Alienware

[Nastrodamus]

Do you really thing that Alienware computers are worth the price?

www.alienware.com

[MiTcHiE]

NOPE, Its just like a Ferrari. Y buy a Ferrari when I can set up a civic and get near same performance??

Alienware products just have a cool case and the latest hardware. If i have a basic case and same hardware components, wont the performance numbers be the same??? It doesnt make sense to me to buy Alienware products unless u have the money to burn. Otherwise look elsewhere.

Matter of fact I am sure if u buy a fancy case and build ur pc with the best components it will end up being cheaper than a similar Alienware product.

[ramesh]

They look damn good, though.

[MiTcHiE]

As I said before, If price is no option and u need a unique look then Alienware is for u.

[Skillachi]

NOPE, Its just like a Ferrari. Y buy a Ferrari when I can set up a civic and get near same performance??



I hate to be Cynical (if u want to call me that) but thats a bad example. You shouldve tried something else. Ferrari's are designed for that high speed and will be able to take corners at a much better speed than the civic and with the cost it would take you to get the civic to perform even close to the ferrari(especially N/A powered)... you couldve bought the ferrari. But you did say near same performance though... oh well just wanted to say that.

On the alienware issue though, I dont think i would buy an alienware computer (probably a laptop but not desktop), my computer does perform as well as any alienware and it was much cheaper. The only thing alienware really has goin for them as far as i see is their looks

[death_knight]

i agree with you mitchie why spend all that cash when you can have close to the same performace for way less. and it totally depends on what you gonna be doing wit the machine. my best bet unless you are a major spender who has nuthing to do with his/her money. go get another machine, dell toshibsa, "be careful with the compaq computers they generally suck".lol

[kilaj1]

Hey I got a Compaq Laptop :(... granted I did'nt pay a dime for it but still that hurt :'( :P
"be careful with the compaq computers they generally suck".

[TinGirl]

Yes compaq computers suck especially the laptops I had one and it caused me so much pain, literally pain. My advice is not to buy any so called brand name computers. The Alienware is really cool though, very good performance and very good looking but Mitchie is right if you got the cash then go for it.

I love my computer, I have a Shuttle XPC, SN45G, it's very small like a cube (if you have never seen it). It comes barebone with the motherboard and power supply, with onboard NIC, sound, Nvidia GForce graphic accelerator (I dont use it, bought a different one instead) and 4 USB ports. The case is aluminium, very pretty and it supports serial ATA, Dual channel DDR memory. I popped in 1GB HyperX memory and AMD 2200 XP processor and it runs like a dream. It got a score of 12,000 in the 3Dmark benchmark. It is small so very convenient to carry to LAN parties. It uses the I.C.E. heat pipe technology for cooling.
However, there is only 1 PCI slot and 1 AGP slot, but that's enuff for me.
You should go check it out: www.shuttle.com ;)

[GodKid]

Just wanna say... the Compa thing isn't ENTIRELY true..

The PRESARIO lines SUCKS ROYALLY.. however the'r business class machines.. the Evo's will run right up there with a top-grade IBM box.

[Vermanucci]

NOPE, Its just like a Ferrari. Y buy a Ferrari when I can set up a civic and get near same performance??

I'd pay to see you do that ;D



Just wanna say... the Compa thing isn't ENTIRELY true..

The PRESARIO lines SUCKS ROYALLY.. however the'r business class machines.. the Evo's will run right up there with a top-grade IBM box.

Whats your take on Gateway Laptops.


Heres a cool affordable alien case:
Dimension: 210mm(W) x 480mm(H) x 530mm(H) = 8.3" x 18.9" x 20.8"
Standard ATX form factor that supports Dual-CPU's
Max. Motherboard size: 12” x 10”
Side panel window with custom eye-mesh guards
4 open 5.25” drive bays with patented tool-less drive rails
2 open 3.5” drive bays
5 hidden 3.5” drive bays with patented tool-less drive rails
A total of 10 drive bays
Build in 2 front USB 2.0 port connectors
Price: £45.00 £52.88 -= no :: I have none for sale.

[Vermanucci]

NOPE, Its just like a Ferrari. Y buy a Ferrari when I can set up a civic and get near same performance??


Speaking of cars, check this one out.

[ParaDoXx]

As in not supporting alienware or anythin. But alienware is not just puttin parts together as if you were buildin a normal system. What Alienware does, which i find quite admirable, is they take the bbasic design of all the hardware parts and revamp them, like what many graphics card distrobutors do. So you may have a 3.0C P4 system, andi have the same system from alienware, and chances are mine will run better.
I am not supporting Alienware in there desktop arena, cause this does not justify their prices, but they are still pretty good systems. Bt the laptops rock. If you want a good solid gamin laptop or just plain all aroun performance plus style, you can't beat an Alienware laptop.

[Gillion]

Just wanna say... the Compa thing isn't ENTIRELY true..

The PRESARIO lines SUCKS ROYALLY.. however the'r business class machines.. the Evo's will run right up there with a top-grade IBM box.


