Archaea
[H]F Junkie
- Joined
- Oct 19, 2004
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- 11,825
http://m.slickdeals.net/f/7859143-alienware-alpha-compact-desktop-core-i3-4130t-500gb-hdd-4gb-ddr3-customized-gtx-860-xbox-360-controller-329-99-after-rebate-with-free-shipping
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but this box will run GTA5 in the livingroom more beautifully than the PS4 or Xbone versions.
That's stretching it a bit. Based on this review, this Alienware is able to maintain 60FPS with no AA @ 1080p with Normal graphics. Kick it up to Ultra / MSAA and it can't even get to 30FPS.
Granted PS4 and Xbone are locked in at 30FPS but this Alienware Steam box isn't going to be able to take advantage of 4K or anything.
http://wccftech.com/alienware-alpha-play-gta-v/
Also note that the 860M is a MXM style laptop GPU. I doubt the motherboard in this Alienware even comes with a PCIE slot, let alone a PSU that can handle a significant upgrade, so no aftermarket options there.
What is a NUC? Seen the term tossed around in the other threads.
One of the Amazon reviewers says his unit only uses ~50 Watts when it is being used. I got super excited about this.
Well, I just hooked the Kill-a-Watt up to my current gen4 i7 HTPC w/32GB Ram, and it only uses 51W - 53W while playing a Movie.
Well, this alludes more to the big secret that no one talks about. Computer do not use nearly as much power as people seem to think.
HardOCP did a review of the AMD Fury video card, which is a high end card. The entire system at full blast was only drawing 400 watts. Yet most people believe they need a 800-1000 watt power supply, even for much less capable video cards.
The same is true with music amplifiers. Most people just do not realize how little wattage is actually used.
Well, this alludes more to the big secret that no one talks about. Computer do not use nearly as much power as people seem to think.
HardOCP did a review of the AMD Fury video card, which is a high end card. The entire system at full blast was only drawing 400 watts. Yet most people believe they need a 800-1000 watt power supply, even for much less capable video cards.
The same is true with music amplifiers. Most people just do not realize how little wattage is actually used.
I assume it's too small to fit 2 disk drives (SSD and HDD) and an optical drive in it?
Dayum, and I thought $400 was cheap. I wonder how they make any money on these.
Definitely no way for an optical drive. MAYBE you could add an SSD, but I'd say you should watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TePalKjzfPc
It's the Alienware teardown by alienware. But bottom line, it's not likely.
Thanks, good to know. Yeah, I guess you'd have to use USB for all accessories, like a TV tuner, optical drive, additional storage, etc. I wish they had a slightly larger form factor of the Alienware that has a PCI-e and PCI slot and room for an optical drive. Basically, like the Dell Inspiron Small, but with the Alienware upgrades and current pricing.Youd be lucky to fit a post-it note inside that thing.
Ive upgraded the CPU, RAM and HDD in my Alpha.. There is no extra room for anything except dust.
since the USB3 ports on on the rear I hooked up a USB3 dock/multiplier and have my BluRay/DVD drive and external HDD plugged into that.
One I added the SSD and bumpbed the RAM I sold my gaming rig..
This this is really all you need unless you just HAVE to have everything maxed out for e-peen.
A cheap box thatll get the job done.. This is your answer.. My only complaint is that I cant do multiple monitors and wish it woulda had that properitary alienware plug for using an external video card.
FYI, the deal is alive again.
I love mine too. Added another 4gb chip and a SSD and it's a zippy little machine. First thing I did was reload it though so no Dell bloatware or Hivemind skin. On the bright side it triggered the free Windows 10 upgrade and is running great on Windows 10.
One thing to consider when buying, you'll be dealing with Dell tech support if you purchase this. Case in point: the day I got it I went online and submitted a request for backup media knowing that I was going to replace the platter drive with a SSD. That was mid-July. Yesterday, as in Aug 25th, I just received the backup USB thumb drive. It took them 1.5 months to ship a thumb drive /crazy !!