All posts tagged computer games

Alienware Alpha – Is It a Next-Gen Desktop PC and Game Console?

Since gaming is becoming an integral part of every PC user, most of the OEMs are coming up with devices that incorporate facilities of a gaming device. The Dell Alienware Alpha is not an exception to this latest trend. It is a boon for budget PC users, who wish to enjoy HD gaming sessions at pocket-friendly prices. The new gaming hardware by Dell is an amazing device that combines the capabilities of both PC as well as a gaming console. Not only this, but the gadget arrives with some free Alienware content that you can play until you buy Steam’s subscription or new computer games. Tech experts claim that the best gaming machine should have all the properties and features that can compete with custom-made laptops with ease.Alienware Alpha

Answering to all such questions, Dell has come up with its Alpha series that allows regular PC users to enjoy optimal productivity and exciting gaming sessions. The company is promoting the new hardware as a mouse-free device, but you will require input accessories while using it in ‘Desktop’ mode. The seamless user interface (UI) of the device allows you to switch between the ‘Desktop’ and ‘Console’ mode by simply pressing a few buttons.

Read the blog to know more about the device and learn about some of its features that you won’t find in any leading PC gaming console:

What is Alpha Series?

Alienware’s Alpha series is the latest development of the company that aims at delivering smooth PC and gaming solutions. The device allows you to enjoy exciting gaming and browsing sessions right on your living room’s TV. It incorporates all the essential features of the popular game consoles and mini desktops. All you require to do is to pair up your gaming hardware with a flat screen TV, using an HDMI port and enjoy gaming as well as computing by right sitting on your couch. Additionally, you will require configuring your home Wi-Fi settings on the console if you’re planning to use it for browsing, computing, updating and downloading your games.

The Alienware Alpha is quite different from the old, traditional, rough PC game consoles that got released at the end of 2013. The device comes with improved graphics, outstanding speed, and better responsiveness capabilities that can take your favorite gaming sessions to the next level of excellence. The best thing about the small black box is that you can carry it no matter where you go. You can access more than 3 thousand Alienware Console games to kill your boredom by utilizing its Steam Big Picture mode facility. Most of the free Alienware content contains controller supported games that you can play in either single or multiplayer modes.

Is It a Gaming PC or a Console?

Most of the gaming PC experts name it as an astonishing device that can amuse almost everyone by its amazing speed, capabilities, and performance. Running faster than the leading gaming consoles, this device by DELL is an amazing hybrid gadget. The unique selling point (USP) of this device is its dual gaming and browsing support, which make it suitable for playing your favorite games as well as performing crucial computing tasks. You can plug-in the device to your living room TVs to enjoy your gameplay that is larger, more expressive, and exciting. Setting up your Alpha won’t take much of your time, so you can carry it along with you on travels, vacations, and even while going to your friend’s place.Alienware Alpha

The device can perform outstandingly well in regards to speed and graphics when compared to the leading gaming consoles. The device is capable of playing games in 1920x 1080 resolutions with smooth frame rates. The cherry on the top is that all the Alpha devices are upgradable. You can open your Alpha anytime and tinker its hardware to add more storage and RAM. The device fits compatible with all PC peripherals, leading PC games, and other accessories that can enhance your gaming and computing experience.

Final Verdict

Every unit of Alienware Alpha comes installed with a GeForce NVIDIA GPU that helps in producing the best graphics in every game. The device also incorporates 2GB of GDDR5 memory in conventional GTX GPU to ensure faster, smoother, and swifter performance. The company also added a thermal envelope and power balancer in its build to ensure that the Alpha remains quiet and cool while running heavy games and applications.

Coming pre-installed with Windows 8.1 OS, the gaming hardware is capable of transforming your living room’s TV into a large computer screen. The gaming gadget is coming with multiple Intel dual-core processors, RAM, and storage options. All in all, it is an ideal option to impress budget users, who were waiting for a device with both PC and gaming features.