I have 2 dead compaq chassis in my junk box...
The other one at my work place died so that makes 3 dead compaqs... hmmm maybe they have an expiery date !

[wheelman]

Alienware is all in the name, I've been watching these guys from they were advertising Pentium 266's and they had machines named 'The Hive', 'The Mind' and some other ones. Basically all you paying for is the name. You can setup anothe system to peform just like it but you wont have the name, just like Intel, you can setup and AMD system to be fast like it but with Intel all you pay for is the name, kinda like Honda but I won't go into that ;D

[GodKid]

hold up...

@Gillion - what class Compaqs? Because Ive seen even one of their LARGEST supporters C&WJ using Presarios in their business offices

@Everybody knocking Alienware - YES, you are paying for the brand name.. and EVERYTHNG that comes with it... t-shirt, manual, support, AND warranty! Fact is, if you build ANY machine it will be cheaper than a branded box.. but you WON'T get any of the above.. and trust me...manufacturer's warranty NOT EASY to redeem! The next thing is.. there is nary another brand name that specs out high end boxes to the extremes Alienware goes to... and even if there were the prices would be COMPATIBLE!!! So... don't knock em.. they're expensive.. but compared to other branders... they not reallly head and shoulders above anybody.

[Chris]

Here's a challenge for all interested.

Produce the specs and prices of your custom configured PC that would be comparable to any Alienware system of your choice. Try to get the specs as accurate as possible, so for eg. I'm sure they use rounded cables and silent fans instead of stock stuff. The case as well should be as close in attraction as the alienware case, etc.

Let's use actual experimentation to see if our thinking lines up with reality.

[MiTcHiE]

Whats Alienware's website?? I need to see the specs they have.

[MiTcHiE]

I found the site, But Chris if Alienware gives warranty, how will we price that???

[Chris]

I found the site, But Chris if Alienware gives warranty, how will we price that???

hmmm ... ok, let's not put a $$ value on that because we'll assume that the components themselves carry a warranty.

[MiTcHiE]

Aurora Performance Short Specs

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Processor
512MB DDR SDRAM PC-3200
80GB Seagate Serial ATA 8MB Cache
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 Ultra 128MB
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy 2

Features:
Video Cooling System
Allows air to flow freely over your video card for better performance.

Tool-less Access Thumb Screws
Convenient thumb screws for easy tool-less entry into case.

Front USB Ports
Conveniently located front USB 2.0 interfaces for controllers.

Extra Screw Holder
Extra screws are always available when you need them.

Cable Management
Tame the wild jungle of wires that occupy the rear of your system!

Removable Hard Drive Cages
Easy installation of hard drive and internal bay components.

Innovative Component Clips
Allows for easy installation and removal of front bay items.

Room For Five Cooling Fans
Customize your cooling system with up to five areas for fan placement

Front and Side Locking Panels
Keep your components safe from prying hands at all times.

Standard 420 Watt Power Supply
Stronger power supply means better performance

Free Flowing Air Grills
Allows maximum air flow throughout the case and chassis.

Neatly Organized Wire Bundles
Keeps your system free of loose and cluttered wiring.

Card Keeper Secured
Components are secure every step of the way

Custom Metallic Paint
The unique Alienware® metallic paint job keeps your system looking its best.


Price: $1,607.00
Before all applicable rebates.

This isnt even the best system. Its the cheapest of their Desktop systems. The Processor alone should cost a pretty penny. Dont know how u guys going to beat all this combined with the case and waranty.

[Xenocrates]

Before anyone else attempts to post anything more on this issue:

I wonder how many of you realise that you cannot disprove the challenge that Chris has put forward? Lest you foolishly go thinking that you can - consider this:

Alienware Customizes their hardware - I'm not talking about a customized configuration of hardware components, I'm talking about the HARDWARE ITSELF. The fans that Alienware uses cannot be bought online. Neither the cases. Neither the motherboards. Neither their implementation of the video cards or sound cards. I'm sure you can get imitations. But an original Alienware component is not hte same as an imitation. Alienware has an exclusive contract with the people who make the hardware they use in their machines for a certain standard not normally attainable on the market.

Alienware Warranty is unbeatable - Alienware machines are covered under warranty for over 220 countries!!! (including militarized zones around the world and even the barren wastelands of Antartica) That's more than Compaq, HP and Dell combined. They have support centres in every major continental region on the planet. That's extraordinary warranty...Yes, Jamaica is supported as well. Unlike other manufacturers, Alienware will cover the warranty even if they don't have a service station in that country. How many other manufacturers do that?!

Alienware Machines are the Rolls Royes of PCs - You don't go buying an Alienware box unless you're willing to pay for what the PC industry has dubbed "fanatical design". Alienware doesn't buy ordinary parts off the market like other manufacturers do. Rolls Royes vehicles don't use standard parts off the market like most car other companies.

When you buy an Alienware, you are not merely paying for a Brandname, you are paying for a Brand Quality. You cannot buy the exact same kind of hardware in an Alienware box on the common market. Forget it. The numbers and description may be the same, but the ones made for Alienware are custom made primarily for that company.

