Alienware slaps 2GHz Core i7 920XM in M15x, new designs on Area-51 / Aurora desktops
By Darren Murph 
posted Sep 23rd 2009 8:20AM
posted Sep 23rd 2009 8:20AM
Moving on, there's the all-new Area-51 and Area-51 ALX desktops, both of which usher in yet another case change along with ridiculously fast / pricey innards. The standard Area-51 is a liquid cooled beast with factory overclocked Core i7 CPUs (as high as 3.6GHz), an array of multi-GPU options from ATI and NVIDIA, internal lighting effects and a handy door to quickly access the HDD compartment. All of the hard drives are loaded via a cable-free dock, and there's enough room for six SATA II HDDs. The rig also holds up to 12GB of 1,333MHz DDR3 memory, twin Blu-ray drives and a pair of gigabit Ethernet jacks. The ALX edition, on the other hand, is the "most powerful desktop" the company has ever created, as it packs an optional 3.86GHz Core i7 975, twin 1.8GB GeForce GTX 295 GPUs and a power supply large enough to trip most household breakers.
Closing things out is the Aurora and Aurora ALX, the latter of which is the most potent microATX rig Alienware has ever called its own. The liquid cooled ALX can be equipped with a 3.6GHz Core i7 975, dual 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5870 GPUs and up to 12GB of DDR3 RAM, while the slightly more affordable Aurora -- which goes down as the smallest mid-sized desktop ever crafted by the outfit -- can be upgraded nearly as much itself. Pricing on these rigs still remains open, but we've a feeling that'll be cleared up just as soon as the new product pages go live.
DELL FEEDS GAMERS' PASSIONS WITH FIVE NEW 'ALL POWERFUL' ALIENWARE GAMING RIGS
ROUND ROCK, Texas, Sept. 23, 2009 – PC Gamers now have five new ways to level up with a fleet of high-performance gaming rigs from Alienware, including four overclocked* liquid-cooled desktop systems and the most powerful 15-inch gaming laptop in the universe.
- All-New Alienware Gaming Systems Include the M15x Laptop and Aurora and Area-51 Desktops
- Alienware M15x Features the New Intel® Mobile Core™ i7 Processor
- Alienware M17x Laptop Receives Up To 145 Percent Graphics Performance Boost with Addition of Dual 1GB ATI Radeon Mobility™ HD 4870
- Alienware Peripherals, Including the New Alienware TactX Keyboard and Mouse, Offer Gamers a Fully-Integrated PC Gaming Ecosystem
Jointly developed by the Dell and Alienware teams, and featuring the latest technologies for maximum performance, aggressive designs and unmatched customization and personalization through Alienware's exclusive Command Center software suite, these systems represent a new era in PC gaming.
The All powerful Alienware Aurora, Aurora ALX, Area-51 and Area-51 ALX desktops and the Alienware M15x laptop join the M17x, launched in June, to expand the Alienware arsenal and reaffirm Dell's position as visionary and designer of the industry's most coveted gaming systems.
The News:
- Alienware M15x – The most powerful 15-inch gaming laptop in the universe. Sporting Alienware's acclaimed new mobile ID which debuted with the M17x laptop, the M15x offers Alienware performance in a compact package guaranteed to appeal to mobile enthusiasts and hardcore gamers on the go. The first Alienware laptop to feature a mobile Core i7 processor, the M15x also offers a 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260M GPU* and up to 8GB DDR3 1333MHz memory* to take on, and dominate, even the most intense game titles. Prices start at $1,499 and additional technical specifications are here.
- Alienware Aurora and Aurora ALX – The Aurora is most upgradeable and the Aurora ALX is the most powerful MicroATX desktops Alienware has ever created. Featuring the latest Intel® Core™ i7 processors, including an optional Extreme Edition overclocked** to 3.6GHz, the Aurora line of desktops are designed to deliver the power needed for hardcore gaming, pro-level HD audio and video editing, 3D animation and more. To crank up your gaming performance, Aurora and Aurora ALX have options for dual 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5870 graphics cards, up to 24GB DDR3 1333MHz memory[asterisk] or 12GB DDR3 1600MHz memory, respectively, and up to 2TB of hard drive storage – all in a compact, MicroATX chassis for taking up less desk space. Prices start at $1,299 and additional technical specs are here.
The ALX brand denotes a distinguished class of Alienware systems that deliver both unique designs and peak performance. Both Aurora ALX and Area-51 ALX offer technology options beyond their respective standard editions, allowing for higher benchmarks, extended future-proofing and all-around increased bragging rights. Aurora ALX features design elements not available on Aurora such as the Active Venting louver system, internal theater lighting and cable-free hard drive bays. Area-51 ALX ups the ante with an anodized aluminum body and motorized front panel. All Alienware desktops also offer CPU liquid cooling right out of the box which allows the ease of overclocking that deliver extreme computing.
