How Graphics Cards Work
Discrete graphics cards can provide better performance as compared to integrated graphics cards. Discrete graphics cards are separate from the motherboard and include a specialized graphics processing unit (GPU). Because of their onboard GPU, discrete graphics cards don’t have to share the CPU with other programs.
Discrete graphics cards include the memory of their own, measured in gigabytes (GB). Graphics memory is used by the GPU to accelerate graphics performance, store textures using game graphics, and make gaming, movies and other entertainment intensely realistic. High-performance graphics cards require a significant amount of graphics memory.
How to Get the Highest Performance
In Alienware PCs, two or more graphics cards can be linked together to boost total gaming performance. NVIDIA® graphics cards use a technology called Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) to enable two or more cards to work together when processing graphics data. Naturally, having two graphics cards working together to render graphics increases the available frame rate and provides more depth and detail. With the added horsepower of dual graphics cards, you can use higher resolution displays and enjoy high-definition (HD) gaming without sacrificing graphics performance.
Discrete graphics cards can provide better performance as compared to integrated graphics cards. Discrete graphics cards are separate from the motherboard and include a specialized graphics processing unit (GPU). Because of their onboard GPU, discrete graphics cards don’t have to share the CPU with other programs.
Discrete graphics cards include the memory of their own, measured in gigabytes (GB). Graphics memory is used by the GPU to accelerate graphics performance, store textures using game graphics, and make gaming, movies and other entertainment intensely realistic. High-performance graphics cards require a significant amount of graphics memory.
How to Get the Highest Performance
In Alienware PCs, two or more graphics cards can be linked together to boost total gaming performance. NVIDIA® graphics cards use a technology called Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) to enable two or more cards to work together when processing graphics data. Naturally, having two graphics cards working together to render graphics increases the available frame rate and provides more depth and detail. With the added horsepower of dual graphics cards, you can use higher resolution displays and enjoy high-definition (HD) gaming without sacrificing graphics performance.
Compare Graphics Cards
| Alienware m15 R4 | Alienware m17 R4 | |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | ||
| Max Graphics Power | 130W | 130W |
| Total Graphics Power | 115W | 115W |
| Dynamic Boost | 15W | 15W |
| Base Clock (MHz) | 1387MHz | 1387MHz |
| Boost Clock (MHz) | 1702MHz | 1702MHz |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 | ||
| Max Graphics Power | 140W | 140W |
| Total Graphics Power | 125W | 125W |
| Dynamic Boost | 15W | 15W |
| Base Clock (MHz) | 1215MHz | 1215MHz |
| Boost Clock (MHz) | 1620MHz | 1620MHz |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | ||
| Max Graphics Power | 140W | 165W |
| Total Graphics Power | 125W | 150W |
| Dynamic Boost | 15W | 15W |
| Base Clock (MHz) | 1185MHz | 1350MHz |
| Boost Clock (MHz) | 1605MHz | 1710MHz |
| Graphics Power | Alienware Area 51m R2 |
| AMD Radeon™ RX 5700M 8GB GDDR6 | Maximum Graphics Power: 140W TGP: 140W Clocks: Max:1750MHz min 300MHz |
| NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GGB GDDR6 | Maximum Graphics Power: 115W TGP: 115W Clocks: Base: 1140Mhz Boost: 1380MHz |
| NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 2080 SUPER™ 8GB GDDR6 | Maximum Graphics Power: 200W TGP: 200W Clocks: Base: 1560MHz Boost: 1740MHz |
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX And RTX™
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX And RTX™ graphics cards are powered by advanced GPU architectures for both gamers and creators. Get truly next-gen performance and features for the ultimate gaming experience.
One reason why NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX And RTX™ graphics cards are so powerful is because they have dedicated graphics memory. This means that the graphics card’s graphical processing unit (GPU) has its own source of memory and doesn’t use the memory that your computer uses. This design frees up system memory, which helps improve the overall system and graphics performance of your computer.
In addition, as a dedicated graphics card, the physical hardware is a separate component that plugs into an expansion slot on the motherboard. You can easily remove and replace the graphics card if you need to.
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX And RTX™ graphics cards are powered by advanced GPU architectures for both gamers and creators. Get truly next-gen performance and features for the ultimate gaming experience.
One reason why NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX And RTX™ graphics cards are so powerful is because they have dedicated graphics memory. This means that the graphics card’s graphical processing unit (GPU) has its own source of memory and doesn’t use the memory that your computer uses. This design frees up system memory, which helps improve the overall system and graphics performance of your computer.
In addition, as a dedicated graphics card, the physical hardware is a separate component that plugs into an expansion slot on the motherboard. You can easily remove and replace the graphics card if you need to.
1
4k
Set up to the ultimate 4K gaming experience with GeForce RTX™ and enjoy today’s biggest games in amazing detail.
2
NVIDIA G-SYNC
Get smooth, tear-free gameplay at refresh rates up to 240 Hz, plus HDR and more. This is the ultimate gaming display and the go-to equipment for enthusiast gamers.
3
NVIDIA ANSEL
Turn your screenshots into art with this powerful in-game photo mode that captures 360, HDR, and super-resolution photos.
5
Virtual Reality
Take VR to a new level of realism with a combination of advanced VR rendering, real-time ray tracing, and AI.
Next-Gen Gaming
DirectX® 12 Technology
DirectX 12 (DX12) enables developers to add amazing graphics effects to Microsoft Windows-based PC games. GeForce® graphics cards deliver advanced DX12 features such as ray tracing and variable rate shading, bringing games to life with ultra-realistic visual effects and faster frame rates.
NVIDIA® NVLINK® Technology
NVLink allows data to move between GPUs and CPUs five to 12 times faster than before by combining multiple GeForce® GPUs. It offers amazing performance scaling for a premier gaming solution.
NVIDIA® PhysX® Technology
NVIDIA® PhysX® technology adds an element of realism that is revolutionary in gaming. With an NVIDIA® GeForce® GPU in your PC, you’ll experience dynamic PhysX® effects like blazing explosions, reactive debris, realistic water and lifelike characteristics.