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Alienware X51 thread of 2.56TFLOPS comfy couch gaming at 180W in a console size box

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Chittagong said:
There's an acceccibility option to make everything double the size, it works well for me on the sofa and has clearly been properly designed to act as a primary UI, even Metro apps scale to it. It's not just scaling, but it actuallu rearranges the layout to accommodate the bigger elements.

The biggest shortcoming is that the Start screen doesn't support the 360 controller. What the hell, Microsoft?!
Click to expand...

I use XPadder to map X360 controller to keyboard input. Start screen does work really well with a controller! It would be nice if it was built-in functionality though.
 
Chittagong said:
Windows 8 works great on X51, the new Start screen is amazing for sofa use, Plex metro is fantastic etc. Also stuff like D3DOverrider works now. I'll post pics later.
Click to expand...

There are people with issues using steam with Windows 8 which is my main concern. I like to play a lot of older games too so compatibility is also important. I just wish Dell.ca would give the option to buy Windows 7 instead.
 
So, a good friend of mine gifted me his x51. I don't know the specifics off hand, but it has the Sandy Bridge i5 2xxx, 8gb RAM, and a GTX 555. I installed my GTX 560 ti into it and started playing some games. The performance is spot on and I'm loving it (upgraded from a Core 2 Quad Q6600), but the fans get so incredibly loud. I did some informal heat readings, and the machine doesn't seem to be overheating or getting dangerously hot. Then again, i did not test over an extended session.

First, is there a way for me to tell whether it's the system fan or the GPU fan thats spinning like a jet engine? Second, Im thinking of building a system over the coming year and if I were to get a GTX 670 right now to stick in the x51, would that mitigate heat output, and would I see a significant performance bump over the 560 ti with this proc/RAM setup?
 
MrCompletely said:
So, a good friend of mine gifted me his x51. I don't know the specifics off hand, but it has the Sandy Bridge i5 2xxx, 8gb RAM, and a GTX 555. I installed my GTX 560 ti into it and started playing some games. The performance is spot on and I'm loving it (upgraded from a Core 2 Quad Q6600), but the fans get so incredibly loud. I did some informal heat readings, and the machine doesn't seem to be overheating or getting dangerously hot. Then again, i did not test over an extended session.

First, is there a way for me to tell whether it's the system fan or the GPU fan thats spinning like a jet engine? Second, Im thinking of building a system over the coming year and if I were to get a GTX 670 right now to stick in the x51, would that mitigate heat output, and would I see a significant performance bump over the 560 ti with this proc/RAM setup?
Click to expand...

When I installed my 660ti it was super loud at first so I took it back out and reinstalled it. The only thing different I did was try to move the 6 pin connector cable out of the way and that seemed to make a difference. I kind of tucked the cable between the edge of the case and the hdd.

Edit: I think I remember reading about stability issues with the 560 ti when the x51 was first released, that were related to heat and power draw. Maybe someone else can tell you for sure.
 
MrCompletely said:
So, a good friend of mine gifted me his x51. I don't know the specifics off hand, but it has the Sandy Bridge i5 2xxx, 8gb RAM, and a GTX 555. I installed my GTX 560 ti into it and started playing some games. The performance is spot on and I'm loving it (upgraded from a Core 2 Quad Q6600), but the fans get so incredibly loud. I did some informal heat readings, and the machine doesn't seem to be overheating or getting dangerously hot. Then again, i did not test over an extended session.

First, is there a way for me to tell whether it's the system fan or the GPU fan thats spinning like a jet engine? Second, Im thinking of building a system over the coming year and if I were to get a GTX 670 right now to stick in the x51, would that mitigate heat output, and would I see a significant performance bump over the 560 ti with this proc/RAM setup?
Click to expand...

It's the system fan if I recall. There's talk about it earlier in the thread. The fans kick in at a faster speed a lot quicker than it should. Using Speed Fan, you can create a new fan curve that will fix the issue.
 
MrCompletely said:
So, a good friend of mine gifted me his x51. I don't know the specifics off hand, but it has the Sandy Bridge i5 2xxx, 8gb RAM, and a GTX 555. I installed my GTX 560 ti into it and started playing some games. The performance is spot on and I'm loving it (upgraded from a Core 2 Quad Q6600), but the fans get so incredibly loud. I did some informal heat readings, and the machine doesn't seem to be overheating or getting dangerously hot. Then again, i did not test over an extended session.

