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The PerfectRec laptop team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 is designed for intensive gaming with high performance but is heavier and less portable, making it ideal if you need powerful graphics and processing capabilities. In contrast, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i is more portable, better suited for general use, and is typically less expensive, but it doesn't match the Alienware in terms of gaming or engineering performance due to its less powerful graphics and processing power. If your priority is gaming or demanding tasks, go for the Alienware; if it's general use and mobility, consider the IdeaPad. 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 display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
- Very good portability
- Very good battery life
Key differences
General Use
8.2
7.7
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
367.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
340.0 nits
2.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
11.5 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
6.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
8.9/10
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 is very good for general use, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i is good.
The Dell Alienware X17 R2, with its powerful CPU, ample RAM, and high-end GPU, is great for demanding tasks but less portable and has a shorter battery life compared to the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i, which offers good general performance alongside better portability and longer battery life, making it suitable for on-the-go use despite having less storage and a less powerful CPU.
Gaming and AI
8.9
6.2
9.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
480Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
9.5/10
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 is very good for gaming and AI, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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
9.1
7.1
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
9.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.7/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 is excellent for engineering and design, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i is good.
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 is favored in engineering and design because of its powerful CPU and GPU, ample RAM, and high screen quality for detailed visual work, but it is less portable and heavier. On the other hand, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has decent performance with a good CPU and integrated GPU, less RAM, and acceptable screen quality, but it's more portable and has a lighter build, making it suitable for those prioritizing mobility over raw power.
Content Creation
8.3
7.7
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
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 Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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.
Screen Quality
8.5
6.9
17.3in
SIZE
14.0in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
480Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
367.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
340.0 nits
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has a better screen than the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
When considering general use, laptops like the Dell Alienware X17 R2 offer vibrant displays and high resolution, providing clear and crisp images, while its brightness makes it easy to use in various lighting conditions. For engineering and design, this model's wide color gamuts ensure accurate color reproduction, crucial for detailed work. However, for gaming and 3D, the Alienware's lower refresh rate can result in less fluid motion, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i, with similar attributes appropriate for general use and engineering, also falls short for gaming due to a refresh rate that doesn't match the demands of fast-paced visuals.
Battery
2.0 Hours
11.5 Hours
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has 2 hours of battery life. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has 11.5 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
Fair
Very Good
17.3in
SIZE
14.0in
6.8 lbs
WEIGHT
2.9 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has very good portability, while the Dell Alienware X17 R2 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5
7.8
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has very good build quality, while the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$2,000
$899
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has a price of $2,000 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i costs $899.
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Key similarities
Software Development
7.8
7.5
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
5.5/10
32.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i 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.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware X17 R2 and the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware X17 R2 | Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$2,000 | $899 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2021 | October 1, 2020 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 15.7'' x 11.8'' x 0.82'' | 12.6'' x 8.2'' x 0.59'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.82 lbs | 2.99 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 15.72" | 12.62" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 11.79" | 8.2" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i9-12900HK | Intel i7-1165G7 | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 0 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 2 Hours | 11.5 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 87 Wh | 60.7 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 17.3" | 14" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 480Hz | 60Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 367 nits | 340 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.1/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | No | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 9.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 720p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | Yes | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 4 | 3 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | 4 | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware X17 R2
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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."
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PCMag
Ted Needleman
| January 2022
"Among Lenovo's multiple laptop brands, the IdeaPad family is decidedly the one designed for consumers: people who want decent performance at a reasonable price. Consider, then, this laptop a paragon for the pickier members of that crowd. With a 14-inch touch-enabled display, a comfortable keyboard, an Evo-certified Intel Core i7 11th Generation CPU, and the latest Windows 11 operating system, the IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro ultraportable ($1,199 as tested) is a slick mainstream machine at a bit of a premium price, and quite capable for everyday tasks."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware X17 R2 or the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i
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 Lenovo
Lenovo is a Chinese technology company, and one of the largest personal computer vendor. They are well known for a variety of technology products, including laptops. Their consumer series include their entry level IdeaPad and LOQ series and mid-to-high-end Yoga and Legion series. On the business-oriented side, their series include their entry-level ThinkBook series and mid-to-high-end ThinkPad series. Lenovo laptops offer strong performance for reasonable prices, and are often on sale.
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