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by Qresolve Technical Team on August 20, 2015  •  Permalink
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Posted by Qresolve Technical Team on August 20, 2015

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How to Fix Annoying LAN Issues While Using Alienware Alpha?

PC gaming industry is experiencing a boom because everyday latest gadgets, gaming consoles, new accessories are entering the market. The first thing that every hardcore gamer will look for in a console is whether or not it includes the best processor for gaming. If you’re familiar with Dell’s gaming devices and have read a couple of Alienware reviews, then you must be aware of the new Alienware Alpha. The device incorporates capabilities of both the gaming as well as the desktop PC to take your productivity and gaming to another level.

Coming with advanced technologies, latest games for free, and amazing tech specifications, this gadget from Dell ensures the best PC gaming experience at reasonable pricing. The gaming console-cum-PC can play all your favorite computer games with ease, and steam games directly from the Steam’s Library. The gaming hardware is an ideal companion on weekends, travels, and home parties because you can take it wherever you wish to go. The device supports the plug-n-play environment, resulting is steaming your favorite content as per your specific requirements. Undoubtedly, the Dell Alienware Alpha offers tough competition to the leading PC consoles of the industry, but it may experience some networking issues over time.

Read this blog to know about annoying LAN issues you may face while playing your favorite games on your gaming hardware and learn quick tips to fix them:

Problem1: Device is Unable to Detect the LAN Adapter

  1. Firstly, browse to the official website of Dell and install the latest BIOS version for your device.
  2. Power on your device and press the ‘F2’ key, when the BIOS get opened.
  3. Go to ‘Advanced’ tab and change the settings of the LAN device to ‘Enable.’
  4. Now, go to ‘Control Panel’ and run the ‘Microsoft Network Troubleshooter.’
  5. Boot your device into ‘Safe Mode with Networking’ and check the ‘Device Manager’ for exclamation marks that appear on your PC screen.
  6. Try performing a clean boot by removing the checkmark on the ‘Startup and non-Microsoft Services’ option.
  7. Now, reboot into ‘Normal Mode.’
  8. Launch the ‘Device Manager’ once again and click the ‘View’ menu.
  9. Click the ‘Show Hidden Devices’ option and locate the ‘Wireless Card,’ located under ‘Other Devices or Network Adapters’ section.
  10. Right-click the ‘Wireless Card and then select the ‘Uninstall’ option.
  11. Reboot your device to resolve the issue.

Problem2: Device is Unable to Spot Any Available Networks

It is important to consider that your device can only detect the available Wi-Fi networks, if it has all the necessary updates and security patches installed. It is better to browse to the official website of Dell and install the latest BIOS version from your device before you start following these troubleshooting tips:

  1. Navigate to ‘Control Panel’ and try running the ‘Microsoft Network Troubleshooter’ utility.
  2. Power on your device and press the ‘F2’ key, when the BIOS open.
  3. Go to ‘Wireless’ tab and change the settings of all the devices to ‘Enable.’
  4. Try moving your gaming hardware closer to the wireless router, within the range of 20 ft.
  5. Now, boot to ‘Safe Mode with Networking’ and observe the entries of the ‘Device Manager’ for exclamation marks.
  6. Remove the checkmarks from ‘Startup and non-Microsoft Services’ for performing a clean boot and reboot into ‘Normal Mode.’
  7. Now, launch the Command Prompt, type “powercfg -h off” command, and hit Enter to check the device for corrupted hibernation cache.
  8. Reboot the device to check, if the problem gets resolved.
  9. If not, then try swapping your existing wireless router with another router/access point to detect the available networks.
  10. If nothing helps, then launch the Command Prompt. Type the “IPCONFIG” command, and then press Enter.
  11. Check that your device has valid IPV4 address. Reboot to enter the ‘System BIOS,’ if it has an IPV4 address that is not valid.
  12. In the ‘System Wireless’ section, disable the ‘Wireless Switch’ option to prevent the wireless card from broadcasting.
  13. Next, verify that your SSID is not hidden, and your router firmware has all the latest updates installed on it.
  14. If the Alpha is still not able to detect the available networks, then try moving the device to a different location and test.