First, is there a way for me to tell whether it's the system fan or the GPU fan thats spinning like a jet engine? Second, Im thinking of building a system over the coming year and if I were to get a GTX 670 right now to stick in the x51, would that mitigate heat output, and would I see a significant performance bump over the 560 ti with this proc/RAM setup?
Click to expand...

What Marty said.

The firmware has wrong cap for Fan#2 at 6000RPM although the components spec says it's designed to only go up to 4500RPM or something. It's when the fan passes 4000RPM that it gets really loud.

This is easily solved by creating a custom curve for Fan#2 in SpeedFan, capping it at 4000-4500RPM and readjusting the curve accordingly. This has virtually no effect on temperatures, but solves the issue completely.

If you have doubt on which fan is the loud one, simply pull one at a time to 100% in SpeedFan, that will reveal it. I am sure it's Fan#2 though, the one behind the video card.
 
thanks for the responses.

Still wondering whether a 670 gtx would be worth it and have a good noticable performance bump over the 560 ti. I'm not that well versed in hardware, but my gut tells me that the 670 might be overkill for my system
 
MrCompletely said:
thanks for the responses.

Still wondering whether a 670 gtx would be worth it and have a good noticable performance bump over the 560 ti. I'm not that well versed in hardware, but my gut tells me that the 670 might be overkill for my system
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It seems to work fine with the X51 and is an absolute monster compared to the 7870 (my video card in the OP which is a substantial gpu already). I would most def go for it if I was upgrading now. You'll be a happy man maxing out all those games at high framerates
 
Does the 670 just drop right in?

I'm thinking about getting the i7/660/8GB one that is available right now. How would it run current games and something like Crysis 3? It would be hooked to my 60" Pioneer plasma so the res would be no higher than 1080p.
 
Dave_6 said:
Does the 670 just drop right in?

I'm thinking about getting the i7/660/8GB one that is available right now. How would it run current games and something like Crysis 3? It would be hooked to my 60" Pioneer plasma so the res would be no higher than 1080p.
Click to expand...

Super easy, despite the worst video on youtube

http://youtu.be/hOq55PYtj5c

670 would likely run pretty much all current games maxed out at 60FPS 1080P AA off. Crysis 3 is anyones guess
 
I was pretty interested in the implications for the next gen consoles when the X51 came out. That power draw is pretty close to what the launch PS3 and 360 used (and why do we assume the power consumption won't increase this gen anyways?) , and without Alienwares profit margin something like that would be doable at a price like the launch consoles too, with even more powerful parts if they make loss leaders again.

ShinobiFist said:
Will there be a power difference if you get a 4gb GTX670 versus a 2gb one?
Click to expand...

Unless you have an insane resolution or multiple monitors, none. The chip speed would likely limit you far before the 2GB would.
 
ShinobiFist said:
Will there be a power difference if you get a 4gb GTX670 versus a 2gb one?
Click to expand...

From what I have read some people have put in certain 670 4GB's with the bigger heatsinks but some of them have overheated, the 670 2GB with the standard heatsink sits perfectly and haven't heard of any power problems.
 
This is a 690, a card that would be limited by the RAM capacity way sooner than the chip speed compared to the 670, if the RAM capacity doesn't limit this it won't limit a weaker 670.


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http://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Video-Card-Performance-2GB-vs-4GB-Memory-154
 
My X51 finally shipped today, it should be here tomorrow! Wish I had ordered Far Cry 3 from Amazon with the Prime trial now... :( Anyway I am geeked!
 
SlaughterX said:
My X51 finally shipped today, it should be here tomorrow! Wish I had ordered Far Cry 3 from Amazon with the Prime trial now... :( Anyway I am geeked!
Click to expand...

Hope you have fun. I got the one with the 640 but I'm still maxing out games at 720p with AA. If you're just coming from consoles you'll notice performance and visual differences that you'll appreciate a lot. Slight downgrade from my usual 1200p, but games still look good.
 
Dave_6 said:
Does the 670 just drop right in?

I'm thinking about getting the i7/660/8GB one that is available right now. How would it run current games and something like Crysis 3? It would be hooked to my 60" Pioneer plasma so the res would be no higher than 1080p.
Click to expand...

I am running an i5/670 to 60inch LCD and it's been great for the few games I have tried since upgrading. My 6950 was great too.

I think you would do better to build a system yourself. They force you to buy an i7 which is overkill then you will be buying a 660 when you want a 670. If you get it, I wouldn't bother swapping cards until you have put the 660 through a few games.

