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Alienware Alpha Core i5 8GB RAM 1TB HDD GeForce GTX 860M 2GB $799 Delivered @ Dell eBay Store

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Alienware Alpha Core i5 8GB RAM 1TB HDD GeForce GTX 860M 2GB $799 Delivered @ Dell eBay Store
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Max999 on 25/08/2015 - 13:53 ebay.com.au (4025 clicks)
CTREAT20

Part of the deal here: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/208273

A very nice little box with a custom Nvidia card GTX 860m, similar in performance, though not as good, to GTX 750 Ti.

Would have bought this if I didn't build a small form factor pc last year with the 750 Ti card, which cost me $1000 back then.

Internal Specs:
Processor
Intel® Core™ i5-4590T quad-core processor (6M Cache, up to 3.0GHz)

Operating System
Windows 8.1 (64Bit) English

Microsoft Office 2013
Microsoft® Office trial

Memory
8GB (2X4GB) Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz SDRAM Memory

Hard Drive
1TB 5400rpm Hard Drive

Video Card
Graphics powered by a custom-built NVIDIA® GeForce® GPU 2GB GDDR5

Wireless
Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7265 2x2 + Bluetooth 4.0

Warranty
1 Year Mail-In Service

Ports
External Chassis Connections
2x USB 2.0 (Front)
2x USB 3.0 (Back)
1x RJ45 GbE
1x HDMI-Out 1.4a
1x HDMI-In
1x optical audio out (Toslink)
1x DC in

Internal Chassis Connections
1x USB 2.0 – Tool-less access via bottom door

Slots
2x DDR3 SoDIMM Sockets

Chassis
AlienFX Lighting Zones
2 Zones (Triangle and Alienhead)

Dimensions & Weight
Height: 3" (76.2mm)
Width: 8" (203.2mm)
Depth: 8" (203.2mm)
Starting Weight: 8lbs. (3.6kg)

Power
130W - AC Adapter

Computing

Related Stores

eBay Australia
eBay Australia
Marketplace
Dell
Dell

closed Comments

  • pw2002au on 25/08/2015 - 14:08
    +6

    Wouldnt buy the i5 version of this as the i3 represents better value overall. Several reviews on the interwebs comparing the two. Cheaper to add your own ram and ssd and the performance between the i5 processor and i3 in terms of grunt for gaming isnt all that great.

    That said I love the form factor and it makes a great steam machine since their update to the kodi interface. Graphics arent fantastic but does well as a small gaming and media hub. Also note only two usb 3 connectors on the back and usb 2 on front.

    Probably should have gone the make myself route but for what it is I'd stick to waiting for the semi regular $100 rebate on the i3 version.

    • Lukian on 25/08/2015 - 15:20
      +2

      $559 for the i3 version during ebay sales, or I've seen it on dell outlet for ~$469.

      The build your own route - you can't really do it for this price and form factor, but you may end up with something more powerful (but larger).

      I'll be interested to see whether they'll release a Windows 10 updated/base AlphaUI version.

      • pw2002au on 25/08/2015 - 15:43

        I think they will be sticking with the new kodi interface given that they've only just released it (jul update). Was always promised to be released with a Steam OS … but that day I doubt is coming anytime soon.

        • Lukian on 25/08/2015 - 15:44

          How's the Kodi interface fare on Windows 10?

          I haven't updated to Windows 10 or the Kodi UI yet on mine.

        • pw2002au on 25/08/2015 - 15:48
          +1

          @Lukian: Forced mine to update the other day to windows 10. Pretty smooth update and given that I stream most of my games to a nuc in the office have noticed a slightly improved streaming performance (not sure why). The interface stays effectively the same but when you switch users it seems a 'lot' friendlier than under 8.1. Just feels more responsive since the update.

          One recommendation I already liked kodi and hivemind is pretty integrated into it via the skin, but you may prefer the old interface (I hated it) so backup first.

        • pitoui on 25/08/2015 - 16:13

          @pw2002au:

          I had a pretty serious sound glitch when I updated my Alpha i3 to Windows 10. I couldn't fix it so I reverted back to Windows 8.1.
          Have you encountered this glitch or anything else?

        • pw2002au on 25/08/2015 - 16:16

          @pitoui: no .. but as I said I mostly stream the steam games … will have to look into it. I did play around with updated drivers on dells site prior to updating to Windows 10.

        • pitoui on 25/08/2015 - 16:20
          +1

          @pw2002au:

          I updated the drivers after installing Windows 10 so maybe that's why sound wasn't working for me.

          I'll try again one day, I think we have a year to claim the Windows 10 upgrade.

