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Alienware Alpha first impressions and benchmarks
- Thread starter outunderthestars
- Start date
reSpec Gaming
Member
How does Fallout: New Vegas and Bethesda RPGs (Morrowind, Skyrim, Oblivion) run on the Alpha? Thinking of grabbing one to max them out and try out some mods after experiencing yearly frustration trying to finish New Vegas on PS3.
How does Xbox 360 controller support work for these games (and others)? Nice and easy, or a bit of stuffing around?
How does Xbox 360 controller support work for these games (and others)? Nice and easy, or a bit of stuffing around?
reSpec Gaming
Member
Haven't tried them out personally but other games released at similar times that I play I run at 1080p maxed out (or even 1440p DSR to 1080) and looks great. Not sure how 360 controller support are for those games.
Have there been any rumblings about a new Alpha being released in the near future? My old gaming PC is finally starting to shit itself and sinking money into fixing it seems like a bad investment, so I was looking at one of these, but it's still rocking 2013 hardware so I'm a bit nervous about diving in now.
walltowall
Member
There has been a small refresh on the base model Core i3 4170T and 1TB 7200rpm HD vs. the old 1430T and 500GB 5400rpm HD, but not much else.
OmegaTreeFish
Banned
they refreshed them slightly with 7200 rpm HDD's and i think slightly different cpus but the gpu is the same. i doubt they will refresh anytime soon as they only just released the steam machine version which uses the same hardware.
I should be getting mine tomorrow or the day after. Im looking forward to it.
Basically they can play anything at 1080p / 30fps min. just gotta turn some settings down. Considering the price and size of these things I think thats perfectly acceptable.
reSpec Gaming
Member
If you mean in reference to the GPU since everything else is interchangeable, no word on that. But you're playing everything at minimum as well as a PS4 lasts so this thing is theoretically going to be a usable gaming PC as long as the consoles will be.
Edit: On a side note I kind of hope there's a "trade-up" program if they update this with a new GPU. Or you can even buy barebones system with just the GPU so you can just move your parts (although that's probably a pipe dream, heh)
At this form factor I think the i3 model is a better value (same GPU & you can upgrade the RAM & CPU later if you're so inclined).
But if you also have the cash to spend, the Zotac Magnus has been on my watchlist. It's a barebones with a rebadged 970M, but they also have options that come w/ a SSD & memory (no OS though). Costs more than the i7 Alpha, but the GPU has a lot more oomph.
dickroach
Member
I ordered the i7. i dunno nothing about upgrading computers, so I figured it'd be easier to just go ahead and order that.
only problem is, according to Dell, it's not gonna be here for like 3 weeks. so lame
I took the plunge and got an Alienware Alpha i3 with 8Gigs of Ram. I just hooked it up and so far it seems pretty nice.
I have a question though - Is it worth it to upgrade to Windows 10 on the Alpha? I figure if I'm going to update to 10, I should do so before trying to install any games or anything.
And then a follow up question - Does the Steam controller work well with Windows 10 on the Alpha? I want to get a Steam controller, but if it's going to cause issues with the OS, I may hold off on that purchase at this point.
I'm excited to try this setup out and am looking forward to some PC gaming goodness.
I have a question though - Is it worth it to upgrade to Windows 10 on the Alpha? I figure if I'm going to update to 10, I should do so before trying to install any games or anything.
And then a follow up question - Does the Steam controller work well with Windows 10 on the Alpha? I want to get a Steam controller, but if it's going to cause issues with the OS, I may hold off on that purchase at this point.
I'm excited to try this setup out and am looking forward to some PC gaming goodness.
Just upgrade to 10. Definitely worth it. And runs well on the Alpha
Ok, I think I'll look into downloading Windows 10. So would you have to re-download the Alienware Hivemind OS after the upgrade then? Or does that stay on you system regardless? Can the 360 pad still be used control the mouse and such after the upgrade?
My Alpha came with Windows 8 and the Hivemind OS along with a 360 wireless controller. Perhaps newer systems have windows 10 already on there.
I thought I read somewhere the HDMI in could be used as a pass-through for other devices. Not sure how that all works.
It really is a small quiet little box. Very nicely done I think. Can't wait to try some games on it.
My Alpha came with Windows 8 and the Hivemind OS along with a 360 wireless controller. Perhaps newer systems have windows 10 already on there.
I thought I read somewhere the HDMI in could be used as a pass-through for other devices. Not sure how that all works.
It really is a small quiet little box. Very nicely done I think. Can't wait to try some games on it.
inpHilltr8r
Member
Ours came with 8.1, but that was earlier in the year. The Alienware OS thing is just a shell that launches with the default account. Windows 10 is a download.
ThoseDeafMutes
Member
When mobile Pascal hits, they need to split the line into two versions - Alienware Alpha (1060m), the reasonably priced and tiny sized one, and Alienware Omega (1070/1080m), a premium one that is in a slightly bigger (but still small) chassis, comes with an SSHD or SSD variants.