So if I were you all, I wouldn't dare to take up Chris on that challenge. ;)


ooops - too late :-X

[MiTcHiE]

I hope u dont mean me Xeno, I was just posting the specs for the Alienware. I know it cant be matched.

[Xenocrates]

Not at all Mitch. ;)

[Cultus]

Ya''ll are crazy. I would buy an AlienWare system whether laptop or desktop....in fact I might be even buying one of their Gaming laptops. AlienWare is by far the best new kid on the block in terms on style, options, and performance. Yeah the other big boys do get their props...IBM, Toshiba, Sony, & Dell....but they better start offering some options like AlienWare before they can get my money again. Yes I agree that Alienware systems tend to be expensive, but if you have the money and want to look & perform different from the rest then Alienware is the way to go. Oh and Mitchie......a Civic can NEVER be compared to a Ferrari. Next time use a WRX or EVO VIII in your comparison those cars still cannot compare but they stand a much better chance than a crappy civic....

[Cultus]

Before anyone else attempts to post anything more on this issue:

I wonder how many of you realise that you cannot disprove the challenge that Chris has put forward? Lest you foolishly go thinking that you can - consider this:

Alienware Customizes their hardware - I'm not talking about a customized configuration of hardware components, I'm talking about the HARDWARE ITSELF. The fans that Alienware uses cannot be bought online. Neither the cases. Neither the motherboards. Neither their implementation of the video cards or sound cards. I'm sure you can get imitations. But an original Alienware component is not hte same as an imitation. Alienware has an exclusive contract with the people who make the hardware they use in their machines for a certain standard not normally attainable on the market.

Alienware Warranty is unbeatable - Alienware machines are covered under warranty for over 220 countries!!! (including militarized zones around the world and even the barren wastelands of Antartica) That's more than Compaq, HP and Dell combined. They have support centres in every major continental region on the planet. That's extraordinary warranty...Yes, Jamaica is supported as well. Unlike other manufacturers, Alienware will cover the warranty even if they don't have a service station in that country. How many other manufacturers do that?!

Alienware Machines are the Rolls Royes of PCs - You don't go buying an Alienware box unless you're willing to pay for what the PC industry has dubbed "fanatical design". Alienware doesn't buy ordinary parts off the market like other manufacturers do. Rolls Royes vehicles don't use standard parts off the market like most car other companies.

When you buy an Alienware, you are not merely paying for a Brandname, you are paying for a Brand Quality. You cannot buy the exact same kind of hardware in an Alienware box on the common market. Forget it. The numbers and description may be the same, but the ones made for Alienware are custom made primarily for that company.

So if I were you all, I wouldn't dare to take up Chris on that challenge. ;)


ooops - too late :-X
Well Said Xeno.....I couldn't have said it better... ::) ::)

[matronyx]

If I had the money... wich is like a big IF... ::)
...I'd get me a Alienware for sure, hey, they are like at the top of the foodPC-chain along with the other highrollers like Monarch, ABS(other manufacturers that charge $2500+ for their stuff ;D).

Now, there is this part of me that just loves to build things...that's why I always choose to spend my lil $1000+ buying my own pc parts than giving it to Dell :)
Sure, I might not have the best-of-the-best in every department but I will have the best of something for at least that month... lol. By the next week there is gonna be another "best".

To tell you the truth though...I hate all the pics of those cases you guys posted in this thread...and I also don't fancy the Alienware case.... it looks... too curvy and pretty-pretty... yuck!!! Reminds me of pink toys... lol.

I so LOVE the G5's case...my bredren has one and it is like soooo TECH. This doesn't mean I'm switching to a mac anytime soon GodKid.

http://a736.g.akamai.net/7/736/51/fc9c7a8e32bfbd/www.apple.com/powermac/gallery/images/powermacG5hero06232003.jpg

[wheelman]

From day one I've been tellin you guys that the Ultimate case is Lian Li. I'm gonna buy one of these babies as one of my next PC parts upgrade. Full Aluminium for ultimate heat dessipation, four case fans, and other little intricacies.

Drewl!!!

http://colfax-intl.com/New_JLP/NV_nForce/pics/Lian-Li-PC-6089_70.jpg

A minimal modded case
http://www.pcextreme.biz/forum/uploads/lian-li.jpg

Kinda Maxxed Out with Refrigeration Unit at bottom
http://www.maximumoc.com/img/hardware/promli/Lian-Li_Prome1_small2.jpg

Lian Li Rocks!!!!!!http://gallery.cybertarp.com/albums/userpics/16619/bang.gif

[matronyx]

Hmmm... maybe thats why me and devnull a bredren... Lian-Li has always been the best of the best for me.
In fact, the case I curently have is a straight-up brushed aluminium simple looking thing.... translated SWEET!!!

Light as a feather.... (or a 5 lb feather...lol) and it's thumb screws and all make it a breeze to "operate" on.

[wheelman]

Hmmm... maybe thats why me and devnull a bredren... Lian-Li has always been the best of the best for me.
In fact, the case I curently have is a straight-up brushed aluminium simple looking thing.... translated SWEET!!!