Conclusion

Your Dell Alienware Alpha may experience numerous problems with LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi routers and others anytime. It is better to keep all the latest security updates and patched installed to avoid any hassle. Undoubtedly, the device incorporates the best processor for gaming, and you can pick the model with more efficiency, depending upon the budget you have. If you try rating the device on gaming and entertainment parameters, then it will score more points for delivering the best PC gaming experience ever.

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by Qresolve Technical Team on August 14, 2015  •  Permalink
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Posted by Qresolve Technical Team on August 14, 2015

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All You Should Know About Dell Alienware Alpha

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.

Alienware Alpha

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:

gaming hardware

  • 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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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by Qresolve Technical Team on July 27, 2015  •  Permalink
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Posted by Qresolve Technical Team on July 27, 2015

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Four Best Computer Games to Compliment Your Alienware Alpha

Nowadays, PC gaming impresses a lot of users worldwide and it is helping them enjoy it right from your living rooms. Dell’s Alpha Steam Machine is the new gaming hardware in the market, and it allows users to play or steam their favorite games right from their couch.

Alienware Alpha

The 10-ft Alpha UI offers easy-to-switch Console and Desktop modes that you can select, depending on your current requirements. The Console Mode reveals the Steam Big Picture Mode to take your entrainment to the next level. Many of you may download computer games from the web and then realize that they don’t fit compatible with your Alienware Alpha. Read the blog to know about four best computer games that compliment your Alpha gaming hardware:

  1. Delve Deeper  Delve Deeper

Delve Deeper is an adventure/strategy game that incorporates beautiful HD pixel art, tile placement, and RPG elements. The game plot reveals a bright and humorous atmosphere that can easily accommodate four players to take the command of Dwarf mining teams. The player will have to access the fast and furious dungeon adventure and clear out all the devious puzzles to reach the end. The entire game plot will focus on building the map and completing it as soon as possible. If you wish to rule the Dwarf kingdom, then install it right now and enjoy the ever-changing, endlessly replayable strategy experience.

Key Features:

  • Stunning HD Pixel art and unpredictable humor to keep you engaged.
  • Get the crown of being the present King of Dwarves on game completion.
  • Collect relics to power up your Dwarves.
  • Build your team including the best combination of 5 Dwarves.
  • Battle against 20 powerful Monsters and reach till the end.
  • Take help of the Level Builder to create and share your custom-built designs.
  • Play it in the multiplayer mode and challenge your friends.

 

Lord of the Rings

  1. Lord of the Rings: War in the North

The “Lord of the Rings: War in the North” is an action role-playing game that will take you to the never-ending brutal new chapter of the War of the Ring. The game by Snowblind Studios is a perfect hideout to enjoy the essence of both the literary and film screenshots. The players will enjoy their journey to the world of Middle-earth and will have to combat with a wide range of deadly enemies to reach the end. The gameplay will navigate to both established and never-before-seen locations to create an existing view of an undiscoverable world. The entire game plot revolves around a journey that is epic and intimate, but familiar yet unexpected.

Key Features:

  • Rich and impactful character progression for active engagement.
  • Finds and equips the best tools to upgrade your hero while rushing to the real-time battles.
  • Fights against the brutal realities on all fronts.
  • Creates a fellowship of three heroes to confront the growing army in the North.
  • Picks uniquely skilled heroes and work together to survive in the Middle-earth.
  • Go multiplayer to engage and satisfy the players.
  • Enjoy the journey to the Middle-Earth and hit all corners of the map.
  • Explore the dark, dangerous, and unknown landscape to end up the war.

