 |
The DELL Alienware Alpha ASM100-1580 has an i3(T) (laptop class processor) a 500GB 5400k hard drive, Wi-Fi AC modem and a customized GTX card supporting 2GB of graphic DDR5 memory. The Alpha runs windows 8.1 out of the box and is upgradable to windows 10 home edition. This machine runs steam in BIG SCREEN mode (not Steam OS). To me it’s the same but the underlying OS allows for all PC games from the steam store to be installed vs Steam OS Machine which only allows 1,600 linux based games. There is also an optional HIVE mode which is Kodi (XBMC) with a custom interface that allows you to play PC games as well as watch movies etc. Once the Hive mode is enabled it add an Alpha account to windows 10 (standard user from what I saw) and boots directly into that program. I do not have much need for this as Kodi app over windows 10 in the same account works better for me, however this makes a nice set top box setup with gaming abilities. As for the software extras there is a control center which allows you to change the lights color on the machines and screen settings. Yes there are other setting however I did not touch them. Hardware: The hardware is good not great for the price and using a dated i3 processor. This hardware would have been good in 2014/15 when the system was build and set to release in beginning of 2015. Again delays with the Official Steam OS is why this system runs Win 10 not Dell’s fault. I find this to be a blessing but compared to a 500 dollar PC its graphics are less than for high def gaming. Everything can be upgraded besides the custom Graphics (the most import part of this machine). The first major upgrade should be the ram which is fairly simple and straight forward to upgrade. If you can get a t class or s class i5 cpu it might be worth the upgrade. A hybrid or Solid State hard drive shall make a big difference in game load time. The system has two rear usb 3.0 ports on the back of the machine which is great for external hard drives (I recommend). The front of the machine are two usb 2.0 slots for the game controllers or usb keyboard/mouse combo. Software: As said prior the hive mode is good for those who want a set top box but not for those who want this for the home gaming experience. Windows 10 runs on this machine well, not limiting games and software to Steams official software. The controller support works well with PC games (non-steam) as well as Windows store games. Steam software is good but hard to navigate in the standard mode. Big picture mode is good but using it to navigate through the steam store can be painful at times. Otherwise the interface is about the same as the PS4. The game store is supposed to focus games for the user based off your search and what is play tailoring deals to you (this does not work that well). I don’t play many First person shooter any more but it always recommends those vs action games and JRPG which I play more these days. The user must buy 5 dollars in store software before they can add friends or groups for this new machine they just purchased. Game play: Game play on machine is where it is at! Despite the processor being a laptop i3 with graphics that are a bit dated, the interface makes for smooth game play and good frame rates. I have logged many hours on Mass Effect 3 testing the interface and I get 60FPS at 1080 game play. When playing COD (testing for 2 hours) I got 1080 with between 35-69FPS noticing a dip when heavy online use. Game streaming from this to a Surface 3 tablet (atom) is pretty good all over WiFi with good frame (both use AC modems). All and all if you do not have the ability, space or desire to build a PC this system is a great drop in console with a good interface for game play. I recommend purchasing one of these machine (maybe the i5 as the i7 doesn't add much for the price) an Xbox 1 controller and receiver and a 1TB USB 3.0 hard drive. This is a good 1 attempt at a PC console with out loosing site of the PC part.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Refurbished
I recieved an i3, 4g RAM version of the Alpha recently (which I did upgrade to 12G RAM) and this thing is a dream. I was a little worried about the processor being an i3, and was half tempted to get the i7 version a while ago, but this thing is more than powerful enough to champ through pretty much anything I can throw at it. I primarily use the Alpha as a home entertainment device and video game console. It plays games better than the PS4 or Xbox1 in terms of visual quality (I can run Fallout 4 at high-ultra settings and maintain around 50-60fps as 1080), and once I overclocked it - which is much easier than it sounds - I can maintain ultra settings at above 60fps. Even more graphically demanding games run on ultra or high settings at above 30fps (usually around 45-50 for very graphically intensive games). This thing is powerful and cheap. You can upgrade the RAM and processor and if you absolutely ever need a better video card, Alienware (and other companies) offer external video boosters (essentially a second video card) for better graphics. I don't see needing that any time soon, though. The Alpha has a heavily modified onboard GTX video card that's supposedly rated at 2G dedicated video memory and 6G total shared video memory (but again, you could overclock it). The thing is a beast. I am more than happy with this device.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great computer almost like new , Missing Hard Drive Caddy Enclosure , But besides that it's great !
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Got this for less than half the price it was when it was new. I immediately upgraded Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 and it runs great. I bought it to be a dedicated game server but it's so small and quiet I am going to leave it hooked up to my TV to play arcade games on Steam.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
That's the perfect computer for a small price. And also a great computer for the size!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in PC Desktops & All-In-Ones
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on PC Desktops & All-In-Ones
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
