Alienware m15 R4 Setup and Specifications
Regulatory Model: P87F
Regulatory Type: P87F003
February 2021
Rev. A01
? NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
⚠️ CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
❗ WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
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Chapter 1: Set up your Alienware m15 R4
? NOTE: The images in this document may differ from your computer depending on the configuration you ordered.
Connect the power adapter and press the power button.
An illustration shows the Alienware m15 R4 laptop with a power adapter connected to the power port and the power button being pressed.
Chapter 2: Views of Alienware m15 R4
Right
An illustration shows the right side of the Alienware m15 R4 laptop with ports labeled.
1. microSD-card slot: Reads from and writes to the microSD-card. The computer supports the following card types:
- Micro Secure Digital (mSD)
- Micro Secure Digital High Capacity (mSDHC)
- Micro Secure Digital Extended Capacity (mSDXC)
2. USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports (2): Connect devices such as external storage devices and printers. Provides data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
Left
An illustration shows the left side of the Alienware m15 R4 laptop with ports labeled.
1. Security-cable slot (wedge-shaped): Connect a security cable to prevent unauthorized movement of your computer.
2. Network port: Connect an Ethernet (RJ45) cable from a router or a broadband modem for network or Internet access.
3. USB 3.1 Gen 1 port with PowerShare: Connect devices such as external storage devices and printers. Provides data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps. PowerShare enables you to charge your USB devices even when your computer is turned off.
? NOTE: If the charge on your computer's battery is less than 10 percent, you must connect the power adapter to charge your computer, and USB devices connected to the PowerShare port.
? NOTE: If a USB device is connected to the PowerShare port before the computer is turned off or in hibernate state, you must disconnect and connect it again to enable charging.
? NOTE: Certain USB devices may not charge when the computer is turned off or in sleep state. In such cases, turn on the computer to charge the device.
4. Headset port: Connect headphones or a headset (headphone and microphone combo).
Base
An illustration shows the base of the Alienware m15 R4 laptop, including the keyboard and touchpad, with components labeled.
1. Touchpad: Move your finger on the touchpad to move the mouse pointer. Tap to left-click and two fingers tap to right-click.
2. Left-click button: Press to left-click.
3. Right-click button: Press to right-click.
4. Power button (Alienhead): Press to turn on the computer if it is turned off, in sleep state, or in hibernate state. Press to put the computer in sleep state if it is turned on. Press and hold for four seconds to force shut-down the computer.
? NOTE: You can customize the power-button behavior in Power Options.
? NOTE: This computer supports AlienFX, which lets you choose from an array of color and transition effects across multiple zones on the computer, including the keyboard and power button. For more information, see Alienware Command Center.
Display
An illustration shows the display of the Alienware m15 R4 laptop with components labeled.
1. Left microphone: Provides digital sound input for audio recording and voice calls.
2. Camera: Enables you to video chat, capture photos, and record videos.
3. Camera-status light: Turns on when the camera is in use.
4. Right microphone: Provides digital sound input for audio recording and voice calls.
5. Tobii Eye Tracker (optional): Application that enables you to interact with your computer using your eyes.
6. Left speaker: Provides audio output.
7. Right speaker: Provides audio output.
Back
An illustration shows the back of the Alienware m15 R4 laptop with ports labeled.
1. HDMI port: Connect to a TV, external display or another HDMI-in enabled device. Provides video and audio output.
2. Mini DisplayPort: Connect to a TV or another DisplayPort-in enabled device. Mini DisplayPort provides video and audio output.
3. Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) port with Power Delivery: Supports USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, DisplayPort 1.4, Thunderbolt 3 and also enables you to connect to an external display using a display adapter. Provides data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps for USB 3.1 Gen 2 and up to 40 Gbps for Thunderbolt 3. Supports Power Delivery that enables two-way power supply between devices. Provides up to 5 V/3 A power output that enables faster charging.
? NOTE: A USB Type-C to DisplayPort adapter (sold separately) is required to connect a DisplayPort device.
4. External graphics port: Connect an Alienware Graphics Amplifier to enhance the graphics performance.
5. Power-adapter port: Connect a power adapter to provide power to your computer and charge the battery.
Bottom
An illustration shows the bottom of the Alienware m15 R4 laptop with components labeled.
1. Left speaker: Provides audio output.
2. Service Tag label: The Service Tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that enables Dell service technicians to identify the hardware components in your computer and access warranty information.
