Prime Day gaming laptop deals are here, and they have a tough task this year. 2026 has seen component prices (and therefore laptop prices) surge incredibly quickly, and the last few weeks have incurred a serious lack of credible discounts. That's all changed today, with early discounts hitting a number of our favorite models - just don't expect Amazon to have anything to do with it.

Both Newegg and Best Buy are running their own competing Prime Day gaming laptop deals this week, and they're offering far better discounts overall. In fact, out of some of my top picks, Amazon features only rarely.

While prices on some of the best gaming laptops aren't going to rival those of previous years, there are still RTX 5060s for the low $1,000s and RTX 5070s at the $1500 mark - and that's not something I've been able to celebrate for a few weeks now.

Quick links

• Amazon: starting from $499
• Dell: up to $2,580 off Alienware
• Best Buy: RTX 5070 from $1,232.99
• HP: up to $1,100 off Omen
• Lenovo: up to 32% off Legion
• Newegg: Acer from $949.99

Today's best gaming laptop deals

Why are gaming laptop prices higher in 2026?

The current component crisis and RAM shortages are to blame for increased gaming laptop prices. As AI manufacturers hoover up all the memory, consume-facing brands are being squeezed. With higher demand comes higher prices, and it's the final product that sees the biggest sacrifice.

I'm seeing a number of gaming laptop deals working to circumvent these issues; dropping their memory sizes from 32GB to 16GB, reverting back to cheaper graphics cards, or dropping display specs. However, most of the rigs that have already left the factories in 2026 are seeing a serious upcharge.

Thankfully, there are still a few 2025 machines still kicking around - and they haven't felt the same purse pinch. While I've noticed slightly higher rates even on these older rigs, their numbers are much easier to stomach. Indeed, most of my top picks up above are a year old now.

If you're after something more substantial, we're also getting you ready for this year's Prime Day gaming PC deals and Prime Day monitor deals. Or, take a look at the Prime Day tablet deals we're expecting for something lighter.

The hybrid Alienware 15 has just hit the shelves, aiming for a budget friendly price point for a hybrid work / play device. With all that in mind, though, the only two configurations you'll find on Dell's store today are the RTX 5050 and RTX 5060 models - and the latter will run you up to $2,299.99.

So far, so confusing.

Dell is also rolling out RTX 4050 (and even RTX 3050, but only in select territories) options for its slimline machine, but even the 40-Series config starts at $1,299.99 for an AMD build. If you're dropping that far back in time, you're not spending more than $900 to stay comfortable.

It's certainly not the first time one of the best gaming laptop brands has dropped back a few generations to keep prices low, but right now you're spending $1,500 minimum to get yourself an RTX 5050 model.

The Alienware 15 is available in two flavors; AMD and Intel, with RTX 4050, RTX 5050, and RTX 5060 GPUs shared between them. AMD options come with either a Ryzen 7 260 or Ryzen 5 220, while Intel is supporting with Core 7 240H and Core 5 210H chips. RTX 50-series models will offer Alienware's Cyrotech cooling tech and weaker configurations will have slightly less junk in the trunk.

Base level Alienware 15 gaming laptops ship with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. That's roughly half the storage I tend to see in entry level gaming laptops, and we're not even starting off cheaper than the rest of the competition here. The MSI Katana (my current top budget gaming laptop) does offer 512GB options, but for between $1,100 and $1,200 when paired up with an RTX 5050 and 1080p display.

There are some nifty extra features in here - upgradable RAM and storage compartments (if you can find components), a 180 degree hinge, and up to 100W USB-C charging all keep things flexible enough to satisfy productivity and play. There's also some serious attention paid to the chassis itself, with a durable polycarbonate resin design, soft rounded corners, and up to 2oz liquid spill resistance. Whether or not that's going to be worth the extra spend compared to last year's budget-friendly alternatives will depend on how much gaming you'll do vs work.

Dell doesn't need its Alienware 15 to run the most demanding games at the highest graphical settings. This machine isn't sitting alongside the Alienware 16 Area-51. It's pitched as an everyday (albeit high-end) laptop that can also run more complex games than your standard ThinkPad. It takes what we used to turn to the Dell G-Series for and folds it into the realm of the best Alienware laptops. Does $1500 make sense even in this context? Maybe not, but it's getting closer.

I say that because, price aside, this actually looks like a neat little machine. Without component crises, it could have been an $800 - $1,000 rig with the same simple to-do list as Apple's MacBook Neo. $1,299 for an RTX 4050 machine in 2026 isn't a good deal, though, no matter how much cheaper it is compared to Alienware's premium rigs.

• See all Alienware laptops at Dell

I'm also hunting down all the best Asus gaming laptops and the best Razer laptops for more options.

In CES tradition, Dell has unleashed a new wave of the best Alienware gaming PCs, and this time, it's all eyes on the Area-51. Not only is the rig line-up getting revamped configurations, but the boujee builder has teamed up with AMD to arm the range with AMD X3D processors. The catch? Well, you're still looking at almost $4,000 for the cheapest system.

That's not to say the new AMD-powered Alienware Area-51 range isn't impressive, but the cheapest models showcased at CES 2026 do largely give mid-range vibes. You're getting an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070, 32GB RAM, and a 2TB gen5 SSD, alongside an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D chipset for $3,949.99, so a chunk more than other branded builds. That said, RAM prices are still monstrous as we enter the new year, and you are paying more for the luxury of an AIO cooler and a spacious case.

Okay, look, I don't want to dunk on the Alienware Area-51 for its price. It's probably going to be a rough year for PC gaming in terms of cost, and while I can't see myself recommending the $7,000 RTX 5090 build with a Ryzen 9 9950X3D to basically anyone, the GeForce RTX 5080 version might be a quick, but expensive way to secure a very high end machine that'll rip through the latest games in 2026.

Since its return last year, the Area-51 range has been catering to DIY PC enthusiasts who would have skipped on machines like the Alienware Aurora R16. Unlike previous builds, it ditches proprietary parts, instead opting for a standard ATX motherboard that will accommodate 3rd party options should you upgrade. Not that you'll necessarily want to swap out the included mobo, as it includes PCIe Gen5 graphics and SSD storage support, as well as a swanky all black aesthetic.

In every way that matters, this is a conventional, upgradeable rig, but Dell has carried out some of the hard work for you by optimizing the fan layout to achieve positive air pressure. The company claims this helps the rig run "13% cooler, 45% quieter, while driving 25% more airflow," so you shouldn't have to worry about tweaking things to boost fps via thermals.

There are absolutely cheaper options out there for players seeking the best gaming PC build possible, but the new Alienware Area-51 is worth a look if you have the funds. I'd be slightly horrified if many of you have the cash to splash on the RTX 5090 model, but the addition of new X3D processors and even just including 32GB RAM in a time when equivalent kits will cost you around $400 makes the other SKUs worth considering.

• More Alienware gaming PCs at Dell
• More gaming PC options at Amazon

Building from scratch? Swing by the best CPU for gaming and the best graphics cards to wrangle the perfect rig. Alternatively, take a peek at the best gaming handheld options for on-the-go play.

I love playing a game of "spot the pixel" when testing gaming monitors, and even 4K displays can fall short. However, the Alienware AW2725Q is the one screen that has managed to thwart my silly test game at every turn, and despite being a 2025 model, it's been given the Memorial Day deal treatment.

Over at Dell, you can currently grab the 27-inch Alienware AW2725Q for $799.99. It'll set you back $899 at full price, and while it's $50 short of its brief introductory discount, I'm still hyped to see $100 off one of the best gaming monitors I've tested this year.

Keep in mind we're talking about a QD-OLED 4K 240Hz panel, so while $800 is still pricey, you're getting solid premium specs. An incredibly dense 166 PPI count is just one of this screen's high-fidelity tricks, and if you come for the sharpness, you'll certainly stay for the quantum dot contrast.

Compared to standard WOLED panels, QD-OLED displays can typically provide a wider color gamut and elevated brightness. This helps panels like the Alienware AW2725Q pop harder when it comes to HDR and accurate vibrancy, which helps ultra-detailed PC outings stand out even more at 4K. I started my Avowed playthrough using this screen and found that foliage was both super crisp and rich, in turn painting a more magical version of Obsidian's fantasy realm.

Sadly, QD-OLED superpowers do come with a few quirks, as the semi-glossy coating used with the panel type does come with glare issues. You'll also notice a blueish tint to blacks when playing in brighter rooms, which can impact that inky black vibe that makes OLED tech so mesmerising. If you can control your gaming room's lighting, this shouldn't be a deal breaker, but it can be a little annoying in certain environments.

Outside of its visual abilities, the Alienware AW2725Q also happens to be one of Dell's best-looking gaming screens yet. The 2025 line-up wears a curvier pedestal that reminds me of 2000s tech, and the colorway this time around is a subtle purple that's designed to catch the light in a really pleasing way. You're also getting some nice extra features like HDMI 2.1 support (meaning it's a nice PS5 monitor option), eARC audio output paired with Dolby ATMOS, and a USB hub with lighter 15W Power Delivery abilities.

Ideally, you'll want to pair the Alienware AW2725Q with a higher-end gaming PC, as something with a GPU like the GeForce RTX 5080 is going to fill the 4K 240Hz brief without dialing back on settings in new games. My ruile of thumb is that if your rig costs less than your monitor, there are probably cheaper alternatives that will fit the bill better, as there are plenty of strong 1440p contenders like the Alienware AW2725DF that will cost less ($649.99 at Amazon right now) and can hit faster refresh rates.

Still searching for the perfect panel? Swing by the best 4K monitors for gaming or best monitors for Xbox Series X to expand your search. You'll want to peek at the best gaming TVs too if you need something a bit bigger.

Dell has just launched its brand new Alienware Area-51 gaming laptops, but RTX 5080 configurations of both the 16-inch and 18-inch models available to order today. These rigs start out at $3,199.99 and, while we're waiting on additional RTX 5090 options, represent some of the first next-gen gaming laptops I've seen hitting the shelves so far.

Starting specs feature the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor with 32GB DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, and QHD+ displays, however there are double-RAM and double-storage options available for both models as well. The rigs were introduced at CES this year, marking a return to a previously established line that the brand ultimately gave up three years ago. Considering that range gave us some of the best gaming laptops of its day, things are certainly exciting here.

The Alienware 16 Area-51 and Alienware 18 Area-51 also represent the twilight years of the existing range. The M-Series and X-Series are due to whirr into the sunset with the release of these machines (and upcoming Aurora rigs), though RTX 40-Series configurations can still be found on the shelves today.

While the original Area-51 label carried the promise of extra upgradeability in those early years, the rebooted line seemingly goes all in on power. With both the 16-inch and 18-inch models slated to offer both the RTX 5080 GPU we're seeing in today's release and RTX 5090 specs, these could well become the best Alienware laptops on the market by the time the year is out.

They join Razer's Blade 16 and Blade 18, as well as a suite of MSI gaming laptops, as the only RTX 50-Series machines to have made their way to store shelves so far, though we're not quite at release day yet. While you can secure your laptop today, shipping dates currently span from mid-April to the start of May.

Of course, I'm also expecting plenty more of the best Asus gaming laptops to join the best Razer laptops on the RTX 50-Series shelves shortly. Or, if you're going down the desktop route, check out the best gaming PCs on the market right now.

Competition in the 4K gaming monitor space is heating up, but the Alienware AW3225QF is sitting pretty at the top thanks to its 240Hz abilities. It just so happens to also be back down to its lowest ever price right now, and it's well worth your attention seeing as its a curved QD-OLED panel.

At Dell, you can grab the 32-inch Alienware AW3225QF for $899.99 thanks to a chonky $300 discount. This is actually only the second time this specific model has reached under $900, as it leaped back up in price just before Black Friday. Not too shabby considering we're just weeks into 2025 and it's still what I'd describe as one of the best 4K monitors for gaming.

Plus, this Alienware AW3225QF offer helps put other 4K price cuts into perspective. For instance, you can pick up the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 for $1,099.99 at Amazon right now, I would argue you're better off spending $200 less for Dell's take on QD-OLED tech. That's not to say the G8 is a bad monitor, very far from it, but specs are certainly on the Alienware model's side.

Should you buy the Alienware AW3225QF?

I have a thing for big 4K monitors, and the Alienware AW3225QF is out to impress with its 4K 240Hz QD-OLED panel. Dell hasn't remotely held back on spec with this curved model, and it's the type of gaming monitor you'd want to have to hand if you're going to pre-order the RTX 5090 or buy an RTX 5080 when the new-gen GPUs arrive.

This is also a screen that'll satiate anyone craving an extra level of PC immersion. Dell's 1700R curved panel is going to fill your field of view with exceptional visuals that pop thanks to the QD-OLED side of things, while DisplayHDR 400 will trick your eyes into believing lighting effects. Even if you're looking for a PS5 monitor, this screen will fill that brief too thanks to its HDMI 2.1 compatibility and low latency abilities, although I'd only do that if you use Sony's console at a gaming desk since it's a curvy panel.

That said, its illustrious specs also serve as a reason not to pick this monitor up. That might sound a little odd, but hear me out, as I'm trying to stop some of you more budget inclined gamers out there needlessly splashing out. Yes, the QD-OLED screen is going to inject your favorite PC games with vivid colors and contrast regardless, but if you're rocking a cheaper build, chances are you're not going to be pushing 4K 240Hz.

With that in mind, anyone with a cheaper graphics card or a more budget gaming PC should have a peek at lower-spec models instead. Dell has also discounted one of our best gaming monitor picks, the 34-inch Alienware AW3423DW, bringing it down to $649.99 from $899.99. It's packing the same QD-OLED heat as the 4K model, but dials things back to 1440p 165Hz - a more reasonable bar to try and hit using a midrange PC.

Ultimately, you'll want to think carefully about whether you need a 4K 240Hz monitor before splashing out on the Alienware AW3225QF. Now is certainly the time to strike if you are able to play the latest games with maxed out specs and zero settings compromise. However, I'd always match your screen desires to specs before going deal hunting, as that'll be the thing that'll save you more pennies.

Looking for more displays? Check out the best ultrawide monitor and best monitor for Xbox Series X. Alternatively, swing by the best gaming TV for larger living room options.

It’s not every day you come across a cheaper gaming laptop deal that doesn’t drop a single spec in its configuration. Discounts usually favor machines that falter in RAM, display quality, or processor - either by dropping you down to budget specs or picking out older components to keep that price competitive. This weekend’s offers at Dell feature a Dell G16 that bucks that trend. 

The RTX 4070 configuration of the 2024 iteration is now down to $1,299.99 (was $1,899.99) at Dell’s direct site. That means you’re saving $600 on the full MSRP and still scoring yourself some incredible specs under the hood. If that upper mid-range graphics card wasn’t enough (this price range is usually reserved for RTX 4060 machines), you’re also netting an i9-13900HX processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a speedy 240Hz QHD+ display. Those are specs we’d usually expect to see far further up the price range. 

For reference, the next cheapest RTX 4070 gaming laptop deal worth actually buying this weekend sits at $1,599.99. That’s on an MSI Stealth 16 device that kicks your processor down to an Intel i7-13620H and only offers a 144Hz FHD+ display. The offer from Best Buy does save you $250 altogether, but its value is nowhere near Dell’s right now. We’ve only ever seen that rig at $1,499.99 in the past as well. 

You’ll find more information on this offer just below and plenty more of this week’s heaviest gaming laptop deals further down the page. 

Should you buy the Dell G16?

At just $1,299.99 the Dell G16 is punching well above its price point this week. That makes it perfect for those initially on the hunt for a cheaper RTX 4060 rig - it’s the ideal upgrade this weekend. You’re getting a speedy display and the components to keep up with more demanding games under the hood as well. In fact, these specs put the humble G16 on par with some of the best gaming laptops on the market in terms of value for money. 

This is Dell’s basic range, though, which means the chassis isn’t going to draw the same level of power out of those specs as something a bit beefier. An 18-incher like the Alienware M18 or Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 will be able to do much more with that GPU than the G16. However, if you’re just looking to play your favorites at 1440p high settings you’re not going to need much more than this. The G16 is bang up to date in its design, with a 16:10 display and a slimmer form factor than previous iterations. Plus, you’re dropping the annoying back shelf of older models with this 2024 release. 

Unless you’re after a true RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 powerhouse to replace a full gaming PC setup, I’d recommend this gaming laptop deal to pretty much anyone on the hunt for a decently powered rig.  

We’re also rounding up all the best Alienware laptops if you’re delving deeper into Dell’s catalog. Or, take a look at the best Razer laptops and the best Asus gaming laptops for more brand options.  

The RTX 4090 remains monstrously expensive, but Presidents Day has slashed $1,000 off an Alienware rig with the premium GPU inside. Considering most custom cards out there cost well above $1,600, picking up this pre-build could be a pretty effective way to get hold of the cutting edge graphics card, not to mention it’s accompanied by a bunch of powerhouse components that will ensure you get full use out of Nvidia’s monstrous part.

Admittedly, picking up one of the best Alienware gaming PC builds will set you back more than a single graphics card, but not by as much as you’d think. Thanks to this Dell Presidents Day deal, you can currently grab the Aurora R15 armed with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, 32GB RAM, and a chonky 2TB SSD for $2,899.99, thanks to that aforementioned $1,000 discount. 

Still a considerable investment to say the least, but keep in mind that some custom RTX 4090 graphics cards currently come in at $2,200 (looking at you, MSI Gaming Trio). Therefore, you could say picking this up this entire PC is better value for money, as you’re getting some pretty serious specs for what is effectively $700 more than some single GPUs out there.

Should you buy an RTX 4090 gaming PC?

I’ve tested a few RTX 4090 gaming PCs, and I’d say they’re more of an impressive luxury than a universal necessity. Using a machine like the Alienware Aurora R15 will effectively save you from thinking about adjusting in-game settings, as it will make short work of even the biggest, newest releases at 4K with every bell and whistle turned on. Even if you do find that frame rates are dipping, you can take advantage of DLSS 3.5 and use Frame Generation to ramp things back up to unprecedented levels. 

Ultimately, if you’ve got serious cash to spend on a rig, you’ll want to consider an RTX 4090 rig like the Alienware Aurora R15 featured above. Otherwise, you’re probably better off considering some of the other best gaming PC configurations out there, as you can spend a lot less on a machine that will still pack a punch. That said, I know some of you out there won’t settle for anything less than maximum performance, and that’s exactly why I think this offer is worth highlighting.

Looking for more seasonal deals? Check out the best Newegg Presidents Day deals for offers on on the best gaming CPU and best gaming RAM kit options for your rig.

Dell just launched the Alienware Aurora R16, and the company’s latest gaming PC looks surprisingly normal. Not only does the rig’s case feature an almost traditional cuboid design, but it takes up less space than its R15 predecessor and allegedly makes less of a racket. You could say this is the most down to earth Alienware system yet, but it still packs all the high end specs you’d expect from a PC with space age vibes.

There’s a good reason why budding PC gamers are drawn to the best Alienware gaming PCs out there, but I’ve always found Dell’s case designs a little obnoxious. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen worse cases in my time, especially at LAN events around 13 years ago. However, Aurora builds like the R15 feel needlessly chonky, and its curves are arguably ageing like milk in terms of setup gaming PC aesthetics. 

