Choose Alienware 17 R4 if you need:
- Processor Model at Intel Core i7-7700HQ (vs Intel Core i5-7300HQ)
- Storage Capacity at 256 GB (vs 128 GB)
- Display Size at 17.3 inch (vs 15.6 inch)
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Side-by-side specification comparison of two reference models
Compare Alienware 17 R4 vs Alienware 15 R3
A full side-by-side comparison of reference models Alienware 17 R4 and Alienware 15 R3 within the same category.
Specifications
Side-by-side specification comparison of two reference models
| Specification | Alienware 17 R4 | Alienware 15 R3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Not for sale | Not for sale |
| General | ||
| Brand | Dell | Dell |
| Product Family | Dell Alienware 17 R4 | Dell Alienware |
| Model | Alienware 17 R4 | Alienware 15 R3 |
| Model Number | Alienware 17 R4 | Alienware 15 R3 |
| Launch Year | 2017 year | 2017 year |
| Form Factor | Clamshell | Clamshell |
| Laptop Category | Gaming | Gaming |
| Operating System | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
| Operating System Architecture | 64-bit | 64-bit |
| Processor | ||
| Processor Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Processor Family | Intel Core i7 | Intel Core i5 |
| Processor Model | Intel Core i7-7700HQ | Intel Core i5-7300HQ |
| Processor Generation | 7th Gen (Kaby Lake) | 7th Gen (Kaby Lake) |
| CPU Architecture | Kaby Lake-H | Kaby Lake-H |
| CPU Process Node | 14 nm | 14 nm |
| CPU Cores | 4 cores | 4 cores |
| Efficiency Cores | 0 cores | 0 cores |
| CPU Threads | 8 threads | 4 threads |
| CPU Base Clock | 2.8 GHz | 2.5 GHz |
| CPU Max Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz | 3.5 GHz |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB | 6 MB |
| Processor Base Power | 45 W | 45 W |
| Maximum Processor Power | 45 W | 45 W |
| CPU Manageability Technology | Intel Standard Manageability; Intel vPro not supported | Intel Standard Manageability; Intel vPro not supported |
| Graphics | ||
| Graphics Type | Discrete | Discrete |
| GPU Manufacturer | NVIDIA | NVIDIA |
| GPU Model | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 |
| GPU Architecture | Pascal | Pascal |
| VRAM Capacity | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| VRAM Type | GDDR5 | GDDR5 |
| GPU TGP | 80 W | 80 W |
| GPU Boost Clock | 1670 MHz | 1670 MHz |
| Maximum External Displays | 4 displays | 4 displays |
| Maximum External Resolution | 7680 x 4320 @ 60 Hz | 7680 x 4320 @ 60 Hz |
| Memory | ||
| Installed Memory | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Maximum Memory | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 2400 MT/s | 2400 MT/s |
| Memory Form Factor | SO-DIMM | SO-DIMM |
| Memory Slots | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Memory Slots Used | 2 slots | 2 slots |
| Memory Upgradeable | Yes | Yes |
| Memory Channels | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |
| Storage | ||
| Primary Storage Type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage Capacity | 256 GB | 128 GB |
| Storage Interface | SATA III / PCIe NVMe | SATA III / PCIe NVMe |
| Storage Form Factor | M.2 + 2.5-inch | 3 x M.2 + 2.5-inch |
| Installed Storage Drives | 2 drives | 2 drives |
| Maximum Storage Drives | 4 drives | 4 drives |
| M.2 Storage Slots | 3 slots | 3 slots |
| 2.5-inch Drive Bay | Yes | Yes |
| RAID Support | RAID 0/1 | RAID capable |
| Card Reader Formats | — | — |
| Card Reader Standard | — | — |
| Display | ||
| Display Size | 17.3 inch | 15.6 inch |
| Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Resolution Class | FHD | FHD |
| Display Technology | LED-backlit LCD | LED-backlit LCD |
| Panel Type | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Display Brightness | 300 nits | 300 nits |
| Color Depth | 8-bit | 8-bit |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Display Finish | Anti-glare | Anti-glare |
| Viewing Angle | 178° degree | 160° degree |
| Flicker-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Camera & Biometrics | ||
| Webcam Resolution | HD webcam | HD webcam |
| Webcam Frame Rate | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Audio | ||
| Speaker Configuration | 2 speakers + subwoofer | 2 speakers + subwoofer |
| Audio Technology | Alienware Sound Center | Alienware Sound Center |
| Microphone Configuration | Digital-array microphone | Digital-array microphone |
| Audio Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard & Input | ||
| Keyboard Type | Full-size island-style keyboard | Full-size island-style keyboard |
