Alienware Reveals New Area-51 Design
by Brett Howse on August 29, 2014 6:30 PM EST
In what has to be one of the most unique designs ever, Alienware announced the revamped Area-51 model which features a triad-designed chassis. True to their name, Alienware has always had a desktop case that appeared to be from another world, but the new triad version is the most interesting yet in my opinion.
According to Alienware, the design of the case is for both thermal management, and ergonomics. Though we will need to wait for reviews to see how they accomplished both, looking at the angled front of the case does make it seem easier to use if the tower is on the floor like my own PC, but with a case so unique, you may want to keep it on your desk just to admire it. Another ergonomic improvement is the case is designed to be pivoted forward to allow easier access to the rear connections, which might work quite well. The case is also designed to be easy to get into for system upgrades in the future.
The second goal, according to Alieware, is thermal management, and here we will just have to wait and see how it performs. The claim is that the larger area at the rear makes it easier for hot air to escape. Internal cable management is also claimed to not impede airflow any more than necessary, but any system with the cost of an Alienware should have good cable management anyway.
The unique shape of the case also does not get in the way when it comes to graphics card installation, with the new Area-51 supporting up to three full-length double-wide GPUs, or up to quad-GPUs assuming smaller cards are obtained. According to the manufacturer, this new Area-51 can then support up to three Ultra HD (4K) monitors for a very immersive experience and an overall resolution of 11520x2160.
The announcement today of the Area-51 was no accident, with the new model featuring the Haswell-E processor with up to 8 cores, and the X99 chipset, both which were just revealed today. Other notable features is support for up to 32 GB of RAM, a 1500 watt power supply, both SSD and HDD, plus 802.11ac wireless.
Finally, on the software end, the Area-51 comes with Command Center 4.0 which allows both overclocking and customization of the case lighting with up to twenty colors in nine zones to make the device your own. I used to own an Alienware M11x R2, and I have to admit one of the coolest things about it was being able to customize the color layout of the keyboard and other lights, and you can also have per-user customizations so that everyone has their own.
Pricing and availability are not yet known, with the system only as “Coming Soon” so if you are in the market for an OEM gaming system, be sure to check this one out.
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Notmyusualid - Saturday, August 30, 2014 - link
Yes, that is exactly what he expects.Notmyusualid - Saturday, August 30, 2014 - link
I love these types of comments - Alienware, like Crapple, charge more for their systems, please try to get over it. It is no surprise by now.It is not just kids that buy Alienware, it is adults like me too. Sometimes we want off-the-shelf, and not having to build it ourselves, is that so bad? Sometimes I do enjoy building a system, sometimes not.
I actually like the design of this, too bad if you don't.
Also, you've probably no idea the lengths Alienware support will go to, to see your system working. Though I've had issues with them in the past, they always came through in the end. My current Alienware has Next Business Day, on-site repair, until nearly 2017. How many other boutique brands will come to your house if you call before midday? Please do tell me....
And not every household is short of money, I can tell you. And I'll even bet it is not 2x the cost too, when you factor in Operating System, lack of decent warranty, and custom case.
Just my 2c.
xype - Saturday, August 30, 2014 - link
Ugh, my eye always starts twitching when someone writes "Crapple". "Craplienware", then?Both companies operate on a different level than anyone building their own PCs can, and the "markup", when all is said and done, is not 2x. Not with those cases and hardware design, you can’t get those elsewhere easily, and if you could, Alienware and Apple would likely be cheaper in the end.
Notmyusualid - Sunday, August 31, 2014 - link
My girlfriend's Apple has had no end of issues. It is louder than my Windows laptop too.I don't find Macs quite as intuitive either. If I 'discredit' myself using the Crapple word, then fine so be it, but it is based on experience of Macs, not prejudice. But, now explain to me why nearly every Mac I know is running Windows... please do try.
akdj - Saturday, August 30, 2014 - link
It's good your 'well off' and can afford a rig specifically built to blow FPS score and best benchmarks in gaming. The MP will also run Windowa if you'd like. And I, with Xype agree. When you start your comment with 'just like Crapple' you discredit yourself significantly. You've got a Dell. Alienware isn't and hasn't been 'boutique' in a ¼ decade at least. Dell has good support that you pay for. Apple's support is as well, second to none.And no, I don't understand an adult buying a $7,000 Alienware without a specific reason. If you're an adult gamer Cool! I wish I had the time. If you're actually 'creating' and you're a die hard Windows user, plenty of HP & Dell professional work stations with better RAM, CPU & GPU possibilities are available.
Notmyusualid - Sunday, August 31, 2014 - link
I think it is OK for us to disagee, but I still believe Alienware are great machines.Funny you mention the 'time'... seriously, I've just handed away my cable box, and had a family member change my Steam password, so I can get on with my next level of certification. It seems some of us are children for life....
I'm not so 'well off' either, but I admit to having enough to never needing a mortgage, instead I bought for cash, and I've never had a car loan either despite owning supercars too, though my Mrs is 'well off' by most opinions, which helps, as was the last long-term partner I had. I don't seek out women for money, it just worked out like that, previously I've had a lifetime of broke partners. Cool real life example this week, my W12 Phaeton needs a complete tranmission rebuild, she said, 'just fix it, use the card I gave you'. Saved my @ss that did....
flutberf - Wednesday, September 3, 2014 - link
"I'm not so 'well off' either"I'd say you're well off if you've purchased homes and supercars without mortgages/loans.
Alienware computers are good. Just as good as any home-brewed computer can be. If you have the money and don't want to build your own, I don't see why it would be a bad idea to buy an Alienware.
mutantmagnet - Saturday, August 30, 2014 - link
I wish companies wouldn't use an image render. I would like to see how the final product looks in ambient light, though I wouldn't mind them cheating with very bright lights.I'm just left wondering if the exterior is all plastic.
Phasenoise - Saturday, August 30, 2014 - link
Clearly Vanu Sovereignty technology there.MadMan007 - Saturday, August 30, 2014 - link
Triad-designed? I was not aware that Chinese organized crime was now into designing PCs.