Differences between the x51 R1 and x51 R2

We recently published an article about the differences between the new and old version of the x51, check it out!

http://dell.to/13qyyNl

 

I found the refresh to be rather underwhelming. I was hoping for a beefier PSU that could handle a GTX 770. The Ubuntu line wasn't updated. I'm still holding out hope for something new @ E3. If this is all the X51 will offer, i'll build my own small form factor PC.

 

Same here, I was looking at the X51 to use as a TV box, basically. But that video card could've been a lot better.

I'm still trying to get my hands on one of the fabled MXM3b to PCI-E adapters, so I can build the perfect micro-HTPC w/780m.

 

I have to say I'm really disappointed too. It has an old 670 inside and is already maxed out. it needs a beefier PSU.
I would have picked a r2 up if they had more going for them.

 

Exactly, that's my thinking as well. I get the reason behind the X51 which is to entice the Xbox 360 and PS3 crowd. The biggest problem facing the X51 platform is that it's tied directly to the high end Alienware laptops. So the X51 has to wait for the laptop PSU to get a wattage and amp bump.

This approach will quickly make the X51 irrelevant. As newer games become more powerful and require more VRAM the X51 will be left behind. It's even more crippled by the fact it only supports one GPU.

It's even further behind the next-gen consoles because new PC games will base their sloppy unoptimized code from the console versions.

I have two suggestions for Alienware :hi2:

1) Ditch the external PSU approach and incorporate a SFF PSU inside the case ala the Digital Storm Bolt and the Falcon NW Tiki.

2) Slim down the size of the Aurora and eliminate the X51.

 

There is not a huge difference between the 6 series and 7 series on the desktop side however.

 

Not a great deal, but the big selling point for getting a x51 is that can be upgraded once the GPU becomes obsolete. Being that the x51 is a console alternative, then considering a 670 barely runs current gen games. I don't see it keeping pace once new consoles set the tone and up the ante.
The smart money won't be picking up a x51.

 

While they could/should definitely make the X51 a lot more powerful than it is, I think it would be a big mistake to "slim down the size of the Aurora" and actually hope they go the opposite direction with a larger full-tower ATX case. It is already borderline too small, and slimming it down would basically alienate the customer base that wants something substantial in a high performance monster PC. It's hard to go all-out with a beast when there's not enough room for everything including the kitchen sink. I'd like to see a 3-way or quad-SLI Titan setup with refrigerated cooling that maintains the same look and feel of the smaller current Aurora.

 

Alienware's desktops are generally underwhelming imo. I think they'd be better off by designing their own cases in the vein custom offerings from popular aftermarket brands like Corsair, NZXT, Bitfenix, and the like, then offering a wide variety of components to choose from various manufacturers. I'd only consider getting an AW desktop if I could choose the brand and model of the power supply, motherboard, graphics card, ram, etc., along with cooling options ranging from simple air coolers to high end water cooling builds. Right now an AW desktop can't compete with what the average enthusiast could build with the same funds. Why buy an x51 when I could build a mini itx rig with more power and custom water cooling for similar money? Why get an Aurora when I could build a monster full tower with Titan sli and water cooling parts from Bitspower, XSPC, EK and Alphacool? A custom build will get you more power, better cooling, and better aesthetics. Maybe I'm totally out of line here and this could never be reasonable business strategy for Dell, but I would love an AW rig the parts and expandability of a custom setup, all backed up by AW's excellent warranty coverage. Right now their desktops are only good choices for those who don't know enough about or don't care enough about what goes into building a high end setup. AW makes the best gaming notebooks in the world; I'd love to see them make some of the world's best desktops too.

 

I think the current and past generation Alienware Aurora desktop cases are tons better in build, function, features and appearance than any of the cases that can be purchased. The internals are definitely not always the most powerful money can buy, but the chassis is superior IMHO and cannot be matched by anything that can be purchased for a DIY build. I'd love to own one if it were stuffed with three or four Titans, a desktop Extreme CPU and refrigerated cooling for extreme overclocking.

 

An Aurora can't match the build quality or customization/performance potential of a high end Obsidian, Caselabs, or Mountain Mods case. External styling is subjective of course, but an Aurora isn't built with 2mm+ thick full aluminum panels like high end custom cases, and can't be fit with thick 360-480mm radiators and other custom water cooling parts. Even mid-high range custom cases have tons more customization and performance offerings than Alienware desktops. I looked at the Aurora when deciding on a desktop, and decided a $180 Phantom would be an infinitely better case to build in. I can fit up to four water cooled Titans and an XL-ATX motherboard inside, while making it look and perform far better than any factory Aurora.

