Newest Alienware 13 r3 vs 15r3

Quick question for you guys. Trying to decide between these two for purchase. Have they fixed the thermal problem, or is it luck of the draw? How does battery life not gaming compare if some owners could input on this. Lastly I've seen some videos where the fan noise is better on the Alienware 13R3 vs the 15R3!? I want the 15, but worry about battery life and fan noise/heat. Will new models be coming out anytime soon?

Thank you very much

 

The Thermal issue is largely resolved. There are still occasional lemons but those are far and few between.

Battery life depends on whether Optimus is active or not - if the machine supports Optimus - battery life will be good. If not - expect 3-4 hours.

Fan noise will likely be similar, maybe slightly better on the 15 since it has a larger cooler.

 

The AW 15 R3 is redundant IMHO. Its so big, you might as well get the AW 17 (The AW 17 is only 1.4 inches wider, 1 inch deeper, and 0.18 inches thicker)

The AW 13 R3 has the option for the OLED screen. No viewing experience is as good. Battery life is fine, about 5.5 hours. Fan noise is very good compared to other gaming rigs I've had.

As far as temps, they most likely will be ok. No matter what laptop brand or model you buy, I strongly advise on re-pasting (or buying from a source that will re-paste for you). Stock OEM thermal paste is garbage.

 

Ok thanks for the battery life info. Is the 13 probably a better choice for me or the 15 or even the 17. I game a lot and need at least 3 hours unplugged

Thanks for the battery estimate/response. Don't know how to re-paste myself if I'm being honest. Can I ask Dell to do that when they build my laptop? That worries me about the 15. The thermal that is. Wish there was a decibel comparison while gaming between the 15 and 13. I've looked into the 17. I know the screen is better than the 15 if I get the QHD, but isn't 17 pretty big regardless. I had the Asus 17 rog 751 and hated the size.

 

You can buy from a 3rd party reseller such as HIDevolution - they can repaste with IC Diamond on your behalf. It does cost more, though.

 

I would, but I think I can get a better deal negotiating with dell right?

 

Nope, Dell don't offer repastes.

 

True, but you can always repaste yourself and, as long as you don't damage anything, it will not void your warranty (even if you use Liquid Metal):

 

Sure they do. If you prove temperatures are too high, they will send a "person" with the tact of a feral badger to mangle a new heat-sink, strip screws, and slap on some other cheap paste. Voilà!! your temps are now.... Still too hot

 

At least they do something about it - most OEMs make you wait 2-3 weeks

 

LOLOL. Hmm I've been reading a lot about Volta and Coffeelake? Do you think I should wait till then and possibly

LOLOL. Hmm I've been reading a lot about Volta and Coffeelake? Do you think I should wait till then and possibly hope Alienware fixes their models by then?

 

Volta is Q2 2018 the Earliest. Coffelake.... anyone's guess. To be frank, there is always better tech around the corner. And machines have been let to run hotter and hotter and thinner and thinner....

Get what you wan't or need now and don't play the something great can be next game, Its hard to win.

 

Alrighty. Thanks for the responses

 

Volta won't come earlier than March-April of 2018 - not worth it. As for Coffee - it will be the same as last time, +5% performance. Not worth it. Intel won't put a 6-core in the consumer mobile chip - they'd have trouble with power and heat.

 

Thanks again for the response! Alright then. I guess Volta won't be worth the wait