Alienware X51 Questions

[Computing34]

Hi there, I am planning on getting a sub $1000 gaming pc and have been looking around for a while. I've checked refurbished as well as new, but I've found some great new ones. The Acer AG3-605-UR38 had an epic refurb price, but went out of stock almost immediately, so I checked its newegg price which was at $950, but today is at $1300. It's loaded with an i7 4770 and a gtx 760, and I've heard it's pretty quiet too. I was planning on waiting for it to go back down in price, but then I found a brand new Alienware X51 with the same specs for only $960! I know alienware is super overpriced, but this seems like a great deal, and yes I have tried countless configurations to make building my own cheaper but none of them have prevailed. I have a few concerns about the x51:

-is it as quiet as the acer?

-Is its anti-upgrade ability such a bad thing? It seems pretty loaded already and Idk how upgrade able the acer is.

-What are your thoughts on what I should get?

-I'm also looking for a 1920x1080 monitor, so any suggestions would be great.

-Including monitor, I'd like the total cost to be around $1100.

Thanks guys for reading my post and answering some if my questions!

[dev893]

Why not just build your own? find what parts are in the one you are looking at and I'm sure you could build your own cheaper with the same parts. I dn't suggest buying retail for gaming in case you want to upgrade in the future when more demanding games come out

[Computing34]

Why not just build your own? find what parts are in the one you are looking at and I'm sure you could build your own cheaper with the same parts. I dn't suggest buying retail for gaming in case you want to upgrade in the future when more demanding games come out

I've tried building my own with the same parts, and windows, but all of my configs have costed a lot more money. And I'd need to buy a keyboard as well.

[JAKEBAB]

Thats a pretty decent price u might be able to get something better if u built it yourself but i really like the x51 case which u cannot just go out and buy alos u can upgrade it in the future if u like as for the monitor id get an acer h236hlbid great monitor for the price and its ips.

 

Edit: just looked a little bit around some people are saying it gets a little noisy I still think its great its like a console.

[dev893]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($294.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus B85M-E/CSM Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($84.69 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V2 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($210.00 @ Newegg)
Case: Xion XON-560 MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($46.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($74.99 @ Micro Center)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer B246HLymdr 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($158.53 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1069.13
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

the CPU cooler isn't necessary since you can't OC anyways the stock cooler should do fine but just for extra cooling

[Computing34]

Thats a pretty decent price u might be able to get something better if u built it yourself but i really like the x51 case which u cannot just go out and buy alos u can upgrade it in the future if u like as for the monitor id get an acer h236hlbid great monitor for the price and its ips.

Thanks for the monitor suggestion, could you show me a parts list that would cost less and have the same parts please? I haven't had any luck creating one myself. And it'd need to include windows. Thanks for the input!

[Totalschaden1997]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($294.99 @ Amazon)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.98 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: Asus B85M-E/CSM Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($84.69 @ Newegg)

Memory: A-Data XPG V2 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($79.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($210.00 @ Newegg)

Case: Xion XON-560 MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($46.98 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($74.99 @ Micro Center)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($88.98 @ OutletPC)

Monitor: Acer B246HLymdr 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($158.53 @ NCIX US)

Total: $1069.13

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

the CPU cooler isn't necessary since you can't OC anyways the stock cooler should do fine but just for extra cooling

 

 

Thanks for the monitor suggestion, could you show me a parts list that would cost less and have the same parts please? I haven't had any luck creating one myself. And it'd need to include windows. Thanks for the input!

Windows 8 is much cheaper here: https://www.g2a.com/microsoft-windows-8-professional-32-64-bit-cd-key-global.html

[dev893]

I've tried building my own with the same parts, and windows, but all of my configs have costed a lot more money. And I'd need to buy a keyboard as well.

as for keyboard you really don't need anything fancy I use an old Acer keyboard and it works just fine

[dev893]

Windows 8 is much cheaper here: https://www.g2a.com/microsoft-windows-8-professional-32-64-bit-cd-key-global.html

I wouldn't buy from a website like that. I doubt that it's a legit copy at that price

[Computing34]

That's a nice looking build @dev893, thank you! How many upgrades would that case and mobo allow? Is that a sturdy mobo for intensive gaming? If I build my own id like to over clock, would that over push my budget, and cause me to get a better mobo? Thank you!

[Computing34]

Ok thanks @dev893 and @Totalschaden1997

[dev893]

That's a nice looking build @dev893, thank you! How many upgrades would that case and mobo allow? Is that a sturdy mobo for intensive gaming? If I build my own id like to over clock, would that over push my budget, and cause me to get a better mobo? Thank you!

