I don't build computers and have no interest in it - (wanted to get that out of the way).

I pulled the trigger on the new console-competitor X51 from Alienware.  I got the i7 model.  What's most impressive about this sytem to me is that all of the parts are upgradable - I can just hit up newegg and get a new graphics card or whatebver in the future as components get outdated.

I play MMO's and wanted to get a solid system to run Guild Wars 2 and run fraps while keeping things on max (or close to max) settings.  I'm also going to be playing TERA quite a bit.

It set me back about 1200 bucks.

Anybody else take a look at this model? It looks good to me, but I'm curious if anyone else has checked this computer out (or has one).

Edit: Here's what it looks like (I didn't buy the monitor etc, I just used this pic to show the size of the case)

Specs:

i7-2600 , 8GB DDR3 SDRAM, 1 GB DDR5 Nvidia GeForce GTX 555, 1TBHD 7200 RPM

All components are supposedly upgradable as they become obsolete (according to the manufacturer)

You're opening the flood gates with that query, expect a large list of better for the same or cheaper price from the incoming posters.

You are just paying an overpriced amount for the name, not worth it.

Originally posted by Kabaal

You're opening the flood gates with that query, expect a large list of better for the same or cheaper price from the incoming posters.

Yeah, I know.  I was on newegg looking at some of their pre-build systems and some of the reviews scared me off a bit.  Seems like a lot of DOA's.  Again, I don't build computers so I was only in the market for pre-built.

Originally posted by 77lolmac77
If you like wasting money than yeah, go for it.

Criticism with no constructive feedback...comment disregarded.

Actually it is very easy to build your own PC , there are even books or guides on the Internet.

The way I see it is its your money, spend it how you want.

The only problem I see with it is the upgradability. Everything is very tight in there already. If you think you will just be able to go to newegg, buy new parts and stick em in there you are in for a disappointment.

The review I read on the system pretty much confirmed this. You are limited alot by the power supply. Not sure but I think its propriotary ( sp?). So the 320watt one that comes with it is pretty much what you got. Graphics cards will have to be below a certain Height x width to even fit, and below a certain watt use.

I am sure it will meet your needs and will be much enjoyed. But much like a laptop you will be able to make some small upgrades but not as much as a full size computer. If nothing else due to the restrictions of size / space in that tiny case. Not to mention airflow & heat issues should you choose to OC or upgrade parts.

Anyways hope you enjoy it =)

Originally posted by spizz

Actually it is very easy to build your own PC , there are even books or guides on the Internet.

 

My dad said it was easy to change an alternator on my car too ... maybe for him it was LOL.

I understand some folks think pre-built is a waste.  I'm filtering out these type of responses because I already knew that some people felt that way - which is why the first line in my OP clearly states that I have no interest in building.  I've done my homework and research and made my decision, which thousands of other gamers have also made.

Originally posted by jdnewell

The way I see it is its your money, spend it how you want.

The only problem I see with it is the upgradability. Everything is very tight in there already. If you think you will just be able to go to newegg, buy new parts and stick em in there you are in for a disappointment.

The review I read on the system pretty much confirmed this. You are limited alot by the power supply. Not sure but I think its propriotary ( sp?). So the 320watt one that comes with it is pretty much what you got. Graphics cards will have to be below a certain Height x width to even fit, and below a certain watt use.

I am sure it will meet your needs and will be much enjoyed. But much like a laptop you will be able to make some small upgrades but not as much as a full size computer. If nothing else due to the restrictions of size / space in that tiny case. Not to mention airflow & heat issues should you choose to OC or upgrade parts.

Anyways hope you enjoy it =)

Thanks for the response.  Upgradability was something I was doing a little homework on.  I guess their marketing is touting the upgradability, but only time will tell if this comes to fruition :P  Hopefully it won't be too difficult to upgrade components - it will be disappointing if it becomes a pain to upgrade.  The power supply appears to be external however, so perhaps that can be upgraded as well.  Again, I'm not a builder and even this much talk about PC building already gets my blood pressure up LOL

Originally posted by Qazaam

Originally posted by spizz

Actually it is very easy to build your own PC , there are even books or guides on the Internet.

 

My dad said it was easy to change an alternator on my car too ... maybe for him it was LOL.

I understand some folks think pre-built is a waste.  I'm filtering out these type of responses because I already knew that some people felt that way - which is why the first line in my OP clearly states that I have no interest in building.  I've done my homework and research and made my decision, which thousands of other gamers have also made.

