For anyone that doesn't know anything about the base model, here are some facts and tips from a PC gamer about the Alienware Alpha: Internals - All but the GPU (graphics card) and motherboard can be found in detail on their website for all models. The GPU is actually a GTX 860M customized and integrated with the motherboard (this is across all models I am pretty sure), making this a pretty good system. Why a PC 'console', and why this one - So, I have owned a few consoles in my life, and I am writing this as a PC user now. I perceive PC as a universal system for these reasons: A) PC has almost all the same games as both PS4 and XBOX One (obviously minus exclusive titles) B) PC actually has a far larger number of exclusive titles available to it as a platform (not to mention indie games) C) Both the Xbox One and PS4, though they both have their own OS (operating system, ex. Windows 8) and features, are really just a concentration of CUSTOM computer parts. Making PC the only real 'master race.' D) Since you're on a computer, you can really do whatever the heck you want. I could care less about whether or not the Alpha is called a console or a PC, not to mention the fact that it is developed by Alienware (not a big deal guys). The point is that anyone that tries convince to build your own PC probably knows what they are talking about, but hasn't analyzed this very effectively. For starters, if you want to build your own PC comparable to the base Alpha model (it will be significantly larger btw), then you are easily going to be spending 500 to 700 dollars if you want it to run a game like Battlefield 4 on high graphics settings. If you want a system that can compete and go beyond a console, then easily 700 dollars or more. The great thing is that you can upgrade all the individual components, so as time goes on and games get more demanding, you can just spend a few hundred bucks on a new component rather than spending 400+ dollars on a new console. Another thing to consider is that there really aren't that many games that do much beyond 1080p other than match the resolution on your TV or monitor. 4K is great, but you can probably count on your fingers the number of games that have 4K textures and graphics across the board (I haven't really researched this, so someone who knows their stuff feel free to correct me). Considering that essentially all the components of the Alpha are upgradeable, other than the motherboard and GPU, the long term benefit should be pretty obvious. Right away I would recommend upgrading the RAM to six or eights GB's rather than four, and depending on what you hope to play I would upgrade the CPU to i5 or i7 at some point. This system will definitely last longer than any of the consoles should you chose to upgrade it, as well as out-perform them. You would be buying a highly compact and fairly powerful system that you can use to browse the web or play the majority of games available on today's market, so I think this is worth buying. Oh, and if you really don't like Alienware, then just get one of the other upcoming steam machines. Or build you're own system if you can afford it.
You seriously sound like a fucking idiot going to the comments and writing a 9 paragraph essay about this shit. As a PC gamer, I'd like to tell you to fuck off.
paulrobie33 No I'm not, it was just a reference to the constant bombardment of superiority that other people usually post. It wasn't disdainful at all, I was just pointing out that everything is technically a PC (based on their internals)....
of course it's overpriced, of course you could build your own for less. What you're paying is actually for that freaking small case, and build, which everyone who says "build your own", you can't make one that small, and pretty. plus, ITX builds are more costly (usually $200+ more) than the cheap-and-super-valued m-ATX builds, so essentially it's coming down to the same thing = form factor. Plus you're also paying for the looks, which come on, PC gamers do too don't you? Lighting effects and gimmicks are quite common. (though anything above the $550 base model is obviously not worth it, if anything) I would get this if I want a simple solution to game in my living room, with a sleek elegant machine that can fair quite well for entry grade performance. The alienware console mode also helps, but hopefully a better controller would be out soon. Also this comes with Windows 8.1, which would otherwise cost $90 upgrade the ram, cpu sometime later, and when you find your gpu too slow, try a simple mod with this: www.banggood.com/EXP-GDC-Laptop-External-PCI-E-Graphics-Card-p-934367.html , assuming you can hide the wiring somewhere, and slap an awesome full-sized gpu and you're good. Idk why people are bitching so much when their phones costs more than this. sorry for long post, potato.
wouldnt be a bad idea for the size, but for the record, you can build a much better, upgradable system by sacrificing the really small form factor for something a little bit bigger (Micro ATX Mini tower).
Yeah like G%T said, its amazingly small and powerful for the size, at least the i7 model is. It's a great beginners Gaming PC. But if you were looking to build your own you would get more bang for your buck, and maybe learn a little while your at it.
So many of you are complaining . "Build your own pc!" , Blah blah blah .. If it runs games really good and plays MMO's which it does than I don't see the issue . And it's upgradeable which is awesome .
Probably should've done a quick overview of different types of RAM, and which you'd need for this PC/console. FYI, it looks like 204-pin DDR3 SO-DIMMs. You can't use normal desktop RAM (244-pin DDR3 DIMM) in this.