But yes you can swap out cards easily.
 
Oh I wouldn't be swapping cards for a while if I get one. This would be my first foray into PC gaming so I figured this would be the best (and easiest) way for me to get into it. Seems like the i7/660 should be able to run just about anything out now no problem at 1080p. I'm sure I would be blown away since all I've ever played is console stuff.
 
Dave_6 said:
Oh I wouldn't be swapping cards for a while if I get one. This would be my first foray into PC gaming so I figured this would be the best (and easiest) way for me to get into it. Seems like the i7/660 should be able to run just about anything out now no problem at 1080p. I'm sure I would be blown away since all I've ever played is console stuff.
Click to expand...

Exactly what I did. You made the right choice. The i7/660 has been excellent so far. Practically every game I've tried has run beautifully. Even Far Cry 3 runs well at 1080P.

Coming from consoles, you will be very satisfied. Get yourself a Logitech k400 and a 360 wireless controller, and you're good to go.
 
I got my X51 when they had the 545 cards in them. Will a GTX 660 retail fit in the X51? I see Dell is using 660 OEM in new builds. I assume they are the same size card.

edit: Yes I know I will need the 330W power supply.
 
I'm actually looking into the X51 when I get my tax return this year, but I'm wondering which one I should get? I'm leaning towards the one with i5-3330, 8GB DDR3, 1TB SATA 7200rpm, win7, GeForce GT 640 1GB, which costs $799. I'm aiming to get one that can at least run most games released within the past year at a decent clip, then maybe decide to upgrade some components later.

Also, has anyone actually tried using the system standing up? Most of the pics I've seen on this thread have them on its side.

Edit: Trying to get the actual power supply that's included with this model is frustrating as all hell. Currently with an Alienware rep and they just restated the specs of the damned thing. :/

I'm assuming it has a 350W power supply, since that's what nVidia's site says is required for the GT 640? http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gt640/specifications
 
I put a 670 in my x51 a few weeks ago and it was extremely easy. Just make sure you have the 330w power supply and you get the reference design 670. Now that I've got the i7 3770 and 670 this thing is a beast.
 
skarabrae said:
I'm actually looking into the X51 when I get my tax return this year, but I'm wondering which one I should get? I'm leaning towards the one with i5-3330, 8GB DDR3, 1TB SATA 7200rpm, win7, GeForce GT 640 1GB, which costs $799. I'm aiming to get one that can at least run most games released within the past year at a decent clip, then maybe decide to upgrade some components later.

Also, has anyone actually tried using the system standing up? Most of the pics I've seen on this thread have them on its side.

Edit: Trying to get the actual power supply that's included with this model is frustrating as all hell. Currently with an Alienware rep and they just restated the specs of the damned thing. :/

I'm assuming it has a 350W power supply, since that's what nVidia's site says is required for the GT 640? http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gt640/specifications
Click to expand...
I really recommend the 3770 due to the frequency increase. 500MHz makes a pretty big difference in the games that matter. In addition, for single threaded games, you get a boost to 3.8 as compared to 3.2.
 
Tenck said:
Hope you have fun. I got the one with the 640 but I'm still maxing out games at 720p with AA. If you're just coming from consoles you'll notice performance and visual differences that you'll appreciate a lot. Slight downgrade from my usual 1200p, but games still look good.
Click to expand...

Well I have been PC gaming since Windows ME... I expect to be able to run all my games at 1080p on my TV, so if it can't do that well then I will probably be returning it and getting a full fledged desktop instead (which is kinda what I had planned on doing anyway, I wanted to give the X51 a try though in an attempt to convert some of my friends over to PC gaming, I'm actually going to install a bunch of games on it, hook up my wireless Xbox 360 controller adapter and let them borrow it for a week or so and see how they like it). Anyway I'll see how it all turns out tomorrow, I have all day to play around with it. :)
 
Got mine today... it runs Far Cry 3 fairly well, a few stutters here and there but over all very smooth. I can't believe they have the nerve to give you a corded keyboard and mouse with this computer (though I should because they wouldn't have given me anything unless I manually chose the keyboard and mouse). Anyway I am thinking about adding a Logitech MK710 wireless keyboard and mouse. I would like to get the Logitech G700, for $10 I can get both a keyboard and a mouse... anyone have an experience with either?
 
