2012-02-16, 20:21
Hey all i just wanted to let people know about my experience of the Alienware x51 as my HTPC.
So i know, i know who needs that much power for an HTPC...to be honest i liked the case and with all the issues with the ITX7, and HTPC-FC8-OD i just didn't want to deal with it.
Specs
CPU: i5-2320 3.0Ghz
Ram: 8GB 1333Mhz
Video: GTX 555 Deseret
PSU: 330watts
OS: Windows Ultimate x64
Other Features: Wireless-N, Intel 320 160GB SSD, Slot load Blu-Ray Reader
Connections: SPDIF Coax, SPDIF TOSLINK, USB 3
Noise: This was my return condition, and i am ecstatic with how quiet this unit is with my use case. There is no noise while watching 1080p content no matter if it is on disc or ripped media. With that said it can be loud if you decide to play any GPU intensive game...but that is not my use case. (need to test 3d content but it was late)
Case: i wasn't expecting this to be as large as it is. i would compare it to a gen 1 PS3 but designed much better. also if i ever wanted i could replace everything including the PSU with out much hassle as i love this case..even though it has a larger footprint and is not aluminum.
Heat: Unit is cool for anything that is not GPU intensive gaming.
Performance: There are no performance issues other than Eden crashing randomly, when i go back to 10.1 no issues whatsoever.
Price: This computer was spec'd out at around 1000 dollars which is pricey i wont lie but it is not just a HTPC. when looking at the price i was planning on paying i spent about 300 dollars more but i got a BD player and an SSD.
If you guys have any questions...but i just wanted to give my experience. i will post pics if people are interested.
So i know, i know who needs that much power for an HTPC...to be honest i liked the case and with all the issues with the ITX7, and HTPC-FC8-OD i just didn't want to deal with it.
Specs
CPU: i5-2320 3.0Ghz
Ram: 8GB 1333Mhz
Video: GTX 555 Deseret
PSU: 330watts
OS: Windows Ultimate x64
Other Features: Wireless-N, Intel 320 160GB SSD, Slot load Blu-Ray Reader
Connections: SPDIF Coax, SPDIF TOSLINK, USB 3
Noise: This was my return condition, and i am ecstatic with how quiet this unit is with my use case. There is no noise while watching 1080p content no matter if it is on disc or ripped media. With that said it can be loud if you decide to play any GPU intensive game...but that is not my use case. (need to test 3d content but it was late)
Case: i wasn't expecting this to be as large as it is. i would compare it to a gen 1 PS3 but designed much better. also if i ever wanted i could replace everything including the PSU with out much hassle as i love this case..even though it has a larger footprint and is not aluminum.
Heat: Unit is cool for anything that is not GPU intensive gaming.
Performance: There are no performance issues other than Eden crashing randomly, when i go back to 10.1 no issues whatsoever.
Price: This computer was spec'd out at around 1000 dollars which is pricey i wont lie but it is not just a HTPC. when looking at the price i was planning on paying i spent about 300 dollars more but i got a BD player and an SSD.
If you guys have any questions...but i just wanted to give my experience. i will post pics if people are interested.