  1. Toki Tori

Toki Tori

The Toki Tori’s gameplay combines the features of the two genres. The game may appear as a platform game on-screen, but it is a puzzle game at heart. The game plot requires you to collect all the eggs laid on your way, and you can use a set number of tools to generate your way through each level. You will have a chance to use Freeze-o-Matic, Telewarp, and InstantRock features to get a performance boost in the game.

Players will have to use their strategic powers and plan carefully to reach the end of the game. You can also use additional tools that will get introduced as you progress through the game. The game includes more than 80 levels and covers four unique worlds to manage your active engagement.

Key Features:

  • A variety of items and weapons to simplify the gameplay.
  • More than 80 levels spread across four large worlds to keep you engaged.
  • Long hours of active and uninterrupted gameplay.
  • Suitable for all ages and hard levels available.
  • Catchy music and sound effects to bind you with the game.
  • Steam achievements and full-screen HD graphics support.
  • 1 Surround Soundtrack for undisrupted music.

 Trine: Enchanted Edition

Enchanted Edition

Trine is an exciting game that will take you to a journey of hazardous puzzles and threatening enemies. It is a fantasy action game where you can create and use physics-based objects to save the entire kingdom from evil. The gameplay reveals a world of castles where three heroes get bound to a mysterious device called the Trine.

The game deploys all the fundamentals of interactive physics, and each character has different abilities to combat the battle against hazardous enemies. The player can select the character that is ideal for the upcoming challenge or puzzle and create new ways to overcome obstacles.

Key Features:

  • Dazzling new visual effects and gameplay improvements.
  • Online and local co-op support for up to three players.
  • Mid-level saving to play for long or short sessions as per your preferences.
  • Stunning new graphics and better visual effects.
  • 3 Heroes – the Wizard, the Knight and the Thief to clear up levels.
  • Solve challenges and puzzles in different ways.
  • Character’s experience points can be used to upgrade their abilities.
  • Fully interactive gaming world with components from physics.
  • Challenging Steam Achievements to unlock.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the Alienware Alpha console can play thousands of your favorite computer games from the Steam Library, but you will always have an urge to try something new. The gaming hardware incorporates the best gaming CPU and ensures optimal gameplay with its enhanced gaming tools and features. You can also explore the web to know about some other non-controller games that are fully compatible in Alpha Steam Machine to enjoy a better gaming experience. The custom built Alpha UI, and the accompanying Xbox 360 controller may not support all the desktop games, so check the game and Alpha specifications before you download computer games from the web.

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by Qresolve Technical Team on July 9, 2015  •  Permalink
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Posted by Qresolve Technical Team on July 9, 2015

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Can Alienware Alpha Justify Its Price and Market Visibility?

Undoubtedly, the Dell Alienware Alpha is one of the best gaming hardware you will ever come across but have you ever realized that the gadget doesn’t fit in your budget? Well, if this is the case, then you must read about its specifications, configurations, and capabilities to understand the power of the tiny, black gaming device. It is agreeable that the gaming gadget costs more than an average PC gaming console, but it offers some of the best gaming and productive features that make it worth giving a try. If you love playing computer games right sitting on your living room’s couch, then read this blog to know more about the Alienware Alpha series.

Technical Specifications and PricingAlienware Alpha

It is true that gamers can spend plenty of dollars to get the best gaming device, but a budget consumer may refrain himself from buying pricey equipment. Dell understands the consumer and the market position completely and introduces an advanced gaming PC-cum-console to simply enhance your gaming experience.

The Dell Alienware Alpha series ships in four different configurations, each one having different processors, and variations in RAM and storage capacity. The base model of the device doesn’t include the best CPU for gaming, but its powerful configuration and adequate software inclusions can transform your entire gaming experience. The baseline model of the series costs $499 and includes:

  • Windows 8.1 OS
  • Intel Core i3-4130T Dual-core CPU
  • 4GB RAM
  • 500GB 5400RPM hard drive
  • Wireless Xbox 360 controller
  • Custom 2GB Nvidia GTX graphics card
  • Wireless AC + Bluetooth 4.0
  • Optical Audio out
  • 2x USB 2.0 ports and 2x USB 3.0 ports.

