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Alienware Area-51 Extreme Review - Page One |
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If you've ever possessed any interest in computer games, video/music editing, or home theater computing, you've no doubt heard of Alienware, the company devoted to building some of the highest performance computers available anywhere in the world. So what makes an Alienware computer stand out from the vast amount of competition? Before I elaborate on the many details that bring Alienware PCs to the highest performance standard, let me first list the specifications of the Area-51 I recently had the opportunity to review:
- Intel 3.2 GHz Extreme Edition Processor
- ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe Motherboard
- 1 GB PC3200 DDR System Memory
- ATI Radeon 9800 XT 256MB
- (2) Seagate Barracuda 160 GB 8MB Cache Serial ATA Hard Drives
- Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Pro
- Samsung 52/24/52/16 CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
- Plextor PX-708A 8x DVD±RW
- Atech 8-in-1 Pro 9 Media Reader
Before its arrival, I had never once laid eyes on an Alienware computer (other than on their website), so the first thing that took me by surprise was the sheer size of the machine. Alienware's custom case is considerably larger than other computer cases generally available, measuring at a hefty 10" width, 22" height, and close to 24" depth - which means it won't fit in most desk enclosures and CPU cages. Despite its girth, the chassis is very sleek and is extremely functional. A hinged panel on the side of the case hides a lockable latch that will open the computer for any internal changes you need to make, and another panel on the front of the case keeps your CD/DVD drives enclosed when they're not being used. Affixed to the top of this front panel is the Alienware logo, which glows when the computer is powered on. The AlienIce video cooling system within also projects a glow at the front of the case, near the bottom. Both of these lighting effects can be customized with the choice of three different colors on Alienware's website, ensuring that they'll complement the color of the case you decide to go with. Although some gaming enthusiasts will prefer building their own custom case to achieve a unique look, Alienware has done an excellent job in the overall design and attractiveness of their case. Granted, its dominating presence and glowing alien emblem may scare small children, but that should aid in the pursuit of uninterrupted gaming sessions.
Once I recovered from the initial awe, I ransacked the shipping box to see what else was packaged with the machine. Typically, computers only come with the basics required to get you up and running, but an Alienware system is packaged with a few extra goodies. Each computer comes with a black binder that contains a restore CD, keys to lock the computer's side panel (to avoid unwanted entry), a plastic Agent card that contains all your account information (and a URL to exclusive offers and promotions), a listing of the PC's every specification, thorough performance readings over a multitude of tests, detailed warranty information, and a high quality Alienware mouse pad designed for gaming performance. In addition, you also receive a cable management unit that can be affixed to the back of your computer in order to keep all cables secured and your connections free from being bent or pressed against. Lastly, the box contained an Alienware T-shirt and all pertinent hardware and software for each component inside the computer - including the coupon good for a free copy of Half Life 2 that comes with a new ATI Radeon 9800 XT video card.
Before firing up the computer, I wanted to take a look inside to check out some of the hardware and ensure that nothing came loose or unseated during shipping. As I stated above, a latch on the side of the computer releases the side panel, but only after two screws are removed from the back of the machine. Attached to the other side of the panel is a large cooling fan that can easily be removed in order to set the panel aside and expose all the internals. Once I peered inside, I realized that regardless of how rough the shipping process was, nothing was going to unseat. Attached to each card is a "CardKeeper", a retainer that secures the expansion card from dislodging during travel. Additionally, all cables were securely fastened with cable ties, more so than any other factory-built computer I've ever worked on.
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| Article Details |
| Reviewed Alienware Area-51 Extreme
Reviewer Jon "Buck" Birnbaum
Published 02/23/04
Pros Tweaked and optimized before being shipped, state-of-the-art hardware, stylish and attractive case, insane performance overall
Cons Somewhat steep price, large case dimensions |
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