Seems like this would be a neat way to have a tiny, yet capable, PC in your living room, without moving around too much stuff. It won't replace a console per-se (consoles having exclusives and whatnot), and it won't replace a dedicated gaming PC, but it will allow you to play older and slightly more recent games from the comfort of your couch, and with the convenience of a big screen, which is fine by me. I'm all for these "Steamboxes". I think they're an interesting step in the right direction, but by no means are they a PC or console killer (yet).
yeah im still waiting for steamboxes cause i want their controllers, plus with steam in house streaming you can have this entry model in the living room running off a powerhouse somewhere else (prob your room), and it's great when you have friends over.
on amazon as of this moment, its a better deal to buy the 4gb and just upgrade it to 8 gb. it's 450 bucks for the 4gb alpha, and 650 for the 8gb one. both are the i3 base model
Its a great system. Yes, you could build better for the price if you are savvy, but for what is essentially trying to be a console, this is a great foundation for possible future upgradable consoles.
the Alienware steam machine gonna be for $225 on GameStop on Black Friday just format and clean install windows 10 and you're good to go ,same as the Alienware alpha
2:07 Not sure what model is your, but my is a base model and comes with a single DDR3 12800 800 4GB stick. So make sure your model comes with One or Two stick prior purchase
Dual gtx 970m in SLI laptop gpu's are fairly close range to their full desktop version that may be better for these small form factor PC's if you're able to swap it out. That is what I would go with if I were in the market for one.
By modular - well, none really apart from the more expensive ones which allow you to replace the RAM, HDD/SSD or fans. The rest is always soldered to 'save money' it seems (rarely have I seen a socketed CPU in a laptop).
MSi, GT72 Dominator pro, has modular gpu, they have a video that they change the 800m to 900m, but that thing is expensive, and somewhat bulky though, by laptop standard off-course. I hope everyone would just implement this, make it a standard, and it would become cheaper.
Where can i buy an i7 processor for the console? i just bought the i5 machine and i LOVE IT.. it plays all the games without any problems.. but id love to know for the future where i can buy the correct processor it needs if i decide to upgrade it at all.. like, will any i7 processor work?
If you replace the hard-drive, will it still have the windows OS on it? also can you upgrade the processor to any processor you want? or does it have to be specific? Thanks!
I was wondering if the Alienware External GPU would be compatible with the Alpha, as I am currently trying to upgrade enough to where my PC is able to run VR
can someone explain to me how to upgrade the cpu (in terms of cleaning and stuff) do I need to buy thermal paste? do I have to clean it after upgrading the cpu? do I need to remove the thermal paste before upgrading and put on new afterwards?
These things are awesome! No need for a big ass desktop or laptop to play games on. This is one of the first of its kind, there's still plenty of companies that will be making their own then we can choose the best to for our needs. Don't care if its overpriced. So is Xbox one and ps4 and people still buy them lol.
I really like the alpha. I think it is a good cheap way to get people into a PC gaming. Its seems to have enough power to be just as good or better than any other console. And would work well with a cheap HTPC keyboard like the Logitech K400r. If I was starting out with this. I would upgrade the ram if not now then later. But I don't see the point in spending a ton upgrading the CPU. An i3 can handle most games today. And that GPU in the unit in not too much for the i3 with 4 threads to handle. Its nice to have the option. And maybe in the future if Intel keeps using LGA 1150. You could have a processor with a iris pro 2 or something to upgrade from.
This machine will really struggle to play recent games at 1080p and its far from cheap ! you would get a better gaming experience from a ps4 for half the price. You basically pay a premium for the alien ware name and crappy plastic box.
I'm forming mixed opinions on this...I like that it appeals to console gaming, and when I initially saw this I thought it was pretty cool. If you have a monitor then you can use it as a regular computer for video editing, school, etc (with a mouse keyboard + monitor). And then when you feel like playing with a controller, just hook it up to a TV. Although I can already do all of that on my laptop, I think that's pretty awesome for someone that doesn't have a good PC and is just used to console gaming. Also you get to play a ton of free games on desktop mode. (Star Wars The Old Republic is a pretty good free MMO) But when I saw Intel Core i3 and 4GB RAM, that's when my opinion on this starts to plummet. I guess you can upgrade it, but when you're already putting down $550; I can see why it would be better to just build a PC yourself instead of upgrading this. radeonxtx That is not true at all. A PS4 does not cost $245 if that were the case then everyone would have one. I think this is more oriented toward people that want that TV-Console experience and also a new PC. So I think it's a good buy for someone that doesn't have a good computer, and is stuck on a last-gen console. It's probably better to just build you own PC, but for console/TV gamers this would be an amazing alternative and they would save a lot more money by upgrading the hardware instead of buying a new console every few years.
heyjeremysnow I was wrong on the pricing ! i looked at the $900 model with the slightly higher specs. I understand what your getting at with the tv gamers but i still think its overpriced for the hardware. My pc lives in my bedroom and i will plug in to the living room tv when i have visitors round and use gamepad but it can be a pain to carry the tower around the house.
I look at it like this, upgrade my vcard for 500 every two years or so cause I'm like that. Or I could buy an entirely new Alienware Beta for my living room for the same price and sell off my old one for a couple. I end up spending the same for my new living room PC console. And oddly enough, AW might be the best priced one from what I've seem from up coming competitors. And if I really need to take it into my office, that would be all too easy based on it's extremely small size.