The 860/960m GPUs are solid, but roughly as powerful as the 750ti. Similar perf to PS4 for most tasks, esp when paired with the good CPUs. But the 970 is a demon, over twice as powerful for some things. It would be great to have an unambiguously more powerful console sized box for a living room. Like yeah you can build an HTPC, but the Alphas are real convenient for more casual PC gamers.
The 860/960m GPUs are solid, but roughly as powerful as the 750ti. Similar perf to PS4 for most tasks, esp when paired with the good CPUs. But the 970 is a demon, over twice as powerful for some things. It would be great to have an unambiguously more powerful console sized box for a living room. Like yeah you can build an HTPC, but the Alphas are real convenient for more casual PC gamers.
NOLA_Gaffer
Banned
So what's the latest model of these things? I'd hate to look into one only to find out I'm buying 12-month old hardware.
I upgraded to Windows 10 and things seemed to work relatively well. However I am not able to use the Alienware Hivemind UI anymore. Looking around it seems there are compatibility issues with it. Which sucks. So I guess I'll have to wait until a new version of that is released that deals with those problems. Other then that it seems to be alright. Still in the process of downloading games so I haven't been able to play anything, but it seems relatively fast for regular desktop usage.
Seeing this thread bumped reminded me, I'm not sure what they're worth now but I seen an open box Alpha at a Best Buy about a week ago for $250. It claimed to be originally listed at $500 so if that's a good price and someone's in the market for one it may be worth checking your local store(s).
I am kinda playing with the thought of getting one instead of a custom and more high-end PC. I need something for my living room, and the form factor is appealing.
Sorry if this has already been asked in the thread, but is it a good time to buy one, or are updates expected in the near future?
Sorry if this has already been asked in the thread, but is it a good time to buy one, or are updates expected in the near future?
Someone on the reddit forums was asking a similar question. Folks were suggesting the yellow light indicates a lack of Ram or a chipset error. Not sure if that is indeed the case or not. Perhaps opening the Alpha up and making sure everything is secure inside might help? Can you get it to turn at all?
JetBlackPanda
Member
Do these run fairly cool? And how loud are they decibel wise?
My Alpha runs fairly cool so far. I haven't tried it with a ton of games, but I threw the original Crysis at it the other day and it still seemed to be rather quiet and didn't throw out a ton of heat. I have it near my Playstaion 4 in my entertainment center and I'd say it's as quiet or quiter then my ps4.
Also for anyone who has run into issues with the Hivemind UI Console mode not working on Windows 10, talking with other folks it seems like the culprit of the issue might be not installing the Console mode while still on Windows 8.1 and just jumping into Windows 10 and doing it from there.
So hopefully that tidbit of info will be useful to folks just getting Alphas for the holidays.
Install the Hivemind Console UI while still on Windows 8.1 before you upgrade to 10.
I'm sure we will get a new version of stuff from Alienware that fixes the issue at some point for those of us experiencing problems now.
Also for anyone who has run into issues with the Hivemind UI Console mode not working on Windows 10, talking with other folks it seems like the culprit of the issue might be not installing the Console mode while still on Windows 8.1 and just jumping into Windows 10 and doing it from there.
So hopefully that tidbit of info will be useful to folks just getting Alphas for the holidays.
Install the Hivemind Console UI while still on Windows 8.1 before you upgrade to 10.
I'm sure we will get a new version of stuff from Alienware that fixes the issue at some point for those of us experiencing problems now.
Barkley's Justice
Member
My Alpha just arrived -- I grabbed one during Consumer Friday.
It came with Windows 10 and there's no Hivemind UI in sight. I was actually really surprised to turn the Alpha on and just be dumped into the Windows 10 desktop.
It came with Windows 10 and there's no Hivemind UI in sight. I was actually really surprised to turn the Alpha on and just be dumped into the Windows 10 desktop.
Was it sealed properly? Might be a used refurb
Barkley's Justice
Member
It came from Dell. It took a few weeks for them to build and ship it? It looks brand new, etc.
outunderthestars
Banned
It really is an amazing little box. Excited to see what is right around the corner as well.
lovely ladies
Member
I think you might have to set up 10 first with region, language, lock password, and such before it boots up into the alienware menu.
At ~30 fps; it has similar power as the ps4.
Jack The Nipper
Banned
How does a i7,970m, 16gigs ram laptop compare to this?
Barkley's Justice
Member
It's nowhere on the hard drive, I checked.
I did a bit of Googling, and apparently Hivemind has compatibility issues with Windows 10? I wonder if Dell just completely removed it?
The issues I am aware of with Hivemind not working on Windows 10 is that it needs to be set up firstly on Windows 8.1 before upgrading to 10. But reading around it does seem that others have had issues with Hivemind and Win 10 in general. Hopefully Alienware creates a new version that works better with things soon.
I really want to get a steam controller at some point to use with my Alpha. I feel like it could be a really useful Input for a console like experience while still having some of the normal functionality of a keyboard/mouse. I booted up Team Fortress 2 the other day and while it runs really well on the Alpha, I just couldn't use my 360 pad to really play. I imagine some other games might be in similar.
