short as they lack high refresh rates, which are crucial for smooth motion and responsiveness in fast-paced visual environments.
Battery
9.0 Hours
5.5 Hours
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has 9 hours of battery life. The MSI Raider GE77Hx 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
Poor
14.0in
SIZE
17.3in
4.0 lbs
WEIGHT
6.3 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has very good portability, while the MSI Raider GE77Hx has poor portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,201
$1,999
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 has a price of $1,201 and the MSI Raider GE77Hx costs $1,999.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.8
8.0
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
411.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
350.0 nits
9.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
5.5 Hours
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
8.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
5.8/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Raider GE77Hx to be very good for general use, while the Dell Alienware x14 R1 is good.
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 is lighter and more compact, making it more portable and it has a longer battery life, making it suitable for on-the-go general use. On the other hand, the MSI Raider GE77Hx comes with a larger and higher resolution screen, more storage, and superior performance due to its better CPU and GPU, ideal for those needing more power and screen real estate for their general use tasks.
Content Creation
7.9
8.2
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI Raider GE77Hx to be very good for content creation, while the Dell Alienware x14 R1 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
7.7
7.9
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
8.0/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The MSI Raider GE77Hx and Dell Alienware x14 R1 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
8.5
The Dell Alienware x14 R1 and MSI Raider GE77Hx 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 x14 R1 and the MSI Raider GE77Hx compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware x14 R1 | MSI Raider GE77Hx |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,201 | $1,999 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2022 | June 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 12.7'' x 10.3'' x 0.57'' | 15.6'' x 11.2'' x 1.02'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.06 lbs | 6.39 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 12.66" | 15.63" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 10.34" | 11.18" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i7-12700H | Intel i7-12800HX | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 0 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 512 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 9 Hours | 5.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 80 Wh | 99.9 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 14" | 17.3" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1440 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 240Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 411 nits | 350 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.1/10 | 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 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 1080p | |
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 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 4 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware x14 R1
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Raider GE77Hx
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Sascha Mölck | July 2022
"The MSI Raider GE77 offers a lot of power for a lot of money. The main components consist of a Core i9-12900HX CPU, a GeForce RTX 3080 Ti Laptop GPU (175 watts TGP, 16 GB VRAM), and 64 GB of RAM, which makes for a high overall performance level. The GeForce GPU in particular scores some of the highest scores we have seen from this chip. Both the CPU and the GPU are able to run at continuously high clock speeds. The relatively high heat and noise emissions match our expectations for this device class. With approximately 5.5 to 6.5 hours, the battery life is good for a powerful 4K laptop."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware x14 R1 or the MSI Raider GE77Hx
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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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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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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