Newbie here. Need some enlightment. Let say I want to change the cpu. Is there any special guidelines of how to do it, like which models compatible and which models are not? Thanks
Interested in getting something that will handle gaming as well as normal Computing. Would this handle a game like Total War: Warhammer and still perform basic Windows 10 operations; browsing, document typing, ect?
Well, I have the first model, in the i5 version, and it can easily handle games such as a heavily modded Skyrim (With ENB graphic enhancers) and at the same time, it can handle daily computing. I would recommend this if you need a PC that is small and can also be portable. If you have plenty of room and don't need to take it or move it anywhere, then this isn't the PC for you.
Tutorial I did on how to use an External GPU with the Alienware Alpha. I have tested with the GTX 960 4GB but will upgrade since I have confirmed it works. Will be testing VR after the 25th of June, 2016. onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=3412BCF08B2A145C!423059&authkey=!AHBezMLpF9EZpB8&ithint=file%2cdocx
hey. I read your tutorial thank you for taking your time to make it I really appreciate it I've been looking all over the Internet for something like this but I was wondering if you could pleaseeee make a video demonstrating everything you did in your tutorial I realy wanna do it but I prefer watching a video please you will be doing a huge favor for all alienware alpha users.. have a great day
I have been asked by others to do one and I intend to do one. Sorry for the wait. I have to make time to do one soon, my work and family obligations have prevented me from doing it but I will get around to it very soon for those who have been asking for a video...sigh..I feel bad I haven't gotten to do it as yet.
What do you think If I migrate the CPU, SSD, ram from Alpha R1 to a New Motherboard, plus a GPU And cooler? In long term, wouldn't It more cost effective than buying an egpu kit? As long as you could buy a lga 1150 Motherboard 32 GB ram instead 16 gb And put a stronger 4gen CPU with more tdp, for example?
Questions... What is the max ram I can upgrade? Can up to 16gb? So, If I got i3 model, can I buy the i7 chip to upgrade? How about the GPU? Can upgrade it on the future? Also if I buy the xbox360 headset connect to xbox360 controller and is work with headset?
This will be my first PC experience. I see a lot of people switching the HDD out for an SSD. is that something that is very crucial? What will that change?
Hi there! If you're still looking for an answer to your question, the bare bones answer is it is not crucial to swap the Hard Drive with a Solid State Drive. The answer with some more meat to it is that swapping the HDD for a SSD will increase the boot time as well as loading times in games by a noticeable amount. A SSD has it's information stored on microchips inside the component while a HDD has a mechanical (and therefore moving) read/write function not unlike that of a standard optical drive that can read/write CDs
which Memory sticks would you buy for the alienware alpha if you wanted to get the two 4gb sticks? On newegg they have like different types so I do not know what to get..
I have the alienware base model, with the i3 and 4 gb of RAM... only reason I bought the pc was for wow. it had been running it great but recently I'm getting terrible lag spikes, where I load in afk, load into an arena for so long I've already been ganked, and it will just straight up freeze at points in bgs.. so is this a network or a hardware issue, if I upgrade to 8 gb of RAM will that smooth it out a bit?
+Ben Gallagher I also have the base model and when I had 4Gb RAM, I could barely play GTA5 on it because of constant frame rate drops, but once I added another 4GB of RAM, it ran/runs perfectly now, so yes increased RAM should help you out a bit
Omg, Spend 900 or more in your alpha to get better components, ok I understand, I get it, very clear and transparent, it makes sense, very logical solution, of course, roger that, Ten-Four.
WHY IM GETTING THE ALIENWARE ALPHA 1.Able to run pretty much any game at high or ultra setting at 60fps and 1080p. Sure PS4 can do 1080p and ultra settings. But at an almost unplayable 30fps. Not to mention this PC/console can easily go over 60fps,where as the PS4 cannot. It does not support anything over 60fps. 2. In a couple years these consoles will become outdated. No problem for the Alpha. Just upgrade your parts. Can't do that with the PS4. 3.Choose your graphics settings instead of being stuck with whatever the Devs give you on a console. 4.PC gets better ports. Alien Isolation. 30fps on consoles with major drops and screen tear. The Alpha ran this game max settings,with a solid 60. 5. STEAM!!!!
WHY YOU'RE MAKING A MISTAKE 1.cant run most games at high without disabling demanding options, look gamespot's video, it cant even run tomb raider on a stable 60fps 2.true, consoles are already outdated. But in the "Alpha" you cant replace the gpu, so much for upgrading 3.Enjoy setting them to medium/low 4.True, but look at the latest port of final fantasy (locked at 30fps 720p) but you can always mod 5.Hail Gaben! Since you didn't mention anything about mobility or small pc. My advice would be to Save your money and buy a true pc which you can truly upgrade and customize
Andre Primeaux No, VRAM is part of the graphics card. You can't upgrade the VRAM on any graphics card from this computer(or any other for that matter). If you get a graphics card with 4gigs of VRAM it will always have 4gigs.
if you wanted to upgrade the GPU, what can you upgrade it to? the current Alpha has a GTX 960, if i wanted to upgrade it to a GTX 980 Chipset is that possible?