Light as a feather.... (or a 5 lb feather...lol) and it's thumb screws and all make it a breeze to "operate" on.



I Rate your case Matro :D, I always thought it was a Lian LI ;D

[Skillachi]

Ya''ll are crazy. I would buy an AlienWare system whether laptop or desktop....in fact I might be even buying one of their Gaming laptops. AlienWare is by far the best new kid on the block in terms on style, options, and performance. Yeah the other big boys do get their props...IBM, Toshiba, Sony, & Dell....but they better start offering some options like AlienWare before they can get my money again. Yes I agree that Alienware systems tend to be expensive, but if you have the money and want to look & perform different from the rest then Alienware is the way to go. Oh and Mitchie......a Civic can NEVER be compared to a Ferrari. Next time use a WRX or EVO VIII in your comparison those cars still cannot compare but they stand a much better chance than a crappy civic....

Alienware isnt really a new kid on the block as you put it, they have been around for quite a while. I remember seeing them in like 95 magz advertising the pentium 2 pcs and stuff. I dont really consider that new. But since u said in comparison to ibm and those guys then ok. Anyway. I would buy an alienware laptop easily but the desktop... i like building my own stuff, thats my problem... for example my current pc. I put together everything, i put in all my lights and stuff and i feel better about myself everytime i put in something else. I know this can be done with a alienware since a PC is still a PC but for some strange reason i feel better when i put together the pc than wen i buy the souped up pc.
And by the way Xeno i am sure on the alienware website they did have cases for sale there. So i guess u can buy original alienware stuff. they had mouses and keyboards and cases as far as i can remember

[Kbee]

After a lot of research and consideration [note the absence of the word careful] , i have only this to say.....................

1 week and counting BABY!!!!! :P
...............

AURORA SYSTEM
ALIENWARE FULL-TOWER PURPLE CASE
ASUS SK8V SOCKET 940 K8 MOTHERBOARD
AMD ATHLON 64 FX-53 PROCESSOR 1MB CACHE
CORSAIR 512MB DDR PC3200 MEMORY MODULE (QTY. 2)
SEAGATE BARRACUDA 80GB 8MB CACHE SATA HD
LITE-ON 52/32/52 DVD/CD-RW COMBO DRIVE BLACK
1.44MB FLOPPY DRIVE BLACK
CREATIVE SOUNDBLASTER AUDIGY 2 6.1
ATI RADEON X800 XT 256MB
MICROSOFT PURPLE INTELLIMOUSE EXPLORER USB
MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP HOME OEM
480 WATT POWER SUPPLY
ALIENICE COOLING SYSTEM
1-YR 24/7 ONSITE WARRANTY
MICROSOFT MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD PLASMA PURPLE
ALIENWARE T-SHIRT XL BLACK

But on a serious note, pricing out a Dell XPS, Velocity Mirco or Voodoo would cost a lot more........And hey you can't beat the speed of this thing.
I must correct Xeno though, all parts , except for the Case [and modules for the case] are available for purchase [this includes the motherboard] , there is nothing exclusive about the ASUS mother board that they use in the system. I know they had customized drivers there vid cards , however i think they just sell they AlienAdrenaline optimizer [software] . But as for Chris's challenge , i have but one thing to say , if you can't beat them........buy one ;D

P.s. Please read the comparison of the MAC G5 [dual] versus the single processor Alienware
http://www.alienware.com/review_pages/review_template.aspx?FileName=review_macworld_1203 .asp

[Kbee]

hmmm , I found these sites , for the system builders amoung us that don't want a standard looking case , it seems that Chris's challenge is do'able after all :)

http://raidmax.com/products/products_display.php?page_no=6&cID=1&pID=42

[why they were sued by alienware ::: http://directron.infopop.net/2/OpenTopic?s=476097824&a=ga&ul=607107431 ]

Some G5 type cases
http://www.opustek.com/main/product/case/case_list.php?ac_id=1&ai_id=3
http://www.opustek.com/main/product/case/case_list.php?ac_id=1&ai_id=13

But note that there is a lot of thermal issues that are considered in the Alienware preditor case , that the Samurai does not consider :(

[OE]

After a lot of research and consideration [note the absence of the word careful] , i have only this to say.....................

1 week and counting BABY!!!!! :P
...............