Users may get surprised to know that every model of the series packs the same custom Nvidia GPU. The company also offers easy to upgrade options and offers hard drive space to 1TB with an option of doubling up your system RAM by paying just $150. If you’re a budget consumer, then you can easily go for the base model. Users with a gaming urge to play heavy applications and computer games may experience disappointment with the 4GB of RAM offered with the base model. Fortunately, you can easily upgrade the device and install your additional RAM to enjoy gaming at its best.

Computer Hardware and Software ComponentsAlienware Alpha

The Alienware Alpha is a 2-inch tall and 7.8-inch wide square device that weighs around just 4.5 pounds. The gaming hardware is considerably smaller than all the leading gaming consoles available in the market, including Wii U, the Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. It’s stylish enough to define its manufacturer and feature the company’s trademark alien head as its power button. The device is also rich in its internals and allows you to upgrade the RAM and CPU components to enjoy the best gaming experience ever. The device is a result of the Valve’s Steam Machine initiative, but its custom built UI makes it one of the best PC gaming consoles in the industry.

Alpha’s console UI, a controller driven interface, allows you to play your favorite PC games right from your couch. The UI is clean, intuitive, and simple to navigate, but the Steam Big Picture mode with a new skin makes your gaming experience worth remembering. The UI not only features the console-like interface, but also supports the Desktop mode for catering your basic computing and productivity requirements.

As soon as the Alpha boots, you can easily tweak its console UI, set up accounts, manage sound and network settings, and even configure custom AlienFX lighting. You can switch between the Console and Desktop mode without powering off your device and performing annoying reboots.

Alpha Gaming Benchmarks Alienware Alpha

Sometimes even budget systems can have high standards, and the Alpha series is quite similar to that range. The device promises to offer an average 60fps at 1080p (1920 x 1080.) But the market response and the results of the independent labs presents a clearer, brighter, and more fortunate picture. According to the results of the independent labs, the device produces 65fps on Batman: Arkham Origins, 61fps on BioShock Infinite, 75fps on GRID Autosport, and 63.3fps on Tomb Raider.

Except for a few demanding games, the Alpha is successful in proving itself as a 1080p PC gaming console. Users may need to make some quality compromises, but it is worth managing and a reasonable expectation at this pricing. Buying an Intel Core-i7 CPU and 8GB RAM model allows you to experience a noticeable performance boost, but that doesn’t justify the capabilities of the baseline model.

The Dell Alienware Alpha is changing the entire outlook of the PC gaming, especially local multiplayer. Users can easily switch between the Alienware’s console mentality to PC gaming that works without powering down the system or performing reboots. Most of the tech experts and hard-core gamers claim that the custom built UI of the device is inarguably better than Valve’s Steam OS. All in all, the gaming gadget records some of the finest benchmarks that clearly showcase the efficiency and domain expertise of its manufacturers.

Conclusion

The gaming hardware is one of the best PC gaming consoles that you will ever come across, but it comes with several limitations. The device can easily steam and play your favorite computer games, but its custom-built Nvidia GPU may prove to be an obstacle in the upcoming years. The manufacturer allows you to select the best CPU for gaming to enjoy hassle-free gaming sessions. The series features four different models, having versatile configurations and tech specs to meet your specific requirements. All in all, the Alpha is a brilliant living room console, which allows you to steam or play PC games with great ease and confidence.

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by Qresolve Technical Team on June 29, 2015  •  Permalink
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Posted by Qresolve Technical Team on June 29, 2015

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A Complete Guide to Understand the Alienware Alpha Experience

Valve’s Steam Machine managed to gain maximum attention at the CES 2014 in Las Vegas, but the company couldn’t manage to deliver the projected product till the mid of 2015. During the last months of the year 2014, Dell launched Alienware Alpha – featuring exciting gaming and an unmatched productivity platform.Alienware Alpha

Read below to know everything about the gaming hardware and what all it can do.

