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Alienware’s Area-51pre-built gaming PCis one of the first that I can recall drooling over as a youngster.
Dell is looking to change that with the new Area-51, but some design choices remain confusing.
A look at the inside of the Alienware Area-51, with liquid-cooled CPU and standard GPU in view.
It’s unclear exactly what brand of RAM, storage, fan, PSU, etc.
After years of custom shapes for Alienware motherboards, the Area-51 is leaning into a standard ATX shape.
This is the point where I began scratching my head, wondering if somehow I was mistaken.
Alienware’s new Area-51 looks more like a regular PC than any of its predecessors.
But no: this flagship, best-of-the-best gaming PC has a motherboard with two UDIMM slots.
Introductory models start with a 2x8GB setup and can be expanded to 2x32GB from the factory.
Looking at the product images, it’s evident that the PC lacks a rear exhaust port.
The Area-51’s Alienware motherboard only has two RAM slots, an odd choice for a high-performance gaming desktop.(Image credit: Dell)
This will be a very interesting aspect to test ourselves when we get our hands on the PC.
There will be cheaper models available after launch, for which Dell has yet to confirm exact pricing.
Alienware has 16- and 18-inch Area-51 laptops to show off, expected to launch in Q1 2025.
A look at the removable dust filters on the Area-51 chassis.(Image credit: Dell)
Prices will start at about $1,999, running up to about $3,199 for a high-end model.
For those counting, a 4K resolution at 27 inches comes out to 166 pixels per inch.
Perhaps more surprising is the monitor’s speed.
Clean cable management behind the motherboard is great to see.(Image credit: Dell)
Dell expects the Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED to enter the market in March 2025 starting at $899.99.
A clear side panel provides a look at the high-end performance hardware inside the Area-51.(Image credit: Dell)
The rounded aluminum chassis reminds me of Alienware’s bygone gaming laptops.(Image credit: Dell)
The thermal shelf on the back of the Area-51 hides the lid hinge for a seamless look.(Image credit: Dell)
A glass panel on the bottom of the laptop shows off the internal hardware.(Image credit: Dell)
The new 27-inch 4K QD-OLED Alienware monitor has a rounded design similar to that in the new Area-51 gaming laptops.