Thankfully, the Alienware Aurora R16 looks to go back to basics in terms of shape, and I’m totally on board with the philosophy behind this build. In a press briefing, Dell revealed that the new 2023 rig will reduce total case volume by 40%, all while maintaining the same internal space. This fact hammers home how much extra, needless bulk was strapped onto the R15 in the first place, especially since the R16 is still a 25.2L system.

In addition to the volume reduction, Dell says Alienware Aurora R16 is 20% quieter and maintains cooler CPU and GPU temps thanks to the new design. We’re still talking about a similar AIO cooler setup as the R15, but subtle changes to airflow channelling appear to make all the difference. The R16 even still has that glowing ‘AlienFX stadium loop’ for air intake, which feeds from the side of the case to a 120mm fan at the front.

As for specs, the Aurora R16 is undeniably top of the line, armed with your choice of the best graphics cards by Nvidia and 13th gen Intel CPU. The base model comes in at $1,749 and is rocking an Nvidia RTX 4070 paired with Intel Core i7-13700F, but you can max things out with an RTX 4080 and a top of the line Core i9-13900F. You’ll also be able to opt for up to 64GB RAM and dual drive storage options include two 4TB NVMe M.2 PCIe SSD or a 1TB SATA hard drive. 

 Are absurd Alienware designs gone for good?

The R16 looks to be a huge turning point for Dell’s Alienware approach, but there’s a chance that oddball designs could return in the future. During the press briefing, the company’s PC Gaming Lead Matt McGowan revealed that “new and radical” system designs are already in the works, meaning the traditional cuboid R16 system might just be temporary. Not that I think we’ll necessarily end up with a spherical R17 that’ll roll off your gaming desk, but I hope Dell sticks with its new approach of removing needless case heft. 

We’ll hopefully be able to share an R16 benchmarks with you soon, and we’ve got an Alienware Aurora R15 review for you to check out in the meantime. That latter closer look should help you decide whether to opt for the subtle new build or pick up the older system with that infamous bulky case. I mean, some of you out there might actually prefer the old design, and we’re not going to dunk on you for your personal preferences. The biggie, at least for me, will be whether the redesign is easier to upgrade, as I have a sneaking suspicion that proprietary parts will still serve as a burden.

The Alienware Aurora R16 officially launches August 3, but we're still waiting for stock to hit Dell's storefront. For now, why not take a peek at the best Alienware gaming PC deals available now, as you could save a few pennies on a previous version.

Looking for something portable? Check out the best gaming laptops for a collection of great mobile rigs. We've also got you covered when it comes to the best gaming monitors, as your rig deserves a spectacular screen to go with.

While Prime Day is still more than a week away, many retailers have been getting on the action early with Best Buy today offering one of the cheapest deals we've seen for an RTX 3060 gaming PC in quite some time. In fact, this is the first time we've seen this particular model drop under $1,000. 

Head over to Best Buy and you can find an HP Omen with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 for $949.99. This represents a saving of $350 (26%), down from its typical MSRP of $1,299.99. The specs are something special as well for the cost, including an Intel Core i5-13400F processor, 16GB DDR5 Memory, 1TB SSD, and Windows 11. If that wasn't enough, you also get one month of Xbox Game Pass thrown in for free so you can test out your new PC in style.

We're expecting plenty of top deals over the coming weeks with our Prime Day gaming deals 2023 the place to head throughout the sales season. Or you can go directly to our guide on the best Prime Day PC deals for everything we expect to see alongside any early deals that are live now.  

Today's best gaming PC deal

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Alternatively, there is an HP Omen with an AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card available for $1,299.99 from the manufacturer directly. This is a big $500 saving and gives you a step up in power. For further offers, check below:

Fancy something with a bit more power? Make sure to check out the best RTX 3070 PC deals on the market right now. We've also rounded up the best RTX 3080 PC deals as well as the best RTX 3090 PC deals,

Gaming laptops have been fluctuating in price quite radically these past few months, yet there are still a good number of deals making their way to the web. One upgrade worth considering is the Legion Legion 7, having been slashed in price considerably by the maker itself. 

By heading over to the retailer's website you can take home a Legion Slim 7 gaming laptop with a Radeon RX 6800S graphics card for $1,232.50. This is a huge reduction of $767.49 (about 38%) from its typical value of $1,999.99, something that shouldn't be taken lightly. It's also backed up by AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, Windows 11, and a sleek 16-inch display. To gain this discount, make sure to add the laptop to your basket before then applying codes 'EXTRA5' and 'GREETINGS10' at checkout. 

This deal also throws in three months of Xbox Game Pass for free, so you can break in the new gaming laptop with the likes of Halo Infinite, Hi-Fi Rush, and more. For further comparison, we always recommend reading up on the best gaming laptops for 2023, including the likes of Razer, Dell, and Alienware. That said, the Legion brand is still admirable and for this price, it's hard to beat with a graphics card this powerful. 

Today's best gaming laptop deal

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If you're looking for something cheaper then this Lenovo Legion Tower 5 with an RTX 3050 is another cheap option, dropping the price from $1,499.99 to $599.99. It's not as nearly as powerful but is a good budget alternative, offering a saving of $900.  

Want more options? Make sure to check out the best RTX 3070 laptop deals as well as the best RTX 3080 laptop deals on the market. We've also rounded up the best cheap gaming laptop deals in April 2023 to fit all budgets.

Amazon deals have been very hit or miss over the past month but the retailer is returning to form with some fantastic gaming PC deals. The latest of which slashes the price of a top HP gaming PC by almost $500. 

Head over just now and you will come across an HP Envy desktop PC for $1,229.99, accompanied by an RTX 3070 graphics card, 12th-Gen Intel Core i9 processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and Windows 11. This is a major reduction of $470, taking the price down to the cheapest it's ever been at Amazon. Those specs are not to be overlooked, with the cost of those parts purchased separately (even with decent offers) coming close to $1,400, according to our calculations.

As the HP Envy Gaming PC usually retails for $1,699.99, this 28% deduction is certainly a welcome one for sure. It storms into our guide for the best cheap gaming PC deals in April 2023, and will likely sell out fast with demand for these types of rigs always flying off digital shelves.

Even with the RTX 4070 launch coming thick and fast (even if Nvidia won't confirm that), this is still a great value build that will give you solid 1440p framerates until you decide it's time to upgrade things. With that 12th Gen CPU, you'll have plenty of futureproofing for new-gen component upgrades if you even want them. Either way, this is a very capable configuration.

Today's best gaming laptop deals

Additional features worth noting are the 5.1 surround sound, ideal for making the most out of your game audio, alongside the 4 slots that are capable of handling up to 128GB RAM. We're big fans of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070, often citing it as one of the best-value GPUs on the market because of its stellar 1440p and 4K performance output. Anyone making the jump from an RTX 20 series will instantly feel the difference.

More of today's best gaming PC deals

Not quite for you? Make sure to check out the best RTX 3070 PC deals on the market right now. We've also rounded up the best RTX 3080 PC deals as well as the best RTX 3090 PC deals, in case you fancied an upgrade. 

Anyone thinking of picking up a cheap gaming laptop is in luck. Dell is running a clearance sale of RTX 30-series models. The limited-time deals surround the G15 gaming laptops with plenty of different specs to choose from. 

For anyone looking to get into gaming but on a budget, let us draw your attention to the G15 gaming laptop with an RTX 3050 graphics card for $649.99. Usually priced at $849.99, it now sports a super $200 discount (23% price cut), making this an extremely tempting offer. On the other end of the spectrum, anyone happy to spend a little bit more but still get great value for money should look towards this G15 gaming laptop with an RTX 3070 Ti for $1,599.99. A nice $250 discount from the standard $1,849.99 price point makes this more affordable than ever, not to mention its constant decrease in cost over the last year. You also get an Intel i9 processor, 1TB SSD, 16GB RAM and Windows 11 packed in. 

Naturally, the same gaming laptop can be found with specs in between these two models, so take a look and see if anything sparks your interest. It's also worth checking out the best cheap gaming laptop deals for March 2023, allowing you to compare all the latest models on the market. 

Today's best gaming laptop deals

The Dell G15 can be found on our guide to the best gaming laptops on the market, due to its "solid performance" and "range of powerful configurations" as well as it being "sensibly priced". Now with more discounts available as part of Dell's clearance sale, it's a great opportunity to get one of the best machines for less.  

It's worth noting that we did see the Dell G15 gaming laptop with an RTX 3050 graphics card going for $599.99 in January this year. That deal was only available for 24 hours, though. We're also big fans of this Hasee Z8 gaming laptop with an RTX 3060, i7 processor, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD and Windows 11 for $839.99 at Newegg. That offer expires in 16 hours (at the time of writing), so be quick! 

More of today's best gaming laptop deals

Looking for more great deals? Here's where to find all the best RTX 3060 laptop deals on the market, alongside the best RTX 3070 laptop deals as well as the best RTX 3080 laptop deals, so you can explore more RTX 30-Series options.

CES 2023 has brought with it a whole host of new Alienware gaming laptops, and there's plenty new to celebrate this year. Whether you've been eyeing up some new RTX 40-Series graphics cards, or old faithful is starting to buckle under today's releases, it's well worth checking out what's on the horizon for one of the biggest brands in PC gaming. 

Dell's CES 2023 announcements covered both the Alienware X-Series and M-Series of gaming laptops, dropping brand new releases in its existing lines and refreshing one of the newest additions to the gang. The bottom line, though? It's all about size. Rather than reinventing its 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch entries, Alienware has opted to split the difference and bring new 16-inch and 18-inch models to market. The latter monster seems to be a growing trend for this year, with Acer also taking its 18-inch Predator Helios to market in 2023 as well. From the dizzying heights of the Alienware M18 to the luxury of the X16, there's a lot to dive into here. 

Dell produces some of the best gaming laptops on the market already, but it's well-known that even the best Alienware laptops can sacrifice comfortable temperatures for raw horsepower. Last year, Dell developed its cooling systems further, and 2023 takes things to new heights, with Element 31 being applied to both the CPU and GPU in a variety of new configurations and even the dinky x14 R2 chipping in with a Smart Fan system. Such advancements in efficiency have been matched by that typical horsepower, with RTX 40-Series (the 4090 looks to be making its way to the x16) and new generation Intel and AMD processors keeping everything ticking over as well. Whether Dell's caught up with its power-hungry components in its thermal management remains to be seen. 

Overall, though, there's some exciting gear in the arsenal for 2023, with high-end configurations all marked on the calendar for Q1. 

Alienware x16

The most impressive newcomer is the Alienware x16, a middle-man between the existing x17 R2 and x15 R2 models that brings the line well and truly into 2023. Featuring a new Legend 3 design with a Lunar Silver colorway up for grabs, the RTX 4090-capable machine sports a 16:10 aspect ratio with a new 240Hz QHD+ resolution on offer. 

Add in Intel's new 13th generation processors and all that RTX 40-Series power, and you've got yourself a particularly impressive machine. However, the most immediately noticeable upgrade is that AlienFX-enabled precision touchpad. 15% larger than that of the 17.3-inch model, RGB touchpads were a statement feature when the X-Series first launched, though were only available on top-end configurations. Abandoned in the second round of machines, this attention-grabbing feature looks to be back for 2023, though we don't know yet if all models will offer such illumination. 

The Alienware x16 also has another tool in its arsenal - audio. Dell has announced that there will be six speakers in every configuration, including two upfiring tweeters and a dual-woofer in the bass ranges as well - all paired with Dolby certification. 

The first round of high-end x16 laptops will launch in Q1 2023 offering Intel and Nvidia configurations at $3,099. Entry level models will follow later with prices starting at $2,149.99. 

Alienware M16

Don't fancy shelling out for that luxury aesthetic? The Alienware M16 takes the sturdy yet powerful M-Series to a new form factor with its 2023 debut. Dell has announced the middle child to its line at this year's CES event, with the 16-incher offering up 13th generation Intel and the latest AMD Ryzen processors and next-gen Nvidia GeForce RTX / AMD Radeon GPUs. It's not just a matter of size, though, there are some significant performance upgrades under the hood here.

Alienware's Element 31 thermal paste is now applied to both the CPU and GPU to help with heat dissipation, with both components covered by a larger vapor chamber to keep that temperature even lower as well. With four ultra-thin fans in the chassis, Dell estimates that it's increased internal airflow by nearly 25%. The M16 will also ship with user-replaceable DDR5 RAM and configurations range up to four M.2 SSDs, netting you a max of 9TB storage. 

A 16:10 aspect ratio accompanies a QHD+ resolution with either 165Hz or 240Hz refresh rates available on the majority of configurations. If you're looking to push the boat out, the M16 also boasts an impressive 480Hz option as well, though pricing is yet to be revealed. A new FHD webcam, improved hinge, and Cherry MX ultra-low profile mechanical keyboard option are all present and accounted for as well. 

The Alienware M16 will launch in high-end configurations in Q1 2023, starting at $2,599. Additional options will follow later, with entry-level prices starting at $1,899. 

Alienware M18

Then we hit the biggun. The Alienware M18 marks Dell's first move beyond the previous 17.3-inch form factor. This is a massive 18-inch machine, threatening to just nudge the seams of your backpack a little further, all in the name of incredible power and efficiency. Under the hood, you're picking up the same components as the M16 above, with plenty more space to let all those pieces breathe. 

The draw here is that big screen treatment, and the additional cooling and performance benefits found in larger machines by default. The only other difference between the two announcements (as far as we've found so far) is that the M18 will ship with two keyboard options rather than three, doing away with the budget single-zone RGB model. 

Again, the Alienware M18 will launch in high-end Intel and Nvidia configurations in Q1, starting at $2,899. Later, cheaper, builds will be available from $2,099. 

Alienware x14 R2

Last year, Dell introduced the Alienware x14 - a supremely thin gaming laptop with the same luxurious design as its larger siblings but without any of the additional heft. CES 2023 has offered up the next iteration, offering the same minute form factor but with extra attention paid to cooling. Similar to the larger models above, Element 31 is now used on both the CPU and GPU to keep things moving smoothly, though the x14 R2 only offers this upgrade in certain (read pricier) configurations. 

You're still covered even if you drop this extra feature, though, the x14 R2 also employs what Alienware calls 'Smart Fan' control. The individual fans within the chassis can work independently, at different rates, depending on readings from sensors within the machine. 

While the x14 doesn't exactly pack the most powerful graphics cards (there'd be no space for them), it's still an excellent addition to an already zippy machine. Dell has also upped the x14's audio quality, offering Dolby Atmos certification on all models, and boosted the display to offer a 16:10 QHD+ resolution in the lineup as well. You can still expect 13th generation Intel processors, but there's no word on an AMD option at the moment, as well as GeForce RTX graphics. 

The Alienware x14 R2 will launch with Intel and Nvidia entry-level specs at $1,799 in Q1. 

After something a little sooner? We're also rounding up all the latest Alienware laptop deals and our favorite gaming laptop deals of the week as well. Or, if you're more interested in the competition, we're also bringing you all the best Razer laptops and the best Asus gaming laptops available. 

The best Alienware gaming PC options have been serving up space-age goodness and speedy specs for decades at this point. While you could argue you're better off building your own system or even just opting for a cheaper brand, you'll struggle to think of anything that looks quite as quirky as Dell's builds.

At this moment, the best Alienware gaming PC overall is technically the Area-51 since it's now the flagship machine. If you've got deep pockets, you can opt for an RTX 5090 build paired with the latest Intel or AMD CPUs, but you will typically pay more for Dell's boutique machine than you would for alternatives.

It's for that reason that, when it comes to the best Alienware PC for most players, the Aurora R16 still reigns supreme. Dell has dropped the numerical moniker since the conventional-looking machine succeeded the egg-shaped R15, but it's the same setup that will still furnish you with premium GPUs like the RTX 5080 or keep things tame with cheaper RTX 5070 and 5060 options. The choice is yours depending on your budget, and we're here to help you find the right configuration with sci-fi vibes.

The quick list

The best Alienware gaming PC overall

The Area-51 is back, and it just so happens to be Dell's best Alienware gaming PC right now. It wins out thanks to its cutting-edge spec options blended with conventional design elements that make it easier to upgrade, but it does come at an equally monstrous price point.

Design: The main appeal of Area-51 is, without a doubt, its conventional design. That might sound a bit bland for something bearing the Alienware badge, but this rig (mostly) ditches proprietary elements and components. I might look like a larger version of the Aurora R16, and it sort of is, but inside you'll find heaps of space, a standard ATX motherboard, and the option for third-party cooling.

For the most part, you can treat the Area-51 like a regular gaming PC, which means you can upgrade it as you see fit. While you can swap out things like the GPU and RAM in other Alienware models, this specific model won't hit you with many curveballs while doing so. Dell basically makes good on that marketing promise, although you will need a $35 adapter kit to retain elements like the RGB case lighting and front IO ports.

Features: The Area-51 retains both Alienware and regular gaming PC features by still including things like its Cryo-Tech AIO cooler and boutique build vibes, while also allowing you to upgrade it however you'd like. That's both good and bad depending on how you look at it, as it means you're getting a no-nonsense rig, but it's one that honestly feels almost like any other premium system in this price range. Still, power is the focus here, and with build options letting you hit blistering specs via the RTX 5090 and Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K CPU, it trades blows with the very best systems out there.

Performance: I've fully tested the RTX 5090 version of the Area-51, and it's just as beastly as you'd expect. 4K in the latest games is the expectation with this machine, and even Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing on isn't much of an issue. If you take advantage of Nvidia's DLSS Multi-Frame Generation tech, though, you're talking about sky-high frame rates that'll satiate even the very best gaming monitors out there.

The Alienware Area-51 pulls off top-end 4K performance without getting too toasty, with temps rarely reaching beyond 72°C. That's before you even get to making your own tweaks to the build, so while it's targeting DIY enthusiasts, hands-off players will be able to kick back and enjoy ripping frame rates out of the box, no matter the settings.

Verdict: The Area-51 is ridiculously expensive, but when it comes to the $5,000 RTX 5090 system specifically, you'll struggle to find a similar build for less. If you're looking for the best Alienware rig right now, this is it, but you will have to pay a pretty penny for flagship specs bearing the Zeta-head logo in 2026.

• Read more: Alienware Area 51 review

The best Alienware gaming PC for most players

Now that Area-51 is a thing, the Aurora now feels more like the best Alienware gaming PC for most players. The latest iteration still holds onto the same elements as the "R16", and you can still pick from punchy SKUs that pack up to an RTX 5080. However, you're trading absolute power for a smaller case and some Dell proprietary shenanigans that help it stick to a more affordable price point, even though it does just look like a baby version of the flagship.

Design: Dell claims the Aurora R16 runs 7% cooler than its R15 predecessor, and it's 20% quieter to boot. That's going to appeal to anyone worried about high-spec gaming thermals, as the new design allows the build's AIO cooler to perform efficiently. Arguably, it also looks better than previous models, featuring a case that looks conventional. That said, if you're an Alienware fan, you're likely not looking for a down-to-earth system in the first place.

