[ACX]

I want to buy a new Alienware desktop and don't know what which one to buy. I know Alienware is overpriced but I love them. I want to play Starcraft 2 and Battlefield 3 on high or above.

Details of both desktops are below.

X51: http://www.dell.com/au/p/alienware-x...=alienware-x51
Aurora R4: http://www.dell.com/au/p/alienware-a...ware-aurora-r4

I know the Aurora R4 probably has better specs and is more pricey but is it worth the extra costs for the better specs? I'm not much of a techie.

If you could help me decide, it would be much appreciated.

Quick Comments

Antel0pe:

alienware is just bad

[AssyrianKing]

Well it looks like the only good thing is the better processor for the more expensive one, everything else is pretty much the same, I dont really know Intel processors so :P

[Meatex]

why not build your own?

[Paroxysm]

Or you could build your own or buy from somewhere that isn't Dell and get it for FAR FAR cheaper.

Quick Comments

ToRSmotPokingFish:

this man!! ^^

[Antel0pe]

Get any of them, they can both run sc2 on high/ultra settings (presuming you didn't patch ) but you're ending up wasting at least 600 dollars just for the "Alienware" branding

[Baldie]

Whenever Alienware is brought up it does bring with it the same conversation about over pricing and all that jazz which hey let's face it if you have the time and the resources to build your own then no shit it will be cheaper. It's the same with most things.

All I am going to say is I bought an Alienware Aurora almost 3 years ago now (34 months) and it still runs top end graphics today with it's stock engine and has never needed a service. The only thing I have added to it is more RAM from 3GB to 11GB.

Yes you pay extra for the brand but the computer runs like a charm and has taken care of me. So I would recommend them at a heartbeat if you are willing to spend the money/too lazy to build your own.

[inFeZa]

Just get what you like! laptops at that price all come down to build quality, aesthetics and brand name. you have a lot to choose from, and choose what you feel like you want the most : )

Quick Comments

	BaKaiNu:	They're desktops.
	Theend:	like ^ he said

[Shieldz]

i think build ur own or get aurora if u like the looks

[Theend]

If it must be out of this two choice, the Aurora R4 would be a better choice based on the processor.
Otherwise, like our sc2sea friend have suggested above. Built one from scratch as it is cheaper and not hard to do so.

[EveSnow]

http://www.aftershockpc.com/

You wont regret getting this.

Quick Comments

Theend:

^ is notebook, he wants a Desktop..

[Cordance]

I would strongly advise if your looking for a computer with no problems that you dont need to know anything about running never ever get an overclocked chipset. Basically overclocking is pushing something past the limits that the manufacturer gave in the specs of the chip.

Here is my super secret to building your own desktop if you dont have the time.

Go to a place where there is a computer you like the sound of, this case alienware. Get the exact specs of every part of the computer, this should be given with the computer but you make have to request them. Take those exact specs into any other computer place that builds computers for you and ask for a price on each part. Use a calculator to add them together. Then ask them how much it will be if they put it together and install an OS on it. Once you have the total cost for them to build the computer, subtract one from the other and work out which of these two identical computers are cheaper. Buy cheaper option. (Also dont forget to buy a monitor if you dont have one always a funny mistake.)

[eCKo`Switch]

I strongly recommend against Alienware personally - the only thing you're really paying all that money for is the looks. I've had an Alienware notebook before, and the build quality - while good - doesn't warrant paying over 2k for something you'd spend 1500 on if you built it.

[UHF]

That Aurora R4 seems waaaaaaaaaay overpriced for it's spec's (looks like more than double it's cost to build). As for the X51 (and the R4) - I would steer clear mainly due to the graphics card (GTX 555). It an OEM desktop card, and it's pretty outdated now. If you want to play BF3 on high, you'll need something better than this.

I quickly put the parts through an online store I use, and came out at $1200 using parts that were comparable or in most cases, better. Really you are paying for the warranty and service (and brand name) when buying Alienware.

If you are into that kind of thing then go for it. However as a custom PC builder I strongly recommend sourcing your own parts. Not only is it going to be a lot cheaper, but you'll have the knowledge on how to do things yourself in the future and the ability to freely upgrade as you need.

[TABjornbrandr]

Kind of jumping on the hate bandwagon here, but yeah, specs aren't that overwhelmingly sensual considering the price.
Swing onto PC Case Gear (the website I use personally) and do up a quick quote for a pc with similar specifications. You'll be surprised at the results.

Obviously, it's not going to be a "holy shit I have an Alienware PC", but at the end of it all, you'll probably be glad that you don't.

However, do whatever you wish. It's your money. If you want to buy an Alienware PC, go for it. Just keep in mind that it's not the best bang for buck.

[VB_WhiplashJC]

The R4 isn't worth the improvement for gaming.

If you don't want to build it yourself, please get one of these instead. If you spend the same money you'll get a machine that destroys either Alienware.

[BicuriousGeorge]

If you're going desktop definitely build you own. You could end up saving hundreds of dollars if you go that route. It's actually a lot easier then you'd think.

If you want an alienware desktop for the looks, just buy a fancy case for the computer you build with all the money you save (y)