AURORA SYSTEM
ALIENWARE FULL-TOWER PURPLE CASE
ASUS SK8V SOCKET 940 K8 MOTHERBOARD
AMD ATHLON 64 FX-53 PROCESSOR 1MB CACHE
CORSAIR 512MB DDR PC3200 MEMORY MODULE (QTY. 2)
SEAGATE BARRACUDA 80GB 8MB CACHE SATA HD
LITE-ON 52/32/52 DVD/CD-RW COMBO DRIVE BLACK
1.44MB FLOPPY DRIVE BLACK
CREATIVE SOUNDBLASTER AUDIGY 2 6.1
ATI RADEON X800 XT 256MB
MICROSOFT PURPLE INTELLIMOUSE EXPLORER USB
MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP HOME OEM
480 WATT POWER SUPPLY
ALIENICE COOLING SYSTEM
1-YR 24/7 ONSITE WARRANTY
MICROSOFT MULTIMEDIA KEYBOARD PLASMA PURPLE
ALIENWARE T-SHIRT XL BLACK

But on a serious note, pricing out a Dell XPS, Velocity Mirco or Voodoo would cost a lot more........And hey you can't beat the speed of this thing.
I must correct Xeno though, all parts , except for the Case [and modules for the case] are available for purchase [this includes the motherboard] , there is nothing exclusive about the ASUS mother board that they use in the system. I know they had customized drivers there vid cards , however i think they just sell they AlienAdrenaline optimizer [software] . But as for Chris's challenge , i have but one thing to say , if you can't beat them........buy one ;D

P.s. Please read the comparison of the MAC G5 [dual] versus the single processor Alienware
http://www.alienware.com/review_pages/review_template.aspx?FileName=review_macworld_1203 .asp



In my opinion the difference between the Athlon FX and Athlon 64 is not enough to warrant the price. Actually in some cases the AFX is slower beacuse ECC RAM is slower than standard.

If you are going to consider an FX, wait until the 939. You won't need ECC RAM and the CPU's should be a tad bit cheaper than they are right now as they will be a tad more mainstream. Plus with the 939 you can use a regular A64 and an Athlon FX on the same board, and it supports dual channel.

If it isn't obvious, I am eagerly awaiting a 939 Motherboard and CPU combo.

Fastest FX out right now

FX 53

Specification
Model: AMD Athlon 64 FX-53
Core: SledgeHammer
Operating Frequency: 2.4GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/1MB
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 940


Fastest Athlon 64 out right now

AMD 3400+

Model: AMD Athlon 64 3400+
Core: ClawHammer
Operating Frequency: 2.2GHz
FSB: Integrated into chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/1MB
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 0.13Micron
Socket: Socket 754

[GodKid]

dude... 2 things..

1 - They took ONLY the results where the Alienware machine won (that's ok.. it's Alienware's website)

2 - I guess now is a good time t drop the news about the rumored 3Ghz PPC coming in June... which is supported by some stuff that I can't disclose publicly. (I don't know WHAT is coming.. but they seem to be preparing the way for SOMETHIN)

[Kbee]

Ok GodKid, the unbiased comparison is here for you to read , this time it is another eval done by PCworld :

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,112749,pg,7,00.asp

not to say that Alienware or all the AMD FX-51 based systems cleaned house [ok they really did] , but i priced out a G5 , because i considered moving away from the PC line [hey unix is unix , so i could not care less what applie calls it]. However the apple G5 with close enough specs to My alienware is about $500 more :

Dual 2GHz PowerPC G5
• Save $100 at checkout - 1GB DDR400 SDRAM (PC3200) - 2x512
• 160GB Serial ATA - 7200rpm
• ATI Radeon 9800 Pro
• 56k V.92 internal modem
• SuperDrive (DVD-R/CD-RW)
• Apple Keyboard & Apple Mouse - U.S. English
• Mac OS X - U.S. English


Price $3,549.00

[check store.apple.com] I had to use the 160GB hard drive since they did not have the 80GB i chose , this is ok since they had the cheaper ATI9800pro [not even the XT] and i have the x800 XTP.

As for future 3Ghz PPCs the AMD FX-55 will far exceed that in performance i am sure , since it is slated for socket 939 which should support unbuffered RAM, PCI-Express, and an even higher HyperTransport bus. A true comparison should include a dual Alienware system like the MJ-12 , which prices out to $3,899.00 , however by 4th Quater both intel and AMD will be at 4Ghz and amd is also slated to include a dual core CPU architecture [they need this to compete with Intel's hyperthreading which show benifits in multithreaded benchmarks].

And Yes OE , considering all that i stated above WRT the AMD roadmap, i should have waited , however i am like a kid in a candy store when i find something i like ,and Alienware could not tell me when they were going to ship the ALX based systems ,or even PCI-express based motherboards.
ALso I am yet to see a review for any PCI-express Motherboard on toms or anandtech and it takes about 1 month after that before Alienware completes there internal benchmarking to determine the fastest and most compatable MB to use.
;D

[Kbee]

Ok i get it now , it takes about 7 days before they ship the system because of the Loooong process they have :

- Your Order is Currently in Phase 4 -



Phase 1: (Order Received)
Your order has been received and is awaiting verification before processing. If you placed your order online, you should be receiving a call or an email from an Alienware representative shortly. All online orders must be verified before they can be processed as part of our security procedures.

Phase 2: (Order is currently processed)
Your order has been verified and is currently awaiting payment processing. While in this stage we are authenticating any credit card and/or payment information for security purposes. Please understand that this phase is necessary as it will protect you the customer from any fraudulent transactions. We observe very strict security guidelines and hope you can appreciate our efforts.

Phase 3: (Payment Received)
Your order has been processed and is currently awaiting the configuration verification phase.