Features: There are a few constants with Aurora gaming rigs, like AIO coolers, custom motherboards, and RGB lighting. That said, the R16 ditches a lot of Dell's usual DNA for a more refined approach, focusing instead on getting the most out of the expensive parts inside than acting like a PC peacock. Now that the company's systems come with DDR5 options and speedy M.2 drives, it feels like Alienware rigs are properly equipped to take on conventional rivals and receive less scrutiny from enthusiasts.

Performance: In testing, the new Aurora provided punchy performance in our benchmark games, hitting higher figures than the R16 in Cyberpunk 2077 specifically. Performance was more than adequate at 4K in the likes of Baldur's Gate 3 too, with averages remaining steady across lengthy gaming sessions. Keep in mind that if you pick up an Nvidia version, you'll also have DLSS at your disposal, enabling you to theoretically double frame rates using AI upscaling and frame generation.

Verdict: I know some of you out there will be disappointed with the Aurora R16's fairly conventional approach to case design. However, when it comes to raw performance and having universal appeal, the Aurora still makes an impression. If you're not reaching for the stars in terms of specs, and aren't fussed about complete upgradability, this is the machine to grab, especially since it's starting price is way lower than the Area-51.

Read more: Alienware Aurora R16 review

The best budget Alienware gaming PC

The Alienware Aurora R15 is a powerhouse pre-build that'll make short work of your Steam library, even at 4K with ultra ray tracing enabled. The rig's lofty specs and curious case design embody the brand's out-of-this-world vibe more so than even the newer Aurora R16, but there are a few caveats to consider when it comes to upgradability.

Design: Dell's Alienware rigs traditionally look a little funky, but the R15 could be the last machine to feature an otherworldly aesthetic. Its space-capsule-inspired case isn't going to be everyone's jam, and you certainly won't be able to lazily sit things on top of this beast. However, its RGB lighting and weird shape are iconic and will turn a few heads at LAN events, should you lug it to any big multiplayer outings.

While there's nothing stopping you from cracking open Dell's capsule PC and tinkering inside, you might find there's little you can actually change. The proprietary motherboard inside only features two DIMM slots, meaning your options are limited when it comes to upgrading RAM. There's also not much space unoccupied within the case, so trying to squeeze different parts inside could be something of a difficult voyage.

Features: Some of the R15's biggest features are tied to its aesthetic, with a custom motherboard and AIO cooler working to provide a unique flair and elevated efficiency. Compared to the R14, Dell says it has increased airflow by 19%, and the resulting GPU noise has been reduced by 32%. Not that you want this rig to blend into the background, which explains why it features flamboyant RGB lighting throughout its design that can be customised using AlienFX software.

Performance: We've put the Aurora R15 through our usual benchmarking tests, and it's clear that the rig has awesome capabilities. Supporting up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, Intel Core i9-13600K CPU, and 32GB DDR5 RAM, we're talking about specs that could rival any machine in the market. The result? Well, the setup can run Cyberpunk 2077 at 147fps at 4K with ultra ray tracing settings enabled, albeit with a helping hand from DLSS 3 AI upscaling.

The Aurora R15 also isn't the quietest system around, but not because it's overly noisy. Its plastic case seems to create strange acoustics that produce an eerie sound, which is perhaps appropriate given its extra-terrestrial design. It also tends to creak a little as internal temperatures rise and fall, which sort of sounds like it's going to transform and take off.

Verdict: The Aurora R15 is the best Alienware gaming PC we've tried to date, and it's got plenty to offer on the performance front. That fact alone might make up for its upgradeability pitfalls, as you probably won't need to even think about switching out its core parts for many years to come. While it's now a few years old, it remains my "budget" pick since you're more likely to find it discounted out in the wild.

Read more: Alienware Aurora R15 review

Best Alienware gaming PCs - Frequently asked questions

Best Alienware gaming PC 2024: Minimum specs to look for

When looking for the best Alienware gaming PC, you want the most bang for your buck as possible, especially when Alienware products aren't the cheapest you'll find. You want to make sure that your rig is futureproofed with solid specs, but what are these? We've supplied our minimum spec recommendations for in 2024 down below.

In particular, we'd look to secure an NVMe, Gen 4 M.2 SSD, as we consider these the best SSDs for gaming. As for capacity, don't get your wallet out for anything less than 500GB. Yes, there are some exceptions. If a prebuilt PC comes with a hybrid storage system, so 250GB of SSD combined with 2TB of HDD, maybe it's alright. But ideally, you don't want an SSD in your machine that's less than 500GB.

Elsewhere, look for a 13th Gen Intel Core i9, or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor, as these are often the best CPUs for gaming. 11th Gen, or 5000 series AMD CPUs are the absolute minimum we'd shoot for in the year of our lord 2024. These chips will perform just fine, but they won't be futureproofed going forward. Also worth keeping in mind, is that DDR5 RAM is only compatible with certain motherboards, and by proxy, will only reach its top speeds with a newer generation CPU.

The choice that will impact price the most, is whether or not you get one of the best graphics cards. At this point in time, we'd recommend an RTX 4060 and above, since these are now readily available and much more affordable. If you've got the budget, you'll perhaps want to pick up a build with a shiny new RTX 4090 inside, as that way you'll be able to smash through system requirements for new releases with no compromise. That said, the new Aurora R16 actually caps out at the RTX 4080, so keep that in mind if you're looking for the absolute best Aurora rig in terms of performance.

In terms of memory, we'd look for 16GB of DDR4 as a minimum. If you can get DDR5, then even better, just make sure your motherboard supports it. It's also worth noting that some builds only come with two DIMM slots, meaning there will be limits on how many modules you can use to upgrade.

Lastly, it's important to highlight that there are major design differences between the the Aurora R16 and previous machines, as the latest version features a more traditional shape and refined cooling system. So, if you'd rather opt for something less flashy, picking up the newest model might make all the difference.

The recently revived Area 51 systems also make for a good blend between old and new, as the premium system is designed to be upgradable. It's perhaps still not as versatile as an ordinary rig since it uses some Dell-specific parts, but it's specs and design certainly cater more to enthusiast needs.

How to choose an Alienware gaming PC

Picking an Alienware gaming PC might feel straightforward, but it's easy to focus on the wrong specs or overpay for an older model. Dell releases new configurations yearly that feature new GPUs and CPUs, and since we're now entering a new graphics card generation with the GeForce RTX 5000 and Radeon RX 9000 series, it's worth double checking specs to ensure you get good value for money.

That's not to say you should automatically pick up the latest Alienware gaming PC. In fact, opting for an older model can save you money while still providing you with fantastic specs. Sure, you won't want to spend top dollar on a machine with an RTX 4090 inside if you can get one with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, but there's certainly a balance that can be struck.

I've been buying PCs of all shapes and sizes at this point, and shopping for Alienware gaming PCs feels like second nature. If you're trying to work out how to choose the right rig, you might want to break the each aspect down into the following categories, as that way you'll get a better idea of what you need.

Price: Naturally, you'll want to come up with a budget before hunting for an Alienware gaming PC. Dell's pre-builds can be pretty expensive, but setting financial boundaries can stop you from going overboard, not to mention it'll help you work out if you should even pick up an Aurora rig or go for another brand with a more approachable MSRP. Once you've got a feel for what's possible with your specific funds, you'll have a better idea of what systems are practically available to you.

Specs: Many of you will want a souped-up system with great specs, but carefully making sure you're getting right components is vital. The last thing you want is to get excited about a machine boasting the latest CPU, only to realize you've picked something with either not enough RAM or a lower tier graphics card than preferred. That's why I like to go through each model's spec sheets and ensure I've selected optimal components for what I need, as it'll save any upgrade frustration in the future.

Design: Every now and then, Dell likes to revamp the look of its gaming PC line-up. Last year, it released a rather conventional looking Alienware Aurora R16 rig that almost looks like a regular rig, and that could be a big turn off for players seeking a space age vibe. If you consider yourself in that category, deliberately aiming for an older model like the Aurora R15 could be a wise decision, while anyone who isn't into weird looking egg shaped cases will want to embrace the latest model.

Upgradability: Dell's gaming machines aren't renowned for their upgradability, but considering future components before buying a machine is wise. If you know for a fact you'll want to completely overhaul your system with new cooling systems, processors, and other fundamental parts, investing in the new Alienware Area 51 will grant you access to a more upgradable design. If you simply want to swap out RAM or a graphics card when the time comes, the Aurora R16 is still good for that without being a complete pain.

Glossary: Alienware gaming PC terms explained

Aurora: The specific brand name given to Dell's newest Alienware gaming PCs. The first model, the Aurora R1, arrive back in 2010, and there has been 16 versions released yearly since then.
AlienFX: The term used to describe the RGB lighting included with both Alienware gaming PCs and laptops. The latest model, the Aurora R15, features what Dell calls a "AlienFX stadium loop" that surrounds the front vent and provides illumination. Customizations can be made via the Command Centre app.
AIO cooler: The liquid cooler used in most mid to high-end Aurora builds that fits straight to the CPU and to either a 120mm or 240mm radiator at the top. Opting for system with liquid cooling will result in lower fan noise and lower temperatures overall.
Cryo-tech: A variant of Alienware's liquid cooling system that features additional RGB illumination and a thicker five-blade radiator.
Dark Side of the Moon: The name given to the black and red colorway included across the Alienware Aurora family. These specific models normally features AMD graphics cards and processors.
Lunar Light: A term used for the white and blue version of Dell's Alienware PCs. The last version to release with this colorway was the Aurora R15 since the newer R16 only comes in matt black.

How we test Alienware gaming PCs at GamesRadar+

Our expert team spends countless hours putting gaming PCs through their paces, and Alienware rigs are no exception. While performance capabilities are at the forefront of our testing, we also closest consider specs, design, features, and price to determine whether a system should make our recommended list.

In a way, gaming PCs are multiple products in one, and our tests involve benchmarking each system's graphics card and CPU in addition to the entire rig. To maintain consistency, we use a set collection of games to collect data on frame rates, temperatures, and general performance, which can be then used to compare against alternatives.

Our a full rundown, check out how we test gaming PCs for more information on our benchmark procedures. Alternatively, take a peek at our hardware policy guide for insight into how we conduct all of our reviews.

You'll also find guides to the best gaming mouse, best gaming keyboard, and best gaming monitor if you're refreshing your whole setup as well.

Now that the Black Friday Alienware deals have landed, it's an excellent time to beam yourself some great savings on these premium PC gaming products. The brand is well known for its high prices but also excellent quality, and don't get huge discounts that often - which makes deal seasons like this the perfect time to get your mitts on them for hundreds or even thousands off. I've already found some great offers across PC, laptops, monitors, and more, so don't miss out!

Alienware as a brand are known for great builds with high specs, created for top level gaming. Which is why, when you see a discount you want to act fast - it's very unlikely the deals you see here will last beyond the Black Friday weekend, and you won't see deals this good at any other time of the year. So if you've been waiting for Alienware bargains now is the best time to buy.

We've been tracking all the best Alienware laptops and best Alienware PCs year-round discounts, and I've been covering these annual sales for years. So I know a thing or two about finding the best offers. You'll find all the best Black Friday Alienware deals 2025 below, along with expert my tips advice for getting the best machine or deal.

The best Black Friday Alienware deals

• PCs: save up to $1,350
• Laptops: starting from $799.99
• Monitors: starting from $179.99
• Keyboards: starting from $74.99
• Mice: starting from $39.99
• Headsets: starting from $94.99
• Amazon: More Alienware offers

UK:

• PCs: £1300 off Area-51
• Laptops: save up to £450
• Monitors: starting from £153.30
• Keyboards: starting from £58.79
• Mice: starting from £47.99
• Headsets: starting from £115.49

Black Friday Alienware PC deals

Black Friday Alienware laptop deals

Black Friday Alienware monitor deals

Black Friday Alienware accessory deals

What to expect from Black Friday Alienware deals in 2025

This year's Black Friday Alienware deals are going to look different whichever way you shake it. With new Alienware Area-51 and Aurora gaming PCs and laptops up for grabs it's all change on these shelves.

Black Friday gaming laptop deals will likely be dominated by the Alienware 16 Area-51, this is the model I've seen offering the best value in sales so far this year. However, if you're after something a little cheaper, the Aurora model has started to shift its price down in more affordable configurations as well. Just make sure you know what you're buying, the 16X Aurora offers far better value than the base 16 Aurora.

An RTX 5070 configuration of the former is usually $300 off day to day, but can take larger discounts during sale events. The price difference between the Aurora and Area-51 models is usually between $700 and $900, so there's a big step in the upgrade.

The world of PCs is a little more straightforward.

There are two models to choose between this year, though the R16 is now just 'Aurora'. Dell has kept the naming conventions between its towers and laptops, though we've only got two tiers to choose from here. An RTX 5080 configuration of the Aurora sits at between $2,700 and $3,200 when on sale, whereas the Area-51 desktop will run you between $3,400 and $4,500 for the GPU.

These are day to day prices, but I'm expecting slightly more off those final rates when Black Friday officially kicks up.

Does Alienware have a Black Friday sale?

You bet. Dell runs its own excellent Black Friday sale every year, and its discounts on Alienware gaming laptops, PCs, and accessories are among the best on the site. We usually see early offers landing around the start of November, with real flash sales kicking off on the big day itself.

We're also expecting to see plenty more Black Friday gaming headset deals, but if you're after more setup accessories, we'd recommend checking out everything we want to see in this year's Black Friday gaming chair deals and Black Friday gaming monitor deals.

Dell early Black Friday deals are here, which means you can already save across laptops, PCs, monitors, and more. Launching weeks ahead of official offers, Dell is slashing prices across a range of devices and rigs, labelling its 'Sneak Peak sale' as official Black Friday pricing. From entry-level starter laptops to blindingly fast desktop PCs, there's plenty to browse here. 

We're seeing many stores open up their holiday sales early. Best Buy, Amazon, and Newegg have all kicked off their discounts with the turn of the month, so Dell's early Black Friday deals certainly aren't without competition. That means we're seeing some excellent prices right now - perfect if you can't quite hold out for Black Friday gaming laptop deals or Black Friday gaming PC deals later in the month. 

Top picks include a 12th-gen i7 configuration of the Dell G16 for just $899.99 (was $1,339.99), and the 240Hz Dell S2522HG gaming monitor for half price - now $149.99 (was $299.99). However, the real headline here lies with Dell's everyday machines. We're seeing an excellent $200 discount on an Inspiron 15, packing a massive 512GB SSD and Ryzen 5 processor for just $399.99 (was $599.99) - that's a price we rarely see on such components. 

There's plenty more where that came from, we're bringing you all the early Dell Black Friday deals worth checking out just below. If you're holding out for the main event, though, we're rounding up everything you need to know about Black Friday Alienware deals as well. 

Early Dell Black Friday deals available now

• Accessories: save up to $100 on chairs, mice, keyboards and headsets
• Desktops: PC towers and all-in-one setups from $419.99
• Laptops: save up to $695 on Inspiron and XPS machines
• Gaming laptops: RTX machines now starting from just $899.99
• Gaming PCs: Aurora machines up to $750 off
• Monitors: displays from just $99.99
• XPS: laptops and desktops up to $800 off

Dell early Black Friday laptop deals

Dell early Black Friday monitor deals

Dell early Black Friday gaming laptop deals

Dell early Black Friday gaming PC deals

More of today's best Dell and Alienware deals

You'll find plenty of the best gaming laptops and the best gaming PCs on Dell's shelves, and we're seeing discounts flying in and out particularly quickly right now. That's why we're bringing you all the latest prices on some of our favorite rigs just below. 

Of course, we're bringing you all the latest discounts on the best Alienware laptops and the best Alienware PCs, as well as the week's top gaming laptop deals and gaming PC deals as well. 

One of the better gaming laptop deals today is on the Dell G15. Dell has discounted two models of the popular gaming laptop, and they both rock the latest Intel 12th generation processors. That's a big deal, and one of the first times we've seen the latest and greatest chips drop this low at Dell. The cheapest configuration sends you home with an RTX 3050 GPU and an i5 model for $899.99 (was $1,149.99)  or you can upgrade to an i7 / RTX 3050 Ti version for $1,099.99 (was $1,349.99) . A saving of $250 whichever you choose, it's a good time to buy one of the best gaming laptops around, especially as you get one of the latest processors included.

As these are Dell gaming laptop deals, it's likely the sale price is limited. In particular, the G15 Intel Core i7 model is listed as offering Black Friday pricing early but it's not certain if that means it'll be this price until Black Friday gaming laptop deals kick off or this is a short-term offer before a return to such prices in November. The cheaper of the two gaming laptops offers a 12th generation Intel Core i5-12500H along with 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD. It has an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card and a 15.6-inch full HD screen with 120Hz refresh rate and 250 nits of brightness. Alternatively, spend the $200 extra on the pricier model and you're upgraded to an 12th generation Intel Core i7-12700H and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card along with the other specs as before. Both offer an Alienware-inspired thermal design and a robust finish so they're built to last. 

You'll find more information on this offer below, along with more plenty more gaming laptop deals further down the page. 

Today's best gaming laptop deals at Dell

More of today's best gaming laptop deals

If you're looking for other gaming laptop deals, we've got all the best ones rounded up for you. Check out the list below to see the internet's lowest prices on a range of different gaming laptops. 

In the market for a new gaming laptop? Check out our look at the best Razer laptops and the best Alienware laptops if you have something specific in mind. If portability isn't essential, there's always the best gaming PCs too. 

Getting your hands on a cheap Alienware Laptop deal is a special find in 2023. These are the best of the best, comprised of the latest and greatest components that are available today. That's why finding a reduction on any of these models can be a little troublesome. 

All things considered, these still aren't cheap Alienware laptop deals - for truly affordable rigs you'll have to move away from the top shelf and look more toward mid-range and budget lines (the M-Series and the x14). Still, we're showing you exactly how to do that, and where to find the best offers today. 

We're rounding up all the latest Alienware laptop deals right here. You'll find all the lowest prices on top and budget models from all around the web right here, so you know you're getting the best value for your cash. We've kept this list trimmed to the machines we know will offer great prices during sale events, though anyone on the hunt for a cheap Alienware laptop will be well served by the current market. These are some of the best gaming laptops available right now, though, so we wouldn't expect prices to be dropping lower than $1,300 / £1,300.

The very best Alienware laptops don't drop to these kinds of prices too often. However, we do spot heavy discounts on RTX 3080 rigs from time to time so if you're looking to invest, it's worth keeping your eye on Dell's own gaming laptop deals. 

• Browse all the latest sales at Dell

Today's best cheap Alienware laptop deals

While these rigs are still pricey, discounts are so frequent that you'll often find cheap Alienware laptops taking price cuts of hundreds of dollars / pounds. You'll find all the lowest prices on the latest Alienware laptop deals just below.

Cheap Alienware M15 laptop deals

With the Alienware M15 R5 and R6 now firmly off the shelves (if you do spot a discount make sure it's cheaper than $1,499 / £1,499 - some retailers are inflating costs), the R7 is taking its time in the sun. We're already starting to see a few discounts rolling in on this 2022 model during major sales events, so it's all to play for if you're browsing at the right time.

