Customers find value in the Area-51m 17.3" Gaming Laptop's exceptional performance and stunning graphics capabilities, frequently praising its smooth operation and high-quality visuals. The powerful CPU and upgradability options are also highlighted as significant advantages. However, some users note that the laptop's weight is a notable drawback.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 65 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Performance, Upgradability
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best gaming laptop ever!
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Pros:
- Best laptop keyboard
- Solid build
- Good looking and unique
- Great performance
- Room to upgrade!
Cons:
- Heavy, but that is expected
- 2 power supply bricks and they are of different sizes, looks awkward
- Not easy to carry outside
- Not metal shell, seems easy to get dirty. Suggest get a skin for it.
Except the portability, it is an amazing desktop replacement and a great gaming laptop!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Cpu
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best Laptop Ever!
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I got this laptop, and there is nothing i cannot do with it! It is fast with RAM, it is fast with cache, it is fast with a SSD, and the Internet, well, I average 450Mbps download speeds and hit 500Mbps last night and an upload speed of 37.3Mbps!!
Graphics, may not be the top of the line, but wow, i am not turning this in with a GeForce RTX 2070. Upgrade, talk about room to grow, I quickly added 32 GB of SDDR4 for a total of 48GB and then added a 500 MB SSL Samsung EVO as my quick backup drive to the 1GB mass storage!
I do Tax work on here, i play games on here, I remote into my corporate work account from here, I am working on my Pineapple and cyber-security efforts from this laptop.
This is the ultimate purchase!
OK, the negatives, its a big laptop, but remember, it is a 17 inch screen of portable technology! Ok, it has two power supplies, well, you can use one and it is fine, all you sacrifice is the high end graphics, but when i am not gaming, you don't know or even feel the difference. Would I buy this laptop again, with the ability to download as fast as 500Mbps and then process it with 8 core technology, this Alienware technology is out of this world and belongs with my fingertips!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Excellent after sales service
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Bought it three years ago for my son. It worked very good until May. We came to Best Buy and it got perfectly fixed. Love the after sale service!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Cpu
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Solid performance but do your homework
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I initially purchased the M17 but returned because the memory cannot be upgraded. I did like the LED display and lighter weight but the M51 beats it in all other areas. Some have commented that the M51 has loud fans but I find them comparable to the M17 and my older MSI GS65 stealth.
This version of the M51 has the Intel 9700 processor which is a beast but has limitations. This chip has 8 cores but does not support hyper threading. Additionally it is locked and does not support overclocking of the cpu or memory.
Compared to the comparable model sold directly from Alienware this version has the extra 1TB hard drive and RTX 2070 which justify the higher price tag.
I use it on a lap desk despite the weight and don’t find it to be uncomfortable. But having both power cables connected can be clunky if not careful. The laptop itself stays relatively cool with the fans running but the smaller of the 2 power bricks will get very hot so be aware.
The 1TB drive is not an SSD so consider that if you plan to install your games/applications on that drive. It will have slower load times compared to the SSD.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Cpu
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful 9th Gen Intel Processor Laptop
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is a great deal at Best Buy. It offers great out of the box features including a 144 mhz FHD monitor. Plenty of connections on sides and on the back (really nice to see connections on the back).
This Laptop has a number of upgrade options including ability to change the processor (uses Intel 8th/9th Gen Intel desktop chips) and GE Force 2070 or 2080 internal graphics card. Other upgrades can be made . After a week with it I doubled the ram and added an Intel I9 processor just to max out the features.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
BEAST of a laptop
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I found this Area 51 laptop as an open box buy to replace a 5 year old Lenovo Yoga 900.
The defining characteristic: HUGE. It weighs way more than any typical laptop (think 8-10 pounds), and you should consider this as more of a portable desktop than a laptop you'd bring to school or to work or to the park.
It is fast, beautiful, and fun. If you're taking this to LAN parties, then it's good. If you're using it on a desk and rarely moving it, that's also a good choice. It's a BEAST, runs fairly cool, is reliable, and handles games and everyday productivity with ease.
If you use for intended purpose, this is a great machine and beautifully designed.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
wow.. just wow.. so much YES!
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
What is there to say? with specs like these you know its going to be an incredible machine.. heavy, but what did you expect? its a laptop with freaking desktop parts.. GOOD parts too..
I really would only recommend something like this if you are REALLY serious about gaming, or if you absolutely need the extra power for running really CPU taxing software. The biggest problem I have had so far has been portability, but with something that you spend a mountain of money on, you really don't want to be bringing it anywhere unless its necessary? but this is an obvious issue, this machine is perfect as a portable gaming lab that will blow most desktops out of the water in terms of performance, the display is 17.3" screen is SUPER crisp with an amazing refresh rate and the keyboard is a TRIP! you can map out the keyboard to make any key, any color, which makes gaming much easier when you can map all the individual keys that you will use for the game i.e. WASD and the like can be made bright violet blue, and the rest of the keyboard a soft crimson red. you can literally make ANY color as the Area 51m's keyboard gives you the option of using a color palette to choose any color on the spectrum! and obviously having the ability to overclock is always nice!