        • pw2002au on 25/08/2015 - 16:32
          +1

          @pitoui: by then we may have a steam OS so can get rid of windows all together (wishful thinking) ;)

        • pitoui on 25/08/2015 - 17:09

          @pw2002au:

          I like the flexibility of Windows…. Don't hurt me.

        • Max999 on 25/08/2015 - 17:14
          +2

          @pitoui:

          I think once you upgraded to Windows 10 and activated, your machine will be registered for it.

          I guess it should work even after a year should you want to upgrade again.

        • koolaje on 26/08/2015 - 09:29

          @pitoui: AFAIK once you upgraded to Win 10, even if you moved back to 8.1, the licence for Win 10 is already in MS server hence you can upgrade anytime to Win 10 even after the 1 year offer.

          EDIT: @ryanggoal beat me to it! :)

    • bargaindude12345 on 26/08/2015 - 15:44
      +1

      The i3 version is now available on eBay:
      http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Dell-Desktop-PC-Alienware-Alp…

  • MelBourne on 25/08/2015 - 14:10
    +1

    Looks pretty cool, I think maybe a candidate to run Steam OS in your lounge room on your TV, coupled with the new Steam controller for a new gaming experience?
    Either way, it looks like a flash little gaming unit.

    I dont need it though :(

    • Lukian on 25/08/2015 - 15:22

      That's what it was built for, but Dell decided to not wait for Steam OS/controller and release their own UI w/Xbox 360 controller (which launches Steam and a few other things).

      • RI4V4N on 25/08/2015 - 18:03

        With windows 10 of course u can use xbox one controllers if you buy the new wireless usb dongle.

      • MelBourne on 26/08/2015 - 03:16
        +1

        Funny story from tonight… and really relevant:

        I was playing around on my computer, trying to fix a few bugs in Windows 10 and decided to look in my cupboard for some reason. I found my old Chinese X-Box 360 controller wireless adapter in a box, and thought I would plug it in and see if I could get it working.

        I ended up finding how to install the correct driver, and put some batteries in my old Xbox 360 controller and started to configure it. I tried to turn it off, as I wasnt really interested in actually using it tonight. I held down the middle 'home' button and WALAH!

        My screen booted up in to a full screen Steam Graphical interface that I have never seen before, and I was able to quickly use the controller to scroll through my games library, click on a game and straight away I was playing one of my games with my controler.

        It really surprised me and blew me away because I didn't realise I had this feature installed, and my xbox controller seemed set up to work with it flawlessly.

        /Cool story bro.

        • diddy50 on 26/08/2015 - 10:26

          So you have the alpha?

        • MelBourne on 28/08/2015 - 00:42
          +1

          @diddy50:

          I don't know what I have.. Just my PC with steam installed. But just so happens that a full screen Steam interface opens up when I hold down the Xbox controller and it works seamlessly. Love it actually

  • atlas on 25/08/2015 - 14:27

    What's the HDMI in for?

    • pw2002au on 25/08/2015 - 15:13

      purely passthrough … absolutely useless

      • Lukian on 25/08/2015 - 15:22
        +2

        Not absolutely, but I would have preferred dual-out =)

        • pitoui on 25/08/2015 - 16:15
          +1

          Loving the passthrough. I use it to display my Xbox One since most of the other HDMI inputs are taken.

  • DreadEmperor on 25/08/2015 - 15:26
    +2

    FYI the "cusotm" GPU in the Alpha is based off the GTX 860m, of which the desktop performance equiv would be the GTX 750 Ti.

    http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX-860M.107794.…

  • juki on 25/08/2015 - 15:27
    +1

    any idea how it compares to a Zotac EN860 ? (value/performance -wise, as the alpha wins aesthetically)

    • Lukian on 25/08/2015 - 15:46
      +2

      Dell, you get ~3 years Australian warranty under ACL.

      Zotac, good luck!

      PS. I can't even find the Zotac for sale on Amazon/Newegg/somewhere reliable to ship from.

  • travs on 25/08/2015 - 15:56
    +2

    I have the i7 version and it's pretty sweet. My only real gripes are that they don't sell it with a SSD option or 16GB, but the machine is very easy to work on. It's not tool-less, but very easy to pop open. RAM, HDD, CPU are pretty easy to swap out. The video card can't be replaced, but it's pretty well powered.

    You can drive a 4k display with it, but not for gaming. I use it on a 4K bravia, but leave it in 1080p mode most of the time.

    As for value, IMO, it's a good value. You can probably piece together something for cheaper, but it will cost you time & have to deal with putting it all together vs buying this for marginally more expensive. You really won't save a lot of $$$ by building your own.

