Alienware Area-51 X58 review

What you need to know

Reviewed by: Rich Brown

Reviewed on: 3 December 2008

Tags: Alienware, Alienware Area-51 X58, HDMI, gaming, processors

We like:

Cost-effective for a £4,200 PC; more storage than we've ever seen before on similarly priced models

We don't like:

Clunky Alienware case; overclocking reserved for a still higher-end Alienware system; no HDMI output

CNET UK judgement:

Even if we have a few reservations about this system, we can't deny that Alienware has an outstanding deal on its hands. It offers the same core hardware and twice the storage capacity as PCs that cost £1,000 more. High-end bargain hunters, assuming they exist, will find an amazing deal in this PC

Full review:

Alienware pitched us this £4,200 Area-51 X58 desktop as one of the first PCs it has shipped that truly takes advantage of the buying muscle afforded by its parent company, Dell. Given that the features you get for the pound noticeably surpass the $8,000 (£5,400, but not available in the UK) Falcon Northwest Mach V, we have a hard time arguing. We still find the classic Alienware case clunky. We also wish Alienware offered overclocking in this model. Still, for the sheer density of features, Alienware offers amazing value here. If you're a gamer whose wallet can take such a large hit, you'll find everything you need in this PC. Continue Reading...