At the beginning of 2015, Dell came up with a Steam Machine alternate and named it ‘Alienware Alpha.’ The Alpha series not only offers a tough competition to the leading PC gaming consoles, but also delivers optimal productivity for completing your basic computing tasks. Since the Alpha series doesn’t include any Alienware monitor, you will need to attach the gaming gadget to your big TV screens.

Despite the gaming gadget is already in the market and getting shipped to its potential customers, the Valve’s SteamOS gaming platform is still in the process. Dell becomes one of the first PC makers to build a custom console-sized system Steam gaming, and it works well for the future prospects of the company. The Alienware gaming brand of Dell comes up with the Alienware Alpha to replace your traditional gaming experience to your living room gaming environment.

Read below to know more about the gaming console cum PC and its functions:

Technical Specifications of the Gadget

computer gamesThe Alpha device plugs the holes on the left side of the gadget and features simple 10-ft custom UI to deliver a seamless gaming experience. The device incorporates an Xbox 360 wireless controller, instead of the Steam Controller, to cater your diversified requirements of navigating, selecting, playing, and even switching the device modes.

Dell’s custom Alpha UI and Windows 8.1 make the gadget more impressive by delivering optimal quality gaming as well as productivity experience. If you’re selecting the ‘Desktop Mode,’ then you can easily choose to boot directly to Windows 8.1. Picking up the ‘Console Mode’ helps in booting directly to the Steam Big Picture mode that is ideal for playing Steam and computer games.

The various Alpha models currently available are in the range from $449 to $849. Some users may think that it is too pricey for a console competitor, but it delivers optimal video quality that doesn’t have a match in the entire console gaming world. You can select your desired processor requirements from the array of best CPU for gaming including Intel Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 CPUs. The RAM of the device changes with the change in the processor specification and limits to 8GB as the highest one. The basic model of the gaming hardware features a 500GB SATA hard drive and goes up till 2 TB in the higher model.

The console cum gaming PC trusts the Nvidia GeForce GTX 860M GPU with 2GB of GDDR5 memory video card for catering its video and over performance requirements. The device comes with a simple logo of the alien head and it also acts as a power button to boot your gaming gadget. Whenever you turn on the device, you will see the backlit blue color to confirm that the gadget is booting up. Additionally, the highly-customizable Alpha allows you to pick whatever color you want as the alien head backlit.

The smaller appearance of the gadget has cut down the port selection and limits it to two USB 3.0, ports, three USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI-in port, an HDMI-out port, and optical audio port. The device also accommodates a Gigabit Ethernet port and Bluetooth 4.0 adapter/Intel’s Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 to cater your connectivity requirements at large.

The Alpha Chassis for Stronger Hold of the Device

The Alpha measures 7.75 x 7.75 inches and it is about 2.25 inches tall, thus remaining ideal to get stored in the TV’s trolleys and set-top enhancements. Your leading gaming PC consoles will positively dwarf the Alpha, but it is bigger than a Roku or other similar streaming devices. The chassis features a metallic piano finish, and the classic alien head logo appears stylish while occupying the space of the traditional power button.

The company incorporates the fingerprint magnet look to make the gaming gadget appear more stylish and attractive. The surprisingly intricate design, the shaved off effect on one corner, a glowing red triangle, and some completely hidden vents ensure smooth performance of the device. The device becomes smaller at the bottom because it hides some of the hidden vents all along its edges.

The device incorporates only two USB ports on the front, while all of the other ports find their location at the back. The gadget doesn’t have any drive activity light at the back there, and the small power connector also locates itself at the back. All in all, the Alpha looks good in any lighting, but you can experience its real charm by turning off the lights. The device incorporates four rubber feet to get a cement-like grip on the TV stand and other flat surfaces. All in all, its sturdy construction, and optimal grip leave a little chance of accidentally knocking it off the stand.

