Alienware launches new “streamlined” RTX 50 gaming laptops, but it hasn’t forgotten about older generations
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Alienware has just launched a new Aurora class of laptops, designed to be the most versatile devices in its lineup. If you’re unfamiliar with this product line, it’s because the company hasn’t put out any Aurora products in a long time. It’s still Alienware, and they’re still excellent gaming laptops, but they’re a step below the mega gamer-focused Area 51 series.
The best you’ll get from Aurora this generation is an RTX 5070 laptop, and Alienware isn’t ready to ditch some of the older Nvidia GPUs either. Its cheapest model will come with RTX 3050 graphics; there will also be a SKU available with the RTX 4050 if you want certain DLSS benefits like frame generation. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
- First Alienware Aurora laptops in “nearly two decades”
- Aurora series acts as the “versatility tier” – a step down from the flagship Area-51 models
- Alienware 16X Aurora comes with Intel’s latest Core Ultra processors and up to RTX 5070 graphics
- Alienware 16 Aurora (non-X) is also available with RTX 3050 and 4050 laptop graphics and up to Intel Core i9 chips
- “Select configurations” of Aurora laptops will launch in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East on May 27, 2025, starting at £899. Further models will arrive soon after.
| Alienware 16 Aurora | Alienware 16X Aurora | |
|---|---|---|
| TPP | Up to 115W | Up to 155W |
| CPU | Intel® Core™ (Series 2) up to i9 | Intel® Core™ Ultra (Series 2) up to Ultra 9 |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 3050/4050/5060/5070 | NVIDIA RTX 5060/70 (up to 115W) |
| DISPLAY | QHD+ 120Hz 300nit | QHD+ 240Hz 500nit, Advanced Optimus & G-SYNC |
| MEMORY | Up to 32GB DDR5 @ 5600MT/s | Up to 64GB DDR5 @ 5600MT/s |
| STORAGE | Up to 2TB | Up to 4TB |
| PORTS | 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C | 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C (1xTBT) |
| WIFI | WiFi 7 | WiFi 7 |
| KEYBOARD | Backlit keyboard w/ 1.4 mm travel | 1-zone RGB keyboard w/ 1.4 mm travel |
| AUDIO | 2x2W speakers with Dolby Audio | 2x2W speakers with Dolby Audio |
| CAMERA | HD | FHD IR |
| BATTERY | 60Whr / 96Whr ED850 | 96Whr ED850 |
| MATERIAL | A-cover metal | A & D-cover metal |
| WEIGHT & Z | 5.49lbs (2.49kg), 22.7mm Zp, 18.6mm Zf | 5.86lbs (2.66kg), 23.4mm Zp, 19.2mm Zf |
Press release in full
For the first time in nearly two decades, Alienware is launching an Aurora class of laptops. With versatility top of mind, these laptops adapt to any environment. From intense gaming sessions to deadline-fueled commutes and airport layovers, wherever you are, Aurora laptops seamlessly shift between work and play.
This launch marks the next step in streamlining the Alienware portfolio to make it easier for you to choose the right gaming machine. Moving forward, you'll see two distinct tiers across Alienware desktops and laptops:
- Area-51: Our flagship tier designed for those who demand maximum performance and premium features in a durable, robust design.
- Aurora: Our versatility tier offering strong performance within a sleek, streamlined form factor.
At CES 2025, we introduced Alienware 30 (AW30), a brand-new design language inspired by extraterrestrial phenomena. Making first contact with the new Alienware Area-51 laptops and Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Monitor, AW30 takes its next form in Aurora laptops.
Low-Profile, High-Performance
Blending ergonomic and thermal advancements, Aurora combines comfort and performance in a sleek, understated profile. It transitions effortlessly across environments, maintaining both versatility and a polished appearance, all with a touch of sci-fi inspiration. Cloaked in a stunning Interstellar Indigo satin finish and adorned with an iridescent badge, Aurora captures the mystery of the inky night sky.