    • Agret on 26/08/2015 - 01:11

      You really won't save a lot of $$$ by building your own.

      That depends, because:

      The video card can't be replaced, but it's pretty well powered.

      When the video card doesn't cut it anymore (it's kinda low end of midrange right now) and you want to upgrade your video card you will need to buy a new case/PSU/motherboard/cpu and that means new ram for ddr4. May as well have gone with build your own to begin with.

  • Erkel on 25/08/2015 - 16:02
    +4

    I've been using mine for a few months now. This is a great machine to take to your friends BBQ or parties. I've installed plenty of local coop games on mine (eg Monaco, Castle Crashers, Jackbox Party Pack - this one is a real hit). Carry extra controllers and you'll have a portable party machine.

    The unit boots into Alienware UI which is controller friendly and Steam starts in BPM. This unit is meant to be used with a controller rather than kb/m.

    I HIGHLY recommend upgrading the hard drive to SSD. The hdd it comes with is pretty slow, with a SSD it boots up in seconds. Memory upgrade can also be done but not really necessary.

    • pw2002au on 25/08/2015 - 16:20
      +1

      Quick one - do you install all your steam games onto the SSD as well? My budget didnt spring for a 2TB so moved off to USB 3. Just wondering if you have done the same and/or noticed any perf issues running this way.

      • Agret on 26/08/2015 - 01:12
        +1

        There's not much point in installing games to the SSD but I suppose you won't really be putting anything else on it anyway being a dedicated gaming console. If you have the SSD as your boot drive and just install games to the HDD it should be fast enough anyway since nothing is going to be accessing the hard drive except for your game it will get the full speed rather than when you have it as a boot drive and the drive is going nuts trying to serve the OS files as well as your game.

    • Greg123 on 27/08/2015 - 13:34

      Did you replace the HDD with an SSD or add one in? From what I've been able to see online I get the impression that there's only one bay but I'm not sure. Is there space for a second drive, and/or spare SATA ports available?

      • Erkel on 27/08/2015 - 21:14

        There is only 1 bay. I've swapped out the stock HDD with a SSD, and the improvement in speed and performance is very noticeable. If you have a look at reviews of the Alpha, alot of them do recommend swapping out the HDD for a SSD.

  • Erkel on 25/08/2015 - 16:53
    +1

    Yep I have all the games installed on the SSD, no issues whatsoever, you'll definitely notice a boost in game loading times as well.

    • niknaks on 25/08/2015 - 21:12

      Quick question, how big an ssd did you get? Been contemplating the upgrade but concerned that 250gb won't be enough but can't justify more than 500gb ssd. Thanks in advance.

      • pw2002au on 25/08/2015 - 22:44

        I've filled my 250gb - depends on how many games you like installed at once. Add a few big title GTA5 off steam etc and you lose space quickly - will also likely lose some speed with a full SSD.

        The option I've taken is to move steam games off to a USB3 drive. Time will tell on the lag factor as Im yet to get a chance to test this. Like you cant justify the $$ for a large SSD.

  • Axelstrife on 25/08/2015 - 17:20
    +1

    Better off building your own desktop. If you want something that small go to a console.

    • travs on 25/08/2015 - 19:04
      +5

      Do the math; if you want a similar HTPC, you're not saving all that much doing a DIY build. It's a polished little machine, has some nice perks (controller, customised lighting, warranty, etc.) It's much faster than a console and works as a great media centre to boot.

      • Agret on 26/08/2015 - 01:13
        +2

        Except for if in a year you want to upgrade the video card then you have to scrap the whole machine whereas with a DIY you just slap it in.

      • ozgriff on 26/08/2015 - 07:25
        +3

        I don't think people get it - I was sceptical, but this is one you should really have a look at, and try.

        I've built plenty of PCs, this is a polished - very quiet unit that sits nicely in a lounge room. It's small, light and is surprisingly good at playing all the games I want it to play. I'm so over updating the GPU every couple of years for $200+ in my box that's noisy and big.

        I could have bought a console, but having an existing steam library and than going strong in the Steam winter and summer sales for controller based games means I have hundreds of games that I can boot up on my 65" TV, where most people have a box and 4-5 games which is limited. Graphics are already better than the PS4 or Xbox one - and I'm more in favour of laptops and small forms as they are truly powerful enough these days.

        If you'd like, I can sell you my Core 2 Duo Extreme CPU based PC :-)

    • Serapis on 25/08/2015 - 22:16
      +3

      I don't know who negged you but I give you +1. I'm of the same opinion.