The Alienware M15 R7 packs a serious punch but hasn't seen too many discounts since its launch. The last few weeks have been a little kinder, though, with the first rounds of saving starting to trickle in. If you're looking for a saving on the latest and greatest you'll likely find around $100 - $200 / £100 - £200 off on this model at best right now, though that could all change in a few months' time. 

Entry-level configurations (i7-12700H processor and RTX 3050 Ti graphics cards) start at around $1,499 / £1,499 - though we have seen that price dip to £1,360 in the UK before now. 

Cheap Alienware X14 laptop deals

The Alienware x14 may be part of the brand's premium lineup, but with a limited list of configuration options, it's actually already cheap considering its brand and range. The cheapest configuration packs an i5-12500H processor and RTX 3050 GPU for $1,499.99, and the whole spec maxes out at an i7-12700H and RTX 3060. That means this is a cheaper but less powerful model, still packing some excellent display and chassis tech with that luxury Alienware finish, but all at a much lower price.

Cheap Alienware X15 laptop deals

Alienware's X line starts off with the original X15, released in 2021. This model looked to shake up the design of the line, with a thinner, lighter form factor that sits just as well in a backpack as it does on a desk. Starting prices sit at $1,999 / £1,999, so you're getting a comfortably mid-range spec (in terms of Alienware laptop prices anyway). Of course, this machine is still packed with some serious components which means it runs a little heavier than the ultrabooks its design mimics.

Dell is very much leaning into the super slim trend with this release, with a 16.3mm profile. There's also new cooling tech packed in here, with some super smart thermal limiting features to boot. That means you're paying not only for the components inside this premium chassis but also for the engineering to pack all those bits and bobs under the hood.

Since launching in mid-2021, we've started to see more and more Alienware laptop deals hitting this model in the last few months - especially after the new R2 model launched at the start of the year. If you're after this premium model, we'd recommend checking out an RTX 3070 laptop configuration for the best value for money, though if you really want that display to shine you should aim for an RTX 3080 laptop. 

The Alienware x15 R2 is also now on the shelves, but we're not seeing prices dropping quite as far as those on the R1. If you're not fussed about getting the latest and greatest, we'd recommend sticking with the R1 for now. However, if you do want to invest, you'll find all the latest prices on the newer model below.

Cheap Alienware X17 laptop deals

The original 2021 Alienware X17 brought more than just a larger 17.3-inch display to the party, and now that the R2 is out in the wild, discounts are far more forthcoming. You're getting a handful of extra ports (another USB-A, DisplayPort, and LAN), and a mechanical Cherry MX keyboard to support the premium chassis. With all that extra gear, then, you're looking at a much higher price here. Starting prices are set at $2,099 / £2,099, but we've started to see more and more savings hitting this high-end device in recent months, with some offers dropping as low as $1,699.

However, if you're looking for a larger screen but don't want the additional heft that often brings, this is actually a well-priced machine already. 17.3-inch devices usually carry a slightly premium, but the Alienware X17 price isn't too far a shot away from the X15 so the upgrade isn't too much of a leap. That $2,099 base price is just $100 more than the similarly specced X15, after all. 

We are seeing a few more Alienware laptop deals on the X17 these days, so there is a little wiggle room on that premium price point.

Where to find more cheap Alienware laptop deals

There are plenty of retailers regularly offering cheap Alienware laptop deals, in both the US and UK. We'd always head straight to Dell first, as we see regular price drops on more budget-friendly models as well as additional promo codes throughout major sales events as well. However, plenty of big-name stores also stock these machines as well.

US: Best Buy | Dell | Amazon | Newegg | B&H Photo | Adorama

UK: Amazon UK | Currys | Laptops Direct | Overclockers UK | Argos

More gaming laptop deals

While tempting to aim for, we realize that Alienware's premium price point is just too high for many laptop hunters. You'll also have to leave the Alienware line if you're after an RTX 3050 laptop. However, do not fear as we know of a whole bunch of excellent gaming laptops that will bag you power and performance on a smaller budget.

These models are all from excellent manufacturers who have gaming pedigree and have released some of our non-Alienware favorites over the years. Below is our pick of the bunch of those that will offer somewhat of a similar level of performance, but you can also check our guide to Razer gaming laptop deals as well.

We're also rounding up all the best Razer laptops and the best Asus gaming laptops out there, but if you're after something a little more permanent it's worth checking out our guides to the best gaming PCs and the best Alienware PCs in particular.

The best Alienware laptop I've tested so far is the 16 Area-51, a portable rig designed with performance at its forefront. This is a showpiece, with some unnecessary flair, but it also scores the highest in my benchmark tests and comes with the widest array of components all while still saying compact in its footprint.

The Alienware 16X Aurora poses an interesting value question, though. If you don't need the highest framerates from one of the best gaming laptops around, this more affordable entry still offers up excellent performance for the price and comes with its own sleek design to boot.

I've been testing rosters of the best Alienware laptops for years now, putting each one through its paces across both in-game and synthetic benchmark runs. You'll find all my top picks just below and a history lesson further down the page.

The Quick List

The best Alienware laptop overall

My favorite configuration:

The Alienware 16 Area-51 is the best Alienware laptop overall right now, and it's just had an OLED facelift. That's been a long time coming for these machines, they were starting to feel a little left behind compared to the rest of the market.

Design: The Area-51 brings a few new design quirks to Alienware's gaming laptop range, from the transparent viewing window on the underside to the RGB fans and slight iridescent finish on the main chassis. That glass panel isn't going to be seen too often (it's on the bottom of the laptop after all), but the changes are neat when noticed.

I found the softening of the design a lot more impressive. Instead of a large, boxy, sometimes angular, case we've got rounded corners and gradual slopes for a smoother feel overall. It's still among the heavier machines on the market, and comes in at 1.12-inches thick, but it feels more streamlined than previous iterations.

Features: The Alienware 16 Area-51 diverts more of its resources to being a desktop power house. Configurable all the way up to the RTX 5090 and with Intel's latest CPU options, you're getting high-end components here. Those rear ports also give the game away, allowing for an excellent range of connections that all stay out of sight.

Of course, there's also that fantastic keyboard. Granted, I reviewed the mechanical option, but it's well worth considering the upgrade. Everything is clacky and super satisfying here, offering a slightly heavier experience than other models - but one that will offer far greater precision.

Performance: The HP Omen Max 16 did beat the Alienware 16 Area-51 in my benchmarks, though only in certain battles. The RTX 5080 model I tested put slimmer RTX 5090 machines through their paces, often beating the Razer Blade 16 in framerates. That's all for far less than Sneki's top-of-the-range configuration.

Verdict: If you're after high-end performance without a massive 18-inch footprint, the Alienware 16 Area-51 is the best machine on Dell's shelves right now. Prices are fair compared to the rest of the competition, though you do prioritize performance over extra features like display quality.

Read more: Alienware 16 Area-51 review

The best value Alienware laptop

My favorite configuration:

The Alienware 16X Aurora avoids the premium pricing of the Area-51 range while still offering a surprisingly premium-feeling chassis and 60fps+ framerates in most runs. You're capped at an RTX 5070 under the hood, but if you're looking to spend a little less you're not going to pushing much further than that anyway.

Design: The Alienware 16X Aurora still carries some of the more premium design elements over from the Area-51, with a shimmer effect on its main chassis that catches the light between blue and purple in a similar manner. It's a little thinner as well, offering a more portable experience overall, thankfully without the rear cooling shelf of previous mid-range models. An anodized aluminum construction puts it above competitors in its price range from other brands as well.

Features: Alienware laptops aren't known for their high-end displays, but it feels like the 16X Aurora puts a little more emphasis on its face. This IPS panel pops a little brighter than others, with a more vibrant overall appeal and strong color reproduction. There's also a new OLED option for 2026 as well.

Ports are placed to the rear of the device, with a couple reserved for the left flank. This makes it incredibly easy to hide all your wires in a more permanent desk setup, though just note that you're swapping the Thunderbolt 5 of the Area-51 for Thunderbolt 4. That's not going to be much of a problem, it would only pop up if you're planning on connecting to multiple 4K high-refresh monitors, and the RTX 5060 / RTX 5070 wouldn't fare too well anyway.

A comfortable and tactile keyboard finishes this feature list, offering a springy typing feel that stayed slick throughout longer sessions in my testing.

Performance: I tested an Ultra 7 configuration with an RTX 5060 under the hood, and it benched pretty much as expected. You won't get the blistering rates of an RTX 5080 Area-51 here, but with reliable 1080p performance and only a few tweaks required to maintain 60fps in more demanding QHD+ runs you'll be able to run all your favorite titles with ease.

Verdict: Solid performance, a premium chassis, and a price tag that holds its own against the competition makes the 16X Aurora the best Alienware laptop from a value perspective. If you just want to get your games up and running without breaking the bank, this is where you should be looking.

Read more: Alienware 16X Aurora review

The most powerful Alienware laptop

The Alienware 18 Area-51 is a behemoth with the widest selection of configuration options and the heaviest form factor. That means it can ramp all the way up to an RTX 5090 with 64GB RAM behind it, while pushing those components to their limits with ample chassis space and additional cooling. If you're going for framerates over form, this is what you need.

Design: The Alienware 18 Area-51 doesn't want to go on long journeys with you. It wants to replace a desktop PC. This is a massive 4+kg machine, with the footprint of the largest rigs out there, it's not going to sit well in a backpack. Still, with a whole load of space to let those components rev their engines, and handy rear-mounted ports, this machine was made to be left on your desk.

Features: Thunderbolt support (4 for RTX 5070 and below, and 5 for RTX 5070 Ti and above) means you're getting a high-speed connection to an external monitor, and a solid set of speakers means this thing could run your entire desk setup.

It's not for everyone, though.

Leaning hard into heavy grunt work, and with a general lack of display prowess on the battlefield, Alienware has made some sacrifices here. Yes, the 300Hz panel is going to be faster than most gaming monitors, but if you're going for pure immersion it's going to give you far less than a slower Mini LED or OLED experience. The standard IPS is brighter than other Alienware laptops, but it still can't compete with more luxurious panels further down the price bracket.

Performance: Alienware doesn't really care about that for this rig, though, which could explain why it's not included in the 2026 OLED refresh lineup. This is a machine that lives and dies on its performance, whether you're running it solo or as part of a larger monitor setup (I'd recommend the latter).

Verdict: The Alienware 18 Area-51 isn't cheap, but with the brand's highest power output and top of the range components it's going to serve those investing a high-performance-at-all-costs rig particularly well. Just be sure to keep it plugged in.

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How we test Alienware laptops

Finding the very best Alienware laptops is no mean feat. Of course, Dell only produces so many ranges and models per year - but not each one carries its price tag the same way. We run all gaming laptops that pass our desks through a series of industry tests, while working and playing with them for a considerable amount of time in every day life. That way we can accurately judge the value proposition on offer, and determine just how far that price tag will take you.

Our testing covers everything from GPU performance to portability. We use 3D Mark's Time Spy, Fire Strike, and Steel Nomad for an easily comparable benchmark of raw performance, while also testing in-game using Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Cyberpunk 2077, and Horizon Zero Dawn: Remastered. Older Alienware laptops may have been benchmarked with other titles, including Returnal, The Talos Principle 2, and Metro Exodus, but all machines are benched against Tomb Raider and Total War.

Each of these benchmark runs are completed at 1080p and 1600p, across both high and highest settings. We perform each test three times, taking an average score as our final results.

Outside of the numbers, though, we make sure to use each laptop as we would our own. That means running all daily work and play through the machine, both connected to an external monitor and in isolation on a desk. It also means we travel with each rig.

Battery tests are performed in the real world. Each Alienware laptop is charged to 100% before the stopwatch is set. Then we spend one battery run working from the device, with any RGB switched off and display brightness set to 50%. We then do the same with recent games.

You can find more information on how we review the products we recommend in our full Hardware Policy, and we're also showing you exactly how we test gaming laptops for more details as well.

Also tested

How to choose an Alienware laptop

Alienware gaming laptops can get real pricey real fast, especially if you're shopping the more premium X-range. That means it can pay to make sure you're getting the model and spec that closest aligns with your own playstyle and needs. There are four factors to consider when narrowing down your options, and if you work through each one you should find yourself at the perfect Alienware laptop by the end.

Size

Alienware laptops generally come in three sizes these days; 14-inch, 16-inch, and 18-inch. The smallest is designed for more portable play, that's the Alienware x14. It's going to be perfect for those who want to carry a lightweight slimline machine around with them, perhaps for everyday work rather than just gaming. You'll find a power drop in these smaller devices, though, so it's worth balancing your needs in the spec department as well.

16-inch machines are generally considered to be the best for most. They can still travel with you (and do so far easier thanks to newer shelf-less designs in Alienware rigs), but offer plenty of screen space and the internals for some fantastic performance.

18-inch rigs are for those who keep their gaming laptops on their desk, only really moving them when needed. They offer a desktop-like experience with loads of ports, bigger configuration options, and a massive display, but at the cost of portability.

Spec

Next you'll need to get down to the numbers. Once you've chosen which chassis size you're after it's time to fill it with some components. It's worth noting that larger Alienware laptops will give you access to higher powered GPUs, so if you're on the hunt for an RTX 4080 or RTX 4090 build you'll be looking at the M18 or X16. That's only for those really looking to push the highest possible framerates in higher resolutions. The majority of players can easily swing an RTX 4070 for a fantastic time, with the RTX 4060 and RTX 4050 serving up players of lighter or more casual games much better.

You'll need a minimum of 16GB RAM these days, which the vast majority of Alienware laptops will offer, and I'd recommend opting for at least 1TB of storage to keep things free as well. You can move up to 32GB if you want to keep extra systems running (like streaming clients or hardware configuration software).

Your processor is the brain of the operation, with most Alienware options running Intel or AMD's last two generations. An i7 or Ryzen 7 will be the option of choice for the majority of players, but those happy to invest in a faster rig should look for an i9 or Ryzen 9.

Build quality

This isn't so much of a decision around how well you want your laptop to be made, but more about how much you care. Alienware's range is split into the cheaper M-Series and more premium X-Series. Aside from some internal tweaks and additional configuration options, the biggest differences between these two are build materials and price. The M-Series still feels great, but is a cheaper construction overall, whereas the X-Series packs lightweight but sturdy chassis'.

Display

You've already decided on the size of your laptop, so you'll know already how big your screen will be, but there's more to consider here. Alienware sometimes allows its laptops to be configured with different screen specs, often bumping up refresh rates and the expense of higher resolutions. If you're a competitive gamer you can run all the way up to 480Hz on some rigs (an insanely fast display that will handle motion incredibly smoothly), however the vast majority of players should be aiming for a QHD+ panel at either 165Hz or, ideally, 240Hz.

New Alienware laptops

Alienware's 2025 lineup is now fully on the table, with the Alienware 16 Area-51, Alienware 18 Area-51, Alienware Aurora 16 and Alienware Aurora 16X live on the shelves right now. These machines combine new Nvidia RTX 50-Series GPUs with Intel's latest processors, though the amount you'll be spending varies greatly.

At the top of the food chain we have the Alienware Area-51, with both an 18-inch and 16-inch flavor on offer. These machines run from an RTX 5070 Ti up to an RTX 5090, with Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processors, bags of RAM, and a QHD+ display up top. With prices started at $3,099.99 for the cheapest model, though, it's easy to take another look at those Auroras.

These are newer releases, spanning the full range from an RTX 4050 to an RTX 5070. The Aurora 16 doesn't have any Ultra processor configurations, though, and starts out with a meagre (by 2025's standards) 8GB RAM. That's going to be tough to reconcile at a four-figure price tag, no matter how well it's put together.

The best value comes from the RTX 5060 and RTX 5070 configurations of the Alienware Aurora 16X. You're getting the boost up to Intel's Ultra processors, and boosting the speed and brightness of your display as well.

Best Alienware laptops: FAQ

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If you're shopping between brands, check out our guide to the best Razer laptops and best Asus gaming laptops on the market, and our roundup of the latest cheap Razer laptop deals as well. Or, to kit out your new rig, take a look at the best gaming mouse, best gaming keyboard, and best gaming monitor options available now.

The Alienware x15 R2 is the next instalment in Dell's high-end gaming laptop line, boasting top-of-the-range configurations and the range's celebrated slimline design. This is no budget machine, though, with prices kicking off at $2,149.99 for an entry-level model. However, the luxury baked into every corner of this machine is well worth the investment if you're looking for a statement piece to take on the road. 

We took a $3,399.99 configuration out for a spin, stress-testing the i7-12700H processor and RTX 3080 Ti graphics card inside over a period of three weeks to see just where Alienware's latest model sits in the world of the best gaming laptops. 

Alienware x15 R2 design

True to form, the Alienware x15 R2 maintains the subtle but slick aesthetic of the rest of the x-Series line, but it feels considerably more impressive in this 15.6-inch form factor. The 14-inch Alienware x14 is one of the slimmest laptops we've ever tested, but it feels like a lesser feat with that smaller form factor. By contrast, the 17.3-inch model still feels bulky by virtue of that massive display. The x15 R2 has hit its Goldilocks zone, one-upping even the best Alienware laptops before it.

This is a serious slim machine, measuring in just 0.6-inches thick and weighing just over 5lbs. There aren't too many gaming laptops capable of cramming these kinds of specs into a chassis this small, and still remaining light enough to sling into a backpack.

The Alienware x-series employs one of my all-time favorite gaming laptop aesthetics, and while nobody was expecting Dell to deviate from this language with the 15.6-inch release, it's still worth celebrating here. You're still getting that crisp white lid, inset hinge, and soft-touch matte coating all coming together to create a premium feel and clean aesthetic. RGB LEDs are present in a ring around the ports situation on the back, through the Alienware logo on the lid, and in a per-key capacity across the keyboard as well.

Lifting the lid, the clean white top gives way to a matte black soft-touch base. The trackpad included here is a little smaller than other options on the market, but by no means the smallest, however the keyboard layout is one of the most helpful I've come across. That's down to the small column of keys running down the right hand side of the deck, offering dedicated volume controls and a mic mute button. It's rare to find a laptop keyboard that offers these buttons without relying on the function row, making for a particularly smooth everyday experience.

Alienware x15 R2 features

Diving into that keyboard a little further, you'll find a nice set of responsive tappers here. There's a little more resistance to each keypress, which may fatigue over some time if you're planning on typing extensively. However, they snap right back up into position with a clean click making for excellent use during the repeated keypresses of a more intense gaming scenario. 

Alienware also boasts that the new x15 packs four fans and a proprietary 'Element 31' thermal solution to ensure this skinny profile can handle the tech crammed inside it. I'd like to see how many fires I could start without these components, though, as the x15 R2 still runs incredibly hot when at full whack. Those thermal concerns did start to impact performance after around an hour of gameplay on a hard, uncluttered surface so there's certainly room to amp up the cooling even further here. 