I can build you nice one that will allow you to overclock. it wouldn't include an i7 though lol. i5's are perfectly fine for gaming. most games don't use hyper threading (yet) anyways

[Computing34]

Will windows 7 be phased out soon though and how much more would win 8 be? I personally don't mind the os. @dev893

[Totalschaden1997]

I wouldn't buy from a website like that. I doubt that it's a legit copy at that price

Haven´t had any problems with the reseller (Im buyng most of my keys there)

[dev893]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($239.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V2 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($210.00 @ Newegg)
Case: Xion XON-560 MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($46.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($74.99 @ Micro Center)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Acer B246HLymdr 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($158.53 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1029.43
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

[Computing34]

I can build you nice one that will allow you to overclock. it wouldn't include an i7 though lol. i5's are perfectly fine for gaming. most games don't use hyper threading (yet) anyways

I'm getting into video production, so would an i5 be able to handle that load? I know they're phenomenal for gaming but what about video editing?

[dev893]

Will windows 7 be phased out soon though and how much more would win 8 be? I personally don't mind the os. @dev893

they would phase out vista before windows 7 and they still haven't so I think you'd be safe with 7

[dev893]

I'm getting into video production, so would an i5 be able to handle that load? I know they're phenomenal for gaming but what about video editing?

they can still do video editing and rendering just fine it just won't be as fast as the i7 and as for the case. I have the same case and it has a lot of room for a mid tower M-ATX case. it can even hold up to a 12.5" video card so you have lots of expandability

[Totalschaden1997]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($239.99 @ Newegg)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.98 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: ASRock Z97M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($99.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: A-Data XPG V2 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($79.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($210.00 @ Newegg)

Case: Xion XON-560 MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($46.98 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($74.99 @ Micro Center)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($88.98 @ OutletPC)

Monitor: Acer B246HLymdr 60Hz 24.0" Monitor  ($158.53 @ NCIX US)

Total: $1029.43

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Why not 1600 Mhz RAM? - Nevermind - didnt read the rendering part

[Computing34]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: ASRock Z97M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)

Memory: A-Data XPG V2 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($210.00 @ Newegg)

Case: Xion XON-560 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($46.98 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Micro Center)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)

Monitor: Acer B246HLymdr 60Hz 24.0" Monitor ($158.53 @ NCIX US)

Total: $1029.43

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

I don't need a micro tower case, the alienware is just aesthetically pleasing, could I get a better case with noise dampening? And what about upgrade ability and mobo stability? I prefer gigabyte but the might be too expensive.

[Computing34]

they can still do video editing and rendering just fine it just won't be as fast as the i7 and as for the case. I have the same case and it has a lot of room for a mid tower M-ATX case. it can even hold up to a 12.5" video card so you have lots of expandability

Ok thank you, and my worries about 7 are gone, I forgot about vista.

[dev893]

I don't need a micro tower case, the alienware is just aesthetically pleasing, could I get a better case with noise dampening? And what about upgrade ability and mobo stability? I prefer gigabyte but the might be too expensive.

Gigabyte is really going down hill and no where as good as they used to be. I have an ASrock board and have no issues with it at all. this case is awesom and looks nice it's all black and comes with a blue LED fan in the front but I'll see if I can find another case to fit your budget

[Computing34]

Gigabyte is really going down hill and no where as good as they used to be. I have an ASrock board and have no issues with it at all. this case is awesom and looks nice it's all black and comes with a blue LED fan in the front but I'll see if I can find another case to fit your budget

Ok thanks! Should I get an i5 oc or an i7 non oc for the gaming and editing? And what about the 4670k is it less expensive?

[JAKEBAB]

Thanks for the monitor suggestion, could you show me a parts list that would cost less and have the same parts please? I haven't had any luck creating one myself. And it'd need to include windows. Thanks for the input!

Here:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i7-4770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($294.99 @ Amazon) 

Motherboard: ASRock H81M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($54.00 @ Newegg) 

Memory: Corsair XMS 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($69.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($52.91 @ OutletPC) 

Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 760 2GB DirectCU II Video Card  ($210.00 @ Newegg) 

Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case  ($89.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply  ($34.99 @ NCIX US) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($88.98 @ OutletPC) 

Total: $895.85

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

you can always opt for a cheaper cpu like a 4670 if your just doing gaming and cheaper cases are out there too.

[Computing34]

Is ocing necessary or just fun? And is this asrock mobo good? I trust asrock but I heard to avoid sub $120 mobos. But I heard that last gens pro4 was good. @dev893