I really want to get a steam controller at some point to use with my Alpha. I feel like it could be a really useful Input for a console like experience while still having some of the normal functionality of a keyboard/mouse. I booted up Team Fortress 2 the other day and while it runs really well on the Alpha, I just couldn't use my 360 pad to really play. I imagine some other games might be in similar.
lovely ladies
Member
Well that's interesting. I do remember them telling me that I shouldn't update when 10 came out but they told me it was more for game compatibility issues than the issue you're facing.
I think the Alpha starts up relatively quickly. I'm on the base i3 Model with the slower hard drive. If you get one of the newer ones or are willing to upgrade the hard drive I assume that speeds things up quite a bit. I'm not sure if you can start it up with a Steam controller at this point or not however. I don't have one of those so I'm not sure how that works.
I thought most games seemed to be ok with Windows 10 for the most part?
Has anyone had any luck disabling the login screen on startup with Windows 10? And if so has it caused any issues with Hivemind on your end? Or with anything else?
I want to remove the Login screen on startup for Windows 10 at this point, and I've looked around for how to do this. There are seemingly ways to do so, but I'm afraid if I do that it will somehow interfere with Hivemind. ( if I ever get that working ) Because as I understand it, Hivemind treats you as two separate accounts. The main login for your computer and then also your Alpha account. although I'm not entirely sure how all that functions. Maybe I'm mistaken on things.
I thought most games seemed to be ok with Windows 10 for the most part?
Has anyone had any luck disabling the login screen on startup with Windows 10? And if so has it caused any issues with Hivemind on your end? Or with anything else?
I want to remove the Login screen on startup for Windows 10 at this point, and I've looked around for how to do this. There are seemingly ways to do so, but I'm afraid if I do that it will somehow interfere with Hivemind. ( if I ever get that working ) Because as I understand it, Hivemind treats you as two separate accounts. The main login for your computer and then also your Alpha account. although I'm not entirely sure how all that functions. Maybe I'm mistaken on things.
Barkley's Justice
Member
walltowall
Member
MSI Afterburner will give you an idea of it's overclocking options, if any.
http://gaming.msi.com/features/afterburner
Barkley's Justice
Member
Does Afterburner provide suggested settings?
I have it loaded and...what do I do exactly? Apply some trial and error with the sliders?
I have it loaded and...what do I do exactly? Apply some trial and error with the sliders?
walltowall
Member
It usually shows you the max you can bump and keep stability/reasonable temp. You should be able to play with the sliders within that.
peaceiscloser
Member
Oh I had no idea this thread existed! I got one for myself over Christmas. It's the first time I've had a current-gen type console, last one I had was a PS3 right before the PS4 came out; now I'm rocking the Wii U/PC configuration.
It blows my mind that this thing runs pretty much everything I throw at it at Ultra with no issues; and as far as I can tell nearly everything runs fairly smoothly in Dolphin for my replay of Paper Mario Thousand Year Door.
Here's my setup:
Alienware Alpha i3
12 GB RAM
240 GB SSD + 500 GB HDD
Steam Controller
I'm super happy with it! I went and bought a Motorola Lapdock on eBay so that in a little while I'll be able to use it as a sorta-portable console.
It blows my mind that this thing runs pretty much everything I throw at it at Ultra with no issues; and as far as I can tell nearly everything runs fairly smoothly in Dolphin for my replay of Paper Mario Thousand Year Door.
Here's my setup:
Alienware Alpha i3
12 GB RAM
240 GB SSD + 500 GB HDD
Steam Controller
I'm super happy with it! I went and bought a Motorola Lapdock on eBay so that in a little while I'll be able to use it as a sorta-portable console.
I hadn't thought about trying out Dolphin on the Alpha. I wonder how well it works with a baseline model with 8 gig of RAM. I may see if I can get things running. How much RAM can this bad boy take?
Reading around reddit it sounds like the Alienware people are aware of the issues with Win 10 and Hivemind and are looking into fixes. I've somewhat gotten used to just using the standard desktop setup now though. My keyboard/trackpad combo suits my needs and I haven't had any issues with anything yet.
I may try to some photo video work on it at some point as well. Kinda nice to have the flexibility for all sorts of things in one tiny box.
Reading around reddit it sounds like the Alienware people are aware of the issues with Win 10 and Hivemind and are looking into fixes. I've somewhat gotten used to just using the standard desktop setup now though. My keyboard/trackpad combo suits my needs and I haven't had any issues with anything yet.
I may try to some photo video work on it at some point as well. Kinda nice to have the flexibility for all sorts of things in one tiny box.
I just ordered the baseline i3 model and am super-excited to see how it runs! We were in the market for a tiny media server to runs iTunes movie and music off of, and I decided to pick this up since it'll also let me replace my aging laptop for mid-level games at the same time.
I've been out of the pc game for ages, but any recs as far as what RAM to use to upgrade it on my own?
Also, I bought the Windows 10 version that apparently comes with a mouse and keyboard, but can I also sync a spare 360 controller to the Alpha or would I have to buy some kind of dongle to use it?
I've been out of the pc game for ages, but any recs as far as what RAM to use to upgrade it on my own?
Also, I bought the Windows 10 version that apparently comes with a mouse and keyboard, but can I also sync a spare 360 controller to the Alpha or would I have to buy some kind of dongle to use it?