The Alienware Area 51 Threadripper Edition is a high-performance gaming desktop that features the latest technology and cutting-edge design. This powerful machine is built for gamers and power users who demand the best in performance, speed, and reliability. With its powerful processor, advanced liquid cooling system, and customizable options, the Alienware Area 51 Threadripper Edition is sure to impress even the most demanding of users. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and specifications of the Alienware Area 51 Threadripper Edition and see how it stacks up against the competition.
What is Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition?
The Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition, the latest offering from Dell’s premium gaming brand, is a powerful and imposing machine. Weighing in at 28 kg and housed in a striking triangular case, this desktop is not for the faint of heart. As expected from Alienware, the Area-51 Threadripper Edition features an array of illuminating lights.
While it may come with a hefty price tag of £5169, the cost is justified by the top-of-the-line specs included in this iteration of the Area-51. The desktop boasts two NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards and an AMD Ryzen Threadripper processor, making it a formidable option for even the most demanding of gamers and power users.
Key Specifications
- 3.4GHz AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X processor
- 2 x Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB graphics cards
- 64GB 2666Hz DDR4 RAM
- 512GB SK Hynix PC401 M.2 SSD
- 1yr R
- Price: £5169
Design and Build of Alienware Area-51 Threadripper
The Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition is a desktop that commands attention. Standing at 569mm tall and 272mm wide, the front panel is adorned with dark, glossy plastic slats and illuminated by RGB LEDs around the edges and on the side panels. The familiar Alienware logo sits prominently as the power button.
To aid in accessibility, each point of the triangular case is equipped with a sturdy metal handle, making it easy to tilt the machine and access its ports and sockets. The build quality of this desktop is exceptional, as one would expect from a machine of this size and price point. The metal used throughout the case is durable and the plastic is sturdy.
While the Area-51 Threadripper Edition is a visually striking and well-built machine, it does come with its practical limitations. Its large size makes it less suitable for traveling to LAN parties or gaming events and its unique shape makes it challenging to store efficiently under a desk.
The Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition may impress on the outside, but it falls short on the inside. The processor is cooled by a large 120mm water-cooler with a single 120mm fan, and the graphics cards are plastic-covered models that resemble standard reference units. The motherboard is basic, lacking any RGB LEDs or additional features.
Additionally, the power supply is an unsightly metal box and the majority of the cables are multi-colored. The organization and placement of these cables is also lacking, as they are haphazardly spread across the case and bundled together at the bottom of the chassis.
The Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition offers limited options for expansion, with only three hard disk bays and one 2.5 inch slot located at the rear of the case, complete with pre-installed cables. The lack of a window on the side panel means that the interior aesthetics are not a priority, but given the high-end nature and substantial cost of this PC, it is reasonable to expect a higher standard of internal components and organization.
The Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition falls short when compared to its competitors. Other gaming systems, such as the Asus ROG GT51CH, offer a neater interior and more opportunities for storage and memory upgrades. Even smaller systems like the Corsair One Elite are more efficient and smarter in their use of space.
Consumers may also want to consider alternatives offered by local PC builders such as Scan, Chillblast or Cyberpower. These companies provide systems with similar specifications to the Alienware, often at comparable or lower prices, with more attractive and conventional cases, custom water-cooling, and more room for upgrades.
As with other Alienware products, the Area-51 Threadripper Edition is controlled by the Command Center app, which allows users to customize the RGB LED lighting and configure lighting modes for specific games.
Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition – Performance
The Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition’s standout component is the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X processor, which boasts 16 cores and 32 concurrent threads, making it the top chip from AMD’s 2017 architecture. The 1950X not only has a high core count, but also a solid base speed of 3.4GHz and the ability to reach 4.2GHz with Turbo Boost. It also features 32MB of cache and quad-channel memory support for improved Precision Boost performance.
While the 1950X may not be necessary for gaming, it excels in complex tasks such as video production, CAD design, content creation, and databases. To aid in productivity, the Alienware is also equip with 64GB of 2,666MHz memory. Which is more than enough for even the most demanding applications.
