Customers love the x14 R1's performance, build quality, and compact size, frequently praising its portability and comfortable keyboard. However, some users express concerns regarding battery life, fan noise, and the device's tendency to get warm. The small SSD storage capacity and high price point are also mentioned as drawbacks. Overall, the positive feedback on performance and design is balanced by negative comments about certain aspects of the user experience.
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 351 reviews
Pros mentioned:
Size
Cons mentioned:
Battery life, Ssd
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic, but wait for a sale!
|
|
Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’m very satisfied with my X14. I was able to secure a geek squad certified open box unit at a significant discount. As the unit does leave a few things to be desired, I am not sure I’d be willing to pay full price for this laptop. At the price I paid, this is a 5 star product without question. Had I paid full price, I’d probably give 3.5-4 as I would expect a bit more “juice” at that high price point.
It runs smooth and is generally quiet when I am doing basic tasks such as using Microsoft office, emails, youtube, or browsing the web. I get roughly 4 hours of battery life with the screen at around 70% brightness and keyboard set to “Dim” in command center. I have not tested in “battery saver” mode, but I imagine you could get another hour or so while using that mode. The fans will kick on while gaming, but the noise is not bothersome to me and the unit stays at solid temps. I wouldn’t bother gaming on this unit unless it is plugged in as the battery drains very quickly.
The overall size is impressive, and as advertised, is incredibly thin. The hinge system does make this laptop a bit deeper than you’d expect on most 13” or 14” laptops, but I am still able to comfortably store it in my backpack and it is not at all burdensome when traveling. The quality is also really impressive - the unit does not feel cheap at all and definitely feels like a premium product with a very cool design.
The GPU is very capable and I have had zero issues running games at high quality settings. I would suggest searching YouTube for more in depth reviews on this subject to make sure that it meets your needs, but like I said, I’ve had nothing but high quality and smooth gaming experiences.
One downside is the very small SSD. 500 gigs is simply too small by todays standards, especially if you are paying full price. With that said, the SSD is easily serviceable, and I installed a 2TB drive with no issues.
The 16gb of RAM will likely be enough for most users. I am able to multi task and run multiple things at once with ease. I’ve tested the laptop with my recording software, Studio One, and the unit holds up fine while live recording and working on large multi track projects. I imagine this unit being a great portable option for me when needed, but certainly will not be replacing my workhorse desktop for heavier workloads.
I’m not bothered by the 16:9 display. Yes, 16:10 is becoming the standard, but this display is very capable and looks outstanding, clear, and defined. I also own a MacBook Pro which is 16:10, and I truly don’t have a preference, although, if you are hoping to frequently utilize coding or spreadsheet applications, you might benefit from a unit that has 16:10 screen instead.
Overall, I find this machine to have a phenomenal balance of productivity, performance, and fun - all in a compact and portable size. I would certainly recommend this product, however, would also suggest you wait for a sale to pull the trigger to maximize value!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality, Portability
Cons mentioned:
Fan noise
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A Sale I Couldn't Resist
|
|
Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've always had good luck with Alienware computers. I was using them in the early 2000's when only elite gamers had heard of them.
The company was purchased by Dell on March 22, 2006. This put worry in the hearts of some of the hard-core gamers who loved the boutique company.
In my experience with their products, Alienware computers have vastly improved since the Dell acquisition of the company.
The packaging, the unboxing experience, and the quality of this laptop is impressive. It feels well built, and because of the off-white paint job, Alienware calls it Lunar Light, Some think it's plastic, but nope, it's metal.
I have played World of Warcraft with the graphics set to seven for up to eight hours with no thermal issues. If it did throttle some, I had no perceivable difference in gameplay as I was casting heals in raids and dungeons.
There is some fan noise, but I do not find it objectionable. Like most gamers on a laptop, I use a headset anyway, so the speaker quality of the laptop, which is typically average in most laptops, and the fan noise when gaming, is a non-issue for me.