Phase 4: (Configuration Verification Phase)
Your configuration is undergoing a configuration verification prior to component reservation. This means that we are checking your system configuration before we reserve all the necessary components that make up your system. Even though this process already took place when you initially placed the order, we make sure to recheck our real-time knowledgebase for any possible conflicts with drivers and/or components.

Phase 5: (Pre-Production Inventory Queue phase)
Your system is now on queue and awaiting inventory inspection and audit.

Phase 6: (Inventory Audit)
The inventory that will be used to custom build your PC has now been inspected. Please be aware that a back-order situation might or might not exist in this phase. If a back-order situation does exist, it should not impede your order’s progress. In the rare occurrence that a back-order causes a delay it would occur during phase 9 and you will be notified immediately via e-mail. The part in question will also be identified in the e-mail.

Phase 7: (Materials Inspection)
All accessories such as Manuals (if applicable), CDs, Cables that are included with your system have now been inspected.

Phase 8: (Pre Assembly)
Your system is now on queue and waiting to be assembled, integrated and inspected by quality assurance.

Phase 9: (Production: Assembly & Integration)
Your system is being hand-built by an Alienware® Assembly Technician. We take great pride in building systems as our motto reflects "build it as if it were your own". The assembly stage can take sometime as all the cabling in the machine is carefully done and the results are greater upgrade flexibility and thermal airflows. Every assembly technician has been qualified with Alienware Standards and has undergone a rigorous training program. We pride ourselves on not only giving you a high performance computer system, but a piece of art!

Phase 10: (Production: Phase #1)
Your system is undergoing the first stage of the Alienware® 200-point quality control process. This stage includes the installation of the operating system, drivers and any applications that are specific to the system you ordered. Our Alienware® Integration Technician will also install any demos, benchmark utilities, and burn-in software neccessary to correctly monitor your system’s performance. These functions are performed by AlienFactory, a proprietary software designed by Alienware for our valued customers.

Phase 11: (Production: Phase #2)
Your system is undergoing the second stage of the Alienware® 200-point quality control process. This phase is the most crucial stage. We perform a series of grueling tests that push the hardware components in your system to the very limit. This phase is especially important because it is here where the system either passes or fails. If it does fail, it will automatically go to one of our diagnostic technicians to identify any problems before we ship it to you. If the system doesn't pass our performance metrics, we will build it from scratch again. Perfection takes time!

Phase 12: (Production: Quality Control)
Your system is undergoing the final stage of the Alienware® 200-point quality control process. An Alienware® Quality Inspector is tasked with inspecting your machine for any obvious or latent defects. Our Inspectors are seasoned technicians/engineers and are well versed in the art of perfection.

Phase 13: (Production: Shipping)
Your system is being packaged carefully and being prepared for shipping.

Phase 14: (Order Shipped)
Congratulations, your order has been shipped. We only hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed building it for you.

[OE]

Curious...ATI has not yet released the X800 XT, last I heard ETA is Mid June http://home.cogeco.ca/~o.e/wtf.gif

[GodKid]

Hey KBee...

OE and I had this same argument a few months back....

Fact is different testers have yielded different results... the MacWorld results were TOTALLY diff from the PC World results which were BOTH TOTALLY diff from some independent tester's results.

A couple things to keep in mind is optimization, apps, diff in hardware (esp. video cards)..

Nice to know you did the price comparison tho... :D

I still (like most other essentialists) say that the ONLY way you can test the two is not by using the same apps (different apps are ported across platforms differently and so don't necessarily use the power that is at their disposal), but rather using the best suited app on each platform.

EG: I did a test with my 1Ghz G4 just to see what would happen. I ran a Find and Replace on an sql doc that was say... 4015 lines long.. 4005 insert statements.. each insert statement had at least 6 instances of the search term (find: ,_',_', | replace with: ',') ..

in text edit on the g4 it took aprrox. 3 secs. in Notepad... well i stopped counting after 3.. ;)

anyway.. lemme not turn this into a performance debate... alienware sweet still, what you doin with all that power?

[Kbee]

Curious...ATI has not yet released the X800 XT, last I heard ETA is Mid June http://home.cogeco.ca/~o.e/wtf.gif

No , actually the XT is out , remember toms tested it mid May.
http://www.alienware.com/Product_Launch_pages/product_launches.aspx
Also i had an arguement with a friend the other day regarding the Nvidia 6800 Extreme [the one that forced ATI to release the XT less than a month after the x800 pro at almost x2 the performance]. According to him the Nvidia provided better graphics because of the use of Shader Model 3.0 [a directX standard for allowing true lignting and skin tones , to be supported by OpenGL 2.0] , he dicided to prove his point by illustrating how Frycry has a mod/patch that uses Shader model 3.0 [demonstrated at E3] , and the screenshots proved it.
However i found this bit of info [smarter people started to question things at E3] :

http://techreport.com/etc/2004q2/tamasi/index.x?pg=4
TR: Will we see a Shader Model 2.0 path for GeForce FX with this same
effect in Far Cry?