There's also a lot of Alienware software pre-loaded onto this system, and most of it can be done away with. The Command Centre is the only program I actively used during testing, providing a clear interface for RGB, fan, and performance controls. 

I was particularly pleased to see the port placement return to the back of the device, though with only a single USB-A, many will have trouble keeping all their accessories connected. I would still expect to see at least two USB-As in this day and age, considering the vast majority of gaming keyboard and gaming mouse models still use this connection. After spending over $2,000 on a laptop, the last thing I would want to do is shell out for a hub just to plug everything into it. Still, there's a Thunderbolt 4 and power-delivery USB-C up for grabs here as well.

One of the Alienware x15 R2's best features is its face. The screen on this thing is particularly impressive, offering up a crisp, bright picture and excellent vibrancy. While the color range isn't quite as expansive as the competition, I was still blown away by the pop of Borderlands 3 and the bright crimson hues of Control. 

Alienware x15 R2 performance

The Alienware x15 R2 certainly posted some impressive numbers in our RTX 3080 Ti configuration. With blazing scores across stress tests like Time Spy and Firestrike, the R2 out-paced an RTX 3080 Razer Blade 15. Considering these two models are generally at the top of the 15.6-inch gaming laptop pyramid, those are some pretty important numbers. In-game performance didn't let up either, powering through heavier games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Metro Exodus without even thinking about dropping below 60fps - and doing so on a gorgeous display to boot. 

From the leaves of the Tomb Raider jungle to the sunset of a Total War: Three Kingdoms battle, everything held up notably well here, with that smooth 360Hz refresh rate ensuring the whole experience was silky smooth on top. 

However, all that horsepower generates some serious heat and, as mentioned earlier, the Alienware x15 R2 still isn't too great at dissipating it. Of course, slimline laptops are universally struggling to keep up with the components being packed inside them, so it's not too concerning the that skinny R2 burns hot. However, this machine grows so hot it does put additional pressure on the system, dropping frames and jittering slightly after a longer period of use. I never noticed any discomfort around the keyboard or sides during these warmer moments, though.

Should you buy the Alienware x15 R2?

If you're looking to invest in a high-end machine that's easy on your backpack straps, the Alienware x15 R2 is tough to beat. In this configuration at least it's capable of some monstrous performance, all while maintaining a super slim form factor and a luxurious design packed with quality of life features. The price tag certainly matches that premium finish, though. 

Starter configurations are already well over $2,000, so if you're after something a little less expensive it might be worth checking out some more budget-minded brands. Gigabyte's laptops regularly pack these top of the range components into smaller price tags by sacrificing chassis luxuries, but you'll also find some solid performance in the Alienware M15 R7 if you're sticking with Dell. This mid-range model can be configured just like the x15, but drops that final flourish to keep the price a little lower. 

How we tested the Alienware x15 R2

I used the Alienware x15 R2 as my main gaming laptop over the course of three weeks, running all my everyday play through the device and stress testing across a range of extra games and industry benchmarks. I played Borderlands 3, Control, Cities Skylines, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider in a casual setting, but used Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Total War: Three Kingdoms, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Metro Exodus for in-game benchmarks. On top of this, I used Fire Strike and Time Spy for stress graphics testing, as well as PC Mark 10, Cinebench, and Crystal Disk Mark for productivity benchmarks. You can find out more about how we test gaming laptops in our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

We're also rounding up all the best Razer laptops on the market as well as the latest Alienware laptop deals for more discounts on top machines. Or, take a look at the week's biggest gaming laptop deals. 

Dell gaming laptop deals are some of the best in the business, often offering excellent component value in its G-Series devices. Unlike Alienware models, these budget-friendly machines can offer up some of the best prices around, and nothing's changed this week. We're seeing the latest iterations (sporting new Intel 12th-generation processors no less) taking some serious discounts in the brand's latest sale. 

The headline offer is a $300 discount on the new Dell G15. You're grabbing an RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, Intel's latest i5-12500H processor, and a 512GB SSD for just $799.99 here (was $1,099.99). That's a fantastic rate considering you'll still be able to draw some serious power out of this more entry level build. 

However, if you're after something with a little more heft, we'd recommend checking out this $200 discount on the RTX 3060 configuration. At $1,399.99 (was $1,599.99), you're investing more in your storage and processor, securing an i7-12700H CPU and a 1TB SSD to keep everything to hand. That, plus the 165Hz refresh rate, make for a particularly valuable configuration at this rate. 

We've listed both these gaming laptop deals just below, as well as a 15.6-inch alternative to the G16, but you'll find plenty more discounts on the best gaming laptops around further down the page. 

Today's best gaming laptop deals at Dell

More of today's best gaming laptop deals

There are plenty of gaming laptop deals on the shelves right now, with many retailers offering discounts on some top models. You'll find all the latest prices on our favorite rigs just below. 

For something a little more premium, check out our guide to the best Alienware laptops. We're also rounding up plenty of Alienware laptop deals and RTX 3050 laptop deals for more offers as well. 

Dell's latest gaming laptop deals have slashed prices on previous-generation Alienware x15 models, leaving us with some stunning offers on machines packed with high-end components. This RTX 3070 configuration is the main event, though. You're saving a full $1,150 here, dropping the $2,749.99 MSRP down to $1,599.99. 

That's a steep fall, and a particularly impressive one considering we rarely see the best gaming laptops on the market packing this graphics card at such a low price point. You're getting an i7-11800H processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD inside, keeping things afloat with a solid bedrock of specs to help that GPU shine. That's in stark contrast to the 8GB / 256GB SSD configurations we often see when luxury machines like this enter the world of gaming laptop deals. 

For reference, we've only ever seen this model cheaper once before, and that was only an extra $100 off. If you missed out on that offer earlier in the month, you're still maintaining a fantastic value here as well. 

You'll find more information on this offer just below, but we're rounding up plenty more gaming laptop deals further down the page as well. 

More gaming laptop deals

There are always plenty of gaming laptop deals floating around the web, you just have to know which models to prioritize in your hunt. We've handpicked some of our favorites just below, and our comparison chart is scouring for the lowest prices every half hour. 

If you're after something a little more specific, we're also rounding up all the latest RTX 3070 laptop deals and RTX 3060 laptop deals as well. Or, take a look at the best Alienware laptops for more on Dell's flagship brand. 

Behold: PS5 1440p support is finally here, and you could embrace that immediately with these awesome gaming monitors from Dell and Alienware - and some at record low prices.

With global PS5 1440p updates rolling out today (September 7th), there's never been a better time to dive in and get a dedicated PS5 monitor, and Dell and Alienware have you covered with a batch of discounted quality screens that will complement your console beautifully. That's on top of being valuable additions as Xbox Series X monitors or in PC setups too.

We've picked out four for your potential consideration today, all within that sweet, sweet 1440p resolution. If you fancy teaming an immersion-enhancing curved screen with your PS5 (we can recommend this) then the Dell S3222DGM 32-inch monitor is down to $299.99 at Dell right now (was $529.99) which as far as we can tell is a lowest ever price. Also at a lowest ever price, but upping the ante a little, is the Alienware AW2721D which is down to $699.99 (from $1,109.99 - according to Dell; though it has maxed out at $829.99 at Amazon over the last six months).

If you can't stretch to that Alienware's pricetag, though, then you can turn back to Dell's own monitor range for some excellent price cuts. First, the perennially popular Dell S2121DGF is down to $299.99 (from $589.99) - this is in our best gaming monitor list, no less - and lastly the Dell G3223D RTS panel is down to $399.99. Dell lists this last panel's MSRP as $719.99, but others list it at $539.99 - either way, this is also a record low price and historic bargain.

Despite Dell using its own MSRPs to display price cuts, these are genuinely good discounts and we've cross-referenced these low prices against other retailers online to ensure we're giving you the best options.

Today's best 4K gaming monitor deals

More of today's best gaming monitor deals

To keep these deals in view of the wider gaming monitor market, check out the latest and lowest prices below on some other screens as dug out by our price-finding squirrels. Or if you really want to check out some budget-friendly monitors then head on over to our guide to the best cheap gaming monitors.

And if you are looking for something more TV-shaped then check out our best gaming TV guide, and our gaming-focused best TV for PS5 and Xbox Series X, and best 120Hz 4K TV pages too.

And to keep up to date with the console's availability, bookmark our PS5 restock page.

Dell is well known for its affordable gaming laptop deals on the G15 machine. However, there's one discount that stands above the rest whenever it pops up. This $469 saving on the RTX 3050 Ti Dell G15 gives us a super low $699.99 sales price on the lower mid-range machine - far better than the $1,168.99 MSRP. 

This is one of our favorite gaming laptop deals of the year, but it only hits the shelves for a few days at a time. We usually only see the base RTX 3050 card in Dell G15 gaming laptop deals at this price point, and often with 256GB of SSD storage (compared to today's 512GB). You'll also find an i5-11260H processor and 8GB RAM under the hood. 

Finding an RTX 3050 Ti GPU in such a well-priced laptop is no easy feat. The crowds tend to flock to this particular saving whenever it's live, so we'd recommend interested parties get involved sooner rather than later. This is a particularly strong price on the best gaming laptop for sheer value, so we wouldn't hang around here. The spec is perfect for anyone after an entry-level machine but doesn't want to sacrifice too much performance from the latest and greatest games. 

You'll find more information on this discount below, and plenty more gaming laptop deals further down the page. 

More of today's best gaming laptop deals

If the offer above doesn't quite suit, you'll find plenty more gaming laptop deals across some of our favorite products just below. If you're after something a little more powerful, though, we'd recommend checking out the latest cheap Alienware laptop deals on the shelves. 

We've been scouring the shelves for more discounts across the full price range this weekend, bringing you the best RTX 3050 laptop deals and RTX 3060 laptop deals as well. For something a little more powerful, check out the latest discounts on RTX 3070 laptops and RTX 3080 laptops as well. 

The Acer Nitro 5 laptop has seen many iterations and featured in many best gaming laptop lists, but this recent addition is certainly a solid entry. 'Why?', you ask? Well, it’s packing a GeForce RTX 3060 GPU, perhaps the best budget graphics card on the market right now, and with a price point of $1,129, it’s certainly one of the more budget-conscious gaming laptops available at the moment.

A shiny new fifth-generation Ryzen processor and a gentle update to the external chassis makes for an appealing package on paper. Looking at the spec sheet, everything else seems to be pretty much what we’d expect from a 1080p RTX 3060 laptop. So how does the new Nitro 5 measure up? Let’s take a look.

Design

This Nitro 5’s physical design doesn’t differ much from older models; the casing is all-black plastic, which picks up fingerprint marks very easily but feels quite resilient considering that this laptop isn’t too heavy at 2.3kg. The power and charge LEDs are set into the hinge, making them easily visible whether the laptop is open or closed. The dual-fan cooling system draws in air at the sides and vents it underneath, meaning that you won’t have hot air blowing on your hand if you’re using a mouse.

Opening up the lid, we see a little more screen bezel than we’d ideally like, but not so much that it ruins the overall aesthetic of the laptop. There’s a nice big trackpad aligned with the spacebar, and the membrane keys are printed in white with thick white borders around those all-important ‘gamer keys’ (that’s WASD, the arrow keys, and the dedicated button for NitroSense, Acer’s system monitoring and tweaking software).

The keyboard on our Nitro 5 has four-zone RGB backlighting, which can be customized but naturally doesn’t allow for per-key addressing. It looks good, though; the LEDs shine brightly through the keycaps and can set to a number of dynamic presets using NitroSense. Some cheaper models of the Nitro 5 come with all-red backlighting rather than addressable RGB.

Features

That RTX 3060 GPU is the star of the show here given its place as a great budget entry into the best graphics card market, but it would be wise not to discount the Ryzen 5800H that serves as the central processing unit of this gaming laptop. An octa-core chip with a max boost clock of 4.4GHz, it promises solid performance in CPU-bound tasks without too much waste heat generation.

Outside the CPU and GPU, we’ve got a respectable 512GB of SSD storage (around 485GB in practice with Windows 11 installed by default) and 16GB of high-speed DDR4 RAM. The Nitro 5 has a decent selection of ports too, with three USB-A and one USB-C joined by an ethernet port and HDMI output for connecting a second display. The charge port is located on the rear edge, to keep your desk free of cable clutter.

Speaking of displays, the screen is actually where the Nitro 5 falls down for us. It’s not terrible by any means; a pretty run-of-the-mill 1080p LCD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate - much needed for esports titles, where framerate means everything - but the color reproduction is lackluster and the maximum brightness isn’t great either, making some games look a bit washed out. Realistic shooters like The Division 2 and Warzone look fine, but the vibrant color palettes of Overwatch and Valorant definitely look better on other laptops. It’s not ruinous, but we expected better.

The keyboard feels pleasant to type on and is suitably responsive for gaming, with minimal flexing in the frame on hard keypresses. There’s a decent amount of travel to these keys and accidental presses were at a minimum during our gaming tests. The trackpad is decent too, with a firm click and smooth surface. The speakers, while perfectly adequate, are not particularly impressive so we’d recommend using a PC headset for gaming.

As mentioned earlier, the Nitro 5 comes pre-loaded with NitroSense, which is less bloatware-y than many manufacturers’ proprietary software. It lets you keep an eye on your component temperatures and adjust fan speed profiles, as well as tweak the RGB lighting and audio presets. It’s simple but easy to use, so it gets a thumbs up from us.

Performance

When it comes to 1080p gaming, this Nitro 5 does a solid job. All but the most demanding games should run comfortably above 60fps at maximum graphical settings, and those that don’t can still achieve it with only a minor reduction in graphics. The RTX 3060 is also ray-tracing-enabled, though great performance with ray-tracing turned on is still largely the domain of the RTX 3070 laptops and RTX 3080 laptops in the portable world, truth be told. Notably, the 3060 demonstrated extremely consistent framerates in all of our game benchmarks, with a bit less performance variation than we’ve seen in other GPUs.

The Ryzen CPU is no slouch either, with solid performance in both single-core and multi-core workloads. CPU-bound games such as real-time strategy titles run reasonably well (see our Total War: Three Kingdoms benchmark scores) and the Nitro 5 exceeded our expectations in the Cinebench test. Startup times are incredibly quick, and we didn’t experience any lag in Windows 11 even with two dozen Chrome tabs open.

Unfortunately, SSD performance wasn’t quite up to snuff. This is a PCIe 3.0 system, so we weren’t expecting staggeringly fast drive speeds, but the sequential write speed of this SSD was surprisingly slow, only just scraping above 0.6GB/s. This almost SATA-level of transfer speeds is thankfully offset by a relatively quick read speed just shy of 2.5GB/s and theoretically shouldn’t cause any issues loading games. It’s something to be mindful of if you’re planning on routinely moving large files around on your laptop or between external drives.

The battery life of the Nitro 5 is also bordering on dismal, with the ‘balanced’ power preset offering less than two hours of gaming on battery power. In Acer’s defence, gaming laptops are hardly renowned for their incredible battery life, but the Nitro 5’s does feel particularly unimpressive. If you’re only planning on using this laptop plugged in - or you can tolerate the reduced performance of eco-mode when on the go - it shouldn’t be an issue for you.

Should you buy the Acer Nitro 5?

As a starter gaming laptop, or cheap gaming laptop, the Nitro 5 is a solid choice. Looking at the performance of our review unit, we’d probably advise against getting one of the cheaper RTX 3050-equipped models, but any version with a 3060 or better should be quite future-proofed for the next few years of game releases.

There are a few pitfalls here that we’d have liked Acer to avoid, but nothing that ultimately destroys the viability of the Nitro 5 as a desktop-replacement gaming machine. It’s also a reasonable choice for productivity, provided you’re not aiming to edit photos or video on that screen, which combined with the fair asking price makes it a good pick for university students or working gamers on a budget. All in all, one of the better iterations of Acer’s default gaming laptop, and a wallet-friendly portable powerhouse.

We're also rounding up all the best Razer laptops and best Alienware gaming laptops on the market right now if you're looking for more portable powerhouses.

Or if you prefer your gaming machines static, then check out the best gaming PC guide. And to ensure your setup is as comfortable as possible, check out the best gaming desks and the best gaming chairs too. 

Gaming PC deals are already hitting the 12th generation Alder Lake Alienware Aurora R13 - Dell has just cut $300 off these impressive rigs for the first time ever. You can now pick up the latest Aurora system for just $1,799.99 (was $2,099.99) - an impressive price considering the RTX 3060 GPU and 1TB SSD. 

The Alienware Aurora line makes up some of the best gaming PCs on the market. This particular configuration sends you home with an  i7-12700F processor with 12 cores, a 12GB RTX 3060 card, and 16GB of DDR5 RAM to boot. Those are some next-gen specs with an unseasonably low price in Dell's latest gaming PC deals. Not only that, but the Alienware Aurora R13 also improves thermal performance for a bigger, better and cooler machine. 

Thanks to its Cryo Tech liquid cooling system, you will never have to worry about this beast overheating, which has a heat exchanger 11% bigger than what's usually available for standard liquid cooling systems. The new design of this rig also optimises airflow through the PC, keeping it as cool as can be. 

You'll find more information on this offer just below, and plenty more gaming PC deals further down the page as well. 

More of today's best gaming PC deals

If the Aurora above doesn't quite suit, you'll find plenty more gaming PC deals available just below. 

Want something a little more portable? Check out the best gaming laptops here. You can also take a look at Dell's own portable powerhouses with the best Alienware gaming laptops. Alternatively, you can see what the competition is up to with the best Razer laptops.

Which gaming PC brand you should buy is a question as old as the platform itself, and with so many options available on the market in 2022, it can be easy to get lost in the haze. That's where we come in. We've combined both our knowledge and hands-on experience to discern which of the best gaming PC brands are right for you. Whether you're taking your first leap into PC gaming or are after a suitable replacement rig, we've got you covered with everything you need to know. 

Now, it should be known that gaming PCs are typically always going to be significantly more expensive than the likes of Xbox Series X stock or PS5 stock, and that's unlikely to change. This makes the gaming PC brand of choice particularly important, as any way you slice it, it's still a sizable investment even on the budget end of the scale. This is especially true when factoring in configurations running the likes of the best CPU for gaming and best graphics cards for gaming, as the faster and more powerful a rig is, the pricier it becomes. 

Another important factor to which gaming PC brand you should buy is going to depend on the storage, especially if you've been eyeing up one of the best SSDs for gaming and best RAM for gaming. Setting your sights on the fastest respective models inside a prebuilt system is going to make for an overall smoother experience. This is why we recommend strongly considering a build with an NVMe SSD if possible. It's now rare, even in cheap gaming PCs to only feature HDDs, so you should be covered here as long as you give things a more thorough look. 

Whether you've been curious about which gaming PC brand you should buy for a while or are just want to see what's available now, you'll find our top picks below.

The gaming PC brands to consider in 2022

Of all the companies making gaming PCs right now, we've managed to nail down to the best four to suit most budgets and preferences. Here's the gaming PC brands that we consider to be the best and why. 