The sound quality is not great though the laptop speakers, but not bad either.
In the opinion of many, the trackpad is on the small side. I use an Alienware Tri-mode mouse that matches the laptop, also available at Best Buy, so the trackpad is also a non-issue. I think this opinion would apply to most gamers, who will use a mouse instead of the trackpad.
Like with most ultra books, the upgradability of this laptop is limited to the SSD, and the Wi-Fi card, but with the intel card that it comes with, why upgrade? The SSD is easily accessible, but the motherboard is inverted, so the ram is inaccessible.
I recommend the Nvidia RTX 3060 card. It seems to be a great pairing with this intel i-7 configuration for 1080P gaming. I play World of Warcraft on high settings, for hours most days, since I'm retired.
My best advice is to catch this laptop on sale. I got a brand new one from Best Buy for $1199.00. That's a $700.00 discount.
In summary, this computer is well built, the keyboard gives me a great typing experience, reminiscent of the Dell XPS keyboard, and the portability is awesome. If you need a computer that's easy to carry around, and gives great gaming performance, this is a good choice, but again, catch it on sale.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance, Portability
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Dell Alienware x14 - A Perfect Blend of Power and
|
|
Posted . Owned for 10 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I've had the pleasure of using the Dell Alienware x14 for a year now, and I must say, it has truly exceeded my expectations. This laptop is the epitome of the perfect balance between power and portability.In terms of design, the Dell Alienware x14 stands out with its sleek aluminum build and a pristine white color that exudes sophistication. Weighing just 1.79 kg (3.95 lbs) and measuring 321.5 x 262.7 x 14.5 mm (12.66 x 10.34 x 0.57 inches), it's incredibly portable without compromising on durability.The 14-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 144 Hz delivers an immersive viewing experience. The G-Sync technology ensures smooth visuals, making it ideal for both work and gaming. The display's impressive color accuracy, with 100% sRGB and 87.6% Adobe RGB profile, truly enhances the visual experience.Performance-wise, the Alienware x14 is an absolute powerhouse. With top-tier specifications under the hood, it handles even the most demanding tasks with ease. The laptop is exceptionally quiet, thanks to its active cooling system and two fans. Even at maximum load, the noise level is kept at a comfortable 53 dB.One of the notable features is the opening angle of 140°, providing flexibility in adjusting the screen to the perfect viewing angle. The keyboard is a joy to use, providing a satisfying typing experience. The laptop's battery life is commendable, lasting through long work sessions without constantly worrying about recharging.In conclusion, the Dell Alienware x14 is a brilliant laptop that seamlessly combines power, style, and portability. Whether you're a professional looking for productivity or a gamer seeking high-performance, this laptop delivers on all fronts. I wholeheartedly recommend the Dell Alienware x14 for anyone in search of a reliable and powerful companion in their digital endeavors.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality, Portability, Speed
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Awesome Power in a Little Package!
|
|
Posted . Owned for 11 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Got my hands on the Alienware x14 with the super-fast Intel Core i7-12700K processor and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card from Best Buy, and let me tell you, it's a beast!
First off, gaming on this thing is a dream. The i7 processor and RTX 3060 combo handle everything I throw at them without breaking a sweat. The graphics are stunning, and I can play all my favorite games smoothly with no lag.
The 14-inch QHD display is like eye candy. Colors pop, and the details are crystal clear. Plus, the 240Hz refresh rate makes everything look buttery-smooth, which is a game-changer for fast-paced action.
I love the keyboard too. The RGB lighting is a fun touch, and the keys feel great to type on. It's perfect for long gaming sessions or getting work done.
Despite its power, the laptop is surprisingly portable. The build quality is top-notch, and it feels sturdy yet lightweight.
Connectivity-wise, it's got all the ports I need. Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI—you name it. It's super convenient for hooking up my accessories and external displays.