What’s Inside the Alpha Chassis?

You can easily access the interiors of the Alpha chassis by simply popping out the four screws, located at the bottom of the PC. Losing the screws can free up the back cover, and you can easily pull the guts out. Pulling out the back cover reveals the interiors of the device and makes it easy to access to any component.

You will see that the two cooling fans are obstructing the view of the motherboard, but they can get removed by simply pressing their little plastic clips. The fans stringently work to blow out the hot air through the vents and make your device function optimally, even while performing heavy tasks. Turn off the fans if you wish to access the heat sinks for the processor and GPU, and the memory slots. If both the memory slots are full and you need to upgrade your system, then you will require replacing the existing DIMMs.

Explore the interiors to reach the hard drive, tucked up against the back of the motherboard, and you can replace it too for improving your device’s performance and storage. The sides of the chassis house a hidden USB port that you can use to put a wireless dongle on the system.

Reliable Performance, Hand-Picked Software, and Pleasurable User Experience

small_alphaUI-03

The Alienware Alpha gets controlled with a Microsoft Xbox 360 controller. The device is pre-set to launch straight into the Dell Alpha UI, and later it can take you to the Steam Big Picture mode. Sometimes, you may also get the chance to experience and explore the Alpha UI for a few seconds while the system prepares to launch Steam. The device will now ask you about selecting the color you want to pick for the Alpha’s lighting and proceed towards launching the Steam Big Picture mode.

The Alpha UI is simple but stylish, and it is extremely convenient to see and navigate the basic gaming as well as computing functions by sitting right on your couch. You can visit it settings section to change several hotkeys for your controller, colors of your Alpha’s chassis lights, and even for modifying the network settings. The interface also manages power options and allows you to restart the console, shut it down completely, or switch to HDMI-In to offer a valid access to/from a different device.

The UI also asks you to select either ‘Desktop’ or ‘Console’ mode to switch between your gaming and productivity requirements. You can easily press a particular key combination to bring up the Alpha UI while playing a game. Steam Big Picture streamlines the 10-feet experience by allowing you to access the Steam interface with your Xbox 360 controller while sitting right on your couch.

Final Verdict

The Alpha UI and Steam Big Picture gaming-playing experience is commendable while the Windows 8.1 productive experience is merely adequate. The gaming hardware allows you to play all your favorite computer games, Steam games and play other content without causing much delay. The Alpha series is perfectly stable and can handle heavy applications and tasks with great ease and confidence. All you require doing is to pair your TV screens to the Alienware monitor to enjoy the commendable power of the gaming PC cum console.

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by Qresolve Technical Team on June 26, 2015  •  Permalink
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Posted by Qresolve Technical Team on June 26, 2015

https://qresolve.wordpress.com/2015/06/26/a-complete-guide-to-understand-the-alienware-alpha-experience/

Can You Enjoy Grand Theft Auto V on Your Alienware Alpha?

Undoubtedly, you must be enjoying computer games on your new Dell Alienware Alpha, but have you ever thought about playing some new games on it? The gadget is coming with the industry’s best CPU for gaming to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience.computer games

Read this blog to know – Is your Alienware Alpha ready to play the Grand Theft Auto V?

The craze for Grand Theft Auto series is never-ending, and you might have seen your friends discussing the launch of its latest edition. The Grand Theft Auto V is an action-adventure game that you can play either from a first-person or third-person view. While progressing in the game plot, you will need to complete missions, experience linear scenarios, set objectives, and clear stages to progress through the story. The best thing about the new entry in the gaming world is that if you’re not on your mission, then you can freely roam around the open world to enjoy the beautiful fictional state of San Andreas.

