Alienware X51 Desktop Review

Alienware are a company who are very well known for creating high performance desktop and portable systems. For years now they have been creating some of the fastest pre-built systems around and since becoming part of Dell the build and design quality has taken a leap forward.

Recent times have also seen them create some unique systems such as the M11x which offers unmatched gaming performance for that form factor and then a few weeks ago Alienware introduced the X51, a compact desktop which comes close to a game console in size.

The X51 isn't Alienwares first attempt at a small form factor system though; they have for example released systems like the Area-51 5300 in 2005. While the Area-51 5300 was Alienwares first compact system, it was not their own design rather an enhanced Shuttle based build. The X51 on the other hand is a complete custom design, inside and out.

On our test bench today we have the high end Alienware X51 configuration. It boasts an i7 CPU and GTX GPU in its specifications and we will be putting it through a selection of synthetic and real world tests, including Mass Effect 3, before taking a look at what the performance could be should the user upgrade to an SSD and Radeon 7900 card.

Packaging and Bundle


Alienware package the X51 system in a large black cardboard box of similar size to their larger laptops. Inside we find the systrem suspended in protective plastic and covered on each surface by sticky protective sheets which are peeled off before use.


Bundled with the X51 are Alienware branded accessories such as a keyboard and mouse. The Keyboard has its own box and in a separate one with the mouse are the product documentation, cables, PSU and support discs.


For the PSU Alienware use an external model, again similar to their laptops in design, and with the high end builds it is a 330w model.