Choose the 16X Aurora if…
- You edit photos or video, or run other heavy apps.
- You want to play recent games.
- You spend long hours looking at the screen.
- You want Thunderbolt without an adapter.
Alienware 16 Aurora (AC16250) vs Alienware 16X Aurora (AC16251)
The 16X Aurora is the stronger laptop here: it is faster and better for games, and has the nicer screen.
The 16X Aurora is the stronger laptop here: it is faster and better for games, and has the nicer screen.
The 16X Aurora is the stronger laptop here: it is faster and better for games, and has the nicer screen.
The 16X Aurora is the stronger laptop here: it is faster and better for games, and has the nicer screen.
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Pick the configurations
This comparison starts with each model's base configuration. Pick the ones you're considering and the whole page compares exactly those.
| Spec | 16 Aurora | 16X Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 7 240H | |
| Memory | 16 GB | |
| Storage | 1 TB |
Dashed options are sold in another configuration. Picking one switches the other specs to match.
Which one to choose
-
Performance
16X Aurora wins
A higher-class chip and more processor cores: quicker with big projects and many apps open.
-
Gaming
16X Aurora wins
Its graphics run recent games at higher settings.
-
Display
16X Aurora wins
Its screen is smoother and uses OLED for deeper blacks.
-
Portability
Evenly matched
They weigh about the same.
-
Ports
16X Aurora wins
It adds Thunderbolt.
-
Performance
16X Aurora wins
A higher-class chip and more processor cores: quicker with big projects and many apps open.
-
Gaming
16X Aurora wins
Its graphics run recent games at higher settings.
-
Display
16X Aurora wins
Its screen is smoother and uses OLED for deeper blacks.
-
Portability
Evenly matched
They weigh about the same.
-
Ports
16X Aurora wins
It adds Thunderbolt.
Choose the 16X Aurora if…
- You edit photos or video, or run other heavy apps.
- You want to play recent games.
- You spend long hours looking at the screen.
- You want Thunderbolt without an adapter.
-
Performance
16X Aurora wins
A higher-class chip and more processor cores: quicker with big projects and many apps open.
-
Gaming
16X Aurora wins
Its graphics run recent games at higher settings.
-
Display
16X Aurora wins
Its screen is smoother and uses OLED for deeper blacks.
-
Portability
Evenly matched
They weigh about the same.
-
Ports
16X Aurora wins
It adds Thunderbolt.
Choose the 16X Aurora if…
- You edit photos or video, or run other heavy apps.
- You want to play recent games.
- You spend long hours looking at the screen.
- You want Thunderbolt without an adapter.
-
Performance
16X Aurora wins
A higher-class chip and more processor cores: quicker with big projects and many apps open.
-
Gaming
16X Aurora wins
Its graphics run recent games at higher settings.
-
Display
16X Aurora wins
Its screen is smoother and uses OLED for deeper blacks.
-
Portability
Evenly matched
They weigh about the same.
-
Ports
16X Aurora wins
It adds Thunderbolt.
Choose the 16X Aurora if…
- You edit photos or video, or run other heavy apps.
- You want to play recent games.
- You spend long hours looking at the screen.
- You want Thunderbolt without an adapter.
Spec by spec
Change configurations| Specification | 16 Aurora | 16X Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| The 16X Aurora is the faster laptop, with a higher-class chip and more processor cores. The 16 Aurora is not far behind, so either copes with heavy work. For gaming the 16X Aurora is clearly stronger. | ||
| Processor | Intel Core 7 240H | Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus |
| CPU cores | 10 | 20 |
| Core types | 6 performance + 4 efficiency | 8 performance + 12 efficiency |
| Threads | 16 | 20 |
| Base clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Max boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.3 GHz |
| Cache | 24 MB | 30 MB |
| Processor base power | 45 W | 55 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 7 | TSMC N3B |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 |
| Graphics architecture | Blackwell | Blackwell |
| Graphics cores | 2560 CUDA cores | 3328 CUDA cores |
| Graphics boost clock | 1500–2662 MHz | 1455–2497 MHz |
| Graphics power range | 35–100 W | 45–100 W |
| Graphics AI performance | 440 TOPS | 572 TOPS |
| Graphics memory | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-5600 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | — |
| Memory upgrades | Upgradeable (slots) | — |
| Storage | 1 TB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | — | M.2 2230 SSD Gen4x4 |
| Screen | ||
| The 16X Aurora has the nicer screen: it is smoother and uses OLED for deeper blacks. | ||
| Screen size | 16" | 16" |
| Resolution | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | — |
| Panel | LCD | OLED |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 240 Hz |
| Brightness | 300 nits | 620 nits |
| Touchscreen | No | — |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | — | Yes |
| Color range | — | 120% DCI-P3 col.volume |
| Finish | — | Matte |
| Battery and size | ||
| Battery and weight are close, so neither has an edge to carry around. | ||
| Charger | 180 W | — |
| Weight | 2.49 kg (5.5 lb) | 2.57 kg (5.7 lb) |
| Dimensions | 357 x 265 x 18.5 mm (14.06 x 10.43 x 0.73 in) | 356.98 x 265.43 x 23.40 mm (14.05 x 10.45 x 0.92 in) |
