Slideshow

Out of this world: Alienware launches its fastest notebooks and PCs

New Alienware systems to be overclocked and liquid cooled

  • Liquid cooling



    All of Alienware's desktops have liquid-cooled CPUs. The reservoir and radiator pictured here are from the Aurora.
  • Multi-monitor bliss!



    It may only have a microATX motherboard, but the Alienware Aurora can house two graphics cards, providing support for up to four monitors using DVI connections. You also get dual HDMI and DisplayPort connections.
  • Active vents



    On the top of the Aurora there are motorised vents (called active vents) that open up as the system gets warmer. There are USB and audio ports located under the first of these vents toward the front of the case.
  • Alienware M15x grille



    Not only is the M15x fast, it's also got an edgy design. The base of the notebook is thick in order to properly accommodate the cooling for the high-end tech that lies within; its grille lights up with that familiar Alienware glow when you're using it at night. The chassis is constructed from sturdy materials, including magnesium alloy.
  • Alienware Aurora desktops



    The Aurora and Aurora ALX desktops are the perfect choice for users who want a powerful PC that stands out without having to mod it themselves. They are relatively small microATX-based systems compared to Alienware’s high-end systems -- the Area 51 desktops -- but they still pack plenty of power. The basic config for an Aurora costs $2599, but you can upgrade it in a big way: it can run up to four GPUs (using two ATI Radeon HD 5870 graphics cards), as well as an overclocked (up to 3.6GHz) and liquid-cooled Intel Core i7 975 Extreme Edition CPU. Furthermore, it will support up to 12GB of DDR3, 1333MHz RAM, and the case accommodates up to four hard drives.

    The build quality of the system is second to none. Little design features such as the cable-less lights on the side panel really make a difference. The lights get their power through the contacts that we've circled in green on the side panel.
  • Alienware Area 51 ALX



    At the extreme high-end of the Alienware range is the Area 51 ALX. It has an aluminium exterior and a motorised front door, as well as active venting. The top-end ALX configuration includes an Intel Core i7 975 Extreme CPU that’s overclocked to 3.86GHz. In the graphics department you get dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 graphics cards, for a total of four GPUs. These lets you do crazy things like hook up three flat panel monitors so that you can really immerse yourself in your games. The tri-monitor setup isn't part of the Alienware offering, but you can purchase three separate monitors and hook it up yourself.

    Follow PC World Australia on Twitter: [[xref:http://twitter.com/PCWorldAu|@PCWorldAu|Follow PC World Australia on Twitter]]
  • Alienware Area 51 desktops



    The Area 51 is bigger than the Aurora and even more potent. It has a slightly different chassis design (the side panel swings open toward the front) and accommodates a full-sized ATX motherboard. Its basic config starts from $3799 and includes a Core i7 CPU, 6GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GTX260 graphics card.
  • Alienware M15x



    The M15x is said to be the most powerful 15in gaming laptop that Alienware has ever created; but anyone who is in the market for a powerful notebook -- not just gamers -- should consider it. It has a 15.6in, Full HD screen, runs an Intel Core i7 CPU (up to 3.2GHz) and supports up to 8GB of DDR3 1333MHz RAM. You also get a 500GB, 7200rpm hard drive (a 256GB solid-state drive is an option). Most importantly for gamers, it can be configured with a 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M graphics card. Around the sides you get USB 2.0, eSATA, Gigabit Ethernet, D-Sub (VGA), FireWire, DisplayPort, an SD card reader, an ExpressCard slot, and dual audio output ports.
  • Alienware M15x style



    Like most Alienware notebooks, the M15x has a backlit keyboard and the familiar alien head power button. The management software that comes with the notebook allows you to customise the look of the lights as well as the core configuration. At the click of a button, you can go from full speed down to a stealth mode, which slows the system for quieter computing. The M15x is priced from $2599.
  • Quad-GPU power



    ATI Radeon HD 5870 cards installed in a CrossFire configuration give the Aurora a huge amount of speed for processing 3D graphics. The cards aren’t liquid cooled -- they simply rely on their own fan and heat sink mounts -- but there is a shroud to help direct the airflow through the case, too.
  • Alienware has announced the availability of five new gaming systems for the Australian market. Among the new models are a powerful 15in gaming notebook -- the Alienware M15x -- as well as four liquid-cooled Intel Core i7–equipped desktop systems. In the past, Alienware systems have been premium products with sky-high price tags (take the [[xref: http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/notebooks/alienware/area-51_m17x/259210|Alienware Area-51 M17X]] notebook that we reviewed last year for example), but the latest life-forms take shape from around $2599, and you best believe they are still very powerful!

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