……forgetit
Member
If you're running a 4k monitor you wont play much on Ultra, just build your PC dude.
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Alienware Alpha R2 announced, starts at $599
- Thread starter jwk94
- Start date
If you're running a 4k monitor you wont play much on Ultra, just build your PC dude.
Headphone jack?
Dell does have a general trade in program. It's listed at the bottom of the Alienware webpage. $210 for the original entry level model.
Dell does have a general trade in program. It's listed at the bottom of the Alienware webpage. $210 for the original entry level model.
Iorv3th
Member
Does the 600$ version come with the 960 or is it just integrated graphics?
Even then it's not a great deal for the price. Only upside is the form factor if you need a small PC.
LordOfChaos
Member
Not sure if the Alpha is similarly updated yet. Seems that the low end 860M-ish SKU remains, but there's a new high end one
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/06/alienware-still-has-faith-in-steam-machines-for-some-reason/
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/06/alienware-still-has-faith-in-steam-machines-for-some-reason/
LordOfChaos
Member
Butts. My bad.
both have the 960
roadrunn3r
Member
Can't help but feel it's bad decision by not going with the minimum VR requirement which would be a 480 or (hopefully) a 1060. On the other side I know the form factor is the main selling point and the price should be contained but still...
Cool that dell does offer a trade in program as I honestly didn't know that existed on any level ha, if someone would have asked me I would have said absolutely not. If form factor was an issue for me I think I would consider one of these. Also I feel like that is a pretty decent price for someone who doesn't want to try to build their first PC but wants to get a taste of PC gaming.
EDIT: Kinda off topic, but does anyone know how the general public views the Alienware typically? This thread made me curious, growing up I always saw them as overpriced and flashy, but I've been building computers computers/was exposed to that sort of stuff at a younger age.
EDIT: Kinda off topic, but does anyone know how the general public views the Alienware typically? This thread made me curious, growing up I always saw them as overpriced and flashy, but I've been building computers computers/was exposed to that sort of stuff at a younger age.
Spiral Insanity
Banned
A Geforce 960?
What
What
dugdug
Banned
Hah, well I guess that's *something*. $260 for the model I have (i7) feels like a slap in the face, but...sigh.
I stumbled onto your chat about the R2 and I humbly present my review of it:
http://www.shacknews.com/article/95151/alienware-alpha-r2-review-harder-better-faster-stronger
I completely understand it may not be a great choice for those of us who want the latest and greatest, but I get where Alienware is coming from with its Alpha. The R1 was a good start, but it could barely run most AAA games.
With the R2, they've improved its hard drive, its RAM support, CPU, and its GPU received a HUGE overhaul when compared to R1. For those looking for a small, form-factor PC to go in their living room, dorm room, or bedroom, this is a great option.
I spent two weeks with the Alpha R2, and I used it every single day. So if you have any questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them.
http://www.shacknews.com/article/95151/alienware-alpha-r2-review-harder-better-faster-stronger
I completely understand it may not be a great choice for those of us who want the latest and greatest, but I get where Alienware is coming from with its Alpha. The R1 was a good start, but it could barely run most AAA games.
With the R2, they've improved its hard drive, its RAM support, CPU, and its GPU received a HUGE overhaul when compared to R1. For those looking for a small, form-factor PC to go in their living room, dorm room, or bedroom, this is a great option.
I spent two weeks with the Alpha R2, and I used it every single day. So if you have any questions, I'd be more than happy to answer them.
TheSlySoul
Member
Curious how much the external boost costs. If $200, getting a VR-ready rig for $800 sounds like a nice deal.
The Graphics Amplifier is $200, although you'll need to throw your own card into it as Alienware just supplies you with what's essentially an external power supply.
Sorcerer
Member
Used to be $300
TheSlySoul
Member
Fair enough, the new AMD cards are $200 as well so $1000 for something in which I can easily upgrade GPU and CPU is nice.
Will be on the lookout.
Memorabilia
Member
I own a GTX 960 and love it in my secondary HTPC rig. But...offering the GTX 960 as the primary / only GPU as the basis for a Steam machine seems like a really poor choice right about now.
