Compact, good-looking chassis, Good gaming performance
Competing systems offer better storage, higher-end graphics options, Very large external power brick, Small size limits expandability and upgrade options
Alienware's updated X51 delivers good performance in a compact package, thanks to a new Intel CPU and a solid Nvidia graphics card. But competing systems offer better design and higher-end component options. ...
Small, compact chassis, Plenty of connectivity, Components are surprisingly easy to replace, Affordable
Limited upgradability, Bundled peripherals seem a waste, Loud when gaming
The X51 is a beautifully engineered computer that can't entirely overcome the fundamental challenges all small gaming PCs face. Yes, it's easy to disassemble; but upgrading is a chore. Yes, it packs incredible hardware in a small profile; but it's still...
Beautifully compact design, Lots of power for the price, USB 3.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi beat you to the punch on upgrades, Easy access interior, part-swapping
Minimally flexible for future upgrades, More complex than a standalone console, Hefty power brick will need to be hidden away under some furniture
When rumors of a “Steam Box” hardware spec from Valve kicked up earlier this year, it was suggested that the X51 was designed with that spec in mind. Whether or not those rumors were accurate, it's easy to see why this new Alienware offering would be co...
Plenty of ports and power for most gaming needs. Super portable: 15 percent the size of a regular Alienware tower. Modular internal design makes replacing or upgrading parts easy. Sturdy build. Reasonably quiet
Necessarily limited expansion options: 330watt power supply and physical issues mean replacing the video card is tricky. Still more expensive than a DIY system. Power brick is the size of a man's shoe
It's hard not to walk away from the Alienware X51 feeling at least a little impressed. While I have to wonder a why Dell and Alienware didn't opt to wait for Kepler and Ivy Bridge, at the same time we can probably be certain that a refresh with those tech...
I had a chance to check out the X51 a few weeks ago at a launch event here in San Francisco, and I'm as impressed now as I was then. The X51 is a step in the right direction for Alienware: Large, imposing gaming rigs aren't going anywhere, but one of ...