- Alienware Area-51 and Area-51 ALX designed for extreme gamers and tech enthusiasts who demand only the latest, most advanced equipment, the Area-51 line of desktops features Intel Core i7 processors factory overclocked* to an intense 3.86GHz for peak performance. To max out your graphics benchmarks, these systems offer the quad-GPU power of dual NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 295 graphics cards. Other featured specs include up to 12GB DDR3* memory clocked at 1333MHz or 1600MHz, respectively, and six easy-access, cable-free hard drive bays that support both 7,200RPM and 10,000RPM drives, solid state drives and RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 configurations. Prices begin at $1,999.
Also announced today, Alienware customers can now configure the M17x laptop with the intense power of the ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4870 in both single and ATI CrossFireX configurations for up to a 145 percent graphics performance increase1. The result is an immersive, cinematic experience when playing the latest HD games and movies.
Alienware users can build out a complete, high-performance gaming ecosystem with the recently announced Alienware TactX Mouse and Keyboard, and the Alienware OptX™ AW2210 Monitor which features a 21.5-inch full HD screen for experiencing the latest generation games and HD movies in glorious 1080p resolution.
The Aurora and Aurora ALX start at $1,299, and are available for order immediately at www.alienware.com
The Area 51 and Area 51 ALX start at $1,999, and will be available to order in the coming weeks.
The Alienware M15x starts at $1,499 and is available for order immediately at www.alienware.com
The branded peripherals can be ordered immediately at: www.alienware.com
Alienware is one of two brand pillars within Dell's broader consumer portfolio. Dell's Alienware gaming brand delivers high-performance computing for enthusiasts and tech lovers alike, and complements the Adamo by Dell brand, which offers unmatched style, design and craftsmanship. Alienware and Adamo are the standard-bearers of Dell's personalization efforts, which extend to the entire consumer portfolio, including Inspiron and Studio and Dell Design Studio, which reinvents the way people can customize their laptops as extensions of self-expression.
Quotes:
"These newest additions to the Alienware lineup represent the culmination of months of hard work, bringing together two world-class teams to create a family of world-class products targeting PC gamers," said Arthur Lewis, general manager of Dell's Gaming Group. "Our current offering of desktops, notebooks and peripheral products signals our commitment to providing the best PC gaming experience possible and to being the global industry leader for PC gaming products."
"Alienware systems are, and always have been, our benchmark for PC gaming performance," said Michael Tatelman, vice president of sales and marketing for Dell's consumer business. "Through the Alienware brand, Dell is committed to offering gamers the richest possible PC gaming experience with the latest technology and coolest designs."
"The new Intel® Core™ i7 mobile processor redefines expectations for performance, flexibility and extreme gaming on mobile platforms," said Mooly Eden, vice president and general manager of the PC Client Group at Intel. "We are pleased that Alienware has designed the Intel® Core™ i7 920Xm processor into their latest mobile gaming laptop."
"As the first-ever DirectX® 11-capable graphics card, the ATI Radeon™ HD 5870 is the pinnacle of PC graphics performance," said Matt Skynner, Vice President & General Manager, GPU Division, AMD. "By pairing the awesome power of this card with Alienware's reputation for industry-leading technology, gamers can expect an unmatched gaming experience."
All for the price of your next kin!
i would gladly trade a couple cousins for this shit
They look like the new lineup of Acura products. And that means they're ugly as shit, although I guess that's nothing new for Alienware.
And on a side note: they bought up 90% of the supply of Radeon HD 5870 graphics cards for this?
I couldn't agree more. The first thing I thought when I saw the pictures was that their design looks just like the design of Acura's cars, and by that, I mean absolutely awesome (my parents own an MDX).
Still doesn't make Alienwares worth the price though.
All your intel belong to us!
this is my next Unibody MBP,
thanks dell, i'm finish with apple.
Amazing. Incredible. Sickeningly-powerful. Ugly as sin.
The old m15x was 7lbs, 1.5 inches thick and a lot less ugly
Bring it back dell
How the **** does the m15x weigh 9 pounds now? That weighs more than the vast majority of 17" desktop replacement notebooks.
The old m15x was not 1.5 inches. Even though that's what it said in the specs, the original specification was around 2 inches, but then Alienware changed it to say 1.5 in. I guess Alienware thought that by measuring the laptop at the skinniest point would make a better number to put as the height of the laptop and thus attract more buyers who were unaware of the real thickness of the laptop.
I really like alienware. but i just wish their designs weren't so gaudy.
*this is a massive improvement over what they used to be like, but still...
Case designs definitely recall the Silverstone Raven RV01. I can't tell from the pic, but it even looks like it has the same vertical airflow patterns.
I actually think the designs are quite alright. I certainly wouldn't like for them to go with Apple minimalism - I love Apple designs, but it's nice to see people trying something different rather than just standardizing on Apple derived designs (like the HP Envys). That's just be boring - and design should be exciting.
I couldn't agree more !! That's one of the reasons why i bought an M17x and i love it ^^ An Aurora would be fine at home too... I wonder how smaller it is compared to the old Alienware desktops.
This + Win 7... a self present winner for Christmas ?
