The successor to the 2024 Alienware m16R2 and x16R2,, the Alienware Area 51 gaming laptops were launched at CES 2025. These new 18-inch and 16-inch laptops prioritize power, performance, and innovative design, drawing inspiration from extraterrestrial phenomena to deliver excellent performance packaged in a unique design. With these new gaming laptops launching alongside the Alienware Area 51 Gaming Desktop PC, Dell is doubling down on its iconic Area 51 brand.
Performance
The Area-51 laptops are equipped with next-gen NVIDIA graphics and Intel Ultra processors, unleashing up to 280W of total package power (TPP). This combination represents the highest level of performance available in a gaming laptop, allowing for demanding games, creative tasks, and productivity apps to run seamlessly. The laptops support up to 175W of total graphics power (TGP) and a 105W thermal design profile (TDP) for processors, ensuring maximum performance under heavy workloads.
To handle this level of power, Alienware engineers have designed a more advanced Cryo-tech thermal architecture, which moves up to 37% more air through the system while remaining 15% quieter compared to previous models. This allows the laptops to maintain optimal performance without overheating, even during intensive gaming sessions.
Massive Storage and Memory
Alienware Area-51 laptops are the first in the series to support Gen 5 Solid State Drives (SSDs), delivering faster data throughput and improved efficiency. This technology, combined with Microsoft DirectStorage, allows the GPU to access SSDs directly, resulting in faster game load times and enhanced performance. Storage configurations are available for up to 12TB, catering to users with extensive game libraries and large files.
For memory, the laptops offer XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) technology with speeds of up to 7200 MT/s, ensuring rapid multitasking and faster data processing. This upgrade is particularly valuable for gamers and creators who require high-speed memory for their work and play.
Design and Aesthetics
The Area-51 laptops introduce a new design language known as AW30, inspired by the Aurora Borealis. This design creates a mysterious and otherworldly look, incorporating elements that change appearance depending on the light and environment. A new Liquid Teal finish gives the anodized aluminum chassis a dark iridescent sheen, adding to the laptop’s unique aesthetic.The translucent thermal shelf at the rear of the laptop is illuminated by AlienFX lighting, mimicking the movement of the Northern Lights. Additionally, RGB fans cast an underglow through the keyboard deck, enhancing the laptop’s ambiance and creating a visually immersive gaming experience.
A Gorilla Glass window on the underside of the laptop provides a view of the internal components, contributing to a retro-futuristic look while showcasing the sophisticated engineering inside. The Zero Hinge design ensures a sleek and minimalist exterior, featuring clean lines and fluid contours.
Enhanced User Experience
Alienware has focused on making the Area-51 laptops not only powerful but also user-friendly and comfortable. The design allows for improved airflow and cooling, enhancing performance during long gaming sessions. The 18-inch and 16-inch display options ensure a large viewing area, providing an immersive visual experience for both gaming and content creation.
For connectivity, the laptops are equipped with multiple USB-C ports, Thunderbolt support, and HDMI outputs, offering flexibility for peripherals and external displays. High-speed internet connections are supported by Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 technology, ensuring stable online gameplay and faster data transfers.
Pricing and Availability
The Alienware Area-51 laptops will be available in select configurations starting in Q1 2025. The high-end configuration featuring next-gen NVIDIA GPUs will launch at a price of approximately $3,199, while the entry-level configuration will start at around $1,999. Additional configurations and graphics options will follow in subsequent months.
Alienware Aurora Desktop
Complementing the Area-51 laptops, Alienware is also releasing the latest edition of the Alienware Aurora desktop. This mid-sized tower caters to gamers looking for a compact yet powerful gaming rig. The 2025 Aurora model features next-gen NVIDIA graphics and Intel Core Ultra 2 processors, offering a significant boost in gaming performance.
Availability for the Aurora desktop will also begin in Q1 2025, with pricing details to be announced closer to launch.
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