Alienware Alpha, The console killer - E3 2014 - RE-UPLOAD
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Alienware Alpha. What now "Next-Gen" consoles? Alienware really hit it home on some key points with this computer mainly in the form factor space. HyperX Links: Subscribe to HyperX: youtube.com Learn more: kingston.com Our E3 2014 Sponsor Info!: linustechtips.com A special thank you to HyperX for letting us
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The Alienware Alpha demonstrated at E3 2014 is pitched as a compact, living-room friendly gaming PC that aims to blend console simplicity with PC flexibility. The host and Alienware representative highlight a tiny form factor paired with surprisingly strong internal options, including Haswell-based Intel processors (i3, i5, i7), up to 8 GB of memory, and Nvidia Maxwell-based graphics with 2 GB of dedicated memory. The base model starts at $549 and includes a 500 GB hard drive, with options to upgrade to 2 TB storage and higher-end CPUs for more performance. A key design point is upgradeability: nearly every component such as the hard drive, RAM, CPU, and wireless card can be swapped, though the graphics chip is a custom, non-upgradable part built into the motherboard. The system ships with Windows and a custom front-end that provides a console-like experience navigable entirely with an Xbox 360 gamepad, while still allowing keyboard and mouse use if desired. SteamOS is not yet ready, and though the box is showcased as Steam OS ready, its official Steam integration is to be delivered later, with SteamOS and the corresponding gamepad support planned for a future update. The overall goal is to offer a compact, versatile machine that can sit under a TV, double as a desktop PC, and bridge the gap between console and PC gaming, without forcing users into a single ecosystem.
Topics · technology · hardware · gaming hardware · console vs pc
Questions answered
- What is the Alienware Alpha's upgradeability like beyond the graphics chip?
- According to the presentation, nearly all components including the hard drive, memory, CPU, and wireless card are upgradeable, with the exception of the graphics chip which is a custom design integrated on the motherboard.
- What operating system does the Alpha ship with and what is planned for SteamOS?
- The Alpha ships with Windows, and SteamOS support is planned for a future update. SteamOS and the associated gamepad support are not ready at launch.
- What is the default input method and can the Alpha be used as a traditional PC?
- The device ships with an Xbox 360 gamepad but can be used with a keyboard and mouse, making it fully navigable as a desktop PC if desired.