That press release is quite entertaining if read in a Dell Dude or Theodore "Ted" Logan voice.
Why do they always make a big deal of how thick and heavy these notebooks are? Obviously people know what they're getting when they pay for high-end gaming notebooks. I personally think that Alienware's line up, trumps any of those ultra-portable notebooks any day.
Agreed. You're not going to get one of the best gaming laptops around for 5 lbs. It's just not gonna happen.
Alienware Aurora
Core i7 920
Single 1.8GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 260
3 GB RAM
500 GB HDD 7200 RPM
1299$
Aurora ALX
Core i7 920
Dual 1GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 240
6 GB RAM
1 TB (2 X 500GB HDD 7200 RPM)
2299$
The HELL. That's almost x2 the price for not almost x2 performance increase.
Yeah my thoughts exactly...
"Use its all-new, motorized vents to manage your thermals and intimidate the competition"
Awesome! Cant wait to see a video of that :-)
I love these new designs. Not sure if only because I was really sick of their tired old designs but I really do like the new looks, especially on the Aurora and Area-51 desktops.
The pages appear to be up now. The i7 720xm with a 240m and a sub-1920x1080 screen starts at $1499. If you're looking for a 920, it's almost a full 1k over the base price.
I'm interested in seeing the benchmarks of the 720 vs high-level dual cores right now.
Not on the UK site yet, but I specced up what I wanted on the US site, and it converts to about £1300 (basic core i7, 1080p, 3GB RAM, 320GB HDD, GTX260M, Blu-Ray reader, no accessories/software), which is acceptable for this kind of performance. Hopefully when they get it on the UK site they will convert to £s fairly, so I can get that price.
£1300 in the US £2000 in the UK
Basic 2gb ram with the possibility of upgrading with the low low price of £100 to add a extra 2gb or the reasonable price of £400 to add an extra 4gb
Why is everyone bitching about the look. It's 9 lbs. Not like you are going to be using this in a Starbucks. Even if you are, it might be ugly but it will be 20x more powerful than the cute little netbook next to it.
Problem is, there's that oh-so-sexy HP ENVY 15 that's much more desirable with the same Core i7 and high end (ATI 4830M) graphics.
Agreed. I'm on my third notebook from Alienware (m17) and when I take it anywhere like Starbucks or Barnes & Noble, I get alot of good comments and can tell that others want to approach me about it, but don't; especially the snoody Mac heads.
Sorry if I am missing something, why wasn't their 17" laptops updated?
the M17x was out... in june ! But i guess they will soon put some i7 glory into it :)
It did get updated it now has duel ATI 4870 in crossfire now!!!!
piss poor dude. honestly...in another post you said you dont like to talk bad about companies...but you seem to be targeting Alienware. I am guessing the link attached is to your company...and you sell Gaming Products. Piss poor way to promote your own.. ;)
I am just a former Alienware customer, I have absolutely nothing to do with that website. My bad for providing it, I am just trying to steer the unsuspected people buying from a "piss poor" company like Alienware. Nothing against Dell, their machines are fine, and their support is on par.
You are correct, I did say that I do not like to talk bad companies, but Alienware is the exception. They are a horrible company, before and after Dell bought them. Go ahead and buy one of their products, chances are, when you need parts a year or 2 later, they will tell you to google the part and find it on the web (actually true). They may also provide you with a place to buy, let's say a laptop battery, but when you go there it is out of stock, and never comes into stock.
They build systems that are spec'd out without understanding how to actually integrate all the components into a working machine. Their driver support sucks.
Are you REALLY a former ALIENWARE customer ?
Because those storm thing desktops and laptops are looking so cheap, ugly and way more ordinary looking... Maybe they are great i don't know, but i wouldn't compare my M17x with their S17 or SX17 looking at what i see on their website lol This looks like a brand putting their brand logo on - maybe quality ones ? - OEM parts.
Excellent news for Alienware. The new Alienware Orion Backpack and Messenger are the perfect companions for the new Area 51 M15x Laptop. Check out their killer Alienware Laptop Bags:
http://www.mobileedge.com/laptop-bag-collections/alienware
Honestly, those cases look just horrible. And I clicked on one of their promotional videos, and it looks like something that was put together for a school project. Everything in general reeks of amateurism (not judging the quality of the products. I've never heard of them before, so I obviously haven't tried out any of them).
I can't comment on their support as I did not get that far with my attempted relationship with Alienware. I can say, "Good luck!" to those who try to order from Alienware. My order languished in what their site calls phase 4 for over a week before I called them. Turned out that the default video card for the system I ordered was out of stock. Their estimated arrival time for more parts was, "Maybe the first of October." I went ahead and canceled the order due to their inability to give any estimates that were better than maybe and should be.
Of course, it took them a week to actually refund the money after I canceled the order.
I'd sell my soul for one of these bad boys...
...
Pawnbrokers still buy souls right>
First Alienware I would actually buy.
Those bags aren't. They've been out since the first launch of the Area 51 m15x and m17x two years ago.