Alienware Aurora R3

The Alienware Aurora R3 is a mid-tower gaming desktop computer equipped with a new Intel 2nd Generation processor (aka Sandy Bridge). The base configuration starts at $1,899 and features 8GB of memory and dual NVIDIA GTX 460 graphics cards. While the memory is a bit slow at 1333MHz instead of 1600MHz, the two video cards offer additional value. The Alienware Aurora R3 can also be customized to be a 3D gaming machine. Other noticeable enhancements include personalized lighting options and CPU liquid cooling.

Pros

Fast Intel 2nd Generation Sandy Bridge Processor

Dual Graphics Cards

Customizable Lighting

Cons

Slower DDR3 Memory

Expensive

Description

Intel Core i7-2600 Processor with 8MB Cache

8GB Dual Channel 1333MHz DDR3

Dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 1GB GDDR5 Graphics Cards

1TB SATA 3Gb/s 7200RPM Hard Drive

24x CD/DVD Burner

875W Power Supply

Alienware Multimedia Keyboard

Alienware Optical Mouse

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit

Mid-Tower Case

Review

Now that Sandy Bridge-based systems are making a return to the market after Intel's announced flaw in the chipset, the Alienware Aurora R3 is making a splash in the gaming market. This mid-tower desktop features the higher end 2^nd Generation Intel Core i7-2600 CPU with 8MB of cache in the base configuration. Unfortunately, the chip isn't the "K" model which features a fully unlocked CPU and GPU. Therefore, if you are into overclocking it's best to pay the $50 and upgrade to the 2600K processor. The Aurora R3 also features CPU liquid cooling regardless of the processor your select.

Along with boasting new Sandy Bridge chips, the Alienware Aurora R3 also comes with 8GB of dual channel 1333MHz DDR3 memory. Finally, Alienware isn't behind the times in the amount of RAM offered in a gaming PC. It is worth noting that the base price of the Aurora R3 is $1,899 which is slightly higher than many midrange gaming desktops. Unfortunately, the memory in this configuration is a bit slow. Alienware still has a significant upcharge for many upgrades, and memory is one of them. Upgrading the 8GB of RAM to 1600MHz sticks will set you back $350, which is absurd, but upgrading the slower memory to 16GB of 1333MHz RAM is $150 which is worth considering.

On the other hand, one feature that allows the Aurora R3 to command nearly $1,900 comes in the way of graphics. The R3 boasts dual NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 1GB GDDR5 video cards. Go one step further to create the ultimate gaming machine with an upgrade to two AMD Radeon HD 6950 2GB cards, and you'll experience above average frame rates in the latest games even at high settings. Whether you stick with the dual GTX 460 video cards or upgrade to CrossFireX 6950 graphics, the latest DirectX 11 games will run with ease. Also, if you want to game in 3D you can pair the optional NVIDIA 3D Vision Kit with the GTX 460 graphics cards and a compatible monitor to play games in stereoscopic 3D.

Storage space is substantial thanks to a 1TB 7200RPM hard drive. Options for solid state hybrid drives, as well as full-blown SSD models or RAID configurations, are available. But for the average gamer, a 1TB 7200RPM hard drive is spacious and fast enough.

The Alienware Aurora R3's overall design also scores well. With customizable lighting across six zones, there are over 160,000 different lighting combinations for a personalized visual presentation. The chassis also lets you get in easily to perform upgrades or simply check out the inside of your gaming PC.

In summary, the Alienware Aurora R3 is a fast gaming desktop with a nice design and the ability to be customized to morph into a gaming powerhouse. Unfortunately, some upgrades are quite expensive, but overall the base system is nicely equipped for $1,899 price. While the speed of memory is a minor pitfall, the speedy Sandy Bridge processor and dual graphics cards do wonders for performance.