Alienware x14 Hands-On: Is the Smallest X-Series Yet Also the Best?

Alienware is updating both the 15- and 17-inch models in its X-Series of slim gaming laptops, but it's the new 14-inch model that will attract the most attention.

We were able to check out all three new gaming rigs at a CES 2022 preview event in New York and took a closer look at the first iteration of the Alienware x14. Check out the video below for our initial impressions after seeing the laptop for the first time, and read on for more details.

Downsizing the X-Series

First, some quick background on the Alienware X-Series. For the last few years, the stars of Dell's premium gaming lineup were the Alienware m15 and m17. Fitted with 15.6- and 17.3-inch screens, respectively, these units are fairly slim as gaming notebooks go, but they emphasize power over portability, winning Editors' Choice awards as some of the best-performing gaming laptops we’ve tested.

(Photo: Molly Flores)

In late 2021, Alienware launched the x15 and x17, fractionally thinner and sleeker redesigns of the M series machines. While they do look a bit sexier, we didn't rate them as highly as their predecessors—you can't detect the difference in thickness without a set of calipers, and the new laptops are actually slightly heavier, so they don't really represent a boost in portability. On top of that, their performance declined a bit because of the thinner design.

The Alienware x14, though, makes more sense. If you're going to sell the idea of a particularly thin gaming laptop, it needs to be portable. Merely thin design—especially just trimming off a few millimeters from an already trim system—doesn't do much for the end user. But a 14-inch version changes the math.

(Photo: Molly Flores)

The new gamer measures just 0.57 inch thick, weighs 3.96 pounds, is easy to carry with one hand, and tucks under your arm, all of which help define a small and thin laptop. Alienware claims the x14 is the thinnest 14-inch gaming laptop available. Size apart, it shares the futuristic design language of the M and X series, though it's missing the rear ringed LED.

What's Inside the x14?

The x14 will feature the latest Intel and Nvidia components, announced at CES 2022, to pack cutting-edge performance in a thin form factor. This includes 12th Generation Core i7 processors and GeForce GPUs up to the RTX 3060. The latter isn't the top of the line, to be sure, but you shouldn't expect as much from such a compact laptop, and the RTX 3060 is more than capable of 1080p gaming. The GeForce RTX 3050 and RTX 3050 Ti are available as base and midrange options.

(Photo: Molly Flores)

We'll of course need to review and benchmark the x14 ourselves when production units become available for review, but it's certainly appealing on paper. The display combines full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) resolution with a 144Hz refresh rate. This is a good fit for many types of gaming, and those who crave higher resolutions probably need a beefier laptop with a GPU that can push games smoothly beyond 1080p.

(Photo: Molly Flores)

As you'd expect, the Alienware x14 comes with a proprietary AC adapter, but its USB-C ports also feature power delivery. USB-C ports are common in smartphones and other devices, so you'll be able to recharge the laptop with another charger if the factory adapter isn't handy.

(Photo: Molly Flores)

Other features like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision enhance the speakers and display. We definitely heard louder, richer sound in a music demo that toggled Atmos on and off. Alienware also fit an 80-watt-hour battery into this machine, which should produce decent unplugged runtimes. Again, we'll have to see for ourselves when the laptop hits PC Labs.

(Photo: Molly Flores)

Updates to the Larger Laptops, Too

Alienware's CES news also includes updates to the larger X-Series gaming laptops, in the form of the new Alienware x15 R2 and Alienware x17 R2. These may be less exciting than a brand-new form factor, but they are still worth noting.

There are no design changes to these two, just some component and feature updates. The larger laptops will feature 12th Generation Intel CPUs, Nvidia GeForce RTX 30 series GPUs, and speedy new DDR5 memory, as well as the Dolby visual and audio enhancements.

Also included are new, more compact chargers. The power bricks of the original x15 and x17 were quite large (especially the latter's) and really cut down on any portability gains provided by the reduced thickness.