3. Right speaker: Provides audio output.
Chapter 3: Specifications of Alienware m15 R4
Dimensions and weight
The following table lists the height, width, depth, and weight of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Height: |
|
| Rear height | 19.70 mm (0.78 in.) |
| Width | 360.30 mm (14.19 in.) |
| Depth |
|
| Weight (maximum) | 2.50 kg (5.51 lb) |
? NOTE: The weight of your computer depends on the configuration ordered and manufacturing variability.
Processor
The following table lists the details of the processors supported by your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Option one | Option two |
|---|---|---|
| Processor type | 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10870H | 10th Generation Intel Core i9-10980HK |
| Processor wattage | 45 W | 45 W |
| Processor core count | 8 | 8 |
| Processor thread count | 16 | 16 |
| Processor speed | Up to 5 GHz | Up to 5.3 GHz |
| Processor cache | 16 MB | 16 MB |
| Integrated graphics | Intel UHD graphics | Intel UHD graphics |
Chipset
The following table lists the details of the chipset supported by your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Chipset | HM470 |
| Processor | 10th Generation Intel Core i7/i9K |
| DRAM bus width | 128-bit |
| Flash EPROM | 16 MB |
| PCIe bus | Up to Gen3 |
Operating system
Your Alienware m15 R4 supports the following operating systems:
- Windows 10 Home (64-bit)
- Windows 10 Professional (64-bit)
Memory
The following table lists the memory specifications of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Memory slots | Onboard system memory ? NOTE: The memory is integrated to the system board and cannot be upgraded after purchase. |
| Memory type | Dual-channel DDR4 |
| Memory speed | 2933 MHz |
| Maximum memory configuration | 32 GB |
| Minimum memory configuration | 16 GB |
| Memory configurations supported |
|
External ports
The following table lists the external ports of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Network port | One RJ-45 port |
| USB ports |
|
| Audio port | One headset (headphone and microphone combo) port |
| Video port |
|
| Media-card reader | One microSD card slot |
| Power-adapter port | One 7.4 mm x 5.1 mm E4 DC-in |
| Security-cable slot | One wedge-shaped slot |
Internal slots
The following table lists the internal slots of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| M.2 |
? NOTE: To learn more about the features of different types of M.2 cards, see the knowledge base article SLN301626 at www.dell.com/support. |
Ethernet
The following table lists the wired Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN) specifications of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Model number | Killer E3100X PCI-e Gigabit ethernet controller |
| Transfer rate | 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps |
Wireless module
The following table lists the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) module supported on your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Model number | Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 |
| Transfer rate | Up to 2400 Mbps |
| Frequency bands supported | 2.4 GHz/5 GHz |
| Wireless standards |
|
| Encryption |
|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Audio
The following table lists the audio specifications of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Audio controller | Realtek ALC3281-CG |
| Stereo conversion | Supported |
| Internal audio interface | High definition audio interface |
| External audio interface |
|
| Number of speakers | 2-Way (woofer/tweeter) stereo speaker design |
| Internal-speaker amplifier | Supported |
| External volume controls | Keyboard shortcut controls |
| Speaker output: |
|
| Microphone | Digital-array microphones in camera assembly |
Storage
This section lists the storage options on your Alienware m15 R4.
Your Alienware m15 R4 supports one of the following storage configurations:
- One M.2 2230/2280 solid-state drive
- One M.2 2230 solid-state drive and one 2280 solid-state drive
- Two M.2 2230 solid-state drives
- Two M.2 2280 solid-state drives
- One M.2 2230 solid-state drive and two M.2 2280 solid-state drives
The primary drive of your Alienware m15 R4 varies with the storage configuration. For computers with the M.2 2230/2280 solid-state drive, the primary drive is the designated boot drive.
| Storage type | Interface type | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| M.2 2230 solid-state drive | PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe, up to 32 Gbps | Up to 512 GB |
| M.2 2280 solid-state drive | PCIe Gen3 x4 NVMe, up to 32 Gbps | Up to 2 TB |
Media-card reader
The following table lists the media cards supported by your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Media-card type | One microSD card slot |
| Media-cards supported |
? NOTE: The maximum capacity supported by the media-card reader varies depending on the standard of the media card installed in your computer. |
Keyboard
The following table lists the keyboard specifications of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Keyboard type |
|
| Keyboard layout | QWERTY |
| Number of keys |
|
| Keyboard size | X=19.05 mm key pitch Y=19.05 mm key pitch |
| Keyboard shortcuts | Some keys on your keyboard have two symbols on them. These keys can be used to type alternate characters or to perform secondary functions. To type the alternate character, press Shift and the desired key. To perform secondary functions, press Fn and the desired key. |
? NOTE: You can define the primary behavior of the function keys (F1–F12) by changing Function Key Behavior in BIOS setup program.
