As an avid gamer, I was excited to lay my hands on the Alienware Area51 Threadripper Edition. This monster of a machine vows top performance in an aggressive, space-age package. Does it deliver what it promises? In this review, I will walk you through my experience—from highlight features to real gaming performance and everything in between.
Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Overview
The Enware Area51 Threadripper Edition is a stunning piece of hardware. Its bold triad design instantly sets it apart from typical gaming rigs. Sure, it’s massive—but with the kind of high-powered components packed inside, it makes sense.
The illuminated logo on top glows with customizable AlienFX lighting, adding to the futuristic vibe. There’s even a handy carrying handle tucked into the back, which is a nice touch for something this size.
About Threadripper
Before discussing the details of the Ware Area51 Threadripper Edition, it is good to know what Threadripper is. AMD’s Threadripper series is designed for serious performance—aimed at gamers, content creators, and anyone with high-end software that requires serious brawn.
These processors have excellent core counts, so multitasking is easy as pie, and their fast clock speeds mean that everything runs as smoothly as possible. This PC features a Threadripper 3960X driving it, giving it 24 cores and 48 threads more than enough to deal with tough workloads without breaking a sweat.
Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Review
- Performance
This system handles demanding games and multitasking without skipping a beat. Whether you’re deep into a fast-paced shooter or running multiple heavy apps at once, the Threadripper processor and high-end graphics card keep everything running smoothly. The 32GB of RAM means no lag when switching tasks or loading massive files.
- Ports and Connectivity
There’s no shortage of connection options here. With six USB 3.1 ports, four USB 2.0, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and the usual headphone and mic jacks, it’s ready for just about anything. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth round out the setup, so you’re not stuck tethered to anything unless you want to be.
- Cooling System
Even under pressure, the system keeps its cool. The liquid cooling setup does a solid job at maintaining low temperatures, even during long sessions. The fans are quiet enough that they don’t break immersion, which is always appreciated.
- AlienFX Lighting
This is one of those extra features that really adds to the overall experience. You can tweak the lighting zones to match your setup or just to reflect your mood. It’s subtle, stylish, and makes the rig feel like it’s truly yours.
- Storage Options
With a 2TB hard drive and a 512GB SSD, storage won’t be an issue for a while. There’s also room to expand later, so if your library grows or you start working with large media files, you’re still covered.
Key Features
The Ienware Area51 Threadripper Edition comes loaded with features that really set it apart from other gaming desktops. Here’s what stood out the most during my time with it:
- Futuristic design
Its bold, angular design looks like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie. It’s sleek, striking, and definitely makes a statement on any desk.
- Top-tier hardware
Inside, it’s built to dominate. A Threadripper 3960X processor, 64GB of DDR4 memory, and dual NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti cards make this system a serious performance machine, whether you’re gaming, editing, or rendering.
- Advanced cooling
The built-in liquid cooling system keeps temperatures in check, even when you’re pushing the system hard. It runs quiet, too, which makes a big difference during long sessions.
- Massive storage
With a 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD paired with a 2TB 7200RPM hard drive, there’s more than enough room for your entire game library, plus media and large project files.
- Custom lighting
The RGB lighting is fully customizable, letting you sync it with your setup or set the mood however you like. It adds that extra bit of personality to the whole experience.
Gaming Performance Benchmarks
With a GeForce GTX 1080 Ti and 11GB of VRAM under the hood, this version of the Area-51 doesn’t mess around. Whether you’re diving into VR or running graphically demanding titles, it holds its ground every time.
I kicked things off with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Roaming through the streets of Novigrad, I tracked down a group of alghouls while Geralt’s white hair flowed like a shampoo commercial, thanks to Nvidia’s Hairworks. Even mid-battle, with limbs flying and magic flashing, the game ran at a rock-solid 73 fps.
In the Rise of the Tomb Raider benchmark (1080p, Very High), it hit 96 fps—well above the desktop average of 58 fps. It kept pace with other high-end builds too, like the FragBox with its GTX 1080 at 91 fps, and just behind the Genesis and its GTX Titan at 99 fps. Switching to 4K saw a drop to 45 fps, which is still very playable and right in line with its competition.