| Color | Blue | — |
| Colors available | Blue | — |
| Battery capacity | — | 96 Wh |
| Charges via | — | power-adapter port |
| Fast charging | — | Express Charge Capable |
| Ports and wireless | ||
| The 16X Aurora adds Thunderbolt, so you'll need fewer adapters. | ||
| Ports | 4x USB, 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) with Power Delivery, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) with DisplayPort 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5 mm audio jack, 1x RJ45 Ethernet (1 Gbps), 1x power-adapter port |
| Ethernet | Ethernet | 1 GbE RJ-45 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | — | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) |
| Wi-Fi card | — | MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 MT7925 |
| Features | ||
| Webcam | 720p | — |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | — |
| Keyboard | QWERTY gaming keyboard | 1-Zone AlienFX RGB Keyboard, English US |
| Number pad | Yes | — |
| Speakers | 2x 2W speakers with Dolby Audio | — |
| Software and model | ||
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Released | 2025 | — |
| Specification | 16 Aurora | 16X Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| The 16X Aurora is the faster laptop, with a higher-class chip and more processor cores. The 16 Aurora is not far behind, so either copes with heavy work. For gaming the 16X Aurora is clearly stronger. | ||
| Processor | Intel Core 7 240H | Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus |
| CPU cores | 10 | 20 |
| Core types | 6 performance + 4 efficiency | 8 performance + 12 efficiency |
| Threads | 16 | 20 |
| Base clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Max boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.3 GHz |
| Cache | 24 MB | 30 MB |
| Processor base power | 45 W | 55 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 7 | TSMC N3B |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 |
| Graphics architecture | Blackwell | Blackwell |
| Graphics cores | 2560 CUDA cores | 3328 CUDA cores |
| Graphics boost clock | 1500–2662 MHz | 1455–2497 MHz |
| Graphics power range | 35–100 W | 45–100 W |
| Graphics AI performance | 440 TOPS | 572 TOPS |
| Graphics memory | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-5600 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | — |
| Memory upgrades | Upgradeable (slots) | — |
| Storage | 1 TB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | — | M.2 2230 SSD Gen4x4 |
| Screen | ||
| The 16X Aurora has the nicer screen: it is smoother and uses OLED for deeper blacks. | ||
| Screen size | 16" | 16" |
| Resolution | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | — |
| Panel | LCD | OLED |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 240 Hz |
| Brightness | 300 nits | 620 nits |
| Touchscreen | No | — |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | — | Yes |
| Color range | — | 120% DCI-P3 col.volume |
| Finish | — | Matte |
| Battery and size | ||
| Battery and weight are close, so neither has an edge to carry around. | ||
| Charger | 180 W | — |
| Weight | 2.49 kg (5.5 lb) | 2.57 kg (5.7 lb) |
| Dimensions | 357 x 265 x 18.5 mm (14.06 x 10.43 x 0.73 in) | 356.98 x 265.43 x 23.40 mm (14.05 x 10.45 x 0.92 in) |
| Color | Blue | — |
| Colors available | Blue | — |
| Battery capacity | — | 96 Wh |
| Charges via | — | power-adapter port |
| Fast charging | — | Express Charge Capable |
| Ports and wireless | ||
| The 16X Aurora adds Thunderbolt, so you'll need fewer adapters. | ||
| Ports | 4x USB, 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) with Power Delivery, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) with DisplayPort 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5 mm audio jack, 1x RJ45 Ethernet (1 Gbps), 1x power-adapter port |
| Ethernet | Ethernet | 1 GbE RJ-45 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | — | Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) |
| Wi-Fi card | — | MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 MT7925 |
| Features | ||
| Webcam | 720p | — |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | — |
| Keyboard | QWERTY gaming keyboard | 1-Zone AlienFX RGB Keyboard, English US |
| Number pad | Yes | — |
| Speakers | 2x 2W speakers with Dolby Audio | — |
| Software and model | ||
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Released | 2025 | — |
| Specification | 16 Aurora | 16X Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| The 16X Aurora is the faster laptop, with a higher-class chip and more processor cores. The 16 Aurora is not far behind, so either copes with heavy work. For gaming the 16X Aurora is clearly stronger. | ||
| Processor | Intel Core 7 240H | Intel Core Ultra 7 270HX Plus |
| CPU cores | 10 | 20 |
| Core types | 6 performance + 4 efficiency | 8 performance + 12 efficiency |
| Threads | 16 | 20 |
| Base clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Max boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.3 GHz |
| Cache | 24 MB | 30 MB |
| Processor base power | 45 W | 55 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 7 | TSMC N3B |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 |
| Graphics architecture | Blackwell | Blackwell |
| Graphics cores | 2560 CUDA cores | 3328 CUDA cores |
| Graphics boost clock | 1500–2662 MHz | 1455–2497 MHz |