Yep.

Building is easier for some than others. Usually its the most cost effective way to get a new system. But its not for everyone.

Not sure why you posted here asking what people thought when you seem to know what the general response would be. You already bought it, its what you wanted and spent your money on, Who cares what anyone else thinks?

Despite all the negatives overall for you it was probably a good buy, Plant it in your living room, hook it up to an LCD TV, proceed to have fun. Thats all that matters anyway =)

EDIT: You may be able to upgrade it more than I think. But you will probably have to use alienware parts to do it. I could be wrong tho.

I knew 2 people who had alienware computers before, both dissapointed in them after the money they spent (internal computer problems/ customer support). Might be just bad luck for them both, but personally I would stay away from them. The case is slim and will be a bit harder to get upgrades for in the future. Would look elsewhere for better/cheaper options. If you got a lot of money and don't give a fuck then go for it imo, any buy is gonna be a gamble. whether it pays off or not is up to you and your expectations.

Their isnt a more rewarding and fufilling experience than building your own gaming computer :)

Originally posted by Dragonantis

Their isnt a more rewarding and fufilling experience than building your own gaming computer :)

I think I might be ready for this next time around.  With 50+hours at work and college plus a wife and 3 kids - I just don't have the brain cells left to pull this off.  Maybe next time - It would be nice to have a system that I built.  That time will come.

Originally posted by jdnewell

Originally posted by Qazaam

Originally posted by spizz

Actually it is very easy to build your own PC , there are even books or guides on the Internet.

 

My dad said it was easy to change an alternator on my car too ... maybe for him it was LOL.

I understand some folks think pre-built is a waste.  I'm filtering out these type of responses because I already knew that some people felt that way - which is why the first line in my OP clearly states that I have no interest in building.  I've done my homework and research and made my decision, which thousands of other gamers have also made.

Yep.

Building is easier for some than others. Usually its the most cost effective way to get a new system. But its not for everyone.

Not sure why you posted here asking what people thought when you seem to know what the general response would be. You already bought it, its what you wanted and spent your money on, Who cares what anyone else thinks?

Despite all the negatives overall for you it was probably a good buy, Plant it in your living room, hook it up to an LCD TV, proceed to have fun. Thats all that matters anyway =)

 

EDIT: You may be able to upgrade it more than I think. But you will probably have to use alienware parts to do it. I could be wrong tho.

I guess this thread was a bit selfish - I ordered a computer and wanted to talk about it.  My wife rolls her eyes an could care less about it - except that I spent the money LOL.  My dog will listen, but he doesn't really respond to my liking - except for the bark he let out that sounded like "build it yourself " heh

Alienware always struck me as the designer shoes label for male geeks.

Pre-built isn't always a waste, alienware most certainly is. Unless you want it to look slick and appreciate the smaller design of X51.

Originally posted by Icewhite

Alienware always struck me as the designer shoes label for male geeks.

Hahaha...you're probably right

Oh yeah bro I understand.

I like showing off new toys as much as the next guy =) Just dont be suprised if you get more bashing than love on this site. I am actually suprised its been this tame so far.

Maybe its too early lol =)

Enjoy the new toy. Overall doesnt sound like a bad console replacement. Would be great for the living room and a big TV. You can use it as a media center for sure. Buy you an xbox 360 controller to hook up to it and you will be set. I play many many games on my LCD hooked up to my PC with a controller.

Batman AA & AC

Skyrim

Saints Row 2 & 3

Assassins Creed series

Fallout 3 and NV

The list goes on. The best thing is playing a fully modded out skyrim on my pc, kicked back in recliner playing on a 47in LCD with an xbox controller. Or Batman in DX11 doing the same.

Have fun with your new system, and dont mind the negative comments. Constructive comments maybe, those be few and far between tho.

If you want a pre-built system that still allows you the freedom to pick name brand components specifically as well as  features such as size and capacity and so forth, try visiting http://cyberpowerpc.com and click on the Configurators link at the top of the page.  Not only does this company help you configure a nice system, but they have question mark icons for almost every single item, explaining their features.  They also have a tool under the price window that gives you feedback on frames per second for various high powered games, showing you which components give better results as you choose them.  On top of all that, they are actually very reasonably priced and you'll get a system that is close to what you would pay if you built it yourself.

My suggestion would be to give it a try and configure the same system you recently ordered.  If you can get the same results or something better for a better price, only with better name brand components or even better capacities, then consider sending the original system back when it arrives without even opening the box.