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Alienware X51 thread of 2.56TFLOPS comfy couch gaming at 180W in a console size box

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EmSeta

Member
Get someone from PC GAF to build it for you or help you build one.

The other SFF PC's out there have either really strange specs or are really overpriced.

Here are pics of the most popular SFF cases.

Fractal Node 304:

Silverstone FT03 Mini:



BitFenix Prodigy



Silverstone SG05:



Some new high end ones, first is a TripT CC Compact Splash, second is the CaseLabs Mercury S3

Cool, those are some decent looking cases.
 
Get someone from PC GAF to build it for you or help you build one.

The other SFF PC's out there have either really strange specs or are really overpriced.

Here are pics of the most popular SFF cases.

Fractal Node 304:



Silverstone FT03 Mini:



BitFenix Prodigy



Silverstone SG05:



Some new high end ones, first is a TripT CC Compact Splash, second is the CaseLabs Mercury S3

Those all seem too boxy to me. What appeals to me about the X51 is how it's so thin and when sitting in a cabinet under a TV, it doesn't look like a PC but more like a console or a piece of video equipment. Anything out there that is more in line with the X51 style case?
 

mkenyon

Banned
Those all seem too boxy to me. What appeals to me about the X51 is how it's so thin and when sitting in a cabinet under a TV, it doesn't look like a PC but more like a console or a piece of video equipment. Anything out there that is more in line with the X51 style case?
Can't do it without having your system loud. Or reducing the total watt profile of the system (meaning less powerful).

The reason why these are boxy is that they are designed for 120mm fans. 120mm fan tech has come such a long way that you can basically spin them at ambient noise level and get ample cooling.
 
News about the x51 should be coming out anytime since Pax is on right?

Seems like nothing came of this that I can find on GAF or elsewhere. Perhaps "New" simply meant the latest?

I googled the Hawken thing and just saw reference to it being playable on X51's, but not saying "new" like the mail shot said.

That's what I was trying to say. There's no new hardware to put in it.

Yep, I think you hit the nail on the head!
 

mkenyon

Banned
Seems like nothing came of this that I can find on GAF or elsewhere. Perhaps "New" simply meant the latest?

I googled the Hawken thing and just saw reference to it being playable on X51's, but not saying "new" like the mail shot said.
That's what I was trying to say. There's no new hardware to put in it.
 
Can't do it without having your system loud. Or reducing the total watt profile of the system (meaning less powerful).

The reason why these are boxy is that they are designed for 120mm fans. 120mm fan tech has come such a long way that you can basically spin them at ambient noise level and get ample cooling.

Well if your target is 1080p, you don't need to be aiming for the most powerful thing out there I would think.
 

mkenyon

Banned
Well if your target is 1080p, you don't need to be aiming for the most powerful thing out there I would think.
While true, you end up with a system still louder than what I think is acceptable. But, maybe I'm just way too sensitive to that sort of thing. I should do a video of some SFF build in a tiny chassis compared to something like the Node or Prodigy.

What I like about the Node is that it basically looks like a subwoofer. While it is certainly not some standout beauty that draws people's attention, it is just elegant and simple enough to completely blend in to any media center. Combined with the acoustic profile, which should be just above ambient at load, makes it the perfect sleeper case.

However, I think what you have in mind is the much anticipated NFC Systems ITX prototype.

CfwQC.jpg
 

tatsuki

Member
Just went ahead and ordered the 1,149 model. It should be here April 12th. I've never really had a gaming pc before. I have a laptop right now but it's pretty useless imo

Current
Processor Type: Intel Core i3 2.13 GHz
GPU: Integrated/On-Board Graphics
Operating System: Windows 7
Memory: 4 GB

New
Processor Type: 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3770 (8M Cache, up to 3.4 GHz)
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 1.5GB GDDR5
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium, 64Bit
Memory: 8GB (2 X 4GB) Dual Channel DDR3 up to 1600MHz

I'm hopeful and I look forward to finally being able to get into pc gaming.
 

Chittagong

Gold Member
You'll have so much fun as a console gamer. I have just bought Far Cry 3 for a bit over a tenner, Mass Effect 3 for £7, Magical Drop V for £1.70, all amazing games playable with the Xbox controller with superior graphics - less than £19 all together.
 

JB1981

Member
I have hovered over the purchase button on dell's site for the last two days. I just can't justify the cost. This shit is just too expensive.
 

kharma45

Member
I have hovered over the purchase button on dell's site for the last two days. I just can't justify the cost. This shit is just too expensive.

Take a look at eBay for Dell resellers. Here in the UK they're about £250 cheaper than buying direct but I dunno what it is like for you guys across the water.
 

JB1981

Member
Take a look at eBay for Dell resellers. Here in the UK they're about £250 cheaper than buying direct but I dunno what it is like for you guys across the water.

So I can get the GT 640 w/ blu ray drive, 1tb HDD, 8gb ram, i5 processor w/ Windows 8 for $799.99 on dell outlet store. not bad
 
Can't do it without having your system loud. Or reducing the total watt profile of the system (meaning less powerful).

The reason why these are boxy is that they are designed for 120mm fans. 120mm fan tech has come such a long way that you can basically spin them at ambient noise level and get ample cooling.

Yup, the default fans that come with the BitFenix are pretty quite. Thanks to this thread, and your informative posting, Mkenyon. I'm going back into building again. Going to build one(HTPC)for the living room.
 
