Alienware Area-51 X58 Gaming Performance Desktop PC

Jun 3 2009 - Alienware's Area-51 X58 is essentially an update to their previous Area-51 desktop systems but using the new Intel X58 chipset and Core i7 processor. Both of this give it a significant boost in performance over previous generations. Alienware continues their extremely flexible customization features but frankly their standard model base configuration is fairly expensive for the components included with it.

Jun 3 2009 - This review looks at the standard configuration of the Alienware Area-51 X58. Alienware provides a large number of upgrade options for those ordering one.

The Area-51 X58 looks no different than any other Alienware desktop. In fact, it uses the same space alien case available in a variety of different colors but with Space Black being the default. This is a very flexible case that has a good design that can easily be accessed and modified without the need for tools. The standard edition doesn't come with the Alien FX lighting system but it is an option.

In terms of performance, the Area-51 X58 has strong performance thanks to the Intel Core i7 920 quad core processor with its built-in DDR3 memory controller. With a 3GB configuration made up of three 1GB PC3-8500 DDR3 modules, the system can run in triple channel mode that adds some additional memory performance. Even with this low end i7 model, performance is quite strong.

Probably the biggest issue with the Area-51 X58 standard system is the storage. The 500GB hard drive is an improvement from the original 250GB, but it is still relatively small now that terabyte drives have come down significantly in price. For the base price, Alienware should be giving more. A dual layer DVD burner rounds out the standard's storage setup.

Since the Area-51 X58 is designed for gaming, graphics are important. The base graphics card is now the GeForce GTS 250 with 512MB. This is essentially a rebadged 9800 part that provides decent gaming up to 1680x1050 and sometimes 1920x1200. Upgrades are available, but it would almost be cheaper for users to purchase the cards themselves.

Price is clearly the biggest issue with the Area-51 X58. It is possible to get similar or better overall base components in competing systems for less. Add a few upgrades and that price can also quickly rise.