Alienware's Area-51 7500 gaming desktop reviewed

When you pack Intel's blazing new Core 2 Extreme processor and a pair of top-of-the-line nVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX graphics cards into a single gaming desktop, you can pretty much expect it to post impressive benchmark numbers. It's no surprise, then, that Alienware's newly-speced Area-51 7500 showed the videogame addicts over at IGN some of the best performance they've ever seen, and ran surprisingly quietly while doing so -- thanks in no small part to the liquid-cooling system. Also noteworthy was the new P2 chassis Alienware employed for this model, which improves on older cases both aesthetically -- it sports a glossier paint job and more configurable lights to play with -- as well as functionally, with the shorter-but-deeper design intended to support extra-long graphics cards. Besides the relative lack of configurability -- there's only one open PCI slot, so you can add a physics processor or dedicated sound card, but not both -- the only real knock against this machine is it's price; at just under $5,000, you're paying a lot for the snazzy case and Alienware support network. Still, busy gamers don't always have time to build their own rigs (sometimes they don't even have time to go to the bathroom), so this version of the Area-51 sounds like a good way to get "best-of-the-best" performance without spending hours hunched over your work bench; instead, you'll be spending those hours working overtime at your day job to afford it.

[Thanks, David]

[Davey @ Jul 31st 2006 8:35PM]

yeesh! that thing's ugly

[Anon @ Jul 31st 2006 8:39PM]

I'd like to point out that the cards are up to dual gx2's in SLI. aka. 4 gpu cores.

[Why am I not surprised @ Jul 31st 2006 8:39PM]

Witness the unholy union of too much sci-fi channel and an engineering degree.

[A_B @ Jul 31st 2006 8:46PM]

While I like the technology that the cram in the case, the case itself is, to put it mildly, a little over the top. It's the equivalent of some massive-winged automotive atrocity with blinged-out rims, neon lights, and speakers filling the back seat and the trunk.

Just because one wants speed (computer, automotive, or otherwise), shouldn't obligate them to put on a clown suit.

[MegaMe @ Jul 31st 2006 8:48PM]

OFG, that thing is fugly.

Cheesy plastic, with transparent pieces and colored lights does not make a case attractive.

Yikes, that is just plain stupid looking.

[Matt @ Jul 31st 2006 10:10PM]

I think Shuttle's got it going on - thin is in, and the smaller the better. Ugly/Alien/XPS is dying on its way out as people have become jaded to the whole appearance.

[_man1c_ @ Jul 31st 2006 10:27PM]

i think next time i upgrade my gpu im gonna actually do SLi.. beat that AlienWare...

[James @ Jul 31st 2006 10:37PM]

Well cool, I guess I'm the only one who finds this new case ten times more attractive than the old one.

[greg @ Jul 31st 2006 10:37PM]

i love that case its a 7/10

[O.I. @ Jul 31st 2006 11:22PM]

Am I the only one that likes simpler, metal cases? I don't even like doors to be honest.

[Richard @ Aug 1st 2006 12:25AM]

I love the case... working on getting financing for one of these right now (it's tough starting your credit...)

[Revrant @ Aug 1st 2006 12:42AM]

Wow, slow on intake again Engadget, but I love that someone gives a Crap about cases, to those calling it Fugly, go dive into a vat of Beige Paint, you'll come out more interesting.

I've played with the previous case, and Japanese SECC(Or whatever) is a very solid plastic, not like that Crap so often found on "Gamer" cases, which is indeed the cheap stuff(And can be easily broken off with but one hand), this stuff is much hardier and it's also integrated into the chassis, which means no breaking off. Having a door serves no purpose unless it has a locking mechanism or a cage really, I do love the design, it's very snazzy, the lighting isn't cheap, and it doesn't conform with the A-Typical crappy plastic window, it has it's own style.

I do love that they moved the ports up, that was always annoying, to reach down on the bottom of the case just to plug in an external drive.