Overall, I'm loving the Alienware x14. It's powerful, compact, and just plain awesome. Whether you're a gamer or a multitasking pro, this laptop has you covered.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Cons mentioned:
Heat, Ports
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Alienware x14 Black Friday purchase review
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is my first gaming laptop, and I'm not really a gamer but I wanted a computer that would handle a couple of games I enjoy playing and my old computer could not handle them. So far I'm very satisfied with the gaming experience - the graphics are great, I've seen 0 lag, and the computer loads everything very quickly. However the processor lets you know it's working, which may be my one concern,..it will rev up a lot and I have not done a temp check yet but from other reviews, I've seen this computer has some problems with temp limits but we'll see in time.
Now I also bought this for something lightweight, highly portable and still performs well with multiple applications open. From what I've experienced it checks off all those points - I still can't believe how thin it is, which is great for saving weight but like newer laptop models doing away with multiple USB-A and other useful ports, disappointing. And I do admit if I'm wearing my out-of-date and out-of-prescription glasses the screen is so small I do have to bring the laptop closer to my face or turn up the brightness to see small print. For work this is not a problem but in certain games that display small text it's been a small challenge.
Overall I'm very happy with the purchase and hope it functions for years to come!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Cons mentioned:
Battery life
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Alienware X14 R1- Does not disappoint.
|
|
Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I had been a Laptop gamer since the first iteration of Alienware then I changed to Razer, but due to various issues with the battery from Razer, I am moving back to Alienware. This laptop does not disappoint. It handles all MMO and Cyberpunk games and I look forward to heavy usage of this computer. It is thin and light weight. perfect for travel work computer as well.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Cons mentioned:
Fan noise
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Alienware X14 Gaming Laptop
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Really good price for the specs. Performance wise it is pretty decent can’t rlly ask for more in a gaming laptop. Lightweight easy to carry and runs games smoothly. Only downside is the noise. When running more than 3-4 apps the laptop sounds like it is about to take off the landing strip. If u can ignore the noise this laptop is amazing!!!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Cons mentioned:
Battery life
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Solid Laptop
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I bought this laptop because I needed something to handle CAD software for school. This pc is fast and handled the cad software with ease. The batter lasts a long time when just browsing, but gaming drains the battery pretty fast. I can still get a little over an hour of gameplay before I need to charge. I did have an issue where audio jack would only work intermittently. I wasn’t able to fix it, but I was able to return the pc for another one. My new Alienware audio jack works fine. My pc does randomly have an recovery issue and it has to reset itself. So far it hasn’t been a major problem. All in all I really like this laptop compared to my old one. Good work station and gaming laptop.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance, Size
Cons mentioned:
Heat
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
I have had it for a little while
|
|
Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Had this laptop for awhile now and im in love. Put it threw normal stuff like exel and word and it does wonderful. It has handled any game i have loaded onto it so far aswell. Diablo 4 with all the graphics turned all the way up and this thing performs. Gets warm but not concerning warm. Would recommend it for anyone looking for a light weight smallgaming laptop.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance, Size
Cons mentioned:
Ssd
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Portability and Performance
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Best one to get on a deal. 14” screen looks really good even with 1080p panel. Change the scale from 150% to 125% to get the sweet spot of this display. Performance is really good, though GPU is at a lower TDP than its competitors but frame rates are consistent.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance, Portability, Size
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazing workhorse and gaming system
|
|
Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Beast of a computer in a small package, thanks to it now I can work on my video editing and game on the go, I take it with me everywhere! It’s thin and very portable, the USB-C ports are very useful, I only will be adding a new 2tb SSD
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Fan noise
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Ex X14 Owner!