Since Dell Alienware Alpha is a promising gaming hardware available in the market, you might be wondering whether it can play this amazing gaming series or not? Well, the short answer to this question is YES because it can certainly play GTA V.

What All You Can Expect From the Alpha Series? best CPU for gaming

According to the recent market studies and results of game testing labs, GTA V is a monster when it comes to judging its graphical abilities. If you’ve tried playing the games on PS4 or Xbox One, then you may feel that the PC version of the game includes everything ranging from woe to the endless excitement. On Alpha, you may feel that managing the game’s controls and handling your newly built cars is a bit difficult. The computer games like GTA V comes with fantastic options to play or fine tune your performance as you proceed in the game plot.

The problem that you may face on the Alienware Alpha is that the device doesn’t feature dedicated graphics memory to boost GTA’s graphics and overall performance. GTA V is a true fan of video memory, and it has almost everything that will majorly consume the larger amount that those of the regular PC games.

It is true that you can easily play the game on your Alpha device. But, the new console-cum PC version may experience some missing scene elements, performance delays, and other graphical distortions due to lack of dedicated memory. Does it mean that you can’t see beautiful visuals of the PC game on the Alienware Alpha? Well, the answer is a complete NO. You can experience the magic of this amazing game on your Alpha devices by tweaking a few settings and keeping them moderated. You can adjust the texture quality and AA settings of the GTA V to experience the change in the overall performance of the game.

How Can You Tweak Your Alpha for Delivering a Better Performance?

Alienware Alpha

Every one of you might be aware of the configuration and specifications of the basic Alpha model. It is agreeable that the console-cum-PC doesn’t come with the best CPU for gaming but it has some basic capabilities to Steam your favorite games.

You can adjust your GTA V settings according to the specification of your Alpha console to enjoy the most playable in-game experience. You should have no AA settings and try to adjust all of the game settings to the ‘Normal’ settings of the Alpha. Make all the changes in the game as well as gaming hardware by working all around at a resolution of 1080P. Don’t forget to set ‘Shadows’ to NVIDIA’s PCSS and tweak the Anisotropic filtering at x16. Applying these settings can help you to make the performance relatively steady, but it is not the most exciting gaming experience.

What About 1440P?

Your Alpha devices don’t have enough VRAM to play visuals in 4K, but adjusting the settings to 1440P can make this little box do wonder in the gaming world. PC experts and hard-core gamers reveal that turning up all the settings to their highest limits can bring the machine to its knees. It is true that pushing your computer games and the console’s settings towards cinematic 24 or 30 FPS can deliver an extremely powerful gaming environment. Since the game has a different story, and there are some moments of lucid quickness, turning up 1440P with everything is not a good idea. In the conclusion, it will not bring any remarkable changes in the gaming experience, so it is better to go with 1080P.

Final Verdict

The conclusion will always state that the GTA V is more than playable on this little but wondrous gaming machine. The game can offer a steady and enjoyable gaming experience, but forcing the device to play content at 4K and beyond is not favorable. Here comes the question that is it necessary to adjust the gaming hardware settings’ to its highest limits? Do you need all the goodies to enjoy an uninterrupted gaming environment? Well, the answer can be both – Yes or NO. Some of you may love to turn the graphics up to the maximum for enjoying the beautiful backgrounds of the game plot while others may focus on ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

But if you get interested in playing a game, then none of the parameters discussed above will matter. At last, a gamer will always look for the best gameplay, story and other elements, irrespective of the charming yet alluring graphical presentations. All in all, the Dell Alienware Alpha can play GTA V at 1080P with a good graphical fidelity and average framerate. If you’re thinking of playing your favorite computer games on this magical black box, then it can provide the exact experience you’re looking for.

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by Qresolve Technical Team on June 18, 2015  •  Permalink
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Posted by Qresolve Technical Team on June 18, 2015

https://qresolve.wordpress.com/2015/06/18/can-you-enjoy-grand-theft-auto-v-on-your-alienware-alpha/