I’m a big fan of small form factor PCs. Sure, they’re a pain in the arse to upgrade, but they’re less obtrusive. I’ve got a feeling gamers don’t think the same way, though — maybe Alienware’s X51 can convince them otherwise?
Looking more like a console than a computer, the latest Alienware release is the slim X51. I think I’d prefer a console, but hey, I’m not everyone. So one with some specs.
The system can be had in both Core i3 and i5 options, can be tricked out to a top spec level of 8GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, and comes as standard with a full size NVIDIA GeForce GT 545 graphics card (you can upgrade to the GTX 555). It comes with HDMI 1.4, on-board Wi-Fi, USB 3.0 and digital 7.1 surround sound.
Its party trick? The Alienware logo rotates so it’s always the right way up! And the accent colours can be changed using the Alienware Command Center software! I love gimmicks.
The basic spec costs $US699, for which you could get an Xbox, a heap of games and have cash leftover. But, hey, maybe I’m biased. [Dell]
moloko
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 8:46 AMWell the xbox 360 is 7 years old so yeah it’s cheaper LOL, it’s a nice rip off though.
Johnny P
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 8:52 AMRather than buy a new gaming rig i just bought one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Mouse-Keyboard-Converter-Playstation-3/dp/B0040UAYI4
Now i can sit at my desk and play PS3 games on my keyboard/mouse
Benny
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 11:18 AMMy Playstation 2 slim’s logo rotates so it’s the right way up also.
Stew
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 11:24 AMIt might look like a console, but 1920×1200 (& higher) resolutions @ 60FPS with DX11 & SSD loading times beats current gen consoles hands down. Looking forward to the next gen consoles.
Matt L
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 3:27 PMYeah, still gonna need a monitor for it. Until the 4K TV’s are out, a consoles gonna drive any TV to it’s peak anyway… I don’t see why anyone would buy this over a cheaper PC of the same specs… Yeah, the case is small, but it’s small for reasons – It’s not as upgradable. This is worse then Wii
FreaqyGeeq
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 12:09 PMThis looks like the coolest HTPC setup yet! So many good reasons to use one of these for the home theatre system. Want!
Kent
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 12:23 PMIt’s never going to be as reliable as something manufactured to do a specific task.
Ozoneocean
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 2:22 PMIt’s an actual PC so it’s far more repairable, versatile AND reliable- because it’s not filled with cut down customised, volume focused, ultra cheap components like any console.
Phil
Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 10:39 PMa gaming computer without an option for i7? thats a bit ridiculous