As for the insides, well, those don't change much, so no comment. =P Gaw, I wish they sold the cases in their Gear shop, such amazingly great quality, no worrying if Gamers are hyping a bad thing(I'm looking at you, Sennheiser) because it has the most LEDs or spiked plastic edges, it's a sure thing.

[captconnor @ Aug 1st 2006 1:06AM]

This is ALIENWARE for pity's sake, not HP or even Sony. I doubt the plastic or the lighting is cheap and I would think the sides are painted metal, like a car.

At least it has something going on, whether you think it's ugly or not, they didn't just go out, get a generic Shuttle, Antec or Thermaltake case, slap their logo on it and call it good. As long as the design follows the function, its all good.

[Eli @ Aug 1st 2006 5:01AM]

Here's a review of everything Alienware makes: It's overpriced crap.

There, I just saved you some time and money.

[Z @ Aug 1st 2006 7:40AM]

You guys that call that thing ugly are insane - I'd like to see any of you do any better on your own.

Apart from making your own mold (and actually doing a great job at it instead of making it look like some amateur customizer's nightmare), where else on earth are you going to find a case that looks that good?

It's a lot nicer than any of the boring desktop crap coming out of Dell, Gateway, Apple, or HP.

And please, the boring beige and overused rectangular prism shaped tower cases you get at your local computer supply shop? Oh. Yippee.

Gimme this case anyday. At least it shows some creativity. Of course, creativity doesn't interest the nerds.

And no, I don't work for Alienware (and neither do my family or friends). So that's out of the way.

[J. Neutron @ Aug 1st 2006 8:36AM]

Solution to an ugly beige case? Buy a nice monitor. Not this.

[Z @ Aug 1st 2006 9:33AM]

No, the solution to an ugly beige case is to not buy an ugly beige case to begin with.

This case would be a start.

[Loque @ Aug 1st 2006 9:58AM]

Alienware support network? Not anymore.


Dell support network.

[Portwineboy @ Aug 1st 2006 10:29AM]

The Antec Sonata case is beautiful and non-beige.

[A_B @ Aug 1st 2006 10:30AM]

"You guys that call that thing ugly are insane - I'd like to see any of you do any better on your own. ...where else on earth are you going to find a case that looks that good?"

I find this sentiment amazing. I wonder if the author, and others with similar thoughts, realizes that there are literally thousands of case good looking case designs that are neither beige nor look like a rejected prop from Plan 9 From Outerspace.

[TeddyN @ Aug 1st 2006 10:39AM]

'fastest they've ever tested'... what the hell do they expect?!?! Every time new components come out, they are faster then the older ones. New is faster then Old. This is new. Obviously it's going to be faster. Alienware 2 is faster then Alienware 1.
Other then that, I think that Alienwares are overpriced; what is attractive about Alienwares are the specs not the package. The case is absurd and will look ridiculous once the components start getting old and you've got the egocentric slow PC. Antec P180 is much nicer and more discreet. For the specs you can get better if you use your own cash. Then you can also save money and get a single 7950 GX2 and get a second one when the drivers come out to have QUAD Graphics. None of this Alienware mumbo jumbo.

[Revrant @ Aug 1st 2006 11:56AM]

Two Antecs down, both boring boxes like every other damned pricey case out there.

Name some others you two, and since we're at it, why don't you A_B?

Here are some criteria

No Boring rectangular Boxes

No damned Windows on the side with excessive LEDs, copycatting the copycatters.

Meet those and you'll of proven yourself non-sheepish, I.E., hating the case just because it's hard plastic and/or Alienware.

[Obel @ Aug 1st 2006 4:07PM]

I have one almost exactly as spec as reviewed here.

I think the new case is amazing. I'm not going to slam others for thinking its ugly. Looks are subjective. Performance is not. For the money, you get what you pay for, an awesome performing gaming machine. Yes it costs a lot. Whats new?