In about a month the entire price/performance matrix for GPUs is going to be totally reset. The RX 480 is going to offer at the very least 970+ performance while consuming less power than a 960. The ~$330 970 takes a shit on the ~$220 960 from a fairly high altitude. So, the ~$200-$229 480 is definitely going to recalibrate entry level price/perf expectations. These particular Steam machines seem poorly timed for this reason alone.
In about a month the entire price/performance matrix for GPUs is going to be totally reset. The RX 480 is going to offer at the very least 970+ performance while consuming less power than a 960. The ~$330 970 takes a shit on the ~$220 960 from a fairly high altitude. So, the ~$200-$229 480 is definitely going to recalibrate entry level price/perf expectations. These particular Steam machines seem poorly timed for this reason alone.
metareferential
Member
What's the point of a tiny box if you need another toaster for more power?
That said, I love the alpha desing.
That said, I love the alpha desing.
sixteen-bit
Member
Yeah, it looks smaller than the WiiU, lol.
longnosedgoblin
Member
The R1 can barely run most AAA games? That is literally bollocks. Sure you will need to adjust some settings but barely run??
I agree that the 960 would have been great if we didn't already know the 1060 was just around the corner. Still it is pretty good considering the form factor, and you definitely don't need to be paying the rrp, there are always deals, I got my old i5 for a fair bit less than the i3 rrp.
technology is crazy <3 thing is too good. i kinda wanna dip into pc gaming with it.
Sorcerer
Member
The amplifier was originally made for laptops. The alpha/steam machine are essentially laptops.
Why not throw the port in the there?
Doesn't hurt I suppose.
metareferential
Member
Sure; on Alienware's part it's a clever choice.
I was more thinking from a user point of view.
Sorcerer
Member
One can pretty much ignore it, just nice to have the option.
Shifty Capone1
Member
Scorpio should be better. At probably a cheaper or the same price point. We don't know how much they will make it, but from they've said we can extrapolate a potential price. If we assume a modified or exactly the same AMD 480x at $200 (that's retail so it will cost Microsoft less per unit) Scorpio will be more powerful at that $600 mark. With Microsoft behind this generation and power playing such a role in that, I bet they sell Scorpio at cost or even take a small hit. I whole heartedly expect $500-$649. Probably $599.00.
I could be completely wrong, but the Xbox division and Phil really want to take back control.
Sheriff_Battlesnake
Banned
... i just bought one yesterday.
It was the top of the line one yesterday but now the whole page refreshed. I can't even find the specs on the one that hasn't been shipped yet!
It was the top of the line one yesterday but now the whole page refreshed. I can't even find the specs on the one that hasn't been shipped yet!
Have had mine for about a week now, really enjoying it as it chews up any tasks or games I throw at it. Mine is the i5/8GB/GTX960 model so there's room to upgrade down the track, especially with the graphics amplifier port.
In the process of downloading Forza 6 Apex, Battlefield 4 and Battlefront to test it out some more.
Aztechnology
Member
I have friends that owned the first box. They invariably all ended up selling them and building a PC, either alone or with my assistance. Just build a PC or wait for a great pre-configired deal on slickdeals. At least then you'll still be able to replace parts to a degree down the line to a greater degree.
me0wish
Member
Build your own PC with this:
https://www.kickstarter.com/project...-the-worlds-smallest-gaming-tower/description
https://www.kickstarter.com/project...-the-worlds-smallest-gaming-tower/description
ThoseDeafMutes
Member
I expect that they will upgrade to 1060 as an option soon.
I got the i7 version, 8 gigs of RAM, 256GB SSD. Very nimble. Kind of noisy, particularly when the room is warm and it is at full load. Necessitated the use of a USB soundcard in my case because I'm not using it as a console. Replaced an i7-920 with a 5870. No regrets.
longnosedgoblin
Member
Far too big!!
Last_colossi
Member
longnosedgoblin
Member
Getting closer...
Aztechnology
Member
Substantially so. But I'd wait if you don't want to build a PC yourself (IMO a better choice). The 1060 will likely be swapped out for the 960 in it now which will bring a pretty great performance boost from the 960. You'll be looking at 970/980 performance which is for reference like Witcher 3 at ultra settings 60-70fps. Vs 40 or so on the 960.
Oh wow cool! Thanks for the advice, I'll hold out for a refresh
