Dell Alienware Area-51 Core i7-980 X Infused Gaming PC

When you think about the market for a pre-built, proverbial “Killer Gaming Rig,” you have to consider the class of consumer that would have interest in this type of system. For the most part, the average do-it-yourselfer isn’t going to take much interest here, save for perhaps the appreciation of all the bleeding-edge technology and design quality that is the hallmark of such a system.

That said, there is obviously a significant market opportunity for consumers that want top-of-the line components and build quality for enthusiast-class gaming performance  and head-turning aesthetics, without the hassle of going at it the home-grown way.  Dell obviously saw this market opportunity when they snatched up the then not-so boutique system builder Alienware, back in March of 2006.

Historically, Alienware had been known for the same impeccable build quality and top-shelf components that put many a performance PC start-up on the map.  However their chassis designs were a bit over the top for some folks to handle.  With a pair of bulbous alien eyes looking back at you like a hood ornament with a bad attitude and bubbly, rounded high gloss chassis designs, Alienware machines were a “you either love ‘em or hate ‘em” sort of thing.  That said, four years later, Dell has managed to assimilate the Alienware colony and what has emerged is a significantly more refined and stylish chassis design along with the same bleeding edge component selection and build quality.

Also, being one of Intel’s large customers, Dell more recently afforded their Alienware division the inside track on Intel’s benchmark crushing Core i7-980X Gulftown 6-core processor and the resources to get it validated for delivery to market quickly.  We’ve had the new Dell Alienware Area-51 in for testing for a week now and have spent some quality time with the machine, helping it break its first sweat, globally we might add.  In the following pages we’re happy to give you a first look at what Dell likes to think of as their Killer Alien gaming rig.  First we’ll serve you up a quick video preview and then make sure to journey on for a deep dive look and benchmark analysis of the new Alienware Area-51 gaming PC.

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