Dell's Haswell-Powered Alienware X51 R2 SFF, a PC Gamer's Console Alternative 154
MojoKid writes "Dell recently introduced their Alienware X51 series of small form factor gaming PCs but until now, squeezing in components that were powerful enough for the enthusiast gamer was a significant thermal challenge. Intel's recent Haswell Core processor release, as well as NVIDIA's GeForce 670 series graphics cards have changed the game considerably though. The X51 R2 is shaped similar to to an Xbox 360 Slim, and though it's slightly larger, it would be right at home in a living room setting. Alienware is also bundling Steam Big Picture mode installations with systems as well. Performance-wise, with its latest CPU and GPU upgrades, the system is over twice as fast as the first generation X51, again thanks to Haswell and upgraded NVIDIA GeForce graphics. The console-sized PC is capable of running virtually any current gen DX11 title at full 1920X1080 HD resolution and high image quality settings."
Re:I Guess I'll be the first to say... (Score:5, Informative)
read the fine print. "as configured" price is $1,849. that's the specs you see there. the cheaper option has no SSD, weaker graphics, and less RAM. looking on amazon, i say no $699 option. there's a $729 option, and it comes with an i-3 processor.
Re:I Guess I'll be the first to say... (Score:4, Informative)
It is if you consider that besides playing games, you could also use the Alienware machine to develop your own games as well as do music production, video editing, web development, word processing, spreadsheets, run fluid dynamics numerical simulations as well as play all of the indie, F2P and other games that are PC-only. And you have a choice of keyboard or controller.
And, as you say, the Alienware system is considerably more powerful than the "$400 PS4". Plus, you're not giving any money to Sony, which is probably more important to me than all the other points combined.
Re:Says a lot! (Score:5, Informative)
Typical Slashdot ignorant bullshit again.
Revenues:
Business Division (ie, Office): $24B
Windows & Windows Live: $18.8B
Server & Tools: $18.7B
Entertainment & Devices: $9.5B
Online Services: $3B.
Operating Profit in one quarter:
Operating Income by Division FY13 Q3:
Windows: $3.46B
Server and Tools: $1.98B
Online Services: -$262 M (loss)
Business: $4.1B
Entertainment and Devices: $342M