+Osrs Monkey What if you buy a new computer tower, replace the gpu and other parts with a new graphics card and place the regular unmodified parts into the new tower? I know that sounds complicated, but is it possible?
is the gpu the same in all models.. and ive read that installing a faster cpu has done almost nothing for most games.. as the gpu isn't being upgraded? can anyone let me know? and could I build something faster for the same price?
marvins power there is no point getting that CPU for the alpha, it will limit the clock speed to around 2.7 gHz, buy a decent i5 for less money and overclock the gpu and get 16gb of ram with the money you saved, that way the alpha becomes a bit of a beast for most applications.
For anyone that doesn't know anything about the base model, here are some facts and tips from a PC gamer about the Alienware Alpha:
Internals - All but the GPU (graphics card) and motherboard can be found in detail on their website for all models. The GPU is actually a GTX 860M customized and integrated with the motherboard (this is across all models I am pretty sure), making this a pretty good system.
Why a PC 'console', and why this one - So, I have owned a few consoles in my life, and I am writing this as a PC user now. I perceive PC as a universal system for these reasons:
A) PC has almost all the same games as both PS4 and XBOX One (obviously minus exclusive titles)
B) PC actually has a far larger number of exclusive titles available to it as a platform (not to mention indie games)
C) Both the Xbox One and PS4, though they both have their own OS (operating system, ex. Windows 8) and features, are really just a concentration of CUSTOM computer parts. Making PC the only real 'master race.'
D) Since you're on a computer, you can really do whatever the heck you want.
I could care less about whether or not the Alpha is called a console or a PC, not to mention the fact that it is developed by Alienware (not a big deal guys). The point is that anyone that tries convince to build your own PC probably knows what they are talking about, but hasn't analyzed this very effectively.
For starters, if you want to build your own PC comparable to the base Alpha model (it will be significantly larger btw), then you are easily going to be spending 500 to 700 dollars if you want it to run a game like Battlefield 4 on high graphics settings. If you want a system that can compete and go beyond a console, then easily 700 dollars or more. The great thing is that you can upgrade all the individual components, so as time goes on and games get more demanding, you can just spend a few hundred bucks on a new component rather than spending 400+ dollars on a new console.
Another thing to consider is that there really aren't that many games that do much beyond 1080p other than match the resolution on your TV or monitor. 4K is great, but you can probably count on your fingers the number of games that have 4K textures and graphics across the board (I haven't really researched this, so someone who knows their stuff feel free to correct me).
Considering that essentially all the components of the Alpha are upgradeable, other than the motherboard and GPU, the long term benefit should be pretty obvious. Right away I would recommend upgrading the RAM to six or eights GB's rather than four, and depending on what you hope to play I would upgrade the CPU to i5 or i7 at some point. This system will definitely last longer than any of the consoles should you chose to upgrade it, as well as out-perform them. You would be buying a highly compact and fairly powerful system that you can use to browse the web or play the majority of games available on today's market, so I think this is worth buying.
Oh, and if you really don't like Alienware, then just get one of the other upcoming steam machines. Or build you're own system if you can afford it.
You seriously sound like a fucking idiot going to the comments and writing a 9 paragraph essay about this shit. As a PC gamer, I'd like to tell you to fuck off.
fvqu Lol, ask me nicely.
paulrobie33 No I'm not, it was just a reference to the constant bombardment of superiority that other people usually post. It wasn't disdainful at all, I was just pointing out that everything is technically a PC (based on their internals)....
of course it's overpriced, of course you could build your own for less. What you're paying is actually for that freaking small case, and build, which everyone who says "build your own", you can't make one that small, and pretty.
plus, ITX builds are more costly (usually $200+ more) than the cheap-and-super-valued m-ATX builds, so essentially it's coming down to the same thing = form factor. Plus you're also paying for the looks, which come on, PC gamers do too don't you? Lighting effects and gimmicks are quite common. (though anything above the $550 base model is obviously not worth it, if anything)
I would get this if I want a simple solution to game in my living room, with a sleek elegant machine that can fair quite well for entry grade performance. The alienware console mode also helps, but hopefully a better controller would be out soon. Also this comes with Windows 8.1, which would otherwise cost $90
upgrade the ram, cpu sometime later, and when you find your gpu too slow, try a simple mod with this: www.banggood.com/EXP-GDC-Laptop-External-PCI-E-Graphics-Card-p-934367.html , assuming you can hide the wiring somewhere, and slap an awesome full-sized gpu and you're good.
Idk why people are bitching so much when their phones costs more than this. sorry for long post, potato.
***** Being a good person and all, would you let me borrow it? Just for a few months with renewable extension????
Incredibly intrigued by this!! Can't wait to see these tests they put it through for each model!!
