Alienware Crams Gaming PC Into Console Form Factor

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.

"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.

Kevin Parrish
Contributor

Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.

  • sudz
    Xbxo 360 in title - Typo!
    Reply
  • rawful
    The compact rig is a direct response to community demands for a more efficient gaming system with a smaller, more versatile form factor.

    What community demands? Now it is an overpriced gimped gaming PC with limited ability to upgrade. Who demanded that?
    Reply
  • whooleo
    Small size, Core i3 and GeForce GT 545 for $699.....nah
    Reply
  • Would like to see a more potent gpu in it, but otherwise very interesting. I could see myself possibly getting one for the living room after the IVB Kepler update.
    Reply
  • wolfram23
    I saw this this morning at the Escapist.

    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
    Reply
  • robthatguyx
    packs a punch but overpriced..as if we should we exspect anything else from alienware other than overpriced lol
    Reply
  • g4114rd0
     Is it justifiable for rich people to say things that are funny?

    Welcome back to the circus!
    Reply
  • balister
    And it will burn up one month after the one year warranty runs out... >.>
    Reply
  • dimar
    Put HD 7970 with 2GB GDDR5, X-Fi, Core i3 fastest, WiFi 450n, Bluetooth, 8GB DDR1600, on a single circuit board without any add-on slots. Cool it with a large heatsink using 240mm fan. Release new hardware every 3 years. No need for consoles at all. I wonder if that would work...
    Reply
  • jecho
    How much did they pay Tom for this ad...I mean article.
    Reply