Alienware M17 R2

Security Grade

Calculator v1

ALINEWARE M17 R2

   Brand: Alienware (Parent: Dell)

   Category: Gaming Laptop • Model / Gen: M17 Series, 2nd Generation Varies by configuration

   Release Date: 2019-02-13 • Status: End of sale

   Classification Date: 2025-10-07 • Official Website

Security Evaluation

Criterion	Value	Proof	Comment
Known hardware tampering	None	[1. Dell Security Advisory Page 2. Intel Platform Security Features 3. Alienware M17 R2 Support - Drivers & Downloads 🔗 Proof]	As a branded gaming laptop, no widespread specific hardware tampering vulnerabilities are reported. Physical security relies on firmware and chassis design.
Known vulnerabilities	None	[1. Dell Security Advisories 2. Microsoft Security Update Guide 3. NVIDIA Security Bulletins 🔗 Proof]	Its components have regular security advisories and patches. Vulnerabilities are common but managed through updates.
Prior attacks	Very common	[1. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog 2. Microsoft Security Intelligence Report 🔗 Proof]	No widely reported specific attacks targeting the ALIENWARE M17 R2 model exclusively. Users face risks from generic Windows malware and cyber-attacks.
Updatability	Rare	[1. Alienware M17 R2 Driver & Download Page 2. Dell Support Assist Application 3. Windows Update 🔗 Proof]	Driver, BIOS, and OS security updates are provided via Dell Support Assistant and Windows Update. Support continues but may slow as it's an older model.
Category Score	Score: 2 / 3

Criterion	Value	Proof	Comment
Authentication with other systems	Full	[1. Windows Hello for Business 2. Microsoft Account Documentation 3. Dell Digital Locker 🔗 Proof]	Supports robust authentication with other systems via Windows Hello (on some configs), Microsoft Account, Dell/ALIENWARE account, etc.
Communications	Encrypted with up-to-date encryption	[1. Wi-Fi Alliance on WPA3 2. Killer Networking Control Center Security 3. Microsoft TLS Support 🔗 Proof]	Wi-Fi 6 (WPA3), Killer Ethernet, and Bluetooth 5.0 all use modern encryption protocols. Web traffic uses TLS 1.2/1.3.
Storage	Encrypted with up-to-date encryption	[1. Microsoft BitLocker Documentation 2. Dell BIOS Encryption Features 🔗 Proof]	Supports hardware-based full-disk encryption via Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption (typically with TPM). Standard for modern Windows devices.
Category Score	Score: 1 / 3

Criterion	Value	Proof	Comment
Account management	Full	[1. Windows User Account Control 2. Microsoft Account Management 3. Alienware Command Center 🔗 Proof]	Full account management via Windows and ALIENWARE, supporting multi-user, admin/standard permissions, etc.
Authentication	Secure	[1. Windows Hello Setup 2. Windows Security Features 🔗 Proof]	Offers multiple secure methods: Windows Hello (some configs), fingerprint, PIN, picture password, strong password.
Brute-force protection	Exist	[1. Microsoft Account Lockout Policy 🔗 Proof]	Windows has account lockout policies that lock the account after multiple failed login attempts.
Event logging	Access event logged	[1. Windows Event Viewer Documentation 2. Auditing Authentication Events 🔗 Proof]	Windows Event Viewer extensively logs security events for audit by administrators.
Passwords	Require change after setup with complexity requirements	[1. Microsoft Password Policy 2. Windows Security Baselines 🔗 Proof]	Windows setup encourages strong passwords, and policies can enforce complexity, expiration, and minimum length.
Category Score	Score: 1 / 3

Property	Details
Operating System & App	Windows 10 Home (Upgradable to Windows 11) (Companion App: ALIENWARE Command Center)
Hardware (CPU / GPU)	CPU: Up to Intel Core i9-9980HK Processor • GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Laptop GPU (Max-Q Design)
Memory & Storage	Memory: Up to 16GB or 32GB (Onboard) DDR4 2666MHz • Storage: Up to 2TB (2x 1TB) NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD RAID0
Power, Battery & Charging	Battery: 60Wh or 90Wh Lithium-Ion battery (Varies by configuration) • Power: 240W Slim AC Power Adapter • Charging: Proprietary power port charging
Display & Camera	Display: Options include: • 17.3-inch FHD (1920x1080) 60Hz/144Hz IPS • 17.3-inch UHD (3840x2160) 60Hz IPS • Camera: 720p HD Camera (Some configurations support Windows Hello facial recognition)
Sound & Connectivity	Sound: Built-in speakers, Nahimic 3D Audio • Connectivity: Wired: Killer E2500 Gigabit Ethernet Wireless: Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 (2x2) Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 Ports: USB 3.1, Alienware Graphics Amplifier port, HDMI 2.0
Physical (Dimensions & Mass)	Dimensions: Approx. 396 x 293.5 x 18.6 mm (L x W x H) • Mass: Starting at approx. 2.63 kg