Alienware makes some of the better prebuilt gaming PCs on the market right now, and they're generally available in four configurations at the time of writing: the Alienware R10, R12, R13, and R14. The Alienware R10 and R14 are built upon the newest Ryzen processors, the Ryzen 5000 series, and the Alienware R12 and R13 feature up to both 11th and 12th-generation Intel Core processors respectively.

As a general rule, the R10 and R12 machines (being the older of their two respective generations) tend to go on sale more frequently and with deeper discounts. All Alienware Aurora gaming PCs can be bought as listed or customized to add things such as more RAM, a different graphics card, or increased storage capacity. This makes the manufacturer one of the easier choices to recommend in terms of which gaming PC you should buy, as you're getting technologically relevant parts with an extended warranty from a trusted seller.

Alienware is a go-to gaming PC brand for good reason, as Dell's craftsmanship combined with reliable customer service make for a great user experience. What's more, you're benefitting from a suite of specialist software which not only easily controls things like the cooling or the lighting, but makes such tasks easier to understand than some other brands. 

Buy if...

• You want something ready to go out of the box 
• You're after a PC to last several years 
• A manufacturer's warranty is important to you

The Acer Predator Orion line's biggest advantage as a prebuilt is that the entry-level models are very aggressively priced, particularly the Orion 3000 models (of which many configurations are available). In the mid-range, you've got the Orion 5000, and the higher end of the scale is reserved for the Orion 7000 and Orion 9000 models. 

A major benefit that the Acer Predator Orion series has over some other prebuilt machines is that they are very easy to modify, being housed inside standard mid-tower cases. This means that it's less trouble to open them up and add more RAM or swap out other key components with minimal messing around, thanks to the lack of any custom-machined housings. 

As a result, this is the gaming PC brand that you'll want to buy if you are after a more traditional prebuilt with less bloatware onboard than some others. We've had a lot of good things to say about various Acer Predator Orion gaming PCs, such as our glowing write-up in our Acer Predator Orion 7000 review, where we described it as "nothing short of exceptional".

Buy if... 

• You want a competitively priced rig
• Upgrading in the future is of interest to you 
• You want a more traditional gaming tower

The Corsair One series is right up there with the most powerful, and most expensive, gaming PC brands on the market right now. That premium price tag is due in part to the small form-factor of the machines themselves. What makes the Corsair One stand out from other premium PC builds is the small, console-sized chassis, being not much bigger than that of an Xbox Series X. 

Aside from the physical presence of the Corsair One series, there's the hardware inside which is usually always top-of-the-line as you would expect for machines that can carry price tags of $5,000 in some instances. We praised the newest of the line in our Corsair One i300 review for its outstanding thermal performance, quiet operation, and compact nature. 

Corsair's foray into PC building hardware is defined by specifically engineered hardware to accommodate for proprietary components. When you buy a Corsair One PC, you're also getting some of the company's best case fans, AIO water cooling, and chassis design, too. 

This is the gaming PC brand for you if you're after a rig which would be just as at home on your desk or under your TV in the living room. 

The only real drawback, however, comes at the cost of the design itself, as it's virtually impossible to upgrade or get inside for upgrading/replacement purposes. This means that you're beholden to what's in the machine for the duration of its lifespan. With that in mind, though, there are so many Corsair One models on the market that finding exactly the CPU, RAM, and storage space that you want shouldn't be much of an issue at all. 

Buy if... 

• You want top of the line hardware 
• The console-sized form factor appeals to you 
• You want reliable Corsair components inside

The HP Omen series of gaming PCs are built with the ethos of being understated and surprisingly affordable for what your money gets you. Unlike some other prebuilt brands in this roundup, it is more than possible to buy a decent spec unit for well under the $1,000 mark, making the entry-level options viable for those on a budget.

You can find the HP Omen line available in many different setups, from the cheapest of the lot being the Omen 25L to the more enthusiast-marketed Omen 40L and Omen 45L. The only real downside that we can tell you about the Omen line is that the internals can be a little cramped, making upgrading a little challenging, but not as difficult as other builds. 

Naturally, the more you push the components inside, the pricier things are inevitably going to get. However, we've generally seen that the scale of the price-to-performance ratio carries over very well for what's inside machines in our experience. Take our HP Omen 30L review, for example, where we said that it was "a gorgeous piece of hardware". 

Buy if... 

• You have a specific build in mind 
• You're after a quiet gaming PC 
• You are fond of the aesthetics 

The best boutique gaming PC brands

If you want to get your hands on something which you can get inside to chop and change, then you might be more well suited to a boutique built gaming PC. These brands do not manufacturer their own hardware, but instead will use consumer grade components on the market, such as air coolers, AIOs, specific RAM kits, etc, for more personalized machines

Perhaps the most prolific name as far as boutique-built gaming PCs go, ABS is exclusive to Newegg and consistently delivers some of the cheapest machines featuring today's hardware. Chances are if you're searching for the likes of an RTX 3070 PC or RTX 3080 PC specifically, then an ABS built-rig is going to be significantly more affordable than some other listings. 

Price aside, you can generally find the ABS line available in three key variants depending on the amount of power you want; ABS Master (entry-level), ABS Gladiator (mid-range), and ABS Legend (enthusiast). Generally speaking, prices are going to start from around the $999 range and escalate up as high as $4,999 depending on the hardware.

Basically, ABS is the boutique-built gaming PC brand that you'll want to be aiming for if you're after aggressively priced machines with no bloatware from a reputable seller. It's very much a case of what you see is what you get with them. 

• ABS Master | Entry-level rigs from $999.99
• ABS Gladiator | Mid-tier machines from $1,199.99
• ABS Legend | Enthusiast models from $2,999.99

Buy if...

• You want an aggressively priced gaming PC 
• Specific components are important to you 
• You want an unmodified user experience free of bloatware

Skytech Gaming is one of the more well-established boutique gaming PC brands you can buy at the moment. What makes it stand out from the crowd is that you can typically find the likes of the Skytech Azure, Chronos, Prism II, Shadow 3.0, and Archangel 3.0 through not only Amazon but trusted retailers such as Best Buy, as well as going direct. 

A major advantage aside from the visuals is that listings commonly detail everything that's inside of the rig. This means you're able to see exactly what wattage PSU is inside, how fast your RAM is going to be, and which motherboard the system is built on before you make a purchase. Transparency is always appreciated here.

We've been fond of Skytech Gaming PCs for some time now, especially for the more aggressively priced mid-range options. You can typically expect to find RTX 3060 and RTX 3070 enabled configurations for some of the cheapest rates online, too. This is the gaming PC brand for you if you're after something stylish that won't cost the Earth. 

• Skytech Blaze II | Best Buy | Amazon 
• Skytech Shiva | Best Buy | Amazon 
• Skytech Shadow 3.0 | Best Buy | Amazon 
• Skytech Prism II | Best Buy | Amazon 

Buy if...

• You're after a stylish custom gaming PC 
• You are working with modest budgets 
• You have specific configurations in mind

Chances are if you've ever browsed the likes of Amazon or Best Buy then you'll no doubt be familiar with iBuyPower. The company's rigs are featured heavily in the search for custom gaming PCs and have a good reputation for delivering on what you're paying for. Perhaps most known of the brand's line-up is the Slate MR, but there's also the Trace MR, and the Gamer Xtreme lines which are perennially popular. 

Due to just how expansive the coverage of iBuyPower machines are across many retailers, it's very easy to find a respectably priced rig rocking enough power to suit most budgets. While iBuyPower does deal in the higher-end of things, arguably, its biggest plus is how various models cater to the entry-level and mid-tier buyers. This makes iBuyPower's gaming PCs ideal for a first time PC gamer, or a suitable replacement to buying the parts yourself. 

• iBuyPower Slate MR | Amazon | Best Buy 
• iBuyPower Trace MR | Amazon | Best Buy 
• iBuyPower Gamer Xtreme | Amazon | Best Buy 

Buy if... 

• You want a custom gaming PC from a reliable brand 
• You're after something entry-level or mid tier 
• You want peace of mind of buying from trusted retailers

Frequently asked questions

With PC gaming being quite the investment at the best of times, we've combined our knowledge and experience to tackle more of the internet's burning questions. 

Make the most of your new gaming PC with the best gaming monitors, best gaming keyboards, and best gaming mouse. Plus, if you want to know whether you should overclock your PC, we have the answer.

And so it begins: OLED technology has finally arrived for the PC in the form of the Alienware 34 AW3423DW, a stunning new gaming monitor and the first of its kind for the PC and the internet's best gaming monitor lists.

The basic form factor is familiar enough. The 34-inch panel, for instance, has a gentle 1800R curve and 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio. Some of the specs are relatively routine, too, like the 175Hz refresh, which is quick but hardly world-beating, and 3,440 by 1,440 native resolution. But that OLED panel. Oh boy. It’s something special. We’ll dig into the details momentarily, but figures like the 0.1ms claimed pixel response and 1,000 nit brightness hint at just how extraordinary this monitor might be. A literal game-changer? Time to find out - but you can order it from Dell if you're sold already. 

Just before we get into it properly, however, it’s worth noting that the Alienware 34 AW3423DW isn’t really suitable for console gaming. It’s not unusable in that context, but it’s a lot of money to spend for a suboptimal experience; it really isn’t designed for console use.

Design & Features

Front and centre is the 34-inch ultrawide OLED panel, enhanced by quantum dot technology for even more vibrant colours. OLED tech has two obvious advantages over the LCD panels used in almost all gaming monitors to date.

First, OLED screens are much faster, as that 0.1ms response implies. That makes it at least five times faster than the best LCD monitors, on paper. In practice, the gap is even bigger. An OLED pixel can go from completely off to fully on in around 0.1ms, whereas an LCD pixel takes five times longer to complete just part of that transition, and more like 10 to 20 times longer to complete it. There is no comparison.

OLED panels also have full per-pixel lighting. Each pixel is its own light source and can be switched off entirely, in effect delivering perfect black levels and infinite contrast. By comparison, LCD monitors muck about with various forms of local dimming to compensate for light bleeding through pixels that are supposed to be switched off. That’s never going to be as good.

Anyway, Alienware rates this monitor at 1,000 nits peak brightness, which is very impressive for an OLED panel, though as we’ll see, it’s a slightly misleading claim. Other than the OLED panel tech, other highlights include Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate (and thus an easily earmarking it as one of the best G-Sync monitors of this year too), impressive colour accuracy with 99.3 percent coverage of the demanding DCI-P3 digital cinema space, 175Hz refresh, and three-year cover for the risk of OLED burn-in, which is reassuring.

As for connectivity, two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort socket are provided. However, the HDMI interfaces are limited to 100Hz refresh, which is part of the reason why this screen isn’t a great choice for a PS5 monitor or Xbox Series X monitor. The Sony PS5, in particular, also doesn’t support the 21:9 aspect ratio.

Performance

The new Alienware 34 AW3423DW is a tricky display to assess. First impressions on the Windows desktop underwhelm. For starters, the pixel density from the 3,440 by 1,400 native combined with the 34-inch proportions isn’t impressive. What’s more, in SDR mode, the panel looks a bit dull, even at maximum brightness. 1,000 nits? Not even close.

Unlike a lot of so-called HDR monitors based on LCD tech, this OLED monitor needs HDR enabled to strut its stuff, even with SDR content. Two HDR modes are included, HDR 400 True Black and HDR Peak 1000. The latter allows for higher peak brightness in small areas of the panel when displaying HDR content, but actually looks less punchy most of the time.

It’s the HDR 400 True Black mode that works best more often. And, boy, does it ‘work’. Firstly, the response is incredible. We’ve never seen the classic TestUFO pixel response animation look so crisp. It’s remarkable.

In game, it’s just as impressive. Everything stays so clear and sharp, no matter how quickly you rip your mouse across the mat. Then there are the colours. And the contrast. Suddenly, just about every LCD monitor we’ve ever seen looks a bit watery and translucent, as if you’re viewing everything through a filter. This OLED panel really does deliver incredible depth, stability, and clarity of in-game image thanks to that per-pixel lighting.

Take CyberPunk 2077. We’ve never seen it looking so fabulous in HDR mode. With many supposedly HDR-capable LCD monitors, it actually looks better in SDR mode. Not here. Whether it’s searing shafts of sunlight in outdoor scenes or the contrast between inky blacks and neon lights in moody indoor bar settings, the impact is spectacular. 

Deathloop looks outstanding, too. The colours pop, the contrast really draws you in and the incredible response keeps everything looking so crisp. Speaking of speed, even Call of Duty: Warzone looks fabulous, and that’s not something we’d normally say. There’s almost no softening of the image no matter how fast you whip the camera around to the next target.

For context, all this doesn’t suddenly mean that a really fast LCD monitor is awful. Indeed, when it comes to latency, an LCD panel with a much higher refresh will be superior. Latency tends to be a weak point for OLED technology and though we didn’t sense any subjective lag, if online competitive shooters are your thing, this panel won’t be ideal. But once you’ve seen what this Alienware can do in terms of contrast and HDR performance, it’s awfully hard to forget.

For the record, SDR content looks fabulous in HDR 400 mode, too, provided you bump up the SDR brightness setting in the Windows Display Settings Menu. In fact, that’s how SDR content looks best, so once you have the AW3423DW setup up properly, you’re done. You don’t need to switch modes for SDR and HDR content.

If you’re worried about OLED burn-in, look closely at the AW3423DW’s panel and you’ll see that it’s over-provisioned with pixels to the tune of about 20 on both axis. This allows Alienware to shift the image every so often to reduce the risk. It’s a bit like wear levelling in an SSD. That said, only time will tell how well it all holds up.

As for other OLED quirks, we sense the general panel brightness varies slightly according to what is on the screen. This is an ABL (Automatic Brightness Limiter) system doing its thing to control overall power consumption and protect the panel. It’s fairly subtle but worth noting.

Overall - should you buy it?

Gaming monitors will never be quite the same again. The Alienware 34 AW3423DW sets new standards for contrast, HDR performance, and response thanks to its OLED panel. We’ve been waiting an awfully long time for OLED to arrive in a gaming monitor, and it hasn’t disappointed.

That said, this monitor isn’t an all-round triumph. At this price point, there are far better screens for multi-purpose computing. The relatively low resolution and pixel density ensure that, as does the lack of USB-C connectivity. If you demand the very last word in low latency, this probably isn’t the best choice, either. But for most types of gaming and provided that no long-term quirks and issues arise, including burn-in problems, this is surely as good as it gets. Here’s hoping this is just the first step towards a brave new age of OLED gaming for the PC.

To round out your gaming screen research, be sure to check out the best 4K monitors for gaming, the best 120Hz 4K TVs, and the best gaming TVs to ensure you're across all your options.

Dell currently has some incredible savings on Alienware PCs, with $900 off on some impressive rigs. If you've been looking to upgrade and get a considerable saving, Dell has you sorted. We've picked two of our top deals for you to check out. 

Now, this is one of the biggest savings we've seen in a while; with $900 off the Alienware Aurora R12 Gaming Desktop, this PC is packed. This unit is impressive with an 11th Gen Intel i9 Core processor, their best one yet, and an RTX 3060. While it does not come with the latest RTX GPU, the 3060 is still a solid GPU option for 1080p and 1440p gaming. This also comes with an incredible 32GB RAM, meaning this PC won't slow down anytime soon. And to tie it all up, it has a 1TB SSD. This PC was listed as $2,399.99, but it's now down to $1,499.99, which is essentially a steal for what you're getting. 

The Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 Gaming Desktop comes with another significant discount. This rig currently has $640 off, now being just $1,499.99. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 5800 processor, one of the best from AMD, and an NVIDIA RTX 3070 GPU, which is a significant upgrade from the 3060. The 3070 can produce 1440p and 4K resolution on some of the best games, making this deal incredible. Defiantly a must pick if you're looking for the best gaming PCs, and certainly one of the better Alienware gaming PC deals we've seen recently.

If these options don't fit the bill, don't miss the other offers we've found below.

Want something a little more portable? Check out the best gaming laptops here. You can also take a look at Dell's own portable powerhouses with the best Alienware gaming laptops. Alternatively, you can see what the competition is up to with the best Razer laptops.

Dell has fantastic XPS 13 laptop deals running this weekend with up to $400 off popular productivity machines. If you're thinking of upgrading your old model or wanting a new laptop altogether, then Dell has you sorted. 

The deepest discount of Dell's laptop deals is reserved for the XPS 13 Touch laptop which is down to just $1,149.99 (was $1,550). This is a great price for a high-end ultrabook, as this machine features an 11-gen i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The specs here mean that the Dell XPS 13 Touch is insanely fast, with a 1-second start-up time thanks to the M.2 SSD. 

Alternatively, you can forgo the touchscreen, as an XPS 13 laptop is available without this functionality for just $1,079.99 (was $1,300) for $200 off. It's a similar spec, the same Intel Core i7 CPU and 16GB RAM, though the trade-off for that extra discount is half the hard drive space, with a 512GB SSD instead of 1TB. It's still more than enough for any workload, though.

As far as more affordable laptop deals go, you can also get the XPS 13 Touch laptop with an 11th generation i5, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD for just $849.99 (was $1,050) for a $200 saving. This is an incredible price on a machine of this spec. The biggest standout is the 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor as opposed to an older, slower CPU combined with the touchscreen. 

Today's best Dell XPS laptop deals

All these laptops are part of Dell's Evo Series, designed to be lightweight and thin but not skimping on the performance, graphics, and battery life. All of these XPS 13 models have a 13.3-inch 3-sided InfinityEdge screen and a full HD display. No password is necessary with this laptop as it uses your fingerprint to start it up, making them ideal for home working and at the office. 

More of today's best laptop deals

Should you want more laptop deals, our price comparison technology has you covered with many of our favorite models at great rates. 

Complete your working setup with the best gaming chairs and best gaming desks or the best standing desks. 

Dell's gaming PC deals are currently offering up a massive $900 discount on the Alienware Aurora R12 today. 

This specific Alienware Aurora R12 configuration features an 11th gen i9 CPU, RTX 3060 GPU, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB NVMe SSD for only $1,499 (was $2,400). While it is not unheard of to find an RTX 3060 PC deal at this rate, we hardly, if ever, see the Intel Core i9-11900F or 32GB RAM at this price point. This is one stellar gaming PC deal that you're not going to want to miss. 

Usually, we're more used to seeing rigs running an i7 chipset and 16GB RAM at this price point, so you're benefitting from some serious power under the hood here at a very aggressive rate. Double the RAM is going to be immediately noticeable, especially when factoring in the 12GB VRAM afforded by the RTX 3060, so everything will tick over nicely. 

If you want to go all-in on AMD, however, then there's also the Alienware Aurora R10 Ryzen Edition with an AMD Ryzen 9 5900 CPU, RX 6700 XT GPU, 32GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD for just $1,899.99 (was $2,530). Machines with this hardware scarcely feature a CPU as powerful as the 5900, instead usually running the 5600x or 5800x, so you're getting top-of-the-line processing power here. 

Should you be after more of the best gaming PCs on a budget, however, we're also frequently rounding up the best cheap gaming PC deals, with options starting from just $629. 

Today's best gaming PC deal

More of today's best gaming PC deals

For more gaming PC deals, you can find some stellar rates on some of our favorite models down below. 