Great, they delayed delivery until next week. I'm thinking about canceling and save some cash looking at the outlet instead. How long would an outlet build take to ship?
 
Ok, I'm putting together my accessory shopping list for the arrival of the X51 now.

My X51 will be a living room / TV only affair.

I already have a mac bluetooth keyboard, so I'll be using that.

In my shopping basket I have

Logitech G700 = seems to be best choice and I've found it at a price that isn't silly. Seems for PC gaming the advice is "never use a cordless mouse" but hey this is couch gaming right? Does any one use their x51 on a TV with a huge chord extender?

I have a Bluetooth razer orochi 1st gen but bring a laptop gaming mouse it's a bit tiny for really long gaming sessions.

Wireless 360 pad for windows = I have a USB one ready, but cordless would be nicer

Belkin Bluetooth 4,0 dongle = for the keyboard.

Might get a BT headset later if anyone has any advice?
 

Chittagong

Gold Member
G700 is a fantastic mouse. The extra buttons can't be praised enough, you can play Diablo single handed. I have had no issues with lag, probably an issue for pro gamers only, people competing in CS at high levels etc.

I used the Apple keyboard for a year but recently got the Microsoft Wedge keyboard which is beyond fantastic. Amazing design and build quality, but best of all, shortcut keys for Windows 8.

Xbox controller dongle is a good idea, I am using my wireless Xbox controller.
 

OverHeat

« generous god »
Playing bioshock infinite....my new system fans make a lot of noise compared to my old one.
By the way Geforce experience is the best thing to have happen to pc gaming no more fucking around with game settings to have the best result for your games.
 
Playing bioshock infinite....my new system fans make a lot of noise compared to my old one.
By the way Geforce experience is the best thing to have happen to pc gaming no more fucking around with game settings to have the best result for your games.

Really? Is quite on mine. I got majority of the settings on Ultra. Except for shadows, Post Off and AA off. And I get a solid 60fps at times. Get dips here and there when loading, but that's it.
 
nvidia says that the minimum power supply for a 660 is 450 watts, but this X51's power supply is only 350 watts if I remember correctly. That is odd.
 
Manufacturers grossly over estimate what you need as there are still so many people out there with terrible PSUs.

Hmm...I wonder if my current computer's power supply, which is 350 watts, could handle a 660. Probably not, and it would probably make my computer explode if I tried. Oh well, I guess I might just have to buy one of these X51s.
 

OverHeat

« generous god »
Really? Is quite on mine. I got majority of the settings on Ultra. Except for shadows, Post Off and AA off. And I get a solid 60fps at times. Get dips here and there when loading, but that's it.
1080p everything on ultra except post process on normal AA on and It's super smooth ( geforce experience setting by the way)
 
G700 is a fantastic mouse. The extra buttons can't be praised enough, you can play Diablo single handed. I have had no issues with lag, probably an issue for pro gamers only, people competing in CS at high levels etc.

I used the Apple keyboard for a year but recently got the Microsoft Wedge keyboard which is beyond fantastic. Amazing design and build quality, but best of all, shortcut keys for Windows 8.

Xbox controller dongle is a good idea, I am using my wireless Xbox controller.

Fab, Checked out that Microsoft Wedge & couldn't resist.

Decided to just go all out.

G700, Microsoft Wedge KB, Wireless 360 Dongle and USB Bluetooth Dongle all on their way from Amazon now.
 
Without reading the whole thread if I'm thinking of getting this to run new games in 1080p 30fps with no tearing will the gtx660 i7 version be able to do it (coming from a console gamer)?

Plus what the best way to buy pc games disk / download?
 

kharma45

Member
Without reading the whole thread if I'm thinking of getting this to run new games in 1080p 30fps with no tearing will the gtx660 i7 version be able to do it (coming from a console gamer)?

Plus what the best way to buy pc games disk / download?

Yes.

And whatever is cheapest usually, providing the game can register with either Steam or Origin.
 
Couple more questions, also the model I'm looking at is €1149 but the 16gb seems excessive

1. What is the noise level like when gaming
2. Does the system get really hot at the back and how much airflow would be needed
3. Is the included keyboard and mouse any good for office work/internet browsing as I'd rather a controller for gaming
4. Can I use either my ps3 pad or the 360 pad somehow
5. With Steam, origin and uplay if I get assasins creed 3 on disk what would it install to and do you need all three to get all the games from each publisher
6. My desk is about 10ft away from my hdtv can I connect a monitor and the hdtv so I can choose where to play (Is there a way to change your screen in some setting somewhere)
 

kharma45

Member
4. Can I use either my ps3 pad or the 360 pad somehow
5. With Steam, origin and uplay if I get assasins creed 3 on disk what would it install to and do you need all three to get all the games from each publisher
6. My desk is about 10ft away from my hdtv can I connect a monitor and the hdtv so I can choose where to play (Is there a way to change your screen in some setting somewhere)

4. Yes to both. PS3 controller was always fiddly so I just bought a wired 360 one. They plug straight in and work, if it's a wireless one you need to get a dongle to get it to work.

5. It'd be uPlay, although you can add a shortcut to Steam if you wish to launch it through that and access the Steam overlay. Most titles are available through Steam, only new EA ones aren't as they're accessible through Origin. They're really the only two clients you'll be using except for the odd time you might use uPlay if say you bought AC3 on disc.

6. It supports dual monitors yes like any PC with the ability to.
 
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