Feb 9 2011 - The Alienware Area-51 is a high performance gaming desktop PC that is fully customizable. With an aggressive design and sturdy build, the Area-51 has a lot of features that gamers desire, including CPU liquid cooling. But as with the overall Alienware product line, the components come at a cost. The hefty $2,199 price tag warrants a better video card and more memory, but those are both pricey options. Overall, the Alienware commands a high-end price for mid-range parts.
Pros
- Fully Customizable
- Powerful Power Supply
- Nice Design and Build Quality
Cons
- Too Expensive For What You Get
- Mid-Range Video Card
Description
- Intel Core i7-930 Quad-Core Processor
- 6GB DDR3 1333MHz Memory
- ATI Radeon HD 6870
- 1TB 7200RPM Hard Drive
- Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
- 24x CD/DVD Burner
- Alienware High-Performance Liquid Cooling
Review - Alienware Area-51 Gaming Desktop PC
Alienware Area-51 Shown in Cosmic Black.
Image Courtesy AlienwareThe updated Alienware Area-51 is a powerful gaming desktop PC that starts at a hefty $2,199. As with other Alienware systems, the Area-51 features an aggressive chassis with modern lines and the choice of two colors: Lunar Shadow and Cosmic Black.
The base configuration also includes a 1KW power supply, which is powerful enough to keep components running smoothly (unless you upgrade the video card to a select high-end model). Speaking of components, the Alienware Area-51 is fully customizable, but this review is based on the standard model that is priced at $2,199. With this setup, you get an Intel Core i7-930 2.8GHz quad-core processor with 8MB of cache. This CPU offers excellent performance for gamers. And to keep it cool, the Area-51 features liquid cooling for improved temps which transcends into improved performance.
Alienware has always been a bit reserved in the amount of memory offered in base systems, and the Area-51 is no exception. The standard configuration includes 6GB of 1333MHz memory. This is quite disappointing, since most desktops in this price range offer more memory that is faster. And while you can upgrade to 12GB of 1600MHz Triple Channel DDR3 RAM, it'll cost you a bundle.
The Area-51 utilizes the AMD Radeon HD 6870 for graphics. While this card is a great mid-range model, it does fall short for the nearly $2,200 this system commands. It is my opinion that the AMD Radeon HD 6950 should be standard, rather than a $250 option.
In terms of storage space, the Alienware Area-51 does not disappoint. This model comes with a 7200RPM 1TB SATA-II hard drive. The drive is both fast and spacious, so you can store an abundance of games, music, photos, and more. For RAID fans, the option to configure two or more hard drives is available, but once again you'll definitely pay substantially for it.
If you want to access your components, the Alienware Area-51 chassis is excellent to work in. The case is sturdy and roomy with tool-less features, making for easy upgrades. The vents can be programmed to offer increased airflow when the system is running hard during intense gaming sessions.
Overall, the Alienware Area-51 is too expensive for the parts you get. It is fully customizable, so you can add a second graphics card or upgrade to a solid state drive. But the price soars with the added options, which puts the desktop out of range for most mainstream gamers. There are other gaming desktops that offer higher-end components without the premium price.