Alienware Aurora

Alienware specializes in high-end, performance oriented gaming machines with attitude. While there are certainly faster gaming rigs out there, you won’t find this kind of power out there for under $2,000. The Alienware Aurora represents the perfect balance between next gen, supercharged tech and an affordable hardware configuration. The Alienware Aurora is a great configuration for the demanding gamer.

Standout Features

• AMD Athlon X2 7750 Processor
• Dual 512 MB ATI Radeon HD 4850 video cards
• 4 GB DDR2 RAM
• 250 GB hard drive

Features

There’s no denying Alienware’s knack for visual flare. The Alienware Aurora falls right in line with their sci-fi, extraterrestrial themed tower style. The chassis of the Alienware Aurora is reflective and features an LED lit alien head logo along with a sort of Darth Vader mask grating on the sides that emit eerie LED ambient light. For the image-oriented power gamer, Alienware’s huge variety of LED color choices are sure to delight. Depending on your taste, your tower can emit light in about every color imaginable—from “fusion red” all the way to “nebula acqua.”

Moving on from the distinctive Alienware look, the Alienware Aurora packs some heat in the hardware department too. In terms of processing power, the Alienware Aurora only features a dual-core AMD X2 7750 Processor that runs at 2.7 GHz. Gamers concerned with future proofing their machine might want to opt for the more expensive quad-core options available.

A killer processor is nice, but isn’t nearly as critical to stellar frame rates as a solid graphics controller. The Alienware Aurora’s video card configuration rivals that of $5,000+ machines—dual 512 MB ATI Radeon HD 4850 video cards will crush the recommended specs on next year’s games. This year’s games, even Crysis with the sliders up, will run with frame rates nearing the triple digits.

4 GB or RAM is plenty for intensive gaming, media work and multitasking. In terms of storage, 250 GB leaves a lot to be desired, but for an additional $100, the Alienware Aurora ships with a 750 GB hard drive—well worth the investment for data hoarders.

Summary of Reviews from Across the Internet

HD media enthusiasts lament the standard configuration of the Alienware Aurora because it doesn’t have Blu-ray capability. You’ll have to upgrade if you want to move beyond the simple DVD+/-RW optical drive.

The Alienware Aurora is standard with integrated 7.1 channel audio, so audiophiles won’t be disappointed.

Summary

The Alienware Aurora packs some serious power and represents the best AMD-fueled alternative out there for power gamers. We can whole-heartedly get behind the performance oriented Alienware Aurora. The fact that it won’t devastate your financial life is only icing on the cake.

To see how the Alienware Aurora compares to other performance gaming machines, check out our other reviews of the latest gaming PCs.

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