An ideal PC gaming console provides you the benefit of playing games on your computer. However, during the last decade, there have been a lot of improvements in the gaming technology arena. Now, gamers also have the privilege of using custom laptops, specialized gaming devices, etc. to fulfill their gaming desires apart from using just a core video game console. Many companies have built specialized gaming hardware platforms to meet their diverse requirements. In this blog, you will learn about Dell’s Alienware Alpha and thus realize how it is different from other leading gaming consoles.
What is an Alienware Alpha?
It is a PC-console hybrid from Dell specially designed to leverage the gaming experience to the next level. The gaming hardware includes powerful CPUs and GPUs to deliver high performance, and to produce realistic images with crisp details.
How it is Different From Other Leading Gaming Consoles?
The Alienware gaming hardware is different from other leading gaming consoles in various aspects. It provides an exclusive HiveMind user interface (UI) that allows you to navigate easily through all the Alpha’s core functions with Xbox 360 controller only. The advent of a controller eliminates the requirement of using a keyboard and a mouse with the device. The Steam Big Picture mode enables you to play games on different platforms with millions of other gamers around the world. The addition of 4th generation Intel processor and a custom-built GPU ensures high performance and adds a high degree of realism to images or videos while playing games on your big screen TV.
As stated above, you don’t need a keyboard or a mouse to play games on this gaming device. But, if you want, then you can connect your keyboard and a mouse to transform it into a Windows 8 computer. You can also upgrade CPU and RAM to improve the overall performance, and can also add a hard drive to store more computer games. The other benefits such as access to more than 3,000 downloadable games, Steam community, Family sharing, free bonus games, etc. makes it a complete entertainment package.
Technical Specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-4130T Dual-Core processor (3M Cache, 2.9GHz) |
| Operating System | Windows 8.1 (64Bit) English |
| Video Card | Alpha chassis with graphics powered by a custom-built NVIDIA GeForce GPU 2GB GDDR5 |
| Memory | 4GB DDR3L 1600MHz Memory |
| Hard Drive | 500GB SATA 6Gb/s |
| Game Controller | Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (Black) with USB adapter |
| Wireless | Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160 1×1 + Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Slots | 2x DDR3 SoDIMM Sockets |
| Ports | • 2x USB 2.0 (Front)
• 2x USB 3.0 (Back) • 1x RJ45 GbE • 1x HDMI-Out 1.4a • 1x HDMI-In • 1x optical audio out (Toslink) • 1x DC in |
| Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth) | 3 x 8 x 8′ Inches |
(Source: Dell website)
Apart from the features mentioned above, you can also buy some additional accessories to enhance the gaming capabilities of your console. Since it is a mouse free device, you will not be receiving any keyboard and a mouse with the final shipment. So, you can buy any accessories such as additional Xbox 360 controllers, gaming headsets, etc. along with your Alienware gaming console.
Read below to know about the list of accessories you can buy:
- Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
- Alienware Alpha Carrying Case
- Klipsch KG-300 Wireless Gaming Headset
- Roccat Kone XTD Mouse
- Dell External USB Ultra Slim DVD +/-RW Drive
- Roccat Isku FX Keyboard
- Dell UltraSharp U3415W
- Different Models to Choose From.
The Alienware gaming console is available in three different configurations. Each configuration is available with the latest hardware and software specifications. Go through the following technical specifications to select a model that meets your gaming requirements:
- Price $499.99: This model comes with 4th Generation Intel Core i3 processor with Windows 8.1 operating system. It runs on 4GB RAM and uses 500GB hard drive to store your computer games.
- Price $599.99: This model also comes with 4th Generation Intel Core i3 processor with Windows 8.1 operating system. However, it runs on 8GB RAM and uses 1TB hard drive space to store your games.
- Price $699.99: The earlier two configurations were using the i3 processor. This variant comes with 4th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, which allows users to play heavy gaming apps. It also runs on 8GB RAM and uses 1TB hard drive space to store games.
All the configurations mentioned above use Alienware custom-built NVIDIA GeForce GPU 2GB GDDR5 and Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (Black) with USB adapter.
Final Verdict
If you are tired of using custom laptops, and looking for the higher gaming experience, then the Alienware Alpha configurations may impress you. The HiveMind interface makes it easy to operate with Xbox 360 controller only. The inclusion of Steam Big Picture, next generation graphics, a strong core processor, gaming communities, free bonus games, high-end graphics, etc. ensures a good gaming experience and complete entertainment. All in all, this gaming console cum PC incorporates almost everything that you would like to have with your dream game machine.
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