I really feel inclined to get the Alpha as my first gaming PC because of the small form factor.
wouldnt be a bad idea for the size, but for the record, you can build a much better, upgradable system by sacrificing the really small form factor for something a little bit bigger (Micro ATX Mini tower).
Yeah like G%T said, its amazingly small and powerful for the size, at least the i7 model is. It's a great beginners Gaming PC. But if you were looking to build your own you would get more bang for your buck, and maybe learn a little while your at it.
So many of you are complaining . "Build your own pc!" , Blah blah blah .. If it runs games really good and plays MMO's which it does than I don't see the issue . And it's upgradeable which is awesome .
Probably should've done a quick overview of different types of RAM, and which you'd need for this PC/console. FYI, it looks like 204-pin DDR3 SO-DIMMs. You can't use normal desktop RAM (244-pin DDR3 DIMM) in this.
go to alienware website they have all the details you need.
Seems like this would be a neat way to have a tiny, yet capable, PC in your living room, without moving around too much stuff. It won't replace a console per-se (consoles having exclusives and whatnot), and it won't replace a dedicated gaming PC, but it will allow you to play older and slightly more recent games from the comfort of your couch, and with the convenience of a big screen, which is fine by me. I'm all for these "Steamboxes". I think they're an interesting step in the right direction, but by no means are they a PC or console killer (yet).
yeah im still waiting for steamboxes cause i want their controllers, plus with steam in house streaming you can have this entry model in the living room running off a powerhouse somewhere else (prob your room), and it's great when you have friends over.
I personally have a high end pc but i find this little thing really interesting.
Always discharge yourself before you touch the internal components.
Aliatus so that's what I've been doing wrong
Aliatus
Free thermal paste.
***** IM DONE
TriggaPC Gaming What? Over already, I'm sooo unsatisfied!
MassEffectReaper Don't worry I'll play with it for you.
on amazon as of this moment, its a better deal to buy the 4gb and just upgrade it to 8 gb. it's 450 bucks for the 4gb alpha, and 650 for the 8gb one. both are the i3 base model
Lol I paid £100 for an unused 8gb i7 4785t Alpha R2 :3 Get yourself lucky on Ebay!
Interesting. I'll see what the iBuyPower and Cyber Power ones are like before I decide which one I want. Definitely one of those 3.
Its a great system. Yes, you could build better for the price if you are savvy, but for what is essentially trying to be a console, this is a great foundation for possible future upgradable consoles.
yea at $300 on ebay it's a no brainer, you can sell your console and be set with one of these. No more paying $50 a year for online
the Alienware steam machine gonna be for $225 on GameStop on Black Friday
just format and clean install windows 10 and you're good to go ,same as the Alienware alpha
2:07 Not sure what model is your, but my is a base model and comes with a single DDR3 12800 800 4GB stick. So make sure your model comes with One or Two stick prior purchase
Why the fuck have i been looking through the comment section for half an hour now? What am I doing with my life?
Thats my life too
so I could turn this i3 model into a i7 essentially?
+Hacuracy & if so can anyone link me a part that will fit into it? I'm not great on PC building. greatly appreciated.
did you ever end up doing this m8
+Baz 1920x1080 could you recommend a CPU that is exactly like the one you explained? Lol
Yeah you can but not worth it duo GPU being weak and bottleneck even the i3 so most games if not all won't change FPS and setting.
dont worry, finally built my own PC for only $300 more, and runs 30 times better, alienware is overpriced.
i bought it and its pretty great for a gaming desktop
What about the graphics card?
nope
can you buy a normal ram or do you have to a specialised one?
has to be dd3l or ddr4l
R1 DDR3L 1600mhz R2 DDR4 2133mhz
TheDog7118 I have DDR3L 2133mhz on my R1 right now
Kalop Spring So ddr3l 2133 works that good to know. Will help with the lag in pcsx2 when runing 1920x1080 d3d rez with i3 model.
Dual gtx 970m in SLI laptop gpu's are fairly close range to their full desktop version that may be better for these small form factor PC's if you're able to swap it out. That is what I would go with if I were in the market for one.
Does anyone know when modular laptops start being developed?
And no I don't want a chunky desktop, mobility is a must for me.
and yet you probably sit in one place when using it... unless you take it outside the house often
Of course I take it outside often, that's why I prefer laptops... Duh -.-
By modular - well, none really apart from the more expensive ones which allow you to replace the RAM, HDD/SSD or fans. The rest is always soldered to 'save money' it seems (rarely have I seen a socketed CPU in a laptop).
MSi, GT72 Dominator pro, has modular gpu, they have a video that they change the 800m to 900m, but that thing is expensive, and somewhat bulky though, by laptop standard off-course. I hope everyone would just implement this, make it a standard, and it would become cheaper.
The most important part to upgrade on a PC is the GPU. There is no point of upgrading the CPU or RAM if your GPU is old.
Lucas Jay
Do you really think the GPU in the ps4 that is equivalent to the 7870 is stronger than the 860m for MORE money???