Tamasi: Yeah, the images that you've seen from Far Cry, the current
path, those are actually Shader Model 2.0, and anything that runs Shader Model 2.0 should be able to produce those images.



http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=36&type=expert

6) For the screenshot examples shown at the [NV40] launch event, why
was PS 1.1 used to contrast PS 3.0? Why wasn’t a PS 2.0
screenshot
compared to PS 3.0 instead?

On the event PS1.1 was compared with PS2.0/PS3.0. We don’t use PS3.0
everywhere. The general rule is to use as lower shader version as
possible. So PS3.0 could be used only in several critical places where
it gives performance boost.

Over all though i really expect that the main things on the horizon that will make my PC obsolete [really quick] are DDR2 and pci-express , either way i have lived with a 800Mhz refurbished dell for about 4years [not the top of the line when i got it] , so this should last a good time, hopefully powersupplies or Motherboard designs will not change that much , since i could just change the Mother board and processor and keep the really cool case down the line :D

[Kbee]

A couple things to keep in mind is optimization, apps, diff in hardware (esp. video cards)..


Very true , which is why the Apple did so well in the photoshop test. Hey if you look at the 64bit vid drivers for Winxp 64 or Linux compared to the 32bit equiv it is easy to see the infancy of the 64bit drivers [and apps] since they are not optimized as yet.




anyway.. lemme not turn this into a performance debate... alienware sweet still, what you doin with all that power?


shhhh.....dont tell anyone but i am doing important quark-gluon plasma analysis with the hope of attaining the secrets to the ultimate form of inexhuatable energy ........did you know that we have only a few years left of oil in reserves.....DID YOU KNOW !!!!
:)
Well to be serious, i dont play much in the way of games any more , so i know this is overkill :( , BUT I WANTED IT !!!! :)
worse thing is that the x800 drivers do not exist for linux as yet. well we will see what i end up using this for , maybe i will start playing games again ;)

[OE]

No , actually the XT is out , remember toms tested it mid May.
http://www.alienware.com/Product_Launch_pages/product_launches.aspx
Also i had an arguement with a friend the other day regarding the Nvidia 6800 Extreme [the one that forced ATI to release the XT less than a month after the x800 pro at almost x2 the performance]. According to him the Nvidia provided better graphics because of the use of Shader Model 3.0 [a directX standard for allowing true lignting and skin tones , to be supported by OpenGL 2.0] , he dicided to prove his point by illustrating how Frycry has a mod/patch that uses Shader model 3.0 [demonstrated at E3] , and the screenshots proved it.
However i found this bit of info [smarter people started to question things at E3] :

http://techreport.com/etc/2004q2/tamasi/index.x?pg=4
TR: Will we see a Shader Model 2.0 path for GeForce FX with this same
effect in Far Cry?

Tamasi: Yeah, the images that you've seen from Far Cry, the current
path, those are actually Shader Model 2.0, and anything that runs Shader Model 2.0 should be able to produce those images.



http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=36&type=expert

6) For the screenshot examples shown at the [NV40] launch event, why
was PS 1.1 used to contrast PS 3.0? Why wasn’t a PS 2.0
screenshot
compared to PS 3.0 instead?

On the event PS1.1 was compared with PS2.0/PS3.0. We don’t use PS3.0
everywhere. The general rule is to use as lower shader version as
possible. So PS3.0 could be used only in several critical places where
it gives performance boost.

Over all though i really expect that the main things on the horizon that will make my PC obsolete [really quick] are DDR2 and pci-express , either way i have lived with a 800Mhz refurbished dell for about 4years [not the top of the line when i got it] , so this should last a good time, hopefully powersupplies or Motherboard designs will not change that much , since i could just change the Mother board and processor and keep the really cool case down the line :D


The Radeon X800 XT PE will not be available for retail until mid June. My question is how are you getting it in 7 days? On a side note, I was reading last week how to flash the X800 Pro card to an X800 XT. I am curious but I don't think I have the courage to do it.

For those who have the b@!!5

Steps to take:
1. Download X800XT 256mb BIOS
2. Download Flashrom 2.37
3. Flash the XT bios using flashrom from a true dos prompt (not a dos prompt within windows!!) and power off after flashing is complete. (command is FLASHROM.EXE -f -p 0 <biosname.bin> )
4. Remove the card, remove heatsink (3 screws) and join the 2 leftmost points as in this photograph.

http://home.cogeco.ca/~o.e/x800Pro1.jpg

5. Reapply the heatsink/fan and some AS5 while you're at it
6. Refit card in machine and boot up. Windows should detect it as a new card and require you to reboot after it's changed drivers.
7. Use ATiTool 0.0.20 to check how many pipes are enabled.
8. Post results here.

I take no responsibility blah blah blah...........

Unless you botch the joining of contacts, or damage the card when removing/refitting heatsink etc, there should be no risk. ATi check all cores with 16 pipes enabled before leaving the plant, this is how they decide which core for pro's and which for XTs.

Good luck!

