Thoughts on Alienware X51AX51R2-1430BK Gaming Desktop
- Thread starter DreddLaw
- Start date
I don't know current parts like I used to, but I believe anything you build will be better than getting a pre-built and be more future proof. If I were you, I'd ask the kind people here to get you a good build setup to do yourself.
First rule of desktops: build your own if you can.
First rule of desktops: build your own if you can.
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More like first rule is never buy alienware even if you're buying a pre-built
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Do you have a monitor and keyboard/mouse?
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I'm not really that good with computers, but I like looking at their desktops and laptops.
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/
http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/
Dredd,
One thing I'd suggest is to take a look around like Craigslist or Ebay, and see if you can score a decent monitor for a low price. If you don't have one as you say, then the cost of a new monitor would be factored into your budget (about $100). Also, I'm going to also assume you do not have an Operating System disc like Windows 7 or 8.1. Newegg is having a sale right now for $85 on Windows 7 (or at least, that's what my Newegg ad in the morning said), and a higher price of around $125 for the Windows 8.1
One thing I'd suggest is to take a look around like Craigslist or Ebay, and see if you can score a decent monitor for a low price. If you don't have one as you say, then the cost of a new monitor would be factored into your budget (about $100). Also, I'm going to also assume you do not have an Operating System disc like Windows 7 or 8.1. Newegg is having a sale right now for $85 on Windows 7 (or at least, that's what my Newegg ad in the morning said), and a higher price of around $125 for the Windows 8.1
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I quoted the advertisement I was given. I see the difference in prices; the advertisement was for 8.1 Pro whereas your is not (which is what the OP really needs so $85 for Win7 vs $100 for 8.1)
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemai...14-Index-_-E0B-_-W8&et_cid=6565&et_rid=147055
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Never buy alienware unless you want the look of the case more than you want performance.
Personally, If you're not up to building it yourself I can guarantee you will have a hard time finding a small MATX case or even smaller gaming computer. The alienware desktop is their take on a steam machine. Something small like a gaming console yet able to do anything a normal gaming desktop PC can do. Don't waste the money on alienware. I can assure you that you will be disappointed a year or two down the line and wonder why you spent so much cash on such little performance. I can tell you right now that you are paying for a designer case. Its basically a woman's Gucci hand bag or something like that crap.
As for the OS, I would recommend Linux but unless you actually know how to use Linux/Ubuntu it can be very confusing and lots of games are not supported for Linux YET. They are making great progress though for a free operating system.
Your realistic budget would most likely be anywhere from 400-600 USD since you have to factor in an operating system and a monitor. You're generally looking to spend ~$100 on an OS and ~$100 on a monitor of your choice. Instantly slashes your price range almost in half.
My ultimate recommendation for such a low budget - Buy your parts one step at a time. If you can, every time you get a paycheck just take anywhere from 100-200 USD out of that to go buy a part for your PC. It will take a bit longer than usual. I'd say that process would take maybe 2 months to get your full PC up and running and although people might not agree with this, I would suggest you either save some more $$$ cha-ching cha-ching or buy the parts one at a time.
If you want some guys to build up a PC parts list for ya I am sure any of us can throw you some decent suggestions.
And now that I think about it - Gigabyte just released their new Brix pro with Intel Iris graphics. You can generally pick up a bare bones unit for ~700.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856164012
I remember making a thread and posting a video of it playing Bf4 on maximum settings at 720p with a decent 60 FPS. Even playing 4k video.
Intel Iris pro graphics is a pretty large step for intels gpu lineup.
Personally, If you're not up to building it yourself I can guarantee you will have a hard time finding a small MATX case or even smaller gaming computer. The alienware desktop is their take on a steam machine. Something small like a gaming console yet able to do anything a normal gaming desktop PC can do. Don't waste the money on alienware. I can assure you that you will be disappointed a year or two down the line and wonder why you spent so much cash on such little performance. I can tell you right now that you are paying for a designer case. Its basically a woman's Gucci hand bag or something like that crap.
As for the OS, I would recommend Linux but unless you actually know how to use Linux/Ubuntu it can be very confusing and lots of games are not supported for Linux YET. They are making great progress though for a free operating system.
Your realistic budget would most likely be anywhere from 400-600 USD since you have to factor in an operating system and a monitor. You're generally looking to spend ~$100 on an OS and ~$100 on a monitor of your choice. Instantly slashes your price range almost in half.
My ultimate recommendation for such a low budget - Buy your parts one step at a time. If you can, every time you get a paycheck just take anywhere from 100-200 USD out of that to go buy a part for your PC. It will take a bit longer than usual. I'd say that process would take maybe 2 months to get your full PC up and running and although people might not agree with this, I would suggest you either save some more $$$ cha-ching cha-ching or buy the parts one at a time.
If you want some guys to build up a PC parts list for ya I am sure any of us can throw you some decent suggestions.
And now that I think about it - Gigabyte just released their new Brix pro with Intel Iris graphics. You can generally pick up a bare bones unit for ~700.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856164012
I remember making a thread and posting a video of it playing Bf4 on maximum settings at 720p with a decent 60 FPS. Even playing 4k video.
Intel Iris pro graphics is a pretty large step for intels gpu lineup.
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Just built your own... Alienware is overpriced. start here it plugs in all the parts and they build it for you and then buy me a Valkyrie [I like laptops] : http://www.ibuypower.com/Site/CustConfig
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This isnt building your own. This cost more than it would to actually build your own.
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I'm going to keep this quick and simple. If you buy a Alienware computer or laptop you are paying MORE for the flashy lights and cool looks rather the hardware and performance itself. Don't get me wrong they make good computers but those lights are gonna burn out and you won't even care about them after a week or two.
If you need a computer build give me a price range and I'll build you one of the better bang for your buck performing rigs in the market as of right now.
If you need a computer build give me a price range and I'll build you one of the better bang for your buck performing rigs in the market as of right now.
IMO, get the parts from newegg and either build it on your own with guides from the internet, they really help(or with a more knowledgeable friend like I did), or find a tech store around you that can put it together for $70-$145. this will still be cheaper than alienware or Ibuypower.
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When I say this take it kindly. It's a dell. Toss the idea of alienware and just build your own PC... more power for less money.
I have to agree when it comes to saving $$. For me, I originally wanted to learn so that I could take care of the machine myself instead of paying others to take care of something im perfectly capable of doing.
Also building it yourself means you have a longer warranty overall than having it pre-built. Most companies will only put a 1 yr warranty on their machines cause its all bout their extended warranties.
Overall, save yourself the $$, invest the time to learn how to install each piece of hardware & the satisfaction of knowing how to do it again in the future. Maybe you can help your friends in the future.
Also building it yourself means you have a longer warranty overall than having it pre-built. Most companies will only put a 1 yr warranty on their machines cause its all bout their extended warranties.
Overall, save yourself the $$, invest the time to learn how to install each piece of hardware & the satisfaction of knowing how to do it again in the future. Maybe you can help your friends in the future.