Where can i buy an i7 processor for the console? i just bought the i5 machine and i LOVE IT.. it plays all the games without any problems.. but id love to know for the future where i can buy the correct processor it needs if i decide to upgrade it at all.. like, will any i7 processor work?
Snot Nose
Any LGA 1150 socket CPU will work. Best to get the T or S series CPUs though.
This music makes me feel like you're defusing a bomb.
If you replace the hard-drive, will it still have the windows OS on it? also can you upgrade the processor to any processor you want? or does it have to be specific? Thanks!
Seems pretty cool :)
Its a fucking shit.
I was wondering if the Alienware External GPU would be compatible with the Alpha, as I am currently trying to upgrade enough to where my PC is able to run VR
What brand RAM did you use.
can someone explain to me how to upgrade the cpu (in terms of cleaning and stuff) do I need to buy thermal paste? do I have to clean it after upgrading the cpu? do I need to remove the thermal paste before upgrading and put on new afterwards?
Thx so much this helped me alot
These things are awesome! No need for a big ass desktop or laptop to play games on. This is one of the first of its kind, there's still plenty of companies that will be making their own then we can choose the best to for our needs. Don't care if its overpriced. So is Xbox one and ps4 and people still buy them lol.
Does it really matter what kind of RAM sticks i get, or do I need a certain size to fit in the slots
I really like the alpha. I think it is a good cheap way to get people into a PC gaming. Its seems to have enough power to be just as good or better than any other console. And would work well with a cheap HTPC keyboard like the Logitech K400r.
If I was starting out with this. I would upgrade the ram if not now then later. But I don't see the point in spending a ton upgrading the CPU. An i3 can handle most games today. And that GPU in the unit in not too much for the i3 with 4 threads to handle. Its nice to have the option. And maybe in the future if Intel keeps using LGA 1150. You could have a processor with a iris pro 2 or something to upgrade from.
Also, you can use it like a PC
This machine will really struggle to play recent games at 1080p and its far from cheap ! you would get a better gaming experience from a ps4 for half the price. You basically pay a premium for the alien ware name and crappy plastic box.
I'm forming mixed opinions on this...I like that it appeals to console gaming, and when I initially saw this I thought it was pretty cool. If you have a monitor then you can use it as a regular computer for video editing, school, etc (with a mouse keyboard + monitor). And then when you feel like playing with a controller, just hook it up to a TV. Although I can already do all of that on my laptop, I think that's pretty awesome for someone that doesn't have a good PC and is just used to console gaming. Also you get to play a ton of free games on desktop mode. (Star Wars The Old Republic is a pretty good free MMO)
But when I saw Intel Core i3 and 4GB RAM, that's when my opinion on this starts to plummet. I guess you can upgrade it, but when you're already putting down $550; I can see why it would be better to just build a PC yourself instead of upgrading this.
radeonxtx That is not true at all. A PS4 does not cost $245 if that were the case then everyone would have one. I think this is more oriented toward people that want that TV-Console experience and also a new PC. So I think it's a good buy for someone that doesn't have a good computer, and is stuck on a last-gen console. It's probably better to just build you own PC, but for console/TV gamers this would be an amazing alternative and they would save a lot more money by upgrading the hardware instead of buying a new console every few years.
heyjeremysnow I was wrong on the pricing ! i looked at the $900 model with the slightly higher specs. I understand what your getting at with the tv gamers but i still think its overpriced for the hardware. My pc lives in my bedroom and i will plug in to the living room tv when i have visitors round and use gamepad but it can be a pain to carry the tower around the house.
is it possible to put the CPU in a different motherboard? If so, which motherboard would be good for it?
KoMoDoGamezHD Fuck you the alienware alpha is great
Can you upgrade the power supply in this thing? It's lower than the xbone's psu too.
is this the Base model unit ???
I look at it like this, upgrade my vcard for 500 every two years or so cause I'm like that. Or I could buy an entirely new Alienware Beta for my living room for the same price and sell off my old one for a couple. I end up spending the same for my new living room PC console. And oddly enough, AW might be the best priced one from what I've seem from up coming competitors. And if I really need to take it into my office, that would be all too easy based on it's extremely small size.
Newbie here. Need some enlightment. Let say I want to change the cpu. Is there any special guidelines of how to do it, like which models compatible and which models are not? Thanks
Samuel Senewe
Compatible with LGA 1150 socket CPUs. Best to get the T or S series 4th gen Intel i-core CPUs as they won't get throttled.
Interested in getting something that will handle gaming as well as normal Computing. Would this handle a game like Total War: Warhammer and still perform basic Windows 10 operations; browsing, document typing, ect?
Well, I have the first model, in the i5 version, and it can easily handle games such as a heavily modded Skyrim (With ENB graphic enhancers) and at the same time, it can handle daily computing. I would recommend this if you need a PC that is small and can also be portable. If you have plenty of room and don't need to take it or move it anywhere, then this isn't the PC for you.