Portability is achieved by shedding the rear thermal shelf, helping Aurora more easily slide into a backpack. Now, the thermal package is found beneath the device, and strategically takes advantage of unused space where a tall rear foot would normally be located. Coined Cryo-Chamber, this solution helps maximize airflow intake and expel heat efficiently through strategically placed vents. Credit is due to the four exhaust vents, three copper heat pipes, air in-takes above the keyboard (and in the Cryo-chamber itself), and dual ultra-thin blade fans that make up Aurora's Cryo-Chamber design.
Our new 16” QHD+ display is designed to impress. Gamers will enjoy incredibly smooth, responsive gameplay with up to a 240Hz refresh rate, vibrant clarity at 500 nits of brightness, and the added precision of NVIDIA® G-SYNC® support. Whether it's fast-paced esports or immersive RPGs, this display delivers a premium experience across the board.
While lighting is a core element of the gaming aesthetic, we recognize the need to tone things down when appropriate. After a strong debut last year, we're bringing Stealth Mode to Aurora. This handy feature was inspired by customers who found lighting effects to be distracting in certain spaces, like a library, café or classroom. Now a quick tap of the dedicated Stealth Mode button (F7 shortcut) turns the keyboard backlighting white and shifts Performance Mode to Quiet Mode, which subdues fan noise and extends battery life.
Beyond gaming, Aurora laptops are designed to make browsing, traveling and daily tasks effortless and enjoyable. Here are some subtle design elements that promote greater comfort during everyday use-cases and long gameplay sessions.
- Fluid contours make the laptop more comfortable to hold and carry.
- Pillowed palm rest results in a more comfortable typing experience.
- Open laptop with one-hand thanks to chamfered front edge.
- Rear port placement improves cable management and provides more space for seamless mouse movement.
A Day in the Life with an Aurora Laptop
The Alienware Aurora isn’t just a gaming laptop; it’s your all-day, everyday companion, seamlessly adapting to your needs wherever you go. Powered by up to NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 50 Series Laptop GPUs, multiply performance with NVIDIA DLSS 4, generate images at unprecedented speed, and unleash further creativity with NVIDIA Studio.
Aurora offers flexible GPU configurations—choose from GeForce RTX™ 30, 40, or 50 Series Laptop GPUs—alongside high-performance Intel processors and high-speed memory cards, so it can handle everything life throws your way.
Picture this:
- Morning: You’re heading to class or the office, your Alienware Aurora tucked neatly in your bag. In the lecture hall or meeting room, activate Stealth Mode for a quiet, distraction-free experience and extend battery life. Take notes, deliver presentations, tackle research projects and juggle intensive applications, all at the same time. The crisp keyboard, full-size numpad and responsive trackpad make even the most mundane tasks a breeze.
- Afternoon: The workday/school day is done, and it’s time to head over to a friend’s place for some serious gaming. Unleash the Aurora’s full potential: disable Stealth Mode, watch the AlienFX lighting ignite, and feel the machine kick into Performance Mode as you dive into your favorite games. The system's comprehensive array of ports allows you to connect your mouse, keyboard, headset and external displays with ease, transforming Aurora into a portable battle station. Manage all your Alienware peripherals, RGB lighting, game library and more using the Alienware Command Center app.
- Evening: Back at home, unwind and stream your favorite shows or catch up on social media, all on the same versatile machine. The vibrant 16:10 QHD+ display, combined with the immersive soundscape of Dolby Atmos, creates a truly captivating experience.
Two Distinct Flavors: Which is Right for You?
Within the all-new Aurora laptop class, we're offering two options: the Alienware Aurora 16 is our entry model while gamers seeking a more feature-rich experience can scale up to the Alienware 16X Aurora.
Select configurations of Alienware Aurora Laptops will launch in EMEA on May 27, 2025, starting at £899. Additional models will arrive soon after.
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