On the Hitman benchmark, it cranked out 102 fps, clearing the category average of 84 and outpacing the FragBox’s 95 fps. The Genesis did pull ahead with a crazy 157 fps, but the Area-51 more than held its own. Over on Grand Theft Auto V, it crushed the test at 111 fps, compared to the 79-fps average. Even in 4K, it managed 38 fps, which is right between the Genesis at 37 fps and the FragBox at 39 fps.
It also impressed me in VR. I went a few rounds in Feral Rites using the Oculus Rift and didn’t notice a single stutter. The visuals stayed sharp, and the gameplay was buttery smooth throughout. On the SteamVR Performance Test, the Area-51 scored an 11, beating the average of 10.4 and matching other high-end rigs.
Bottom line: whether you’re gaming in 1080p, testing the limits in 4K, or exploring VR worlds, this machine holds up across the board.
Pros and Cons of the Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition
After spending some time with the Lienware Area51 Threadripper Edition, here’s a quick breakdown of the highs and lows to help you figure out if it’s the right fit.
Pros
- Handles demanding games and multitasking with ease
- Customizable RGB lighting adds a personal, stylish vibe
- Futuristic design that stands out on any setup
- Liquid cooling keeps it cool and quiet during heavy use
Cons
- Price may be out of reach for some
- Large size could be tricky for smaller desks
- Hefty build makes it tough to move around solo
If you’re all about performance and have the space, this rig delivers. Just don’t expect it to be portable.
Comparison with other gaming machines
To see where the Are Area51 Threadripper Edition really stands, I stacked it up against a few other high-end gaming rigs. Here’s how it compares:
- Alienware Aurora R11
This one also packs serious power, with an Intel Core i9-10900KF and an RTX 3080. While it holds its own in gaming, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of multi-core performance you get with the Threadripper setup.
- ASUS ROG Strix GA15
More budget-friendly and still solid for most games, but it falls short in raw power and storage when compared to the Threadripper build. It’s a good pick for casual to mid-level gamers, but not quite in the same league.
- CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme Liquid Cool
This rig runs with similar internals, including the same Threadripper 3960X and dual RTX 2080 Ti cards. Performance is neck-and-neck, but where the Area-51 pulls ahead is in design and customization. The triad chassis and AlienFX lighting give it an edge in style and personalization.
In short, plenty of machines come close, but the Area-51 still stands out when you factor in power, design, and user-focused features.
Upgrading Options for the Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition
One standout feature of the Area-51 Threadripper Edition is how easy it is to customize. If you’re looking to upgrade later, there are plenty of options.
You can boost the RAM up to 128GB, add extra storage with more hard drives or SSDs, or replace the graphics cards with newer models as they come out. It’s built with future upgrades in mind, so you’re not stuck with a fixed setup.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
To see how others feel about the Area-51 Threadripper Edition, I checked out user feedback. Most reviews highlight the strong performance and standout design.
Some users did point out that the system is heavy and not the easiest to move. A few also mentioned that the high price might be a drawback for some. These are worth considering when deciding if it’s the right fit for your setup.
Warranty and Customer Support
If you’re considering the Area-51 Threadripper Edition, it’s good to know about the warranty and support options available.
Dell, Alienware’s parent company, provides a standard one-year warranty for this system. You also have the option to extend coverage with additional warranties and support services, such as at-home assistance. These can offer extra peace of mind and convenience. It’s worth exploring these options to find the best fit for your needs.
FAQs
Is the Area-51 Threadripper Edition worth it?
If you’re serious about gaming and want a system that delivers top-tier performance, it’s definitely worth considering. It’s a big investment, but the hardware backs it up with smooth, high-end gameplay across the board.
Can it be upgraded?
Yes, and pretty easily. The tool-less design makes swapping out parts simple, and there’s room to expand storage or upgrade components like RAM and GPUs down the line.
What kind of games can it handle?
Pretty much anything you throw at it. Whether it’s AAA titles, VR, or graphics-heavy simulations, this machine keeps up without breaking a sweat.
Conclusion
After spending real time with the Area-51 Threadripper Edition, I can honestly say it’s one of the most impressive gaming rigs I’ve ever used. The performance is insane, the design is sleek, and the customization options make it feel truly tailored to how I like to game.
That said, I get that it’s not for everyone. It’s big, it’s heavy, and the price might be a stretch for some setups. But if you’re all in one gaming like I am—and you want a machine that can keep up without breaking a sweat—this one’s definitely worth a serious look.
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