Is this the Alpha R2 or R1 model?
We can change the graphic card ?
Tutorial I did on how to use an External GPU with the Alienware Alpha. I have tested with the GTX 960 4GB but will upgrade since I have confirmed it works. Will be testing VR after the 25th of June, 2016. onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=3412BCF08B2A145C!423059&authkey=!AHBezMLpF9EZpB8&ithint=file%2cdocx
hey. I read your tutorial thank you for taking your time to make it I really appreciate it I've been looking all over the Internet for something like this but I was wondering if you could pleaseeee make a video demonstrating everything you did in your tutorial I realy wanna do it but I prefer watching a video please you will be doing a huge favor for all alienware alpha users.. have a great day
I have been asked by others to do one and I intend to do one. Sorry for the wait. I have to make time to do one soon, my work and family obligations have prevented me from doing it but I will get around to it very soon for those who have been asking for a video...sigh..I feel bad I haven't gotten to do it as yet.
Once you upgrade your Alienware Alpha Hard Drive, How do you get the application and drivers for like the Alpha UI and things like that?
can i upgrade it with an AMD Athlon X4 860k or is it only compatible with intel processors?
What do you think If I migrate the CPU, SSD, ram from Alpha R1 to a New Motherboard, plus a GPU And cooler? In long term, wouldn't It more cost effective than buying an egpu kit? As long as you could buy a lga 1150 Motherboard 32 GB ram instead 16 gb And put a stronger 4gen CPU with more tdp, for example?
Questions...
What is the max ram I can upgrade? Can up to 16gb?
So, If I got i3 model, can I buy the i7 chip to upgrade?
How about the GPU? Can upgrade it on the future?
Also if I buy the xbox360 headset connect to xbox360 controller and is work with headset?
David
-Max 16GB
-yes
-GPU is not upgradable
-And no I don't think so, it's really up to Microsoft to implement that feature. Doubt they will though.
Does the alpha use an atx motherboard
how much CPU power/heat can that case withstand?
Do you need to do any updates to change the graphics card if it's not fresh out of the box
No0b gamer N things you can't change the gpu it's soldered to the board
What about the model with an SSD and an HDD?
I would say the 2nd lowest is the most worth it. Just get a new processor for it because anything else is probably over kill.
what model core i5 does this require???
Can you remove the Hard-wire?
What CPU's does it support?
This will be my first PC experience. I see a lot of people switching the HDD out for an SSD. is that something that is very crucial? What will that change?
Hi there! If you're still looking for an answer to your question, the bare bones answer is it is not crucial to swap the Hard Drive with a Solid State Drive. The answer with some more meat to it is that swapping the HDD for a SSD will increase the boot time as well as loading times in games by a noticeable amount. A SSD has it's information stored on microchips inside the component while a HDD has a mechanical (and therefore moving) read/write function not unlike that of a standard optical drive that can read/write CDs
Can anyone get a link for 2 8GB sticks of ram that can be used with the Alpha?
Dark Ninja it needs to be a certain size tho
***** well I'm not a big PC person
Rellik true that man! I learned how to build desktops and program all from google, its truly an amazing tool.
Could I put a pair of 8 GB hyper x fury sticks in it?
Which socket?
what is the max wattage from the psu in the alienware alpha
Can u put two 8 gig ram cards
can i put this processor in another desktop? ?
which Memory sticks would you buy for the alienware alpha if you wanted to get the two 4gb sticks? On newegg they have like different types so I do not know what to get..
I have the alienware base model, with the i3 and 4 gb of RAM... only reason I bought the pc was for wow. it had been running it great but recently I'm getting terrible lag spikes, where I load in afk, load into an arena for so long I've already been ganked, and it will just straight up freeze at points in bgs.. so is this a network or a hardware issue, if I upgrade to 8 gb of RAM will that smooth it out a bit?
+Ben Gallagher I also have the base model and when I had 4Gb RAM, I could barely play GTA5 on it because of constant frame rate drops, but once I added another 4GB of RAM, it ran/runs perfectly now, so yes increased RAM should help you out a bit
Yes it will
Is the cpu upgradable to any 1150 part?
What happens if I upgrade after using the alpha for a couple months and ive downloaded all my stuff will it all be gone?
How about upgrading the 3d card
Omg, Spend 900 or more in your alpha to get better components, ok I understand, I get it, very clear and transparent, it makes sense, very logical solution, of course, roger that, Ten-Four.
What Quad core Cpu should I buy for the alpha?
Intel core i7 4785t is what I went for :)
are all ram sticks usable for the alienware alpha or is there a specific size or type of ram?
+Uri Rapaport 204 pin DDR3 Laptop RAM
+Uri Rapaport *204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory recommended 1.50V but 1.35V will work as well
What ram was that?
If you change the CPU will it delete the OS?
no
Will my alienware alpha break if I place my moniter on top of it?
No it not that weak
Why is the gpu not replaceable?
It's sautered to the board, so you can not upgrade it unless you buy an egpu or External GPU
Is the processor changeable?
