Laptops

How Long Do Alienware Laptops Last? (Battery Health and Life)

by Jake Redman

When buying gaming laptops, the first thing that many people check is the brand. If you're on the market for a new gaming laptop, you're probably thinking of purchasing Alienware, Dell's subsidiary dedicated to creating premium gaming devices.

In addition to being related to tech giant Dell, Alienware laptops are packed with cutting-edge technology that will surely bring an excellent gaming experience. However, these laptops come with a hefty price tag.

Since buying this gaming laptop is a considerable investment, you might be wondering how long do Alienware laptops last? In this article, we will discuss their battery health, lifespan, and tips on how to take care of them.

What Affects The Life Of Alienware Laptops?

Alienware laptops are packed with features that gamers would enjoy. However, like any gaming laptop, these devices can encounter several issues that may affect their lifespan.

If not addressed properly, they may be detrimental to the laptops’ health. Here are some of the most common problems Alienware laptops encounter and how you can fix them:

Overheating

Many laptops or even PCs experience overheating, especially when running heavy games or programs. If ignored, the heat may damage the internal components of your computer and shorten its lifespan.

Below are some fixes to the overheating issues faced by Alienware laptops:

  • Clean the vents located under the case to allow air to pass from there. Alienware laptops’ vents can get clogged, or heat-generated components can be covered with dust. The dirt and suits make it harder for the air to flow around the fan blades, causing the fan to work harder, overheating the whole device.
  • Ensure that your laptop has a proper space for ventilation. For example, don’t put it on soft surfaces that absorb heat.
  • Try using a cooling pad to keep the temperature low.
Battery Drains Quickly

Constantly using your Alienware laptop can cause its battery to decline faster. In some situations, the battery health may be affected by a faulty charger.

When your laptop’s battery drains quickly, you may need to plug it in all the time, which defeats its purpose of being a laptop. If this is happening to your Alienware device, here are some solutions you can try:

  • Replace your battery. This is a simple job as you just need to remove the battery from the back of your laptop.
  • Check if your power adapter is faulty, and if so, repair or replace it.
Slow Boot time

If your Alienware is booting longer than average, don’t ignore it. At the same time, if there are any performance issues when using multiple programs or games, your laptop may be facing some issues. To fix these problems, try these troubleshooting tips:

  • First, try using bootloader programs to address the long start-up time.
  • Next, to address performance issues, disable any background apps or programs that are not used.
  • Finally, upgrade your RAM, as your laptop may require more memory.
Hardware Failure

Hardware failure is caused by many problems ranging from physical issues to system failures. For example, water damage and file corruption can be the reason why your hard drive will fail.

But if this happens to your laptop, no need to worry. The solution is straightforward, and your Alienware laptop will be up and running in no time.

  • Always back up your files, whether to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
  • Replace the hard drive if it fails, or try using tools available online to fix the issue.
Shut Down Problems

If your computer won’t shut down or it takes longer than usual, there are some general fixes you can try. Below are some of them:

  • Uninstall any third-party programs such as anti-virus software. These apps may be the reason why your computer isn’t shutting down. You also won’t need one as your computer has a built-in program called Windows Defender.
  • Running programs can also interfere with your laptop’s shutting down process. Close all programs before turning your computer off or forcefully end them through your task manager.
  • Lastly, try updating your computer. From the Windows search bar, type in “check for updates” to see any updates available.
gaming laptop sitting on a desk

Alienware Laptop Battery Life

Depending on how you use your Alienware laptop, the battery can last up to 10 hours. But this only happens if you make some battery-conserving tweaks like putting it in airplane mode, setting the brightness at 50%, and running light applications.

But with regular use, the battery can last up to 6 hours, which is the expected battery life of a gaming laptop.

Unfortunately for people who run heavy apps and games, Alienware’s battery life is shorter than many gaming apps.

Some have reported that it only lasted for 2 hours, and you may need to charge it again after that. But this isn’t a surprise because Alienware is packed with powerful components that require a lot of energy that drains any battery quickly.

How Long Do Alienware Laptops Last?

No matter what brand of gaming laptop you have, their lifespan depends on how you use it. For those who don’t know how to maintain one properly, they’ll be likely to have it for a year or so.

But if you know how to take care of it and address any issues that arise, your gaming laptop will last longer and sometimes even longer than other types of laptops.

Alienware laptops are the same. If you know how to maintain it properly, your computer can last for more than five years.

But you should note that maintaining it doesn't just mean cleaning it regularly. This means that you have to repair any issues, replace any components that need replacing, and service them whenever required.

Having an expensive gaming laptop is an investment and commitment, so you must know how to care for it.

Lastly, Alienware laptops are upgradeable. If you have had it for more than two years now, you might want to get better parts to accommodate your gaming needs. Instead of buying a new one, you can upgrade its CPU and GPU, which allows you to get the most out of it. This also extends its lifespan.

alienware logo on a black laptop

How To Extend The Life Of Alienware Gaming Laptops?

Properly caring for and maintaining your gaming laptop will ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some tips that will help extend its life:

  • Always clean your laptop. Make sure to clean all of the dust, grime, residue, and others. Focus on cleaning the screen, keyboard, chassis, and air vents. Regularly cleaning it will make a massive difference in your laptop’s lifespan.
  • Use a surge protector when you can. A single power surge can damage your laptop in just a few seconds, which can affect its functionality.
  • Don’t use your laptop on soft surfaces such as pillows, beds, comforters, carpeting, or sofa. The air vents on the bottom or sides of your computer will be blocked, reducing airflow.
  • Avoid eating or drinking near your laptop.
  • Keep your laptop dry and protect it from rain, snow, or any liquid.
  • Please don't leave your laptop in a car, its trunk, or any location that will expose it to extreme temperature or direct sunlight for long periods. Large temperature swings can be detrimental to your laptop, and a laptop bag may be an inviting target for thieves.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I leave the Alienware laptop plugged in all the time?

If you are gaming or using the laptop, plugging it in is okay and won’t overcharge the battery.

Modern gaming laptops, like Alienware, are either using lithium-ion (Li-ion) or Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries, which are designed to stop charging once it reaches 100%. The charging will only resume if there’s a voltage drop in the battery.

Can I use an Alienware laptop for office work?

Of course. Alienware gaming laptops can be used for everyday tasks like any laptop. They’re just your standard computers that are created for better gaming. So you won’t encounter any problem using it for office work.

How do you store your Alienware laptop when not in use?

If it doesn’t have a permanent place, create a dedicated space for your Alienware laptop. For example, you can keep it on your bookshelf or cabinet. Just remember to store it far from external harm such as water or direct sunlight.

How long should you use your Alienware laptop to keep it from overheating?

It depends on how you use it. But to be sure, download Core Temp on your laptop and observe how long it will take for it to overheat.

Conclusion

Alienware gaming laptops have become one of the go-to laptops of many gamers, thanks to being Dell’s sister company.

While these laptops are expensive, they can be good investments, especially if you know how to maintain them properly. So if you have the budget and want to have a powerful laptop, Alienware is undoubtedly an excellent choice.