Thank to this thread I bit and bought one of the Dell Australia outlet store. Hoping it arrives today before the weekend *fingers crossed*
 
SlaughterX said:
Got mine today... it runs Far Cry 3 fairly well, a few stutters here and there but over all very smooth. I can't believe they have the nerve to give you a corded keyboard and mouse with this computer (though I should because they wouldn't have given me anything unless I manually chose the keyboard and mouse). Anyway I am thinking about adding a Logitech MK710 wireless keyboard and mouse. I would like to get the Logitech G700, for $10 I can get both a keyboard and a mouse... anyone have an experience with either?
Click to expand...

Which model did you get
 
I'm looking into buying one as an OTA TV dvr and gaming smorgasbord. Anyone have any experience with usb or network TV tuners on this machine?
 
System ID: FXCX23F3
Alienware X51
Certified Refurbished - SA
System Price: $779.00

Processor Processor: Intel Core i5-2320 Processor (3.0GHz, 6MB Cache with Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Base Dell Outlet Alienware X51 Desktop
Hard Disk Drive 1TB, 7200 RPM 3.5 inch SATA 6Gb/s Hard Drive
Memory 6 GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz
Media Bay Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Video 1 GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 555
System Color Matte Stealth Black with Dark Chrome Accents
Network Interface Card Dell Wireless 1502 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz)
Keyboard Alienware TactX Keyboard
Mouse Optical 2-Button Mouse
Hardware Upgrade Thermal Heat Sink
330W A/C Adapter
Powercord,125Volt,15Amp,10 Foot
AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
Software Upgrade Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1


I'm almost about to bite, someone push my finger...
 
Dicer said:
System ID: FXCX23F3
Alienware X51
Certified Refurbished - SA
System Price: $779.00

Processor Processor: Intel Core i5-2320 Processor (3.0GHz, 6MB Cache with Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Base Dell Outlet Alienware X51 Desktop
Hard Disk Drive 1TB, 7200 RPM 3.5 inch SATA 6Gb/s Hard Drive
Memory 6 GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz
Media Bay Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Video 1 GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 555
System Color Matte Stealth Black with Dark Chrome Accents
Network Interface Card Dell Wireless 1502 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz)
Keyboard Alienware TactX Keyboard
Mouse Optical 2-Button Mouse
Hardware Upgrade Thermal Heat Sink
330W A/C Adapter
Powercord,125Volt,15Amp,10 Foot
AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
Software Upgrade Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1


I'm almost about to bite, someone push my finger...
Click to expand...

Will this be your first foray into PC gaming? If so, then yes, definitely go for it.

Nothing about it absolutely screams - it's not going to shred through everything. But the CPU is pretty darn decent, six gigs of RAM is more than enough, and it has everything you need to get going right away and enjoying 720p/30fps on 90% of games. Which is better than most any console game performs. Throw in a 660 in a couple months when you have some extra cash, and enjoy pretty much any game at 1080p with playable framerates.

Plus, remember you can enjoy Steam Sales, Amazon Deals, Origin Deals, and more. And of course, it IS a computer, so you know, you can actually do work if you need to.





;) I appreciate it when people talk me into things ;p

EDIT: Nevermind; do this one instead: http://outlet.us.dell.com/ARBOnline...arch.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dfh&cs=22&puid=3ad82ea3

Less than $100 more for the 660 GPU and an i7, and a Blu Ray reader.
 
Dicer said:
System ID: FXCX23F3
Alienware X51
Certified Refurbished - SA
System Price: $779.00

Processor Processor: Intel Core i5-2320 Processor (3.0GHz, 6MB Cache with Turbo Boost 2.0 Technology)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium
Base Dell Outlet Alienware X51 Desktop
Hard Disk Drive 1TB, 7200 RPM 3.5 inch SATA 6Gb/s Hard Drive
Memory 6 GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz
Media Bay Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (DVD+-RW, CD-RW)
Video 1 GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 555
System Color Matte Stealth Black with Dark Chrome Accents
Network Interface Card Dell Wireless 1502 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz)
Keyboard Alienware TactX Keyboard
Mouse Optical 2-Button Mouse
Hardware Upgrade Thermal Heat Sink
330W A/C Adapter
Powercord,125Volt,15Amp,10 Foot
AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
Software Upgrade Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit Service Pack 1


I'm almost about to bite, someone push my finger...
Click to expand...

i have the exact same model, great pc. i upgraded my card and added a SSD drive, this thing is a beast
 
Dicer said:
I bumped up to the i7/8gb ram/bluray

I'm quite excited...
Click to expand...