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I ended up upgrading from this laptop for more power on the go. That being said it served me well and played everything I threw at it. It’s super think and very light. I will say it gets loud so beware of that. If you don’t mind the noise, this laptop can be everything you need!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance, Speed
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Best laptop
|
|
Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This laptop is amazing. Performance, speed, slickness, good looking, handy and easy to hold and carry in hand. I mainly got it to play my games, 2nd to do light surfing and online tests. I don't have any problems.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
A lot of bang for your buck
|
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Excellent gaming pc I used it for doing reaction videos online streaming for Fortnite first gaming pc so I realized 16gb wasn’t enough to play music while live streaming it would stutter really bad but it was strong enough to stream to multi stream to 3 different platforms the graphics for watching videos or just playing any game on it without streaming is insane monster laptop for 1200 just wish I would’ve gotten 32gb vs the 16gb but amazing first pc build
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Cons mentioned:
Battery life
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
so happy to get that deal
|
|
Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Super nice
Working perfect
Install could VM no any issues
using it for work and could handle all the tasks
Batter life is just okey could last 4 hours, total fine to a gaming laptop
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Battery life, Fan noise, Heat
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Quality control is a huge issue
|
|
Posted . Owned for 7 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This was the worst product I have purchased and here is an overview of the issues I have ran into after two technicians came and repaired my device:
-Device heating up easily while doing simple tasks (web browsing etc.)
-Fan noise and fan running while doing simple tasks (web browsing etc.)
-Battery draining very quickly even on battery saver (less than 3 hours use, was less than 2 hours before they replaced a battery for me)
-Video glitch (YouTube, etc.)
-Fans remain running while device is in sleep mode with lid closed
-Fans randomly turns on running while device is in sleep mode with lid closed
-Unable to connect to Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi icon disappears) after booting up from sleep mode
-WiFi card was also broken after just weeks, and a technician was sent over and replaced it with a new one
Will not consider Dell again.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from YourDellTeam
Posted .
Hello Victor12, We appreciate you taking the time to leave us your review. Your feedback is valuable to us at Dell. We are sorry to hear that your Alienware x14 Gaming Laptop is running warmer than you expected. It's important for us to hear about inconsistencies in our products for consideration of future development. To help you with the heating issues that you are having, I have provided troubleshooting steps with the full article below that can resolve the issue.
Here are the steps to troubleshoot your heating issue: 1. Update the system BIOS. 2. Configure Alienware Command Center. • Open Alienware Command Center • Set the Active System Theme - Thermal as Performance Mode 3. When the system boots up, using the preinstalled software Dell SupportAssist run the stress test. • Dell SupportAssist > Hardware Checkup > CPU > CPU stress test 4. Launch the Alienware Command Center, go to Fusion, and monitor the CPU frequency. • The CPU peak temperature should be less than or equal to (≤) 100 ℃ • When under high stress, the system average temperature can be expected to be less than (≤) 100 ℃ • Note: The CPU average temperature can be expected to reach 95 ℃ under cool mode for the Alienware m15, m17, and x17 systems
If you still experience any issues after you have finished troubleshooting your laptop using the steps above, please reach out to us at: https://bit.ly/DellSupportTeam
If you continue to experience issues, please reach out to Dell Support directly by using the information provided below.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Small form factor big internal package, it is difficult to fit high end performance in such a little package and this Alienware X14 succeeded. The laptop is a solid keeper “only on flash sale,” but be mindful of (1) MAJOR PROBLEM of not careful. The fans sometimes does not work rendering this to over heat and trigger the fail safe so that it does not damage the internals, and if your a nerd / enthusiast like I am, that is not gonna fly by any means. I reached out to Dell Alienware, and long story short they said is has something to involve the bios of a corrupted file that turns on the fan. In my own personal experience this is what has seems to work consistently, at least for me. When you open up a game using Command Center “Alienware” the fans has a tendency to not work, however if you open up a game using NVIDIA Experience the fans start instantly. I have monitored this for (1) week now and it seems to have solved my fan problem. At any rate, my suggestion is to extended desktop to a separate monitor “setting to main display” and opening Command Center on the laptop monitor selecting the temperature tab just so you can monitor the health. I know it’s extra steps but it’s your investment.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Performance
Cons mentioned:
Battery life
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Amazing Laptop But One Concern
|
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This Alienware laptop is amazing! It is perfect for many games and for doing my schoolwork! I would highly recommend this laptop to anyone looking for something interesting on gaming. There is only one concern I do have for anyone purchasing the laptop. Be sure to stay near an outlet when playing high graphic games!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Build quality, Size, Speed
Cons mentioned:
Fan noise, Ssd
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Remarkably super thin gaming laptop
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Whenever I order any Alienware product, I struggle with managing my patience due to my zeal to get my hands on it. I have owned and still own Alienware products, but honesty, this new refreshed beast X14 series is unlike any other products that have ever been made. Also, other brands in the market can't dare to rival or even come close to Alienware when it comes to gaming machines. Alienware is like owning a Lamborghini in fancy sports cars because I always set my expectations high, and I don't get disappointed at all!!