I haven't had any issues with cooling either as the fans are BEAST.. its pretty loud but its not an issue if you wear headphones. it may have kinda loud fans, but there is absolutely no vibrations or anything, and the chassis is really strong, no bending whatsoever when you push hard in between the keys. its absolutely high quality as per Alienware's SOP? but ALWAYS do your own research?
I almost forgot to mention the placement of the trackpad.. im not sure what they were thinking in R&D when they decided to put it right where any persons hand would be at all times when gaming, and no way (that I have found so far at least?) to disable the trackpad? Even when you have a mouse physically plugged into the usb port! The trackpad also has pretty abysmal palm rejection capability, the problem this causes me while gaming is that while im playing a game like Farcry4 and trying to sneak around in some compound using the keyboard and mouse, and while you are trying to hide from an enemy you accidentally bump the trackpad with your thumb or the side of your palm, and you fire off a round into the wall and now everybody knows you're there in the worst kind of way because you forgot to turn off the setting in the game that lets you shoot your weapon by tapping the trackpad.. my advice is to get an external Bluetooth keyboard or something for gaming.. just saying.. its not a deal breaker for me, but be aware of it and really ask yourself if its gonna tick you off..
Bottom line is that the Area 51m is something that in my opinion, if you can afford it GET IT!! totally worth it! AND, if Best Buy doesn't have what you want, they can have Aienware build you a more powerful machine to be shipped directly to you if the store model isn't quite powerful enough? but the Area 51m is highly and easily upgraded if you know what you're doing as well.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Cpu, Performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great price Top gaming system
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Bang for the buck for a top rated laptop right here. Desktop cpu 9700K and RTX 2070. (not max q) For well below $3k. WOW. Toss in a top lap top cooling solution, and you have a winner. Runs War Thunder in movie mode 1920 x 1080 over 130 fps. Couple that with a REALY GOOD speaker system for a laptop. As some out there might know, it can be hard to use headphones with kids wanting and honey dews happening. A good speaker system really helps with this. And its right here. Check it out.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
An absolute beast of a laptop!!
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
If you're looking for a laptop that can handle anything you throw at it, this laptop is it. The build is solid, performs well, and looks good while doing it it's surprisingy light as well! My old 15r3 was heavier and a pain to take to school. You would think that this laptop would be a burden to take with you but it's not. As long as you have a good backpack you're good to go.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great laptop for gaming and eork
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I purchased this laptop to replace an alienware 17m that I use for gaming, work and audio/video editing. The system works like a dream.. I had very little wait time with my previous system, but there is no wait for programs with the area 51m. You can run all your games at highest quality and use top end editing suites with no lag. The wireless card moves fast, and gets the most spotted out of your connection.
If you do most of your own upgrading, this is also the machine for you. It has 4 memory slots (2 open at purchase) so you can add ram, abs being able to upgrade the processor and video card makes this machine a great investment, and you know you will be able to use it for years to come.
Overall, I would highly recommend this laptop to any professional or gamer that is looking for a future proof investment.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
great device with fast speed
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Really nice device. Fast. Doesnt stuck. Detect virus very fast. But the only thing is it needs double battery cords, it's impossible to use on the plane. It needs too much power.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Graphics, Speed
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
You need this for that?
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Posted . Owned for 7 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Never in my life have I owned such a great computer. Such great graphics and fast speeds, Now only if I played games that are beyond the graphics of the first half life
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Graphics, Performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great for gaming.
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This laptop is great for gaming. It Doesnt lag, has good graphics , has good volume, and the keys are comfortable to play for a long time.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Graphics, Speed
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
gaming pc
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
this laptop blows away any other gaming laptop I have owned .. the start up process is so fast , the graphics are amazing. it is worth every penny.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Speed, Upgradability
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Beast!
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Posted . Owned for 5 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
No issues whatsoever! Turn on so fast and gaming is a whole another level. Plus it’s upgradable! Can’t beat that.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great computer highly recommended
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Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
First one I received had a broken screen. They replaced it asap and the second one had no problems. Computer is awesome, it’s my first alien ware and I’m glad I got this generation! It’s highly customizable and performs very well. A few notes, this is a large heavy computer, not very portable and it has two charging plugs for maximum performance.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Question
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great Laptop, it's better than what I need for school work and CS GO, absolutely no complain on the performance. But I do notice a very small gap between the left side bezel and the screen at the middle of the bezel just enough to fit one sheet of A4 paper. Maybe I shouldn't call it a gap it's very small but it is noticeable, the right side fit is perfect. I am curious if it's a mold issue or it's just mine? Does anyone else notice it?
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Graphics, Speed
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Awesome Laptop
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Super fast, beautiful graphics, awesome for multitasking
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Graphics
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Pc gaming
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Posted . Owned for 4 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Super fast, beautiful graphics, only problem is a little bit heavy
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Speed, Upgradability
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great for graphic heavy work
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Bought this for our BIMM designer and he swears by it. Super fast and upgradeable.