 

The approach now a days is smaller hence the appeal of the X51 and HTPC configs not bigger and the mid tower Aurora is pretty huge. I can't say if it's Alienware corporate or Dell who came up with the genius idea of using an Intel reference board with only two PCI-e slots. So if you want to use a Soundblaster board with an SLI or Crossfire config, sorry, not allowed.

There's plenty of physical space in the Aurora and switching to a different mobo and rearranging the HHD drive cages would allow for tri SLI. I just built a mid tower rig and I can easily stuff a tri SLI config into it quite easily.

As far as Aurora chassis design and build quality, they are average at best. If you want to go top shelf HIGH Quality case look no further than Lian-Li all aluminum cases. They tend to put the field to shame in regards to materials, design, layouts and fit and finish. Though the Lian-Li can get a bit pricey depending on what you want in a case.

 

It would be interesting if they experimented with a liquid solution.

 

I like it. Here is what is missing. The current 700 series cards. Also I wish alienware would ditch the optical drive and instead use another fan. Also no glossy plastic go all matte please. Here is why I am considering it and may be of use to other potential clients. I live overseas so the form factor is a heavy plus. I can stuff it into my m18x bag and then into my carry on luggage. This defeats 99.9% of all the other form factors right there. Also Alienware warranty is second to none. I had a tech rep out to my cabin in Colombia after one week ready with new video cards, motherboard, fans etc to repair my m18x. No one, I mean no one will warranty a computer like this. Also you can get a 4 year warranty also another unique option that really pays off if you keep it long term. Looks, this thing for the price looks really good, it is agressive but not totally over the top. The external powersupply is a benefit in my book, keep the interior less cluttered and smaller. The design is good also. Since this is designed from ground up from Alienware the parts are custom. So everything fits perfect and goes together in an organized way, wires etc vs building yourself in a mini itx or a boutique where you get a spagetti mess. Look at Falcon Tiki for example. I really like it but look at all the cables smushed together, good luck getting to the video card and doing maintenance. Also you spend around 600 to 800 bucs more for the Tiki. The x51 is really competitive compared to others and with discounts etc less. Also the X51 can sit horizontal or vertical the others cant. Lastly a 670 really is powerful enough for 95% of users and with the ssd now this is a well rounded rig. It is not perfect but has way more advantages the disadvantages and for some like me is really the only option and way to go

 

Thanx bro good justification.
I am really surprised by all the criticisms. Not sure these people will find what makes them happy. building your own rig will be the best for you.
I doubt they could put in a more powerful graphics card as not only the psu needs to be more powerful and that makes it bigger and heavier and again needing more space as well as manufacturing costs would change as it would be just for the x51. I am sure heat is also a factor needing more fans and I have heard its already quiet noisy during gameplay but thats to be expected.

This is already more powerful than Xbox One and yeah more expensive, But i think they did an excellent job with the form factor. it now has Geforce 760 Ti in it and you can have two 2.5' harddrives in it and also a msata card. I much more prefer this than a console, games just run better and smoother and its upgradable to a small extent if you buy the lower specs and go higher later.

I am sure alienware considers all the criticisms that people have now stated before they release this product. They dont want their product to fail but to be very competitive. and yes their warranty is 2nd to none.

 

Wow it has been some time, this sort of form factor machine is waiting on the GM206 type chip to get another bump in performance really.

 

I was actually looking at a desktop replacement laptop until I saw a 30% dell refurb coupon during the holidays and picked up an x51 R2 Desktop for around $630. Came with the 330 watt power brick (which is the same as the SLI m18x).

I replaced the stock 760TI, which has a max draw of 170 watts with a GTX 970 (145 watts draw). No stability issues at all, even with the card turboboosting as well. A 980 draws 165 watts but may draw even more while boosting, you could probably squeeze that in as well if you limited the power through MSI afterburner or something to 99%.

The R2 provides ~170 watts through the powerboard to the GPU.

My guess is that they don't want to offer the x51 with 970/980's at this time as it would potentially cannibalize sales of their new Area 51 desktop.

About the exact same size as an Xbox One, mayble a little smaller. You could probably fit it into one of those GAEMS portable xbox cases if you needed to make it portable, of course, near two power outlets of course .

 

Actually, you can fit an overclocked GTX 980 with little downclocking (still above stock) and be fine.
The powerboard provides more than 170 watts; it is actually north of 180w. You're thinking of the R1's powerboard.