Nice! A year later I am still madly in love with mine. Just being able to boot those butter smooth 1080P games after another, watch a few films, youtube... Magical.

Got myself a Microsoft Wedge keyboard today, it's spectacular. Superb build quality, better than Apple design, and hotkeys for W8 functions:

microsoft-wedge-mobile-keyboard-1.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Quick question for you guys. I don't know if its just me but I've actually had issue since I got mine X51 last year. Every time I boot up my computer, the screen will be pitch black for at least 30 seconds til it takes me to the Windows log on screen. I want to know, how can I get into my BIOS from the initial start up? I plug mine HDMI cable in the motherboard video connection and switch to my video card but no changes.
 
THE NO LIFE KING said:
Quick question for you guys. I don't know if its just me but I've actually had issue since I got mine X51 last year. Every time I boot up my computer, the screen will be pitch black for at least 30 seconds til it takes me to the Windows log on screen. I want to know, how can I get into my BIOS from the initial start up? I plug mine HDMI cable in the motherboard video connection and switch to my video card but no changes.
Click to expand...

Mine does that too, but only if I use video card HDMI. Integrated gets me to BIOS when necessary. Not that I would need to go there, it's a sparse and locked down affair.
 
Chittagong said:
Mine does that too, but only if I use video card HDMI. Integrated gets me to BIOS when necessary. Not that I would need to go there, it's a sparse and locked down affair.
Click to expand...

Mine doesn't do that, and it's always plugged into the video card.

I'd check the Bios. The newest version is A08.
 
Honestly I'm about burnt out on mine and beginning to think it was a huge mistake.

If its not compatability issues with certain games or having to spend hours configuring things because of certain issues then its something else. I know it comes with the territory of PC gaming but as a newbie I heard all the statements about how it's such an overblown issue and I have to say that it is not.

Just as I got most games I bought on steam working properly I now have an issue with sound output. If i plug hdmi to my receiver or tv I have no sound. Checked settings and nothing. On top of that if I plug hdmi through my receiver I get only a black screen now after the windows startup screen. Settings are set to 1080p and my receiver is set to straight through and it works fine with every other device and system but the x51.

My next option is to try and reinstall windows as see if it fixes anything.

I have to say, I've spent more time troubleshooting this thing then I have actually using it for gaming or enjoyment. I honestly am close to the point where I am regretting this thing and wishing I had just waited til December for the next Xbox and playstation.
 
I'm sorry it hasn't worked out for you. My experience has been the literal opposite. I've been plowing through my backlog since I got it, and other than updating the nvidia driver, I haven't had to do a thing.

What games have had compatibility issues?
 
Very impressive but too expensive for me. Sorry I have other things to spend my money on...

The only thing that makes me jealous is the console emulators. But I'm not sure a lot of PC owners are buying Wii games so they can play it on their PC.
actually I'm certain 99% of them are pirating games
But that's another topic.

I'm sure you're having a lot of fun so enjoy the glory of knowing you'll play the best version during 1 year or two (versus consoles of course... vs PC you're already playing on a last gen PC for some people here in NeoGAF).

Edit :

I have to say, I've spent more time troubleshooting this thing then I have actually using it for gaming or enjoyment. I honestly am close to the point where I am regretting this thing and wishing I had just waited til December for the next Xbox and playstation.
Click to expand...
This is PC gaming dude.
 
Tobor said:
I'm sorry it hasn't worked out for you. My experience has been the literal opposite. I've been plowing through my backlog since I got it, and other than updating the nvidia driver, I haven't had to do a thing.

What games have had compatibility issues?
Click to expand...

The main ones I had trouble with we're mirrors edge, far cry 3, spec ops the line and warhammer space marine.

Though some games like borderlands 2, xcom and dishonored were fairly smooth and had very few issues.

I'm more frustrated with the basic issues of picture and sound then the game issues at this point. I think had I been more prepared going in knowing I'd be spending an hour plus for most games having to check forums and troubleshoot that I would of been more ok with it. It's more the fact that I think such issues get downplayed by enthusiasts and so I was expecting almost console like ease of use when it wasn't.

And maybe I got a bad unit but it is discouraging knowing I paid 1000 dollars for a machine that has had so many nagging issues.
 
While we are on the topic of audio, is there a reason I am only getting stereo? either through optical or HDMI I cannot get windows to play ball and get me to use my home theater.
 
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