Computer Power User : February 01, 2009
Specs CPU: Intel Core i7-965 Extreme @ 3.2GHz; Motherboard: Intel DX58SO; RAM: 12GB 1,066MHz DDR3; Storage: Extreme Performance (RAID 0) 256GB SSD; 2TB SATA 3Gbps 7,200rpm; GPU: ATI Diamond Radeon HD 4870 X2; PSU: Thermaltake 1,200W. Serious Firepower When it comes to buying a boutique system, the price tag hanging from the chassis is usually as far out as the components inside. But once in a while, we find dangling before our eyes a price tag worthy of consideration. One of these price tags belongs to Alienware's Area-51 X-58 desktop, which crams plenty of intense features into a reasonably priced package and delivers a worthwhile performance. Our test unit came with some of the newest and fastest parts available. To start, the X-58 sports its namesake, the Intel Extreme Series DX58SO motherboard, and is further equipped with an Intel 3.2GHz Core i7 processor. With the Core i7's integrated memory controller and efficient QPI (QuickPath Interconnect, shared by the X58 chipset on the DX58SO), these two components are the foundation for one promising system. Add to them an equally promising pair of ATI Radeon 4870 X2s rigged for CrossFireX, 12GB of RAM, and 64-bit Vista, and you are looking at some serious firepower. Alienware gives buyers a variety of choices where case, LED light, and fan colors are concerned. Our X-58 arrived in a glossy black chassis, highlighted with blue LED lights and fans, which looked great but was prone to easy fingerprinting. I took a liking to the X-58's sleek, symmetrical design and was even more appreciative of some of the features within. Its tool-less design, for instance, makes it easy to add or remove components such as optical or hard drives. The wireless fan sensor located on the side panel is another practical touch and eliminates the wire connecting the fan to the power supply or motherboard. The inside of the X-58 is free of clutter; all wires are routed efficiently and secured for optimum airflow, which helped dissipate the considerable heat the 4870 X2s produced during testing. The X-58 performed well for us, with especially high marks in multimedia tests. Cinebench finished at 46 seconds, while PCMark Vantage had a high overall score and posted high in all its multimedia categories. Gaming scores were suitable and reflected the X-58's inclusion of the latest hardware, with Crysis finishing at an admirable 33fps. Any qualms with the X-58 are largely subjective, such as the size of the case, which stands 19 inches tall and reaches 25 inches in depth. This is great for expandability options but also eats up desk space and makes for a heavy LAN load. Overall, Alienware's X-58 is a solid system that beats its competition with customizable options and a reasonable price tag.
CPU: Intel Core i7-965 Extreme @ 3.2GHz; Motherboard: Intel DX58SO; RAM: 12GB 1,066MHz DDR3; Storage: Extreme Performance (RAID 0) 256GB SSD; 2TB SATA 3Gbps 7,200rpm; GPU: ATI Diamond Radeon HD 4870 X2; PSU: Thermaltake 1,200W.
When it comes to buying a boutique system, the price tag hanging from the chassis is usually as far out as the components inside. But once in a while, we find dangling before our eyes a price tag worthy of consideration. One of these price tags belongs to Alienware's Area-51 X-58 desktop, which crams plenty of intense features into a reasonably priced package and delivers a worthwhile performance.
Our test unit came with some of the newest and fastest parts available. To start, the X-58 sports its namesake, the Intel Extreme Series DX58SO motherboard, and is further equipped with an Intel 3.2GHz Core i7 processor. With the Core i7's integrated memory controller and efficient QPI (QuickPath Interconnect, shared by the X58 chipset on the DX58SO), these two components are the foundation for one promising system. Add to them an equally promising pair of ATI Radeon 4870 X2s rigged for CrossFireX, 12GB of RAM, and 64-bit Vista, and you are looking at some serious firepower.
Alienware gives buyers a variety of choices where case, LED light, and fan colors are concerned. Our X-58 arrived in a glossy black chassis, highlighted with blue LED lights and fans, which looked great but was prone to easy fingerprinting. I took a liking to the X-58's sleek, symmetrical design and was even more appreciative of some of the features within. Its tool-less design, for instance, makes it easy to add or remove components such as optical or hard drives. The wireless fan sensor located on the side panel is another practical touch and eliminates the wire connecting the fan to the power supply or motherboard. The inside of the X-58 is free of clutter; all wires are routed efficiently and secured for optimum airflow, which helped dissipate the considerable heat the 4870 X2s produced during testing.
The X-58 performed well for us, with especially high marks in multimedia tests. Cinebench finished at 46 seconds, while PCMark Vantage had a high overall score and posted high in all its multimedia categories. Gaming scores were suitable and reflected the X-58's inclusion of the latest hardware, with Crysis finishing at an admirable 33fps.
Any qualms with the X-58 are largely subjective, such as the size of the case, which stands 19 inches tall and reaches 25 inches in depth. This is great for expandability options but also eats up desk space and makes for a heavy LAN load.
Overall, Alienware's X-58 is a solid system that beats its competition with customizable options and a reasonable price tag.