The Alienware Area-51 is an impressive gaming PC, but it could use a more unique design.
Unboxing the Alienware Area-51 felt like stepping into a sci-fi adventure, with its imposing presence taking over my living room. At first glance, I was ready to dive into an otherworldly gaming experience, convinced I was about to wield some advanced technology for my Steam library. However, it quickly became clear that this machine is more grounded than its predecessors, straying from the unique features that once defined Alienware’s top-tier gaming PCs.
To be honest, the Alienware Area-51 resembles a larger version of the Aurora R16, dressed in a sleek silver finish. While there are some upgrades under the hood, it’s essential to remember that many fans associate Alienware with its iconic, futuristic designs from the mid-2000s. With a starting price of $3,749.99 for an RTX 5070 configuration, you’re investing a hefty sum for a system that feels decidedly terrestrial.
Think of the Alienware Area-51 as if E.T. settled into suburban life, cruising around in a BMW X7 for a nine-to-five job. It’s flashy and stylish, but I can’t shake the feeling that it’s lost some of its original charm. The system has moved away from proprietary components and motherboard designs, but in doing so, it seems to have forgotten how to embrace its quirky roots.
Dell is caught in a tug-of-war between crafting otherworldly designs and catering to conventional tastes. This struggle has led to machines like the Alienware Area-51, which feels more like a straightforward box aimed at enthusiasts’ wallets. While I appreciate the move towards practicality and the reduction of proprietary parts, it seems like the original fanbase is missing the unique flair that once set Alienware apart.
I’m referring to models like the R15, one of the last uniquely shaped rigs before the shift to the current boxy Aurora R16 design. I had hoped Dell would find a way to reintroduce those eye-catching cases while addressing the concerns of practical PC builders, but instead, we got a scaled-up R16 in a shiny silver shell.
The Area-51 does feature some of the brand’s signature elements, like the RGB-lit Stadium Loop side vents and the glowing Zeta head on an otherwise simple front panel. The spacious 80-liter case offers a larger transparent side panel to showcase its impressive internals. You can easily access the sides with a knob and a push button at the back (just remember to remove the shipping safety screw first). The top panel is also removable for those looking to install fans for an AIO cooler, supporting 240 mm, 280 mm, and 420 mm options.
This is the most customizable Alienware PC to date, and the more conventional case design certainly aids in that. While it’s possible to fit a standard ATX motherboard into a more unique shape, the cuboid design makes it easier to work with. The extra space means that if future graphics cards grow larger or if you need a specific cooler for your CPU, upgrading will be as straightforward as with any standard rig.
The Area-51 comes with some thoughtful features, like dust covers for the PSU, radiator, and intake vents. There’s also ample room for cable management on the right-hand panel, along with support for either 2.5-inch SSDs or larger 3.5-inch mechanical hard drives. However, considering the starting price is just shy of $4,000, these features should be standard, especially with the RTX 5090 model I’m testing priced at $5,000.
So, what do you actually get for that hefty price tag? Using the $5,000 unit as a reference, it’s all about the specs. The RTX 5090 graphics card alone accounts for a significant portion of the cost, especially with current inflation, and the 64GB DDR5 RAM adds to the value. Plus, it’s equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU and a 2TB NVMe M.2 drive.
When you look at today’s PC component prices, the Area-51 offers a lot of bang for your buck. However, this is a case of going all-in, as opting for top-tier specs maximizes your value. You’ll want to explore Dell’s customizable options to tailor the build to your needs, which can help reduce the final price, but the key is to secure the best GPU while keeping storage costs in check.
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Price |
From $3,749.99 / £2,899 |
|
CPU |
Up to Intel Core Ultra 9 285K |
|
GPU |
Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 |
|
RAM |
Up to 64GB DRR5 |
|
Motherboard |
Standard ATX (ATX12VO) |
|
Storage |
8 TB (2 x 4 TB), M.2, PCIe, SSD |
|
Power supply |
Up to 1,500W |
Beyond the specs, you’re also paying for the benefit of minimal proprietary parts. The included motherboard is a standard ATX model, allowing for complete overhauls. It’s amusing to think about swapping out components in a $5,000 build, but since these parts should remain relevant for several generations, it makes the system more future-proof.
That said, there are still a few customization challenges. If you choose a replacement motherboard that doesn’t adhere to Intel’s ATX12VO PSU standard, you’ll need to swap out the power supply as well. Additionally, an adapter kit is required to keep the AlienwareFX daughter board, along with its RGB and I/O features, operational, which frustratingly costs an extra $35. It would have been nice if Dell had included this as part of the package, given their insistence on integrating native support into the motherboard.
Now, let’s talk about performance. The Alienware Area-51 is undoubtedly a powerhouse, especially with a price tag that rivals my car. With an RTX 5090, it should deliver impressive frame rates, and I’ve put it through the same rigorous testing as every other system that comes my way. The results are telling.
Time Spy: 35,468
Fire Strike: 45,753
Despite the powerful GPU, achieving a steady 60fps in Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t guaranteed. The game remains a tough benchmark, especially with AI features like DLSS 4 turned off, averaging around 56fps at 4K Ultra with ray tracing enabled. However, disabling ray tracing boosts performance to about 110fps.
The takeaway is that while hitting over 60fps without AI is possible in CD Projekt Red’s demanding RPG, it’s a luxury for machines in this price range. If you’re concerned about “fake frames” in PC gaming, this is the frame rate range you can expect with a high-end RTX 5090 build. When utilizing Multi-Frame Generation and Super Resolution features, you can easily exceed 200fps with everything maxed out.
Other games reflect similar performance trends, with Hitman 3 maintaining a 60-70fps range and jumping to 120fps with ray tracing off. Shadow of the Tomb Raider runs exceptionally well on the Area-51, reaching 220fps without advanced lighting and around 154fps with all settings cranked up. Compared to the latest Aurora model with an RTX 5070 Ti, there’s nearly a 100fps difference in the same benchmarks, which helps justify the higher price.
Total War: Warhammer 3 showcases the advantages of a high-end build, with the Area-51 exceeding 150fps even at maximum settings. The Core Ultra 9 285K paired with the RTX 5090 certainly outperforms my previous Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 and Intel Core i9-13900K setup. This is a classic case of “you get what you pay for,” and while I’m not keen on spending $5,000 on a rig, it’s the current market rate.
On the cooling front, the Area-51’s spacious design helps keep the GPU around 72°C. This is typical for Nvidia’s RTX 50-series cards, and the AIO cooler effectively keeps the Ultra 9 285K under 60°C during gaming sessions. Impressively, it does so with minimal noise, making me miss the eerie hum of the Alienware Aurora R15 during testing.
In terms of technical prowess, the Area-51 stands as the best Alienware gaming PC available today. If you’re after a machine with top-tier components and that iconic Zeta head logo, this is your pick. However, it’s hard to envision DIY builders opting for this rig, especially since its main selling point of increased customization is a standard feature in regular systems.
Ultimately, the Alienware Area-51’s attempt to cater to both fans of its space-age aesthetic and hardcore enthusiasts is what holds it back from greatness. While it’s a solid PC and the RTX 5090 model is undeniably powerful, it doesn’t offer anything particularly groundbreaking. The reduction of proprietary parts should still come with some of the classic Alienware design flair.
For two weeks, I used the Alienware Area-51 as my primary PC for casual gaming and daily tasks. Alongside everyday use, I benchmarked its gaming performance with titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Hitman 3, Total War: Warhammer 3, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Throughout the testing process, I assessed the system’s design, unique features, and thermal performance while comparing it to previous Dell systems and other builds.
