Alienware Crams Gaming PC Into Console Form Factor
Is it a new Alienware gaming console? No, but it will fit right in nicely with your PlayStation 3 and Xbxo 360, but packing superior hardware.
On Tuesday, Dell updated its blog with news of a new Alienware desktop gaming PC that fits within a console-like chassis. Called the Alienware X51, the compact rig is a direct response to community demands for a more efficient gaming system with a smaller, more versatile form factor.
That said, the Alienware team came up with an impressive-looking rig measuring 13.5-inches tall in the front, 12.54-inches tall in the back, 12.52-inches deep and 3.74-inches wide. Standing up it looks like a super-slim PC, dwarfed by its bigger Alienware desktop brothers -- laying flat, it could be mistaken for a next-generation gaming console sporting a sleek matte black finish, dark chrome accents and three customizable lighting zones, but better hardware.
"The X51 is Alienware’s smallest gaming desktop ever produced, and yet is powerful enough to give gamers the freedom to do it all – play modern games, immerse themselves in PC hobbies and tasks for work or school, or even create an entertainment hub by integrating it into a home theater setup for watching Blu-ray movies with 7.1 surround sound," the blog reads.
Under the hood, the Alienware X51 features Intel's 2nd-generation Core i-Series CPUs, Nvidia GeForce GT or GTX GPUs with GDDR5 memory, 802.11n connectivity, HDMI 1.4 output, and USB 3.0. But don't let the small form factor fool you: this rig isn't a closed system, but rather is fully upgradeable, allowing owners to quickly perform their own hard-drive, graphics, and memory upgrades quickly and easily.
Here's the list of specifications:
- Intel Core i3 Dual Core (standard) and Intel Core i5 and i7 Quad Core Processor Options
- Intel H61 Express Chipset Architecture
- Mini-ITX Motherboard
- Nvidia 1 GB GDDR5 GeForce GT 545 (Standard) and 1 GB GDDR5 GeForce GTX 555
- Up to 8 GB of DDR3 Memory (4 GB Standard); 2x 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM Slots
- Fast 7,200RPM 1 TB Hard Drive
- Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
- Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (Standard) or optional Blu-ray Disc Reader
- Internal High-Definition 7.1 Performance Audio with Waves MAXX Audio Software
- Integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet NIC and Integrated 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Wireless LAN (standard)
- USB 2.0 (6x) and USB 3.0 (2x)
- Microphone In; Headphone/Speaker Out
- HDMI 1.4 Output
- Front, Rear and Center Speaker Ports
- SPDIF Digital Output (TOSLINK); SPDIF Digital Output (Coax)
- Alienware 240 Watt Power Supply (Standard) or optional 330 Watt Power Supply
- Dual-orientation tower system dimensions: h: 13.5-inches (343-mm) x w: 3.74-inches (95-mm) x d: 12.52-inches (318-mm)
- Starting Weight: 12.1 lbs. (5.49 Kg.)
Alienware X51 is available now on Dell.com and Alienware.com with a starting price of $699 USD. Alienware Gaming Services is available in the U.S. and Canada at this time.

Right because everyone that cant afford to drop $2,000 on a PC is poor. But guess what, there are guys out there running Quad SLI with $10,000 setups that make you look poor. Troll.
What community demands? Now it is an overpriced gimped gaming PC with limited ability to upgrade. Who demanded that?
What community demands? Now it is an overpriced gimped gaming PC with limited ability to upgrade. Who demanded that?
I have to say, besides being in a small case, it's a bit of a rip off. They advertise BF3 at High settings, 1080p, 32fps+... yeah. Right.
How about we just build our own SFF pc?
i3 2120 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077
BioStar H61 mATX mobo http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138332
Patriot Signature 8gb 1600mhz RAM http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220570
XFX Double D 6790 1gb GPU http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150534
Hitachi 750GB 7200rpm HDD http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145532
Apevia Small Form Factor Case with 420W PSU http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144161
Samsung BluRay drive http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151222
Windows 7 64 bit http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986
Total: $725.92
Not 100% sure that 420W PSU is enough though, so maybe add $62 for a Silverstone 500W PSU http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256061
Welcome back to the circus!
Umm... no you don't. http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/1374/pg7/sapphire-radeon-hd-7970-tri-crossfire-graphics-card-review-battlefield-3.html. This review has SLIed 1.5GB 580s paired with a 3960X averaging 81 FPS at 1080p. If you are going to embellish, at least make it believable.
On topic, this needs a better GPU as pointed out by others but there may not be a better one available if it has to be low-profile. This is a very niche market product and I can't imagine it getting very many sales
"We put an extra-special effort into not only editing the grammar, spelling, and technical correctness of each feature story that goes live on Tom’s Hardware"
LMAO
Right because everyone that cant afford to drop $2,000 on a PC is poor. But guess what, there are guys out there running Quad SLI with $10,000 setups that make you look poor. Troll.
I have their m17x laptop, latest edition. I don't think it is overrated, just overpriced. The build quality and parts in it are top notch and super fast. The price was heart attack worthy but considering a Macbook Pro can't even compare in specs and is even more expensive it may not be such a bad deal after all.
Your average clue less buyer.