Enhance your gaming PC experience with the best gaming monitors, best gaming keyboards, and best gaming mouse. 

Dell Presidents Day deals have arrived, and I reckon today is the perfect time to go hunting for PC and laptop offers. The event serves as a nice excuse to slash prices on a variety of different devices including Alienware Aurora rigs, laptops, and systems for general use, and the holiday is making good on the same kind of offers provided in previous years.

If you wander over to Dell's website, you'll find some of the best Alienware gaming PC builds and a bunch of other gadgets with great Presidents Day deals applied. Some of my favorites include up to $200 off the excellent Alienware Aurora R16 and gaming laptops from under $700. Even some of the tech giant's best gaming monitor options are plummeting in price, so now is the time to strike if your setup needs a revamp.

Below, you'll find everything you need to take advantage of Dell's discounts in 2025. We'll be keeping tabs on savings leading throughout the main event, saving you from doing any of the start of week leg work. If you're looking for a wider spread of offers, make sure to swing by our Presidents Day sales for gamers page for a big selection of price cuts across the board. If you don't see anything that catches your eye, make sure to check back in as we draw closer to the main event, as more offers will emerge.

Quick links

• Laptops: starting from $249.99
• Laptops: starting from $699.99
• Gaming PCs: rigs from $1,899
• Monitors: starting from $59.99
• Accessories: mice from $24.99

The best Dell Presidents Day sales

Dell Presidents Day sales: FAQs

If you're using the Presidents Day sales to fully revamp your setup, it's worth checking out the best gaming headsets, best gaming mouse models, and best gaming keyboards available right now.

Dell has consistently been offering some of the deepest gaming laptop deals around, and today's offers are no different with up to $1,030 off machines featuring the latest RTX 30 series GPUs. 

You can currently get the Alienware m15 R4, complete with an i7 CPU, an RTX 3070, and a 300Hz display for just $1,469.99 (reduced from $2,500). That's a huge discount of $1,030 off the MSRP, making it one of the more aggressive RTX 3070 gaming laptop deals we've come across in some time. While it's not uncommon to find machines at this price point, you're benefiting from Alienware's stellar build quality and lightning-fast screen here. 

On the more modest side, fans of AMD architecture can get the Alienware m15 Ryzen Edition for only $1,126.99 (down from $1,500). It's one of the best gaming laptops on the market and features the powerful Ryzen 7 5800 CPU, the RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, and a 165Hz panel. It should be stated that this deal is being claimed quickly, so slow and steady doesn't win this race if you're after a well-priced Ryzen rig. 

For fans of cheap gaming laptop deals, the Dell G15 is a value proposition that's hard to beat at $832.99 (discounted from $1,085). While this model is as entry-level as they come, the hardware here is more than respectable for the money. There's an 11th-gen i5 CPU, whereas it's normally 10th-gen inside for this rate, and you're also getting a 512GB SSD for double the storage of what's typically available around the $830 range.

Today's best gaming laptop deals

More of today's best gaming laptop deals

Our price comparison software is always on the hunt for more great gaming laptop deals in all shapes and sizes, as you can find below. 

Complete your setup with the best gaming monitors, best gaming keyboards, and best gaming chairs available now. 

Nobody can claim right now that Dell has been sleeping on the job. The previous iteration of Alienware’s flagship 17.3-inch gaming laptop has barely been out for a year, and Dell is already pushing ahead with a shiny new version, naturally packing the latest in hard-to-find GPUs.

Yes, the new Alienware x17 R1 is a full-blooded RTX 3080 laptop under its sleek chassis, backed up by a powerful octa-core Intel processor and all the other internal hardware one of the best gaming laptops and one of the best Alienware gaming laptops needs. All of this is wrapped up inside a carefully redesigned exterior, promising to blow its predecessor out of the water. Of course, that performance comes at a price; our review model breaks through the $3,000 / £3,000 barrier and overall options start their prices at around $2,200 / £2,100.

Design

While it’s not a wild reimagining of the iconic Alienware laptop design, the x17 R1 does have one unique hook that grabs the eye as soon as you boot it up. The trackpad - a dull black rectangle on previous models - is now a vibrant RGB quadrilateral! Shockingly, this doesn’t improve your gaming performance, but it sure does look good.

Elsewhere, the RGB lighting seen in older iterations is still kicking. In addition to per-key RGB across the keyboard, the Alienware logo glows gently and a large ring of lighting surrounds the ports on the rear of the chassis. The exterior finish is a clean, familiar white (sorry, ‘Lunar Light’) while opening the lid reveals a black interior, all the better to showcase all that RGB - and to focus your eyes on the on-screen action.

The hexagonal venting above the keyboard also makes a return from previous versions, but hidden beneath it is a new proprietary cooling system. Dell reckons this is a pretty big deal; four internal fans and a specially-designed thermal interface material means that the x17 R1 should run cooler than its ancestors - although the bar is admittedly low there.

Features

While it can be purchased with a conventional 1080p display, our review model of the x17 R1 has a 4K panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 4ms latency. And what a gorgeous screen it is; colours are incredibly bright and vibrant, and gaming landscapes look absolutely stunning with the power of one of the best graphics cards, the RTX 3080, behind them.

In addition to the impressive display, Dell gives customers some different options for the keyboard too. Our unit has a traditional laptop membrane keyboard, which feels pretty good for both typing and gaming, but for an extra hundred or so dollars or pounds, you can spring for a mechanical version using Cherry MX ultra-low-profile switches for a superior gaming experience - something that evokes the feel of one of the best gaming keyboards.

Joining the GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card is an Intel Core i7-11800H CPU, 16GB of high-speed RAM, and a 512GB SSD. The latter two of these are upgradable to 64GB and 2TB respectively, although that naturally leads to a further price hike.

The new cooling system means that some of the ports have been repositioned to the rear of the laptop, leaving just the charging port and headphone jack on the left and right sides respectively. At the back, we’ve got a healthy selection: Two each of USB Type-A and Type-C (one of which is Thunderbolt 4 enabled), HDMI 2.1, microSD, Ethernet, and mini DisplayPort.

Beyond that, there’s not much else to highlight; the x17 R1 is already a powerhouse, and it doesn’t need many bells and whistles to show off. Killer Wi-Fi 6, an IR webcam with Windows Hello support, and a TPM 2.0 chip for Windows 11 support all serve to round off the package.

Performance

It should come as no surprise to anybody that the Alienware x17 R1 is among the best of the best when it comes to gaming laptop performance - pushing the likes of the best gaming PCs even, and echoing the level of performance that you'd get from Alienware gaming PCs, too. Although the Shadow of the Tomb Raider test gave us some unexpectedly low results during 1080p testing, we found that the x17 R1 never dipped below 60fps at 1080p and 1440p resolutions in any of the games we tested.

At 4K, we get a slightly different story, but nothing that really surprised us. This compact RTX 3080 can’t quite keep up with its chunky desktop siblings, but it still offers incredible performance for a laptop GPU. Everything we tested was playable above 30fps at 4K, with esports titles like Overwatch running comfortably above 60fps. Engaging RTX settings in compatible games did result in a performance tradeoff, but not as bad as we saw in previous-gen GPUs.

The processor seems to be holding the x17 R1 back somewhat in certain games; for example, strategy title Total War: Three Kingdoms is CPU-bound, and didn’t perform quite as well in benchmarking as the other games we tested. To verify this, we monitored processor temperatures and also tested Total War: Warhammer II, which saw similar results and a toasty CPU.

So, how does that flashy quad-fan cooling system hold up? Well, this laptop certainly does get warm while running games, and in ‘performance mode’ the fans are extremely noisy (though not noticeable if you’re wearing a top PC headset for gaming). We’re not convinced that the new cooling setup is really that much better than older models, but intensively stress testing the CPU and GPU didn’t see us hit dangerously high temperatures so it does at least work pretty well.

A bigger issue for us was the fan noise while idling or running non-intensive programs. Even just sitting on the desktop with the system powered on produces quite a high-pitched whine that will likely prove irritating for some users. Whether this is a result of the quad-fan configuration is unclear, but it wasn’t as pronounced in older Alienware laptops.

Should you buy the Alienware x17 R1?

Despite its noisy fans, the Alienware x17 R1 is a beast of a gaming laptop that will serve as an ideal desktop replacement for any serious gamer. Not only does the subtly altered chassis look fantastic, but the gaming performance is top-notch, suitable for the most demanding games in glorious, vivid 4K.

Our biggest qualm about the x17 R1 is likely to be shared by many potential buyers: the blistering £3K+ price tag. It does come with a year’s premium tech support from Dell but the fact is that this is a seriously expensive laptop. The likes of an RTX 3060 laptop or an RTX 3070 laptop are going to be easier on the wallet, but if you’ve got the cash and want the best, though, the x17 R1 blows its predecessors out of the water.

We're also rounding up all the best Razer gaming laptops on the market right now if you're looking for more slimline designs.

 If so, we'd also recommend checking out the best gaming desks and the best gaming chairs for a full setup. 

RTX gaming laptop deals are going to be the most in-demand laptop offerings this winter. We'll likely see dozens of them in this year's Black Friday gaming laptop deals bonanza, but there are always opportunities to bag one before the sales madness kicks in if you hunt around a bit. And that's what we've got over at Dell today, as among its wider gaming laptop deals, you can bag an RTX gaming laptop for less than $850 (was $1,184.99)! This is astonishingly low for a competent and powerful machine that gets you into Nivida's 30-series generation and all its benefits. Use the link below to jump straight to the deals, and read on to see more specifics.

• Browse all of Dell's gaming laptop and PC deals now

There are a bunch of laptops with varying price cuts going, but we've picked out two: one from Dell's own G series of laptops that offers that sweet, sweet low price, and one from the more premium Alienware range for those looking for some more serious power. 

The former is an RTX 3050 laptop - sporting the 3050 Ti variant of the card - that has a massive $335 off its price tag, and is now just $849.99. Then we have the more premium Alienware model, a gorgeous m15 R4 RTX 3070 laptop that sports that much more powerful graphics card to take things up a couple of notches from the G15; this is now down to $1,799.99, a price cut of $360.

Today's best RTX gaming laptop deals at Dell

These two deals demonstrate the spread of the RTX 30-series laptops right now: folks can enjoy a budget, entry-level gaming laptop that gets them right into the thick of Nvidia's latest graphics generation for a value-busting price, or up the ante a bit and go for a more premium model and graphics card. Either way, the great news here is that you're saving a bunch of cash - literal hundreds of dollars - on either machine.

These are great prices, and if you're thinking about pulling the trigger before the Black Friday laptop deals and Black Friday Nvidia deals, then these might just fit the bill.

Yup these won't reach the heady height of RTX 3080 laptops but with 1080p screens and a strong supporting cast of components, the gaming experience on either will be excellent on any game - you just might need to tinker with the graphics settings a bit, that's all.

More of today's best gaming laptop deals

If you need a bit more choice, however, then check out some of the prices on some contenders for best gaming laptop just below. 

If you're after the graphics cards themselves, then good luck! But you can swot up on the best info on where to buy RTX 3060 cards, where to buy RTX 3070 GPUs, where to buy RTX 3080 units, and where to buy RTX 3090 beasts with our respective guides.

The winter sales are nearly upon us, too, so if you fancy preparing for gaming machines that are static, then check out our early takes on the Black Friday gaming PC deals, and don't forget that the Black Friday gaming monitor deals will have you covered for your display needs too.

The best gaming monitors - particularly those with 240Hz - normally hover around the $400 mark, but today, you can get the Dell S2522HG for $259.99 (down from $430). You can also get your hands on the lightning-fast Alienware AW2521H 360Hz gaming monitor for better than half price, as it's currently selling for $449.99 (reduced from $910) for a massive saving of $460 off. 

This is one of the lowest-ever recorded prices on this particular model, and a rare example of a competitive Esports-centric panel retailing for under $500, so if you're interested in either display, we advise you to act sooner rather than later as these deals on the best gaming monitors expire later today (October 26).

These gaming monitor deals offer one of the better opportunities to score yourself some high refresh rate monitors for an aggressive price point, especially as Dell and Alienware make some of the best gaming monitors on the market right now. 

We're unsure as to whether such extensive discounts will be matched during the Black Friday gaming monitor deals, especially as the Alienware AW2521H is operating at 360Hz, but if you're after a fantastic high-end panel for competitive Esports gaming, these are some of the best gaming monitor deals that you will find this side of the winter sales events. 

Today's best gaming monitor deals

More gaming monitor deals

Our price comparison software works 24/7 to bring you some stellar deals on some of the best gaming monitors you can buy right now. Check out the latest offers below.

Interested in more high refresh rate gaming panels for less? November should see substantial discounts during the Black Friday 144Hz monitor deals. You can also aim for a high resolution with Black Friday 1440p monitor deals and Black Friday 4K monitor deals, so be sure to bookmark our guides and come back on the big day itself.

Picking up a new RTX 3080 PC deal has been the smart way to go for a while now, especially considering some of the outrageous prices flying around for RTX 3080 stock for anyone looking to buy the card alone. This Alienware Aurora R12 deal is excellent value compared to giving scalpers a single penny though. You'll find the RTX 3080 gaming PC available for just $2,155 at Dell ($333 off the $2,389.99 MSRP). That's a steal considering the raw power under the hood.

You'll have to be really quick though. At the time of writing, Dell has sold 76% of its stock at this drastically discounted price. 

• Browse more Alienware deals at: Dell

The Alienware Aurora R12 sits right at the very top of our best gaming PC guide and offers superb value even before a discount, so we're really excited about this deal and it looks like other RTX GPU fans are too given stock of the deal is running frighteningly low.

Yes, there may well be some Black Friday gaming PC deals coming next month, plus some portable Black Friday gaming laptop deals, but there's no guarantee this same build will return at a lower price or even match this lowest-ever offer. Sure, we've optimistically put together a Black Friday graphics card deals guide and will be updating that with any news on the day, but it's quite likely the RTX 30-series cards will be a no-show.

It's tough out there for anyone wanting to build their own RTX 3080 gaming PC when obtaining such a crucial part is so difficult, so we really are advising any gamer wanting to get in on the 30-series to consider looking for a pre-build or maybe one of the best gaming laptops. 

More of today's best Alienware Aurora R12 RTX gaming PC deals

If the above offer has run out (and it is moving quick), you'll find plenty more Alienware RTX gaming PC deals just below. We're rounding up all the lowest prices on the web right now so that you get the biggest discounts out there. Make note though, the cheapest ones don't come rocking that RTX 3080.

We're also rounding up plenty more of the best Alienware gaming PCs and the best Alienware gaming laptops if you're after more premium Dell action. Or take a look at the latest RTX 3070 PC deals for something a little cheaper. 

It always seems that the most attractive RTX gaming laptop deals often involve you parting with an enormous amount of cash. Particularly when you're chasing those awesome RTX 3080 laptop beasts. However, that's not the case today, as we've found a small handful of RTX laptops at Dell that warrant your attention - particularly if you're looking at saving some cash, not splashing out, but still eyeing up the new 30-series.

Cutting to the chase, there are three RTX laptop deals on offer today, enabling swift and value-busting entry into the 3050-end of the RTX line. A Dell G15 Ryzen edition gaming laptop is down to just $820, a 3050 Ti-powered Dell G5 has $305 off its price tag and is now $880, and if you can stretch the budget just a little more, you can save over $300 on an Alienware m15 R6 laptop, which is an RTX 3060 laptop, and is now $1,180.

While these represent the least powerful 30-series cards on the market right now, you're still getting excellent value, and gear from Nvidia's latest graphics lineup. The AMD CPU in the G15 Ryzen variant is sure to be an additional pull to gamers who value Team Red's components. 

These are great prices, and if you're thinking about pulling the trigger before the Black Friday laptop deals and Black Friday Nvidia deals, then these might just fit the bill.

While these builds keep your feet firmly on the ground, they offer genuinely good value. Even if you were to step up to the likes of an RTX 3070 laptop, you'd soon be spending far more. 

If you need a bit more choice, however, then check out some of the prices on some contenders for best gaming laptop just below. 

If you're after the graphics cards themselves, then good luck! But you can swot up on the best info on where to buy RTX 3060 cards, where to buy RTX 3070 GPUs, where to buy RTX 3080 units, and where to buy RTX 3090 beasts with our respective guides.

RTX gaming laptop deals can reach several thousand dollars, but if you're just looking for a cheap rig that won't be out of date next year, Dell has an excellent option on the shelves. This Dell G15 is now available for just $749.99 - that's $280 off the $1,029.99 MSRP. 

Right now that's one of the cheapest RTX gaming laptop deals on the market, which means entry-level gamers are getting an excellent offer here. However, this is a limited discount, which means there are only so many machines Dell is willing to give away at this price. At the time of writing, 69% of these laptops have already been claimed so you might want to hustle if you've been looking for a cheap gaming laptop for a while now. 

While you won't be reaching the dizzying heights of RTX 3080 laptops, or picking up some of the more polished features of an RTX 3070 laptop, there's still plenty to celebrate at this price tag. 

You're still picking up Nvidia's latest GPU line as well. You're future proofing yourself here, with ray tracing already on board. You may get better performance out of a GTX 1650Ti if you're playing slower, more easy-going titles, but if you need that art to shine, you're getting a solid option at a great price here. 

If you need the power of some of the best gaming laptops in the world, though, you'll find some more options just below. 

More of today's best gaming laptop deals

RTX GPUs are some of the best graphics cards in the world, but many are still wondering where to buy RTX 3070 chips. These gaming laptop deals, and the best gaming PCs, are the best way to pick up powerful graphics without having to resort to the resale market these days, however.

Dell is offering a massive $445 off a Dell G15 RTX gaming laptop this week, but you'll have to move fast to secure yours. The RTX 3050Ti configuration is now available for just $734.99 (was $1,180), making it one of the cheapest RTX gaming laptop deals we've seen in a long time. However, there's only a limited quantity on sale right now, and at the time of writing it's already 88% claimed. 

Not only are you getting the latest generation of Nvidia's GPUs, but this configuration doubles down on the usual 256GB we see at this price point - packing an excellent 512GB SSD. Sure, you're picking up an entry level GPU but if you're after the latest components and don't want to pay through the nose for high end RTX 3070 laptops or RTX 3080 laptops there's excellent value here.

• Save up to 20%: browse Dell's full sale

This offer is moving quickly, and is almost fully claimed on the Dell website. If you're after a cheaper machine for lighter gaming, this is a perfect configuration that won't cost the earth but still offers that up to date GPU. 

If you're looking for that fabled RTX 3060 gaming laptop, we'd recommend checking out this larger i7 configuration. This Dell G15 is best for those after a more enthusiast level experience, but at $1,349.99 (was $1,479.99) you're getting an RTX 3060, i7-11800H processor, 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD for a fantastic price. 

More RTX gaming laptop deals at Dell

If you're still on the hunt for a GPU by itself, we're showing you where to buy RTX 3060 (or check out all the best gaming PCs that are also offering RTX cards) as well. We're also rounding up plenty more cheap gaming laptop deals. 