For more information, see Keyboard shortcuts.
Camera
The following table lists the camera specifications of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cameras | One camera |
| Camera type | HD RGB camera |
| Camera location | Front camera |
| Camera sensor type | CMOS sensor technology |
| Camera resolution: |
|
| Diagonal viewing angle: | 74.9 degrees |
Touchpad
The following table lists the touchpad specifications of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Touchpad resolution: |
|
| Touchpad dimensions: |
|
| Touchpad gestures | For more information about touchpad gestures available on Windows 10, see the Microsoft knowledge base article 4027871 at support.microsoft.com. |
Power adapter
The following table lists the power adapter specifications of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | 240 W |
| Connector dimensions: |
|
| Input voltage | 100 VAC–240 VAC |
| Input frequency | 50 Hz–60 Hz |
| Input current (maximum) | 5 A |
| Output current (continuous) | 12.31 A |
| Rated output voltage | 19.50 VDC |
| Temperature range: |
|
Battery
The following table lists the battery specifications of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Battery type | 86 WHr, 6-cell "smart" lithium-ion battery |
| Battery voltage | 11.40 VDC |
| Battery weight (maximum) | 0.34 kg (0.75 lb) |
| Battery dimensions: |
|
| Temperature range: |
|
| Battery operating time | Varies depending on operating conditions and can significantly reduce under certain power-intensive conditions. |
| Battery charging time (approximate) | 3 hours (when the computer is off) ? NOTE: Control the charging time, duration, start and end time, and so on using the Dell Power Manager application. For more information on the Dell Power Manager see, Me and My Dell on www.dell.com. |
| Coin-cell battery | Not supported |
Display
The following table lists the display specifications of your Alienware m15 R4.
| Description | Option one | Option two | Option three |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display type | 15.6-inch Full High Definition (FHD) | 15.6-inch Full High Definition (FHD) | 15.6-inch Ultra High Definition (UHD) |
| Display-panel technology | Wide-Viewing Angle (WVA) | Wide-Viewing Angle (WVA) | Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) |
| Display-panel dimensions (active area): |
|
|
|
| Display-panel native resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Luminance (typical) | 300 nits | 300 nits | 400 nits |
| Megapixels | 2.07 | 2.07 | 8.29 |
| Color gamut | 100% (sRGB) | 100% (sRGB) | 100% (DCI-P3) |
| Pixels Per Inch (PPI) | 141 | 141 | 282 |
| Contrast ratio (typ) | 1000:1 | 1000:1 | 100,000:1 |
| Response time (max) | 7 ms | 3 ms | 1 ms |
| Refresh rate | 144 Hz | 300 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Horizontal view angle | +/- 85 degrees | +/- 85 degrees | +/- 85 degrees |
| Vertical view angle | +/- 85 degrees | +/- 85 degrees | +/- 85 degrees |
| Pixel pitch | 0.18 mm | 0.18 mm | 0.09 mm |
| Power consumption (maximum) | 7.80 W | 6.3 W | 14.8 W |
| Anti-glare vs glossy finish | Anti-glare | Anti-glare | TrueLife |
| Touch options | No | No | No |
| Dynamic Display Switch (DDS) support | Optional | No | No |
| G-Sync support | Yes | No | No |
GPU-Integrated
The following table lists the specifications of the integrated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) supported by your Alienware m15 R4.
| Controller | External display support | Memory size | Processor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel UHD graphics |
| Shared system memory | 10th Generation Intel Core i7/i9K |
GPU-Discrete
The following table lists the specifications of the discrete Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) supported by your Alienware m15 R4.
| Controller | Memory size | Memory type |
|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | 6 GB | GDDR6 |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | 8 GB | GDDR6 |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | 8 GB | GDDR6 |
Operating and storage environment
This table lists the operating and storage specifications of your Alienware m15 R4.
