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Dell's Haswell-Powered Alienware X51 R2 SFF, a PC Gamer's Console Alternative
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."
I think the fact that Dell is essentially creating a "Console PC" says a lot about how bad the PS4 and XBone consoles offerings are for this generation. Bad enough that other PC companies are going to try and mussel in on the action.
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.
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.
You are welcome on my lawn.
Not to mention saving money, you know that thing that makes Walmart so attractive?
You only save money if your time is worthless. Most people don't want to spend their time on the effort and are *gasp* willing to pay for convenience. It's almost like they have different priorities than you. Unspeakable!
I hate it when people say that. My free time IS worthless. I get paid to work 9:00-17:00 Monday to Friday. There is a small amount of room for overtime when needed, but more than 1 hour a day on a regular basis would likely start to raise the hackles of my Project Manager. So from 18:00 to bedtime every weekday and all day Saturday and Sunday, I have very little earning potential. I mostly fill this time with either unpaid housework/errands, or with things that I enjoy.
So let's say I watch 2 hours of TV on a Saturday. If I DON'T watch 2 hours of TV on a Saturday, and instead spend 2 hours assembling a PC, I have not lost any money. If you enjoy building PCs at all, then you haven't even lost much by way of "relaxation potential".
Now, let's say that I could save £100 by assembling a PC from parts over buying the same PC pre-assembled. If it takes me 4 hours to do, I've essentially earned myself £25 an hour in savings. Compared to sitting on my arse watching TV, that's not a bad return on my time really.