In depth comparison and review of Alienware M15 R4 and MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana). Compare sizes, performance, storage capacities, batteries and other important specifications and features to easily choose the right laptop for you. Our goal is to help you uncover differences between the products and find the laptop that will best fit your needs.
Advantages and disadvantages of Alienware M15 R4 based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful gaming performance
vivid, fast display
customizable rgb lighting
high-quality build
advanced cooling system
heavy and bulky
short battery life
expensive
loud under load
Advantages and disadvantages of MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful gaming performance
high refresh rate display
reasonable price point
solid build quality
decent thermal management
average battery life
heavyweight design
limited storage capacity
no thunderbolt support
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
---|---|---|
Dimensions (WxDxH) | 36.03 cm x 27.6 cm x 1.79 cm | 35.9 cm x 25.9 cm x 2.49 cm |
Weight | 2.5 kg | 2.1 kg |
Colour | Lunar light | Black |
DISPLAY | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
Screen Size (Type) | 15.6" | 15.6" |
---|---|---|
LCD Backlight Technology | - | LED backlight |
Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
Pixel Density (ppi) | 141 | - |
V-Sync Rate at Max Res. | 144 Hz | 144 Hz |
Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Features | - | MSI Matrix Display, IPS-level |
PROCESSOR | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
CPU | Intel Core i7 (10th Gen) 10870H / 2.2 GHz | Intel Core i5 (11th Gen) 11400H / 2.7 GHz |
---|---|---|
Max Turbo Speed | 5 GHz | 4.5 GHz |
Number of Cores | 8-core | 6-core |
Cache | 16 MB | 12 MB |
64-bit Computing | Yes | - |
Chipset | Intel HM470 | Intel HM570 |
Features | Intel Thermal Velocity Boost | Hyper-Threading Technology, Intel Smart Cache, Intel Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost) |
MEMORY | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
RAM | 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 8 GB (1 x 8 GB) |
---|---|---|
Max RAM Supported | - | 64 GB |
RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR4 SDRAM |
Speed | 2933 MHz | 3200 MHz |
Rated Speed | 2933 MHz | - |
Form Factor | - | SO-DIMM 260-pin |
Slots Qty | - | 2 |
Empty Slots | - | 1 |
STORAGE | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 512 GB SSD M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) | 512 GB SSD M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) |
---|
AUDIO & VIDEO | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
Multi-GPU Configuration | - | 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU |
---|---|---|
Graphics Processor (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 / Intel UHD Graphics |
Video Memory | 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM | 4 GB GDDR6 SDRAM |
Video System Features | - | NVIDIA Optimus, Max-Q design |
Camera | Yes - HD | Yes - 720p |
Resolution | 0.92 Megapixel | - |
Camera Features | 74.9 degrees, RGB camera | - |
Image Sensor Type | CMOS | - |
Video Resolutions | 1280 x 720 | - |
Frame Rate | 30 frames per second | 30 frames per second |
Sound | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone | Stereo speakers |
Codec | Realtek ALC3281-CG | - |
Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio | - |
Audio Features | - | Nahimic 3 sound technology |
COMMUNICATIONS | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1 | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1 |
---|---|---|
Wireless Controller | Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 |
Network Interface | 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet |
Ethernet Controller | Killer E3100 | - |
BATTERY | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
Technology | 6-cell Lithium Ion | 3-cell lithium polymer |
---|---|---|
Battery Capacity (Size) | 86 Wh | 53.5 Wh |
AC ADAPTER | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
Input | AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) | - |
---|---|---|
Output | 240 Watt, 19.5 V, 12.31 A | 150 Watt |
INPUT | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
Type | Keyboard, touchpad | Keyboard, touchpad |
---|---|---|
Numeric Keypad | Yes | - |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (RGB) | Yes |
Features | Multi-gesture touch pad | Red backlighting |
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
Interfaces | USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (supports Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery) USB 3.1 Gen 1 (PowerShare) 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 HDMI Headphone/microphone combo jack Graphics Amplifier Port LAN Mini DisplayPort 1.4 |
HDMI USB 2.0 USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 LAN |
---|---|---|
Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC) | - |
SOFTWARE | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Home |
---|---|---|
Software Included | - | Norton Internet Security (60 days trial), Microsoft Office 2016 (30 days trial), NVIDIA GeForce Experience, MSI APP Player |
MISCELLANEOUS | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI GF66 11SC (254UK Katana) |
---|
Included Accessories | Power adapter | Power adapter |
---|---|---|
Security Slot Type | Noble Wedge security slot | - |
Theft/Intrusion Protection | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) | - |
Features | - | Cooler Boost 5 technology |
Compliant Standards | DisplayPort 1.4 | - |
Max Operating Temperature | 35 °C | - |
Min Operating Temperature | 0 °C | - |
Humidity Range Operating | 10 - 90% (non-condensing) | - |
Manufacturer Warranty | Limited warranty - 2 years | Limited warranty - 1 year |