A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 typically comes with more storage and memory, a more powerful CPU, and a higher-end GPU than the Gigabyte Aorus 17G, potentially making it better for intensive tasks like gaming, 3D rendering, and machine learning. However, it's slightly less portable and has a shorter battery life than the Aorus 17G. The Aorus 17G is often more expensive but offers improved portability and longer battery life, making it more suited for those who prioritize mobility and extended use away from an outlet, despite its lesser performance specs. Both have large screens and similar display quality, but the Alienware offers a higher screen refresh rate for smoother visuals, which is beneficial for fast-paced gaming. 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 X17 R2
- Very good for general use
- Excellent for engineering and design
- Very good for gaming and AI
- Very good for content creation
- Very good overall build quality
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Gigabyte Aorus 17G
- Good battery life
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
General Use
8.2
7.5
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
367.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
282.0 nits
2.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
6.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.0/10
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 is very good for general use, while the Gigabyte Aorus 17G is good.
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 is rated very good for general use due to its superior CPU and RAM, leading to faster processing and smoother multitasking, alongside a high-quality screen with excellent color coverage and contrast ratio. In comparison, the Gigabyte Aorus 17G, while still providing a solid experience for general use with a good CPU and ample RAM, falls short with lower screen color accuracy and contrast, though it does have a slightly longer battery life and better portability due to a lighter build.
Gaming and AI
8.9
7.5
9.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.6/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
480Hz
REFRESH RATE
300Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.7/10
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Gigabyte Aorus 17G is good.
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 stands out with a higher-end GPU, the Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti, and an extremely high screen refresh rate of 480Hz, which explain its very good performance for gaming and 3D tasks; whereas the Gigabyte Aorus 17G, with a capable Nvidia RTX 3070 and a lower screen refresh rate of 300Hz, is recognized as good for similar tasks, offering robustness but with slightly lesser graphics performance. Both laptops come with high-quality IPS screens and powerful CPUs, enhancing their capacity for intensive tasks, but the Alienware's superior GPU and refresh rate solidify its edge for high-end gaming and 3D applications.
Engineering and Design
9.1
7.8
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
9.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.6/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Gigabyte Aorus 17G is good.
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 stands out for engineering and design due to its higher-end CPU and GPU, more RAM, and a notably better screen quality, which are very important for demanding tasks; this makes it very good for such use cases, although it is less portable due to its weight. The Gigabyte Aorus 17G, while good for engineering and design with its capable CPU and GPU, falls behind the Alienware in terms of performance and screen quality, but benefits from greater battery life and better portability since it's lighter.
Content Creation
8.3
7.5
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 is very good for content creation, while the Gigabyte Aorus 17G 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
7.8
7.2
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 and Gigabyte Aorus 17G are both good for software development, though the Dell Alienware X17 R2 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
8.5
8.0
17.3in
SIZE
17.3in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
480Hz
REFRESH RATE
300Hz
367.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
282.0 nits
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has a better screen than the Gigabyte Aorus 17G for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
When considering screen quality for general use, the Dell Alienware X17 R2's panel type, higher resolution, and brightness offer sharp and vibrant visuals, while the Gigabyte Aorus 17G, though with a good display, is a step behind in clarity and luminance. For engineering and design, the Alienware provides a wide color range that allows for precise color work with its superior DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB coverage, while the Aorus 17G is satisfactory but doesn't quite match up in color accuracy. However, for 3D and gaming, the lower refresh rate of the Alienware means less fluid motion compared to what the Aorus 17G could offer with a higher refresh rate, despite the latter having a lower resolution and different panel type.
Battery
2.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has 2 hours of battery life. The Gigabyte Aorus 17G has 6 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.
Build Quality
8.5
7.4
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has very good build quality, while the Gigabyte Aorus 17G has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$2,000
$2,329
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has a price of $2,000 and the Gigabyte Aorus 17G costs $2,329.
Let Us Help Find Your Perfect Laptop
Find your new laptop
Key similarities
Portability
Fair
Fair
17.3in
SIZE
17.3in
6.8 lbs
WEIGHT
5.9 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
1.0in
The Gigabyte Aorus 17G and Dell Alienware X17 R2 both have only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware X17 R2 and the Gigabyte Aorus 17G compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware X17 R2 | Gigabyte Aorus 17G |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$2,000 | $2,329 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2021 | April 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 15.7'' x 11.8'' x 0.82'' | 15.9'' x 10.8'' x 1'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.82 lbs | 5.95 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 15.72" | 15.9" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 11.79" | 10.8" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i9-12900HK | Intel i7-11800H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 2 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 87 Wh | 99 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 | 300Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 367 nits | 282 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.1/10 | 6.1/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 6.8/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 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 | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 4 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware X17 R2
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Allen Ngo | May 2022
"The Alienware x17 R2 recognizes targets a significantly higher TGP of 175 W for a roughly 30 percent performance boost over laptops running on the ~100 W GeForce RTX 3080 Ti like the Razer Blade 15 or Gigabyte Aero YE5. Similar results can be found through the CPU as well. This single aspect of the Alienware is perhaps the biggest differentiating factor between it and other ultrathin gaming laptops. Of course, the "performance at all cost" approach comes with drawbacks. Power consumption in particular is through the roof and battery life suffers because of it even when on the lowest performance settings."
Gigabyte Aorus 17G
See more
Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Sascha Mölck | June 2021
"The Aorus 17G isn't among the top RTX 3080 laptops due to its relatively low TGP of 105 watts. The device's gaming performance is average for an RTX 3080. For maximum performance, competitors like the Lenovo Legion 7 or the Alienware m17 R4 are recommended With the Aorus 17G, Gigabyte delivers a well-rounded gaming laptop. However, the device generates a high noise level. Throttling is not an issue. The CPU and GPU can develop their performance uniformly. Nevertheless, the device produces a lot of noise under load - more than many competitors."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware X17 R2 or the Gigabyte Aorus 17G
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 Gigabyte
Gigabyte is a Taiwanese computer hardware manufacturer. While Gigabyte mainly focuses its business on desktop hardware, Gigabyte is known for its value-oriented G series laptops, thin and light Aero series, and performance-oriented Aorus series. Gigabyte laptops offer a strong value proposition to compete with mainstream alternatives.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Laptop guides you might be interested in
More comparisons for you
Compare Dell Alienware X17 R2 vs. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 (2024)
VS
Compare Dell Alienware X17 R2 vs. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15
VS
Compare Dell Alienware X17 R2 vs. Gigabyte Aorus 17
VS
Compare Gigabyte Aorus 17G vs. MSI Raider GE67Hx
VS
Compare Gigabyte Aorus 17G vs. Gigabyte Aorus 17X
VS
Compare Gigabyte Aorus 17G vs. ASUS ROG Strix G18 (2024)
VS
FAQs
FAQs about laptops
Why trust us
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.
By the numbers
380
Laptops evaluated
48,640
Laptops stats compiled
13
Proprietary Laptops ratings developed
125,595
Recommendations made
27,213
Consumer hours saved
About the laptop team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Laptops Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Craig Russell
Laptops Expert
Craig is a UK-based laptops expert. Craig works in IT, where he recommends and supports laptops and PCs for clients and has been recommending laptops on Reddit for five years.
Featured in