| Graphics power range | 35–100 W | 45–100 W |
| Graphics AI performance | 440 TOPS | 572 TOPS |
| Graphics memory | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-5600 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | — |
| Memory upgrades | Upgradeable (slots) | — |
| Storage | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | — | M.2 2230 SSD Gen4x4 |
| Screen | ||
| The 16X Aurora has the nicer screen: it is smoother and uses OLED for deeper blacks. | ||
| Screen size | 16" | 16" |
| Resolution | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | — |
| Panel | LCD | OLED |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 240 Hz |
| Brightness | 300 nits | 620 nits |
| Touchscreen | No | — |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | — | Yes |
| Color range | — | 120% DCI-P3 col.volume |
| Finish | — | Matte |
| Battery and size | ||
| Battery and weight are close, so neither has an edge to carry around. | ||
| Charger | 180 W | — |
| Weight | 2.49 kg (5.5 lb) | 2.57 kg (5.7 lb) |
| Dimensions | 357 x 265 x 18.5 mm (14.06 x 10.43 x 0.73 in) | 356.98 x 265.43 x 23.40 mm (14.05 x 10.45 x 0.92 in) |
| Color | Blue | — |
| Colors available | Blue | — |
| Battery capacity | — | 96 Wh |
| Charges via | — | power-adapter port |
| Fast charging | — | Express Charge Capable |
| Ports and wireless | ||
| The 16X Aurora adds Thunderbolt, so you'll need fewer adapters. | ||
| Ports | 4x USB, 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) with Power Delivery, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps) with DisplayPort 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5 mm audio jack, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet (1 Gbps), 1x power-adapter port |
| Ethernet | Ethernet | 1 GbE RJ-45 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | — | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Wi-Fi card | — | MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 MT7925 |
| Features | ||
| Webcam | 720p | — |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | — |
| Keyboard | QWERTY gaming keyboard | 1-Zone AlienFX RGB |
| Number pad | Yes | — |
| Speakers | 2x 2W speakers with Dolby Audio | — |
| Software and model | ||
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Released | 2025 | — |
| Specification | 16 Aurora | 16X Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| The 16X Aurora is the faster laptop, with a higher-class chip and more processor cores. The 16 Aurora is not far behind, so either copes with heavy work. For gaming the 16X Aurora is clearly stronger. | ||
| Processor | Intel Core 7 240H | Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus |
| CPU cores | 10 | 24 |
| Core types | 6 performance + 4 efficiency | 8 performance + 16 efficiency |
| Threads | 16 | 24 |
| Base clock | 2.5 GHz | 2.7 GHz |
| Max boost clock | 5.2 GHz | 5.5 GHz |
| Cache | 24 MB | 36 MB |
| Processor base power | 45 W | 55 W |
| Manufacturing process | Intel 7 | TSMC N3B |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 |
| Graphics architecture | Blackwell | Blackwell |
| Graphics cores | 2560 CUDA cores | 3328 CUDA cores |
| Graphics boost clock | 1500–2662 MHz | 1455–2497 MHz |
| Graphics power range | 35–100 W | 45–100 W |
| Graphics AI performance | 440 TOPS | 572 TOPS |
| Graphics memory | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory type | DDR5-5600 | DDR5-5600 |
| Maximum memory | 32 GB | — |
| Memory upgrades | Upgradeable (slots) | — |
| Storage | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | — | M.2 2230 SSD Gen4x4 |
| Screen | ||
| The 16X Aurora has the nicer screen: it is smoother and uses OLED for deeper blacks. | ||
| Screen size | 16" | 16" |
| Resolution | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:10 | — |
| Panel | LCD | OLED |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 240 Hz |
| Brightness | 300 nits | 620 nits |
| Touchscreen | No | — |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | — | Yes |
| Color range | — | 120% DCI-P3 col.volume |
| Finish | — | Matte |
| Battery and size | ||
| Battery and weight are close, so neither has an edge to carry around. | ||
| Charger | 180 W | — |
| Weight | 2.49 kg (5.5 lb) | 2.57 kg (5.7 lb) |
| Dimensions | 357 x 265 x 18.5 mm (14.06 x 10.43 x 0.73 in) | 356.98 x 265.43 x 19.20-23.40 mm (14.05 x 10.45 x 0.76-0.92 in) |
| Color | Blue | — |
| Colors available | Blue | — |
| Battery capacity | — | 96 Wh |
| Charges via | — | power-adapter port |
| Fast charging | — | Express Charge Capable |
| Ports and wireless | ||
| The 16X Aurora adds Thunderbolt, so you'll need fewer adapters. | ||
| Ports | 4x USB, 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps, Power Delivery), 1x Thunderbolt 4 (40 Gbps, DisplayPort 2.1), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5 mm audio jack, 1x RJ45 Ethernet (1 Gbps), 1x power-adapter port |
| Ethernet | Ethernet | 1 Gbps RJ-45 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | — | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Wi-Fi card | — | MediaTek Wi-Fi 7 MT7925 |
| Features | ||
| Webcam | 720p | — |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | — |
| Keyboard | QWERTY gaming keyboard | 1-Zone AlienFX RGB Keyboard |
| Number pad | Yes | — |
| Speakers | 2x 2W speakers with Dolby Audio | — |
| Software and model | ||
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Released | 2025 | — |