| Keyboard Backlight | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard RGB | Yes | Yes |
| Numeric Keypad | Yes | — |
| Touchpad Type | Precision touchpad | Multi-touch precision touchpad |
| Wireless & Networking | ||
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Wi-Fi IEEE Standard | 802.11ac | 802.11ac |
| Wi-Fi Bands | 2.4 GHz; 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz; 5 GHz |
| Wi-Fi Spatial Streams | 2x2 | 2x2 |
| Wi-Fi Module | Killer Wireless-AC | Killer Wireless-AC |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.1 |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Ethernet Speed | 10/100/1000 Mbps | 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| WWAN | No | No |
| SIM Slot | — | — |
| Ports & Expansion | ||
| USB Type-A Port Count | 2 ports | 2 ports |
| USB Type-A Specifications | USB 3.x Type-A | USB 3.x Type-A |
| USB Type-C Port Count | 2 ports | 2 ports |
| USB Type-C Specifications | USB 3.x Type-C; DisplayPort Alt Mode where supported | USB 3.x Type-C; DisplayPort Alt Mode where supported |
| USB4 Port Count | 0 ports | 0 ports |
| Thunderbolt Port Count | 1 ports | 1 ports |
| HDMI Port Count | 1 ports | 1 ports |
| HDMI Version | HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 2.0 |
| DisplayPort Output | Mini DisplayPort / USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode | Mini DisplayPort / USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode |
| RJ-45 Port Count | 1 ports | 1 ports |
| 3.5 mm Audio Combo Port Count | 1 ports | 1 ports |
| SD Card Slot Count | 0 ports | 0 ports |
| microSD Card Slot Count | 0 ports | 0 ports |
| Smart Card Reader | No | No |
| Security Lock Slot | Yes | Yes |
| Internal PCIe Slots | 3 M.2 storage slot(s) | 3 M.2 storage slot(s) |
| Battery & Power | ||
| Battery Capacity | 99 Wh | 99 Wh |
| Battery Cells | 6 cells | 6 cells |
| Battery Chemistry | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Power Adapter | 240 W | 240 W |
| Power Connector | Barrel power connector | Barrel power connector |
| Dimensions & Build | ||
| Width | 424 mm | 389 mm |
| Depth | 332 mm | 305 mm |
| Thickness | 29.99 mm | 25.4 mm |
| Weight | 4.42 kg | 3.21 kg |
| Chassis Material | Aluminum; magnesium alloy; plastic | Aluminum; magnesium alloy; plastic |
| Lid Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Base Material | Magnesium alloy | Magnesium alloy |
| Hinge Opening Angle | 135 degree | 135 degree |
| MIL-STD Testing | Not claimed | Not claimed |
| IP Rating | — | — |
| Security & Manageability | ||
| TPM | TPM 2.0 | TPM 2.0 |
| BIOS / UEFI Password Support | Yes | Yes |
| Drive Password Support | Yes | Yes |
| Secure Boot | Yes | Yes |
| Enterprise Manageability | Consumer BIOS/UEFI management | Consumer BIOS/UEFI management |
| Smart Card Support | No | No |
| BIOS Recovery / Self-Healing | BIOS recovery supported | BIOS recovery supported |
| Certifications & Sustainability | ||
| ENERGY STAR | Not claimed | Not claimed |
| EPEAT | Not claimed | Not claimed |
| TCO Certified | Not claimed | Not claimed |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes | Yes |
| Recycled Materials | Not claimed | Not claimed |
| Environment & Warranty | ||
| Operating Temperature | 5 to 35 °C | 5 to 35 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 10 to 90 (non-condensing) % RH | 10 to 90 (non-condensing) % RH |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to 60 °C | -20 to 60 °C |
| Warranty | 1 years | 1 years |
| Warranty Type | Limited hardware warranty; region dependent | Limited hardware warranty; region dependent |
Summary: Which Product Should You Choose?
Choose Alienware 15 R3 if you need:
- Processor Model at Intel Core i5-7300HQ (vs Intel Core i7-7700HQ)
- Storage Capacity at 128 GB (vs 256 GB)
- Display Size at 15.6 inch (vs 17.3 inch)
What is the difference between Alienware 17 R4 and Alienware 15 R3?
Alienware 17 R4 and Alienware 15 R3 share specifications such as GPU Model (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060), Installed Memory (16 GB), Display Resolution (1920 x 1080), Brand (Dell).
The main differences: Processor Model (Alienware 17 R4: Intel Core i7-7700HQ, Alienware 15 R3: Intel Core i5-7300HQ); Storage Capacity (Alienware 17 R4: 256 GB, Alienware 15 R3: 128 GB); Display Size (Alienware 17 R4: 17.3 inch, Alienware 15 R3: 15.6 inch).
Alienware 17 R4 may suit users who need its differing values, while Alienware 15 R3 benefits those who need its paired strengths. Review the specs table above before deciding.