Hot on the heels of the launch of Intel's new Haswell-E processors and X99 platform Alienware has announced a reimagined Area-51 gaming desktop PC. This PC has a radical, eye catching 'triad' chassis design which will probably be a love it or hate it thing for readers. Inside you will find a very configurable computer; Dell offers multiple CPU, RAM, storage and even GPU choices which include single, dual, triple and quad graphics setups.
The new Alienware Area-51 chassis is said to provide "superb thermal efficiency, amazing ergonomics," and great ease of access for upgrades. For further enhanced looks the Alienware Command Centre software features personalized control of the 9 programmable lighting zones using 20 colours. You also use this software for hardware monitoring and tuning – it includes performance profiles which can be saved/edited. In everyday usage gamers can easily access the front I/O from a sitting position.
Talking-up the radical new chassis design Frank Azor, General Manager of Alienware, said that the Area-51 was "designed from the ground up to deliver on exactly what gamers want, state-of-the-art performance, scalability and ease of use".
Going inside the system now, Dell says that the system is cooled with air pulled into the system from the front and expelled through the back. Processor choices include the latest Intel Haswell-E processors, including six and eight core options. Users can specifiy up to 32GB of 2133 DDR4 memory. All the systems are said to be "factory overclocked" and include liquid cooling for the CPUs as standard. Dell says that buyers can specify up to three add-in graphics cards including the latest offerings from either AMD or Nvidia. You can also specify up to five storage devices and a 1,500 watt power supply. 802.11ac Wi-Fi is a standard feature.
The Alienware Area-51 PC is to begin shipping from October and will be available globally by Xmas. Pricing information hasn't been disclosed.