Alienware M17 R4

Alienware M17 R4
Security Grade A Calculator v1	ALIENWARE M17 R4 Brand: Alienware (Parent: Dell) Category: Gaming Laptop • Model / Gen: M17 Series, 4th Generation Varies by configuration, e.g., M17 R4 Release Date: 2021-02-02 • Status: End of sale Classification Date: 2025-10-07 • Official Website

Security Evaluation

1. Device Security

Criterion	Value	Proof	Comment
Known hardware tampering	None	—	As a branded gaming laptop, no widespread specific hardware tampering vulnerabilities are reported. Physical security relies on firmware and chassis design.
Known vulnerabilities	Very common	—	Its components have regular security advisories and patches. Vulnerabilities are common but managed through updates.
Prior attacks	Rare	—	No widely reported specific attacks targeting the ALIENWARE M17 R4 model exclusively. Users face risks from generic Windows malware and cyber-attacks.
Updatability	Very common	—	Frequent driver, BIOS, and OS security updates via Dell Support Assistant and Windows Update. Dell provides long-term support for this model.
Category Score	Score: 2 / 3

2. System Security

Criterion	Value	Proof	Comment
Authentication with other systems	Full	—	Supports robust authentication with other systems via Windows Hello, Microsoft Account, Dell/ALIENWARE account, etc.
Communications	Encrypted with up-to-date encryption	—	Wi-Fi 6 (WPA3), Killer Ethernet, Thunderbolt 3, and Bluetooth 5.1 all use modern encryption protocols. Web traffic uses TLS 1.2/1.3.
Storage	Encrypted with up-to-date encryption	—	Supports hardware-based full-disk encryption via Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption (typically with TPM). Standard for modern Windows devices.
Category Score	Score: 1 / 3

3. User Authentication

Criterion	Value	Proof	Comment
Account management	Full	—	Full account management via Windows and ALIENWARE, supporting multi-user, admin/standard permissions, group policies, etc.
Authentication	Secure	—	Offers multiple secure methods: Windows Hello face/fingerprint, PIN, picture password, strong password. Exceeds basic requirements.
Brute-force protection	Exist	—	Windows has account lockout policies that lock the account after multiple failed login attempts, preventing brute-force attacks.
Event logging	Access event logged	—	Windows Event Viewer extensively logs security events for audit by administrators.
Passwords	Require change after setup with complexity requirements	—	Windows setup encourages strong passwords, and policies can enforce complexity, expiration, and minimum length.
Category Score	Score: 1 / 3

Technical Specifications

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 i9-10980HK Processor • GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6)
Memory & Storage	Memory: Up to 32GB DDR4 2933MHz • Storage: Up to 4TB (2x 2TB) NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD RAID0
Power, Battery & Charging	Battery: 86Wh Lithium-Ion battery • Power: 240W or 330W Slim AC Power Adapter • Charging: Proprietary power port charging
Display & Camera	Display: Options include: • 17.3-inch FHD (1920x1080) 360Hz IPS • 17.3-inch UHD (3840x2160) 60Hz IPS • Camera: 720p HD IR Camera (Supports Windows Hello)
Sound & Connectivity	Sound: Built-in speakers, Nahimic 3D Audio • Connectivity: Wired: Killer E3100G 2.5Gbps Ethernet Wireless: Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 Ports: USB 3.2, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.1
Physical (Dimensions & Mass)	Dimensions: Approx. 399.2 x 293.3 x 22.6 mm (L x W x H) • Mass: Starting at approx. 2.98 kg