[Kbee]

I can't say how Alienware got the card so soon [they had the x800 pro for some time now] , however i would assume that ATI would sell the cards to the companies like voodoo pc and alienware first since they would be the ones to sell the most systems with these [rather expensive] cards. Admitedly home pc users [dell,gateway,IBM] would not really need more than a ATI 9600/9800 pro card.

I did hear about people on anadtech modding the X800 pro to make it a X800 XTPE , however I believe they had to solder some connections on the card [I could be wrong though].

I will pop open the case when i get it, just to verify that Alienware did not mod a X800pro to make it a x800 XTPE , just incase ;)

[OE]

I can't say how Alienware got the card so soon [they had the x800 pro for some time now] , however i would assume that ATI would sell the cards to the companies like voodoo pc and alienware first since they would be the ones to sell the most systems with these [rather expensive] cards. Admitedly home pc users [dell,gateway,IBM] would not really need more than a ATI 9600/9800 pro card.

I did hear about people on anadtech modding the X800 pro to make it a X800 XTPE , however I believe they had to solder some connections on the card [I could be wrong though].

I will pop open the case when i get it, just to verify that Alienware did not mod a X800pro to make it a x800 XTPE , just incase ;)


No need to solder anything. Just scrape a line between the two points (1 & 4) then join with conductive paint.

http://home.cogeco.ca/~o.e/800Pins.jpg

[Kbee]

I find this interesting , however it is too dangerous for me ::)
I have been looking at the differences between the two cards though and think that because of the memory used on the x800XT you may still not end up with the same performance by moding the x800pro :

http://www.hothardware.com/viewarticle.cfm?articleid=517

[Virus_NCU]

I will not pay soo much for an Alienware, but if i had the money i will, since it is so highly recognised for gaming.

[Dark Mage]

as far as i'm concerned alienware is the leading name in pc gaming, they always have the latest hardware before anyone else. For example: they had a 500gig hard drive when other companie where boasting about a 300 gig, they know have the two latest gaming graphics cards on the market, they have a kick-*** warranty and it's often hard to match their quality to price ratio even if your buying the parts urself

[Kbee]

ok , this is for thoses taking up Chris's challenge :
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=16285
and with the release of the new 939 chipset and the new AMD processors , it may yet be possible to win that bet.
-Kurt

[Kbee]

;D ;D ;D ;D
- Your Order is Currently in Phase 9 -

Phase 9: (Production: Assembly & Integration)
Your system is being hand-built by an Alienware® Assembly Technician. We take great pride in building systems as our motto reflects "build it as if it were your own". The assembly stage can take sometime as all the cabling in the machine is carefully done and the results are greater upgrade flexibility and thermal airflows. Every assembly technician has been qualified with Alienware Standards and has undergone a rigorous training program. We pride ourselves on not only giving you a high performance computer system, but a piece of art!


of course this is just stage 9 of 14 :(

[Kbee]

Looks sweet but crazy price VERY crazy . I guess for those that wanted an Overclocked water-cooled system [like the ones from voodoopcs.com] would not mind it though.

http://www.alienware.com/Images/alx_pages/gallery_1.jpg
http://www.alienware.com/Images/alx_pages/gallery_8.jpg

http://www.alienware.com/alx_pages/main_alx.aspx

[Kbee]

;D ;D ;D
- Your Order is Currently in Phase 13 -
.......

Phase 13: (Production: Shipping)
Your system is being packaged carefully and being prepared for shipping.

Phase 14: (Order Shipped)
Congratulations, your order has been shipped. We only hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed building it for you.

[Kbee]

IT FINALLY ARRIVED TODAY !!!!

I must admit the case is much larger than i thought but it definetly looks cool.

So while i got the alienAutopsy stating that the system did 369.9 FPS in Quake 3 . I wanted to test this myself , so went to compusa at bought FryCry.
I bumped up the settings to Ultra High [to test the x800XT PE] and was surprised at how smooth the game play was [i don't know how to tell the FPS though , anyone know the flags]
I did get doom3 beta2 but while it looked realistic it did not alow me to raise the display settings , so i still don't know the limit of this system , WRT games.

Tonight i will be installing Gentoo since i want to run 64bit linux and i am not buying Suse 9.1 [and i am not a fedora guy].

I will send pics this weekend.
-Kurt ;D

[OE]

Congrats on the system man, you must post a few benches for us. Download FRAPS to check frame rates www.fraps.com

[Kbee]

wow thanks for the link
here are some preliminary numbers for FPS in farcry:
FPS
157
156
155
156
157
158
159
157
159
.....
The highest is 167 FPS with EVERYthing at MAX and display set to 1280x 1024.
The min/max/avg looks looks this :

Frames, Time (ms), Min, Max, Avg
9485,60000,152,170,158.083

[Kbee]

uhhuhuumm , florida recount time !!! well it seems that those benchmark numbers were a little skewed , now i have max in-game settings verified [as tested on toms HW]

Frames    Time (ms)    Min    Max    Avg
5392   60000    45    112   89.867

Still not bad though since the frame rate has not fallen below 45 FPS.