EqualsPi
Compatible with LGA-1150 sockets, so most of 4th gen intel i-core CPUs.
dont you need to be "grounded" or something to replace the RAM?
Can u get Gary's mod on the alpha
Can I put a 6700K or even a non K version. Will it lower the clock speeds. will it have enough power for that cpu?
It will be to warm if you want a i7 get a i7 4790
hi just wanted to ask if this happen to any of you guys, when i upgrade the hard drive to ssd the usb 3.0 doesn't recognize my external hard drive.
Can i buy a graphic amplifer for this pc
Also have the same question.
you will need the r2 tho
can i purchase any i7 aslong as it fits the motherboard, my socket size is 1150
Yes u can, u can fit any CPU if it uses the intel 1150 socket
not exactly. It must be a low power consumption one. The Intel Core i7 i7-4765T is the one that comes in the i7 models.
can you replace the processor
yea, but why would you do that when the gpu swallows.......unless u use it for ther than gaming
what CPU socket type is compatible with the alpha? I have a i7 4770 can I fit it in the alpha?
Yeah you can but it run very HOT and shut down every 2-3 hours of gaming games of 2016 like mafia 3.
What cpu did you use, can I get the name please
Power supply?
WHY IM GETTING THE ALIENWARE ALPHA
1.Able to run pretty much any game at high or ultra setting at 60fps and 1080p. Sure PS4 can do 1080p and ultra settings. But at an almost unplayable 30fps. Not to mention this PC/console can easily go over 60fps,where as the PS4 cannot. It does not support anything over 60fps.
2. In a couple years these consoles will become outdated. No problem for the Alpha. Just upgrade your parts. Can't do that with the PS4.
3.Choose your graphics settings instead of being stuck with whatever the Devs give you on a console.
4.PC gets better ports. Alien Isolation. 30fps on consoles with major drops and screen tear. The Alpha ran this game max settings,with a solid 60.
5. STEAM!!!!
WHY YOU'RE MAKING A MISTAKE
1.cant run most games at high without disabling demanding options, look gamespot's video, it cant even run tomb raider on a stable 60fps
2.true, consoles are already outdated. But in the "Alpha" you cant replace the gpu, so much for upgrading
3.Enjoy setting them to medium/low
4.True, but look at the latest port of final fantasy (locked at 30fps 720p) but you can always mod
5.Hail Gaben!
Since you didn't mention anything about mobility or small pc. My advice would be to Save your money and buy a true pc which you can truly upgrade and customize
The steam machines aren't that bad unless you hate the controller. But you really don't have to use the controller.
Can you upgrade the vram
Andre Primeaux No, VRAM is part of the graphics card. You can't upgrade the VRAM on any graphics card from this computer(or any other for that matter).
If you get a graphics card with 4gigs of VRAM it will always have 4gigs.
Faut il faire le pate thermique ou non ?
Can you change the graphics card ?
No, is like pasted to the chasis :S
No, he said gpu is hardwired to the board.
So this can play Minecraft with all the mods ?
if you wanted to upgrade the GPU, what can you upgrade it to? the current Alpha has a GTX 960, if i wanted to upgrade it to a GTX 980 Chipset is that possible?
U can't upgrade gpu on the alienware alpha only ram/cpu
+Osrs Monkey What if you buy a new computer tower, replace the gpu and other parts with a new graphics card and place the regular unmodified parts into the new tower? I know that sounds complicated, but is it possible?
+Brandoosky the alienware alpha uses specifically laptop parts so u can't really do anything with it
whats the CPU socket?
srkrono
LGA 1150
Is it possible to upgrade the graphics card?
on the R2 you can
Kalop Spring Unfortunately I have the R1 :(
is the gpu the same in all models.. and ive read that installing a faster cpu has done almost nothing for most games.. as the gpu isn't being upgraded? can anyone let me know? and could I build something faster for the same price?
Could i replace the 2tb hdd with a 4tb, will it run? Im new to this whole replacing parts thing so i just want an answer
Sure, storage has nothing to do with compatibility.
oh ok thanks
can you upgrade the graphics card?
on the R2 you can
I see
REALLLY!!!
no you cant actually.
can you put a gtx 960 in an alienware alpha i3??
+Fallen Nihilist damn
if i get a Intel® - Core™ i7-4790K 4.0GHz Processor - Multi will my alpha overheat? Or is the fans good enough
marvins power there is no point getting that CPU for the alpha, it will limit the clock speed to around 2.7 gHz, buy a decent i5 for less money and overclock the gpu and get 16gb of ram with the money you saved, that way the alpha becomes a bit of a beast for most applications.
thank you
the old marvinspower what did you go for? also nothing oher than a -t series processor is recommended for this 130 w psu thats in the alpha
How much will this cost?
500$
Christian Storgaard worth it i guess
Christian Storgaard Isn't it $550 + tax?
Can you use a AMD processor on it or can it only be Intel
Going Knifing only intel socket lga 1150
thats a personal console imo