If you've been looking for an RTX 30-series gaming laptop deal that offers premium style, features, and some top (if not the most monstrous) components, then this Alienware laptop deal is for you.

Right now, you can get an Alienware m15 R4 laptop with an RTX 3060 graphics card for its lowest ever price. That's just $1,549 at Amazon, which saves you a whopping $350. This is still a sizeable investment, but it's also one of the best entry points into the Alienware gaming laptop world and the latest generation of PC gaming graphics. If you've been biding your time, looking for the perfect premium laptop that isn't at a premium price, then this fits the bill nicely.

• RTX 3060 laptop deal! Alienware m15 R4 for just $1,549 at Amazon US

We think that Alienware laptops are absolutely some of the best gaming laptops money can buy, and this build proves that this still applies even when the most premium components are stuffed inside. 

Despite this mark-up in cost, what Alienware devices will always offer is a great mix of power, performance, and gaming prowess; these machines really successfully blend component configuration with excellent build quality, superb cooling systems, and design flairs to create some of the most exquisite and attractive gaming laptops one can buy. It's really hard to find a truly cheap Alienware laptop deal, but this is a great shout for it, as relatively, the bang for buck here is awesome.

RTX 3060 gaming laptop deal

While we're starting to see some RTX 3060 laptops slide very close to the $1,000 mark, this is still generally reserved for special offers and discounts - and certainly not for premium gaming laptops like the Alienware M15 range. This price point is a little dearer than a lot of 3060 laptops, but actually not by too much so the extra investment is definitely attractive - and worth it. This machine is absolutely a distillation of that, and, of course, it's built around that exquisite RTX 3060 graphics card. 

This is a great entry-level card to the new Nvidia series and is also supported well by a 10th-gen Intel processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 15.6" 1080p 144Hz screen.

If you prefer your gaming machines static, then check out our best gaming PC guide. Don't forget to browse the best gaming monitor contenders to team your new device with, too.

Dell is currently offering an Alienware Aurora R12 gaming PC for $1,099.99, complete with an 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor and stellar RTX 3060 (12GB) GPU.

This deal, which is likely to only stay around a few hours at most, sees $370 knocked off the MSRP, making it the ideal machine for enthusiasts for less; there's a reason why our its number one pick for the best gaming PC you can get, and right now you can buy it even cheaper. 

• Alienware Aurora R12 (RTX 3060) | $1,470 $1,099.99 at Dell
• Explore all the current gaming PC deals at Dell 

Anyone in the know when it comes to PC components is no doubt aware of just how challenging it is to know where to buy RTX 3060 graphics cards. This scarcity has meant that, for those looking to get next-gen visuals for less, an RTX 3060 laptop or RTX 3060 PC - like this one - is the way to go, at least for now. 

The RTX 3060 is certainly no slouch when it comes to the raw gaming performance that it can output, especially when it's considered a 'budget' card. What's more, with 12GB VRAM available, there's more than enough grunt under the hood to push most games to their limits in Full HD and get solid performance in 1440p. 

The biggest selling point is, of course, the ray-tracing capabilities of the GPU. With this particular machine, you'll be able to experience all the benefits of real-time reflections and volumetric lighting in demanding games for unparalleled visual fidelity not seen in a PC at this price point prior. 

Now that you've got a great gaming PC, keep that momentum going with the best gaming keyboards and best gaming mouse on the market. What's more, if you're in need of a panel, check out our picks for the best gaming monitors you can buy.

RTX 30-series PC deals are proving to be the best way to get the much-sought-after graphics cards into your setup. And we're increasingly seeing deals on them, too. Today's offering from Dell's current gaming deals is this Alienware R12 with a saving of nearly $300 that comes equipped with an RTX 3080 beast. It's a cracking gaming machine and it sits atop our best gaming PC guide - and for good reason.

• Alienware Aurora R12 Gaming Desktop | $2,490 $2,199.99 at Dell
• Browse all of Dell's current gaming laptop deals and gaming PC deals

Aside from this being a fully-fledged RTX 3080 PC, inside this monster of an Alienware gaming PC are strong supporting cast members too: an Intel i7 11700F processor, some of the best RAM for gaming in the form of 16GB of DDR4 3200Mhz memory, and a solid 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage combination make it one of the better RTX 30-series PC deals we've seen recently. 

Not feeling some of those components? Don't worry. As it's a gaming PC, you'll have plenty of opportunity down the line to tinker with it and mould it to your future needs. You can also configure it and change some of the components right now before committing, too.

Either way, you're in for a treat. Alienware has excelled for years at premium gaming desktop packages that get you what you need or want, but often have steep prices of admission. But not with this offering. Plus, it's even more tempting as it bags you that excellent generational leap to a 30-series card. Getting such a machine on offer, or even an RTX 3080 laptop, is probably one of the safest ways of getting your hands on the best RTX 3080 price, to be honest - sad as the current state of affairs is.

RTX 30-series PC deals

While the RTX 3080 means this R12 can pull 4K gaming into genuine reach, its main strength might be to absolutely nail 1440p gaming and dominate 1080p (important for esports or competitive players). Add one of the best gaming monitors - or, possibly, one of the best 4K monitors for gaming if you prefer visual fidelity to speed and framerates - and you'll have a hell of a setup.

If you prefer your gaming machines portable, then check out the latest cheap gaming laptop deals, cheap Alienware laptops, and our guide to the best gaming laptop money can buy.

Finding perfect back-to-school laptop deals doesn't have to be costly; thankfully, the final days of Dell's 'Black Friday in July' sale has some high-quality laptops that are sure to make school work less of a struggle.

• Explore all the final Black Friday in July laptop deals at Dell

Today's back-to-school laptop deals come from Dell, and they can save you at least $100. A great option for those on a budget would be the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 for its good screen and solid build quality. Meanwhile, the Dell Inspiron 15 Touch has a bit more grunt under the hood for creative work.

No matter whether your preference is Ryzen or Intel (including the options of capacitive touch), you can be sure to find some exceptional laptops below that will not only run well, but look just as great, too.

Before we dive in, let's get one thing straight: although these back-to-school laptop deals are good for many things, they aren't going to be the best gaming laptops that you can buy. Instead, these machines are very much focused on work and web browsing first and foremost. If you're interested in finding a portable powerhouse, then you shouldn't settle for anything less than some stellar cheap gaming laptop deals under $1,000. 

Dell back-to-school laptop deals

If you're searching for the perfect peripherals for your new laptop, why settle for anything less than the best wireless gaming mouse or the best gaming keyboards around? Or take your work to go the big screen with the best gaming monitors for excellent visual clarity. 

Dell's 'Black Friday in July' sale has continued to provide some great offers on high-end Alienware and Dell gaming hardware equipped with the fabled RTX 3060 GPUs. 

You can take a look at the full range here, but a particular standout would be the Alienware Aurora R10 Ryzen Edition, complete with one of the best CPUs for gaming that you can buy this year. What's more, especially with over $100 off the asking price, it's not a bad buy when you consider the average going rate of the RTX 3060 Ti on its own, and that's if you can find one. 

• Explore the full range of Alienware and Dell gaming laptop and PC deals 

If you're not up to speed on what the RTX 3060 can do, I'll give you a quick crash course. Essentially, it's an entry-level GPU that outperforms the high-end RTX 2080 from just two years ago. In a world as fast-moving as PC gaming hardware, that's impressive. Given this card's price and lack of availability (not to mention the impact of the pandemic on production) getting a pre-built rig or gaming laptop like the ones listed here is the way to go. 

If you want to get technical for a moment, the RTX 3060 is currently available in two variants depending on the size of the machine it's been inserted into. Typically, a gaming desktop such as the Alienware Aurora R12 will be rocking a full-size 8GB or 12GB model (depending on the manufacturer), and gaming laptops, such as the Alienware m15 R6, will feature a lower power-consumption version with 6GB VRAM instead

It should be noted that, given just how in-demand the RTX 30-series of cards are, these aren't going to be the deepest discounts in town. But if you've held off on getting a rig or laptop until now, you'll seldom find better price-for-performance than this. Want one of the best gaming laptops or the best gaming PC around to game in radiant splendor? These fit the bill nicely.

The best RTX 3060 Alienware PC gaming deals

For a few dollars more...

Your journey into PC gaming has just begun. After all, what good is one of these stellar gaming PCs without the best gaming monitors to pair them up to? On that wavelength, you're going to need peripherals, and there's no reason why you should settle for anything less than the best gaming keyboard or best gaming mouse. 

Dell's 'Black Friday in July' sale continues with up to $810 off select Alienware and Dell gaming laptops - all featuring RTX 30-series cards that are ray-tracing ready. 

• Browse the full Black Friday in July sale at Dell 

Until recently, it seemed like finding an RTX 3060 PC or an RTX 3080 PC for a good price was exceedingly difficult. Even the cards themselves are a challenge to track down, as many PC gamers have asked where to buy the RTX 3080 - restocks are rare. 

Fast forward to right now and, thankfully, you can save over $800 on some truly exceptional PC gaming hardware that takes full advantage of these graphics cards to their fullest potential with all the 4K, ray tracing and VR benefits that come along with the power and potential of the RTX 30-series as a whole. 

Let's not mince words, any laptop that comes built with an RTX 3080 is going to be an absolute monster of a machine with any game on the horizon for at least the next five years. What's more, simply hook the laptop up to an external 4K-capable monitor, and you'll be able to witness glorious Ultra HD resolution gaming with ray tracing enabled with the capacity for high frame rates. 

With that said, if that's a little outside of your price range, then there's no reason to despair; the RTX 3060 outclasses even the RTX 2080, which was top-of-the-line not too long ago while costing only a fraction of the price. You can be sure that whatever spec gaming laptop you consider below that you're getting one hell of a system for many years to come. 

Today's RTX 3080 Alienware and Dell gaming laptop deals

Haven't seen anything that's taken your fancy? That's okay, we've got a full roundup on not only the best gaming laptops and - for those of you looking to get a great machine for under $1,000/£1,000 - our picks for the best gaming laptop deals around right now, with specs to suit any budget. 

Dell is calling this Alienware laptop deal - and others - 'Black Friday in July', and some of these price drops would certainly live up to that reputation. If you've been waiting for the right time to pick up an RTX 3060 laptop at a great price, now could be the best time with a massive amount of money off Ryzen and Intel-powered computers featuring those ever-elusive graphics cards.

• Alienware m15 R5 Ryzen Edition (RTX 3060) | $1,650 $1,299 at Dell
• Dell G15 (RTX 3060) | $1,429 $1,149.99 at Dell
• Check out all the PC gaming deals at Dell

There's little debate about just how powerful an RTX 3060 PC is and - for its price point - that's why it has become the entry-level jewel in the crown of many would-be PC builders in recent months. The RTX 3060 price point, combined with its 6GB VRAM, means it can hold its own against the once-top dog of GPUs - the RTX 2080 at a fraction of the cost. Bag yourself what has every chance to be one of the best gaming laptops for the money below. 

What this means for portable gaming is that you'll be getting a ray-tracing ready system that - while operating at 1080p/Full HD with high refresh rates (120Hz or above) - will be able to be hooked up to an external monitor to take things onto a bigger screen with enough grunt to play games in 4K. 

If you like the look of either laptop, you'll have to act fast as stock for similar spec models is continuing to fly off the proverbial shelves even as you read this. For the money, we've scarcely seen an offer as strong as it is. 

Awesome Alienware and Dell RTX 3060 deals 

If you're looking for something a little cheaper, we have a full roundup of the best cheap gaming laptop deals with many great budget options under $1000. 

It’s been years since Dell has released an Alienware laptop with an AMD processor, but the new ‘Ryzen Edition’ M15 R5 promises a return to those heady days of pairing AMD chips with Nvidia GPUs. Our review model comes with a shiny new Ryzen 7 5800H processor, and one of those mythical RTX 3060 GPUs we’ve been hunting for on eBay - making it a fully-fledged RTX 3060 laptop; the desire of many.

Being an Alienware gaming laptop, the M15 R5 has a fairly high price point. This model clocks in at around the $1,500 / £1,500 mark, while the highest-spec version clears the two grand mark easily. It’s no small asking price for a gaming laptop, but if it's one of the best gaming laptops - featuring one of the best graphics cards and best CPUs for gaming - then it might just be worth it. Let’s take a look.

Design & features

The new M15 R5 has seen some small adjustments to the chassis design, likely to emphasise the fact that this is a new, Ryzen-powered version of the M15. The overall aesthetic is still familiar; the RGB light ring on the rear is still present, as is the sunken hinge and hexagonal venting above the keyboard. The overall design sees a few more rounded edges than previous models, as well as a new keyboard layout.

This R5 only comes in ‘Dark Side of the Moon’, which is a fancy name for ‘matte black’. It looks good, complementing the bright RGB lighting. In addition to the glowing stadium ring and Alienware logo on the rear, the keyboard has customisable four-zone LED lighting beneath it. The matte finish is a magnet for grubby fingerprints, however, so watch out.

That new keyboard layout we mentioned isn’t actually a good thing, even though the keys themselves feel wonderful to use. The volume control keys have been shunted to a vertical row on the right-hand side, shifting and truncating the keys in the bottom-right corner in such a way that the new layout simply feels a bit unfamiliar. The trackpad is also a bit small for our liking, although it handles well and has a satisfying click. You'll definitely be safer adding one of the best gaming keyboards and a contender for best gaming mouse, for sure.

In terms of build quality, we’d say that the M15 R5 conforms to the industry standard. Like Razer laptops, it’s not flimsy or shoddily constructed by any means, but we definitely have seen laptops with sturdier designs. A slightly more robust hinge would’ve worked wonders here.

The M15 R5 has a 1080p display with a snappy 165Hz refresh rate, ideal for twitch shooters like Valorant. Colour reproduction here isn’t the best we’ve seen, but it’s certainly above average. The screen is reasonably bright and has a small bezel (for a fifteen-inch gaming laptop) housing the 720p webcam. Sound is handled by a pair of integrated speakers, which perform well - but are nothing on a PC headset for gaming or some of the best computer speakers, naturally.

The 512GB SSD and 16GB of RAM in our review model aren’t exactly the most exciting components in the world, but we were overjoyed to find that both can be easily replaced by the user with a simple screwdriver. Too many gaming laptops solder their parts to the motherboard, preventing future upgrades. The existing RAM does run at a swift 3,200MHz, which benefits the Ryzen processor significantly.

Physical connectivity is uninspired, with the usual gamut of USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI ports. Ports such as the SD card reader have been axed from this model of the M15 for no clear reason. Three ports (and the AC charger plugin) are located on the rear edge of the laptop, which will be a boon for neat freaks but a potential bane for anyone with limited desk space.

The M15 R5 also comes with the Alienware Command Centre pre-installed, but you can save yourself some time and ignore it because it truly sucks. Wonky proprietary software for system tweaking is nothing new, but it certainly takes guts to do it this poorly. The ACC offers a lot of features, but is slow, clunky, and unintuitive; a nightmare for the inexperienced techie trying to create a fan speed profile or adjust the RGB lighting.

Performance

You might imagine that the star of the show here is the RTX 3060 GPU that powers this laptop’s gaming capabilities, but that’s not really true. The 5800H processor is the real hero of this machine, offering processing power inline with its Intel counterparts but at a lower price-per-part and with superior battery life.

Note that while this is good for using your laptop on the go, gaming without being connected to mains power will result in significantly reduced performance due to GPU wattage throttling. This is the case for virtually every gaming laptop, though, not an issue exclusive to the M15.

Both single-core and multi-core workloads are easily handled by the 5800H, as it chewed through our processor benchmarks with ease. The RTX 3060’s performance is solid, if not spectacular, offering good 1080p performance in most games at max settings. CPU-bound titles (like the Total War series) actually performed a lot better on average thanks to the 5800H.

The M.2 NVMe drive inside this machine falls short of the figures we’ve come to expect to see from similar SSDs, but it is still seriously fast, to the point where load screens in games are extremely brief. While this might be a weaker NVMe offering, it’s still orders of magnitude faster than a conventional hard drive.

Our main issue with the M15 R5’s performance wasn’t actually a performance issue, per se, but rather how hot the machine got while running. This wasn’t just during games, either: just leaving the system idling after booting it up resulted in the underside of the laptop heating up to almost 55C.

The heat seemed to be concentrated on the base and the area above the keyboard, so sitting at a desk and using the M15 was perfectly comfortable. Placing this laptop on your actual lap, though, is out of the question. After a mere fifteen minutes of basic word processing, the M15 was uncomfortably hot against our thighs.

The reason for this heating issue is unclear, as the M15 has a sophisticated thermal solution including two fans, a vapor chamber, and four separate copper heat pipes. The fans did get noisy during stress tests, but not to an unbearable degree. Thermal monitoring didn’t indicate any worryingly high component temperatures, either. It’s not a huge problem - the M15 is big and heavy, so it’s best placed on a surface anyway - but it could prove annoying for some users.

Overall - should you buy it?

The Alienware M15 R5 Ryzen Edition is a bold new outing for Dell’s out-of-this-world brand, showcasing the potential power of AMD’s latest laptop CPUs with a supporting spec list that makes for a fierce gaming machine that could rival some of the best gaming PCs at the RTX 3060 PC level, easily. The option to swap out the memory and storage (the M15 actually has two compact SSD slots, so you can add a second drive without needing to remove anything) means that this laptop is more future-proof than many competitors.

We do wish it ran a little cooler, but the performance can’t be argued with and this is one of the best-looking Alienware laptops we’ve seen in a while. Our complaints feel minor in the face of the M15 R5’s capabilities and aesthetic; this is a solid gaming laptop with plenty to offer the discerning gamer.

Two gaming laptops, complete with Nvidia RTX 30-series GPUs, are up to $250 off in a limited-time Dell store sale. 

It still seems like the best way to get some of these much sought-after graphics cards is to buy a high-quality pre-built machine, as the components individually are still near-impossible worldwide to find from retailers. And when, in some cases, resellers are selling them for thousands, we think you're better off spending that money on a laptop with a card-preinstalled instead. 

What you can expect from both of these computers, despite the disparity in price between them, is how they take advantage of the benefits afforded by the 30-series of GPUs - ray tracing and volumetric lighting - as well as running at 120Hz - or above - refresh rate for buttery smooth PC gaming in Full HD. 

Whether you've waited to get your hands on a great gaming laptop for a touch over $1,000 for moderate gaming sessions, or you've had money to burn just waiting for such things to become available, these offers should help make your decision that little bit clearer.

RTX 3050 and RTX 3080 laptop deals

• Read more: Alienware m15 R4 review
• Check out the full PC gaming sale at Dell

Are these two laptops not cutting it for you? There are a few guides we've put together on PCs and laptops with some of the most recent cards already installed: RTX 3080 PC, RTX 3070 PC prices,  RTX 3070 laptops, and RTX 3070 PC prices.

If you've got your mind made up on something else ready-made that doesn't sacrifice the quality, we've got fantastic guides on both the best gaming laptops and the best gaming PCs ready and waiting for your convenience. Looking for more of the famous brand, then take a look at our Alienware gaming laptops guide.