Airborne contaminant level: G1 as defined by ISA-S71.04-1985
| Description | Operating | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature range | 0°C to 35°C (32°F to 95°F) | -40°C to 65°C (-40°F to 149°F) |
| Relative humidity (maximum) | 10% to 90% (non-condensing) | 0% to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Vibration (maximum)* | 0.66 GRMS | 1.30 GRMS |
| Shock (maximum) | 140 G‡ | 160 G‡ |
| Altitude range | 0 m to 3048 m (0 ft to 10000 ft) | 0 m to 10668 m (0 ft to 35000 ft) |
* Measured using a random vibration spectrum that simulates user environment.
‡ Measured using a 2 ms half-sine pulse when the hard drive is in use.
Chapter 4: Keyboard shortcuts
? NOTE: Keyboard characters may differ depending on the keyboard language configuration. Keys used for shortcuts remain the same across all language configurations.
Some keys on your keyboard have two symbols on them. These keys can be used to type alternate characters or to perform secondary functions. The symbol shown on the lower part of the key refers to the character that is typed out when the key is pressed. If you press shift and the key, the symbol shown on the upper part of the key is typed out. For example, if you press 2, 2 is typed out; if you press Shift + 2, @ is typed out.
The keys F1–F12 at the top row of the keyboard are function keys for multi-media control, as indicated by the icon at the bottom of the key. Press the function key to invoke the task represented by the icon. For example, pressing F1 mutes the audio (refer to the table below).
However, if the function keys F1–F12 are needed for specific software applications, multi-media functionality can be disabled by pressing Fn + Esc. Subsequently, multi-media control can be invoked by pressing Fn and the respective function key. For example, mute audio by pressing Fn + F1.
? NOTE: You can also define the primary behavior of the function keys (F1–F12) by changing Function Key Behavior in BIOS setup program.
| Keys | Description |
|---|---|
| Fn + F1 | Disconnect Alienware Graphics Amplifier |
| Fn + F2 | Disable/enable wireless |
| Fn + F3 | Mute audio |
| Fn + F4 | Decrease volume |
| Fn + F5 | Increase volume |
| Fn + F8 | Switch to external display |
| Fn + F9 | Decrease brightness |
| Fn + F10 | Increase brightness |
| Fn + F11 | Disable/enable touchpad |
| Fn + F12 | Disable/enable AlienFX |
Chapter 5: Alienware Command Center
Alienware Command Center (AWCC) provides a single interface to customize and enhance the gaming experience. The AWCC dashboard displays most recently played or added games, and provides game-specific information, themes, profiles, and access to computer settings. You can quickly access settings such as game-specific profiles and themes, lighting, macros, and audio that are critical to the gaming experience.
AWCC also supports AlienFX 2.0. AlienFX enables you to create, assign, and share game-specific lighting maps to enhance the gaming experience. It also enables you to create your own individual lighting effects and apply them to the computer or attached peripherals. AWCC embeds Peripheral Controls to ensure a unified experience and the ability to link these settings to your computer or game.
AWCC supports the following features:
- FX: Create and manage the AlienFX zones.
- Fusion: Includes the ability to adjust game-specific Power Management, Sound Management, and Thermal Management features.
- Peripheral Management: Enables peripherals to appear in and be managed in Alienware Command Center. Supports key peripheral settings and associates with other functions such as profiles, macros, AlienFX, and game library.
AWCC also supports Sound Management, Thermal Controls, CPU, GPU, Memory (RAM) monitoring. For more information about AWCC, see the Alienware Command Center Online Help or the knowledge base article SLN128904 at www.dell.com/support.
Chapter 6: Getting help and contacting Alienware
Self-help resources
You can get information and help on Alienware products and services using these online self-help resources:
| Self-help resources | Resource location |
|---|---|
| Information about Alienware products and services | www.alienware.com |
| Dell Help & Support app | In Windows search, type Help and Support, and press Enter. |
| Tips | ? |
| Contact Support | |
| Online help for operating system | www.dell.com/support/windows |
| Troubleshooting information, user manuals, setup instructions, product specifications, technical help blogs, drivers, software updates, and so on | www.alienware.com/gamingservices |
| Videos providing step-by-step instructions to service your computer | www.youtube.com/alienwareservices |
Contacting Alienware
To contact Alienware for sales, technical support, or customer service issues, see www.alienware.com.
? NOTE: Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your country.
? NOTE: If you do not have an active internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