However, in practice, the 1950X may not live up to its potential. Its multi-core Geekbench score of 26,353, while impressive, is only about 3000 points ahead of a rival system with an i7-8700K chip. The 1950X’s emphasis on a high core count also means that its single-core performance is lacking, with a single-threaded Geekbench score of 4024, which is 1000 points behind the competition and on par with the Ryzen 7 1800X.
The Alienware also features two NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards. Which offer 7168 stream processors and 22GB of GDDR5X. These powerful GPUs can handle any new game at 4K resolution and VR headsets, widescreen panels, high refresh-rate screens, and multi-monitor setups with ease. They are also suitable for work-related tasks such as video production and other graphical applications.
And its single-core performance is lacking compared to other processors. The graphics cards are powerful and can handle any gaming or work-related task with ease. Therefore, it may be worth considering alternative options with similar specs at a lower price or conventional Ryzen or Core i7 chips that offer better performance for most gamers and workers.
Cooling
The Alienware Area 51 Threadripper Edition features a unique liquid cooling system that keeps the desktop running cool and quiet. This advanced cooling system is designed to dissipate heat more efficiently than traditional air cooling, ensuring that the desktop stays stable and performs at its best even under heavy load. The liquid cooling system also helps to reduce noise levels, making the Alienware Area 51 Threadripper Edition perfect for gaming in a quiet environment.
Connectivity
The Alienware Area 51 Threadripper Edition also offers a wide range of connectivity options to meet all your needs. With Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.1, and HDMI 2.0 ports, you can easily connect to external displays and peripherals. The desktop also includes a built-in 802.11ac wireless card for fast and reliable wireless connectivity, as well as a Gigabit Ethernet port for wired connections.
Alienware Area 51 Threadripper – Gaming Experience
With its powerful processor and graphics card. It can handle the latest AAA games with ease. And with its advanced liquid cooling system, it runs cool and quiet, even under heavy load. Whether you’re playing at 1080p, 1440p or 4K resolution, you can expect smooth and immersive gameplay with high frame rates.
Why to buy Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition?
The Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition may boast a recognizable brand name and a striking design, but upon closer examination, it falls short in several areas. The interior design is unappealing and lacks the versatility of other systems, it can also be loud in certain situations. It’s also larger and heavier compared to its competitors, without much to show for it.
The performance of the Threadripper processor and dual GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards is formidable, able to handle any work application or game. However, systems from smaller specialized builders offer superior performance due to better overclocking, motherboards, memory and storage.
Furthermore, there is the question of whether this level of performance is truly necessary. For most gamers, a single GTX 1080 Ti will suffice, and if you require two GPUs, other processors offer better support than the 1950X.
For those looking for a work machine, more conventional Intel or AMD CPUs will likely provide similar or better performance, and save you money in the process. They will also be more versatile and suitable for an office environment. If you truly require Threadripper, more capable and affordable systems can found elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the key features of the Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition?
The Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition features a AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X processor with 16 cores and 32 concurrent threads, two NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards, 64GB of 2,666MHz memory, and a triangular case design with illuminating lights.
How does the performance of the Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition compare to other systems?
While the Threadripper processor and dual GTX 1080 Ti graphics cards offer formidable performance, other systems from specialized builders may offer better performance due to better overclocking, motherboards, memory, and storage. Additionally, the need for such high performance may not be necessary for most users.
Is the Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition suitable for both gaming and work-related tasks?
Yes, the Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition is suitable for both gaming and work-related tasks such as video production, CAD design, content creation, and databases.
Is the Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition a good value for its price?
The Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition may not be the best value for its price, as there are other systems with similar specifications that may be more affordable.
Conclusion
Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition may have an impressive exterior design and a well-known brand name. But it falls short in several areas such as the design of the interior… Its size and weight compared to rivals, and its noise level. Its performance, while formidable, is not superior to other systems offered by specialized builders, and the need for such high performance may not be necessary for most users. It may be worth considering alternative options with similar specifications at a lower price or conventional Ryzen or Core i7 chips that offer better performance for most gamers and workers.