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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 offers a slightly lower price, a larger 17.3-inch screen with a faster refresh rate for smooth visuals in fast-paced games, and better thermals, which is great if you prioritize gaming and don’t plan to move the laptop frequently. On the other hand, the MSI GE66 Raider while more expensive, provides a higher resolution 15.6-inch screen which is better for 3D work and video editing, a more compact design for easier portability, but with slightly less efficient cooling. Both feature similar top-tier processors, high-end graphics capabilities, ample storage, and are equipped to handle intensive tasks such as gaming, engineering software, and machine learning. Consider how much you value screen size, resolution, portability, and thermal performance when making your 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 X17 R2
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the MSI GE66 Raider
- Very good for software development
- Good battery life
- Excellent keyboard
Key differences
Software Development
7.8
8.4
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.4/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
The MSI GE66 Raider is very good for software development, while the Dell Alienware X17 R2 is good.
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
8.2
17.3in
SIZE
15.6in
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
480Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
367.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
347.0 nits
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has a better screen than the MSI GE66 Raider for gaming and AI, while the MSI GE66 Raider has a better screen for engineering and design, and content creation.
For general use, both the Dell Alienware X17 R2 and MSI GE66 Raider offer high-resolution displays with the brightness and panel type that provide crisp, clear visuals, making them suitable for daily tasks like browsing and video streaming. In engineering and design tasks, the color accuracy is key, and both laptops deliver wide color gamuts, ensuring that professionals in these fields see precise and consistent colors. However, for gaming and 3D applications where smooth motion is crucial, the lower refresh rates of these screens may lead to less fluid visuals, which could hinder the gaming or 3D rendering experience.
Battery
2.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has 2 hours of battery life. The MSI GE66 Raider 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.
Portability
Fair
Fair
17.3in
SIZE
15.6in
6.8 lbs
WEIGHT
5.2 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The MSI GE66 Raider and Dell Alienware X17 R2 both have only fair portability, though the MSI GE66 Raider has somewhat better portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$2,000
$3,199
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 has a price of $2,000 and the MSI GE66 Raider costs $3,199.
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Key similarities
General Use
8.2
8.4
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
367.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
347.0 nits
2.0 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
6.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
6.0/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.8/10
The MSI GE66 Raider and Dell Alienware X17 R2 are both very good for general use.
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 and the MSI GE66 Raider both feature powerful Intel i9 CPUs and ample RAM for smooth multitasking, making them very good for general use; moreover, both laptops display high screen quality with their IPS panels and offer spacious storage. However, the Dell has a larger screen and slightly better battery capacity, which may make it more appealing for immersive experiences, while the MSI GE66 Raider, being lighter, offers greater portability but at the cost of a smaller screen, which might matter less for users on the go.
Gaming and AI
8.9
8.6
9.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.2/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
480Hz
REFRESH RATE
120Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.2/10
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 and MSI GE66 Raider are both very good for gaming and AI.
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 stands out for gaming and 3D tasks due to its extremely high screen refresh rate, which enhances smooth visuals, alongside a powerful GPU that's critical for performance. The MSI GE66 Raider, while it has the same high-end GPU for excellent gaming and 3D rendering capabilities, offers a higher resolution screen which provides clearer and crisper images, although at a lower refresh rate than the Alienware, balancing detail with fluid motion.
Engineering and Design
9.1
9.1
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.4/10
9.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
9.2/10
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 and MSI GE66 Raider are both excellent for engineering and design.
The Dell Alienware X17 R2, with its larger screen and high-quality display, is well-suited for engineering and design tasks that benefit from a spacious visual workspace, although it's heavier which affects portability. The MSI GE66 Raider, while slightly more compact and lighter for easier transport, provides a sharper, higher resolution display that can be advantageous for detail-oriented design work while still offering comparable core performance with a similar CPU and GPU as the Dell.
Content Creation
8.3
8.4
9.4/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
9.4/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
32.0 GB
RAM
32.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The MSI GE66 Raider and Dell Alienware X17 R2 are both very good for content creation.
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.
Build Quality
8.5
8.5
The Dell Alienware X17 R2 and MSI GE66 Raider 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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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware X17 R2 and the MSI GE66 Raider compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware X17 R2 | MSI GE66 Raider |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$2,000 | $3,199 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | December 1, 2021 | January 1, 2022 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 15.7'' x 11.8'' x 0.82'' | 14.1'' x 10.5'' x 0.92'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.82 lbs | 5.25 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 15.72" | 14.09" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 11.79" | 10.51" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i9-12900HK | Intel i9-12900HK | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 32 GB | 32 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 1024 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" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 480Hz | 120Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 367 nits | 347 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 6.1/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7/10 | 6.3/10 | |
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 | 1080p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 2 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 4 | 4 | |
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."
MSI GE66 Raider
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Patrick Schüdzig | June 2022
"The MSI Raider GE66 12UHS notebook passes with flying colors. The GE66 is a high-end notebook with strong performance. The keyboard and trackpad are still very good and score well with precise inputs as well as high build quality. Thanks to a new liquid metal cooling solution, the Intel Core i9 12900HK brings a performance increase of around 50 percent over the predecessor's Intel Core i9 10980HK. The installed graphics card in our device delivers up to 30 percent higher frame rates than the RTX 2070 Super in the MSI GE66 10SFS."
Get a great deal on the Dell Alienware X17 R2 or the MSI GE66 Raider
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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