Upon unboxing it, I was greeted by a fancy hardcover box with the Alienware logo on it, by which I got the impression that this laptop is a luxury machine. Such packaging really lives up to Dell's reputation. The design is unique and blends elegance, beauty, and premium from all around. Sleek and well-thought-out to make it not just thin, but it is super thin to the extent I hardly believe Dell managed to fit all of its super powerful components into this thin form factor. It weights 4 LBS only, which enables it to be a thin portable gaming laptop. The hinges (dual-torque) are smooth and feel sturdy, and capable of holding up for years. I love how all of the I/O inputs (2 USB-C Thunderbolt, 1 USB-C that is a power port of 130watts, DisplayPort, 1 USB-A 3.2, headphone jack, HDMI 2.1, and micro SD card slot) are housed in the back, and both sides are clean. It is an immaculate design and neat. The screen size is 14 inches with 1920 x 1080 is a bit small for gaming, but on the other side, I'm getting crisp colors and a high refresh rate 144Hz which made my gaming experience smooth as well as the benefit of portability.
I have not experienced any problem with 14 inches of screen size; instead, I found it very suitable and easy to carry around, and I quickly got used to it. Of course, the Alienware lit-up logo is fantastic and configurable by Alienware Command Center companion software along with the keyboards. Also, the power button is configurable to reflect the power/ charging status. This cutting-edge machine has Intel 12th gen Core i7, 16 GB DDR5, Nvidia RTX 3060, 512 SSD MVme M.2 of storage that can be swappable, 1920x1080 full HD with 144Hz, Wifi 6E and BT 5.2 v. webcam is 720p that also support Windows Hello for quick and authenticated login. Since it is equipped with RTX 3060, It is worth noting that this hardware configuration provides a balance between performance and battery life. Nevertheless, the combination of Intel 12th gen (Alder Lake) and the 15 GB DDR5 gives this laptop a blazing speed that makes this laptop load up and executes any software in the blink of an eye.
After setting it up, which took me less than 5 minutes due to the powerful hardware, I installed Forza 5 and plugged in my Razer Wolverine controller. I was amazed throughout the gaming session by its smoothness and zero lag. However, the only annoying thing is the fans' sound; they tend to be loud and noisy when gaming. I configured the performance level and selected a balanced performance, but the fans are still loud, and the honeycomb air intake vents at the bottom get hot. While in normal browsing or office work, the machine tends to be cool and quiet. I respect that noise due to the thin size. The keyboard is well-spaced, has accurate travel, and has an excellent clicking sound. Relatedly, the trackpad is not that big but has sufficient size and tactile. Speakers support Dolby Atmos and sound amazing. My overall experience is excellent; this Alienware provides portability, a seamless gaming experience, and fast performance. The only upgrade I would do is to upgrade the SSD storage to have at least 1TB since most of the new games take up at least 100 GB; other than that, I'm super happy with this premium and top-notch laptop and have no regret whatsoever.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Would recommend to purchase this
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Its a great laptop for the regular use. It can handle games pretty well for a certain time. Its very handy and light in weight.