Using Alienware's BEST Laptop... 8 Years Later! In an exciting video assessment titled
"Using Alienware's BEST Laptop... 8 Years Later!", the creator dives into the performance capabilities of an Alienware 17 gaming laptop originally released in 2014, which has been retrieved from Facebook Marketplace for just 400 Australian dollars (approximately 270 USD). This exploration showcases how well a laptop designed nearly a decade ago fares in the current tech landscape.
Overview of the Alienware 17
The featured Alienware 17 is equipped with an i7 4710MQ processor and an NVIDIA 880M graphics card paired with 8GB of GDDR5 memory. Remarkably, despite its age, the laptop still holds the title of one of the best gaming machines from its release year. The video begins with the unboxing and a thorough operational test to understand its current gaming performance.
Performance Insights
Initially, the laptop ran smoothly, but the creator soon discovered overheating issues. After some troubleshooting, including a BIOS update and adjusting the fan settings via third-party software, the laptop's thermal performance improved significantly. The GPU's temperatures were managed down to a respectable 72 degrees Celsius under load, addressing concerns about overheating during gaming sessions.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The creator highlighted the importance of maintenance. A crucial part of the journey involved cleaning and replacing the thermal paste on the CPU and GPU, which was surprisingly dry—likely the original from 2014. This detail underscores the significance of regular upkeep, especially for older hardware.
Gaming Capabilities
When put to the test, the laptop surprisingly managed to run several games adequately:
- PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds: Achieved over 80 FPS on low settings.
- BeamNG.drive: Averaged around 60 FPS at 1080p.
- Assassin's Creed and Halo: The Master Chief Collection: Both titles ran effectively, showcasing the laptop's capabilities despite its age.
However, modern titles like
Horizon Zero Dawn fell short of the expected frame rates, requiring reduced graphics settings for optimal performance. Yet, for casual gaming and video editing, the Alienware 17 remains a viable option, especially for those willing to compromise on graphics fidelity.
Final Thoughts
The creators concluded that while this Alienware laptop isn't on par with current models, it provides excellent value for budget-conscious gamers looking for a reliable system for 1080p gaming. The narrative emphasizes that with proper care and minor tweaks, the 8-year-old device can still deliver a rewarding gaming experience.
Community Engagement
What are your thoughts on using older gaming laptops? Have you ever considered reviving a classic machine? Share your thoughts and experiences below!
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the video while engaging WindowsForum community members in discussions about their own tech experiences and insights.