In reference to calling "Alienware support network" now the "Dell support network",that is misguided and untrue. Dell has no desire to change Alienware. They are letting them do what they have done before being bought by Dell. Try harder?

Nothings changed at Alienware, except that beautiful case. That includes the high price tag(s) :(

[Obel @ Aug 1st 2006 5:14PM]

Sorry, I mean, I have ORDERED one almost exactly the specs as the one reviewed.

[Z @ Aug 1st 2006 5:23PM]

A_B wrote:

"I find this sentiment amazing. I wonder if the author, and others with similar thoughts, realizes that there are literally thousands of case good looking case designs that are neither beige nor look like a rejected prop from Plan 9 From Outerspace."



So you don't like the "Alien look" on a case - it's not for everyone. But it's certainly fitting considering that the name of the company is Alienware.

I have to agree with Revrant's post. And yes, I'm aware of the cases that are available out there. But what amazes me is that someone can't appreciate a tower that shows some creativity and unique lines. Besides, every case you could refer to would be straight rectangular prism shaped boxes or cubes with the window cutouts and so on, which is boring and has been done ad nauseam. You aren't going to find anything coming out of any mod shop or computer retailer with unique curves and clean lines like what you find on this case. It looks even better in gloss black.

[Mithun Paul @ Aug 1st 2006 9:31PM]

haha, what do you guys know about gaming. froma designer background. I totally support the aesthetci of the case. Alienware is worth the money. they do make some midnblowing spec machines. what you guys crapping away about the cost. bloody this si liquid cooled machine man. get a grip on relaity. try gaming on one of these. for the people not supporting anythgin related to alienware you don't even have a clue what gaming is haha. just in good spirits guys. some of their older designs are more slimmer which makes them more inviting. And a person knowing aboutt he history of alienware wouldnt comment much onthe esign because their machines have mostly followed this aesthetic.

[Frankenstein Black @ Aug 2nd 2006 9:06AM]

MEH!!!!! Still ugly and STILL no window!
See the Voodoo that I do do!
http://www.eternal-champions.com//images/waterbending_master.jpg
Bending water since 1999!

[Obel @ Aug 2nd 2006 12:42PM]

Frankenstein, that is why looks are very subjective and due to in particular to peoples vastly different tastes. When I see your "Voodoo" I cringe. I don't want all that over the top mess. I just want water cooling to the cpu, thats it. I want a professional and not over the top case. Thats how I see the new Alienware design. Lets not diminish, however, the fact that you got it goin on with the assembly of those water cooling setups.

[John @ Oct 4th 2006 2:05PM]

Okay, here is my experience...

I waited a long time to get my 7500 series in, same as everyone else. Supply is not as big as demand. Oh well. Customer Service sucks, just as it does at every computer company. If you don't know shit about pc's don't buy a custom Alienware. Simple. Buy a Dell. Plus you won't have to wait as long. Or build it yourself if you DO know pc's well. I bought it because I am sick of building my own, and always liked alienware. Plus they have a case I LIKE, even if the rest of you hate the look. And no, I am not a geek who wants a sci-fi case to match the X-files. It is just a cool look for me. As for the price, building it yourself will only save you like $300 at best. Nothing more, unless you work for the distibuter of a pc part company, like Nvidia. These are expensive parts you know :)

As for Alienware as a company, the CEO doesn't know jack shit about supply & demand, customer service or estimated time of delivery. C'mon, I would rather be told 2 months up front than be lied to over the phone. There are MANY bad reviews on them, but other than the time frame, I personally have no problem with what I got in. It works great. N'uff said.

I think the problem is most people probably don't know that the time is excessive, and that the service sucks. Don't order one unless you are a pc guru who doesn't want to keep ordering parts and building it yourself. I personally don't have enough free time to do this anymore.

Good luck with the rest of ya!

[Anon @ Dec 19th 2007 3:03PM]

I retract my previous comment. mixed up the 7500 with the alx.