Alienware announce X51 gaming PC in console-size case

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Alienware announce X51 gaming PC in console-size case

Alienware has a long history of packaging high end components into blisteringly fast computers that let you play games with the settings turned to 11. But until now you’ve only really had two choices: an Alienware laptop or a large desktop case. Today, a third option has been revealed, and it could fight for space under your TV next to your consoles.
The Alienware X51 is a desktop PC, but in a form factor that rivals the size of the PS3 or Xbox 360. It has been designed to offer high-end gaming, but in a much smaller footprint than a typical gaming rig. As you can see in the image below, the case measures just 95 x 343 x 318mm. For comparison, that makes it slightly larger than the original PS3.
Packing a gaming rig inside a small case surprisingly doesn’t mean you have to make many compromises. The X51 remains upgradeable with the hard drive, graphics card, and memory accessible. The components on offer also mean the X51 won’t struggle with any existing PC games, even in its base configuration.
At a minimum the X51 ships with the following components:
  • Core i3-2120 3.3GHz with 3MB cache
  • 4GB DDR3 memory
  • 1TB 7,200rpm hard drive
  • Nvidia GeForce GT545 with 1GB GDDR5
  • Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
  • Slot-loading dual layer DVD burner
  • Wireless-n WLAN half mini-card
  • 7.1 HD sound with Waves Maxx Audio
  • USB 2.0 (6) and 3.0 (2) ports
  • Headphone out and microphone
  • Gigabit Ethernet port
  • HDMI 1.4 port
  • 240 watt PSU
You can also upgrade certain components including the processor (Core i5 3GHz or Core i7 3.4GHz), memory (up to 8GB), graphics card (GeForce GTX 555 1GB), and optical drive (Blu-ray burner). Depending on your configuration you may need a 330 watt PSU too.
As you’d expect with an Alienware machine, it has customizable lighting zones on the case, and just like a console it can be positioned either horizontally or vertically. As for included software, it ships with Alienware Command Center including AlienFX (lighting control), AlienFusion (power management), and AlienAdrenaline (game profiles). There’s also a new range of support services going under the name Alienware Gaming Services that offers a “team of trained technicians” ready to help setup new games, peripherals, game customizations, performance optimizations, health check your PC, and give you in-game troubleshooting all with a phone call. It’s something I think most X51 owners will never use.
Prices start at a very reasonable $699, but will soon escalate if you select a Core i7 chip and GTX 555. By how much exactly has yet to be announced and you need to call to find out, but I’m sure the top configuration will exceed $1,000.
By: Matthew Humphries
http://www.geek.com/articles/games/alienware-announce-x51-gaming-pc-in-console-size-case-20120118/

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