      Recently built a computer with an R290, i5 4690k, 1TB HDD, 250GB SSD, 8GB ram for around $1k.

      Take out the SSD and the price I paid would be similar. Windows 8.1 only costs around $30 on g2a.com so you're actually paying more for a weaker computer.

  • [Deactivated] on 25/08/2015 - 17:25

    That's pretty cool, I didn't know there were those type of options around for playing games on a TV. I'd probably buy one but already have a PS4.

  • bargainhunt21 on 25/08/2015 - 19:35

    Anyone know what FPS you might would get on CSGO with mid to high in-game video settings?

    • Serapis on 25/08/2015 - 22:12
      +1

      CSGO is not very demanding, could run it on mid to high setting with an AMD 6950 OC and a dual core e8400 (old pc from nearly a decade ago)

  • [Deactivated] on 25/08/2015 - 20:11
    +1

    If this had a 970 GPU I'd buy it in a heart beat. That GPU is weak sauce. Is the case capable of taking a 970?

    • Max999 on 25/08/2015 - 20:13

      GPU is not upgradeable unfortunately.

  • Serapis on 25/08/2015 - 22:10

    … or i build my own computer and get a usb controller. much better

  • tomy910 on 25/08/2015 - 22:47

    Not a teckie here. I am planning to buy a gaming machine for my son. Budget is $1000 for a PC (just box). Will this be better option for $1k gaming PC's from PC Case Gear. Thanks in advance.

    • Max999 on 25/08/2015 - 23:13
      -1

      Can't see how a 1k gaming machine can out perform this box by much.

      Both can handle 1080p fine, but Neither will be capable of 4 k gaming.

      Only advantage a $1000 box has is having an ssd instead of hdd.

      Though you can also replace the hdd in the alienware with an ssd yourself.

      Taking the portability into account, I'd say alienware is more bang for the bucks.

      • tomy910 on 25/08/2015 - 23:32

        Thanks for the feedback ryangoal.

      • shiny1 on 26/08/2015 - 01:51
        +4

        Disagree. 1k gaming box will allow for a MUCH more powerful video card. 860M is far too weak to play any of today's games with acceptable resolution and FPS. The only benefit this thing has over a 1k regular box is form factor and bling.
        Prioritise most of the budget on the video card, then CPU. RAM/Motherboard affects very little in comparison, so skimping here is OK. I would also get a decent PSU. SSD don't cost that much these days.

        Edit: Don't forget that 860M is NOT the same as a GTX 860. VERY DIFFERENT!

      • [Deactivated] on 26/08/2015 - 03:51
        +4

        I disagree. This is a box made out of laptop components and upgrades will be limited/impossible as well as availability of spare parts past warranty would be an issue.

        I would suggest doing a custom build with Budget PC (a bit cheaper than PCCG and also Melbourne based) as Budget PC give free custom build assembly if you buy at least 3 components from them.

        Sample Build:
        CPU: Intel i5-4460 - $269
        Motherboard: Asus H81M-PLUS - $77
        RAM: G.Skill 8GB DDR3 1600 - $80
        SSD: OCZ ARC 100 120GB - $87
        OS: Windows 8.1 - $125
        * Note: Request 64-bit media be installed using 32-bit key and then do free upgrade to Windows 10 Home
        GPU: GTX 960 2GB - $289 (or $256 from Futo after discount)
        Case: DeepCool Smarter LED Mini LED - $35
        PSU: SilverStone 500W Strider - $55

        Total: $1017 ($984 with BYO Graphics card)

        I would suggest going for a Pentium G3258 ($89) instead of an i5-4460 to save some money, even though it is not as powerful as the Dell's i5-4590T it is still extremely powerful and more than enough for gaming, and will save you $180. Total = $837 ($804 with BYO Graphics Card)

        The Dell is still slightly cheaper (after 20% discount it is approx $800) but not nearly as powerful/upgradeable/repairable.

        The Custom PC uses more energy and the Case isn't as small. SSD instead of HDD because SSDs are better (HDD can also be added separately if you need, or go for a bigger SSD). MUCH more powerful for gaming.

        • galbanese on 27/08/2015 - 15:31

          will an i3 be better than the Pentium G3258?

        • [Deactivated] on 27/08/2015 - 15:40

          @galbanese: it will be better but they are both Dual core, only difference is hyperthreading, most games rely on GPU power more than CPU cores

    • biozet on 26/08/2015 - 10:48
      +1

      case gear has a great site and great service but you will save money elsewhere. You can do a good gaming pc build for under 1000 using the clearance stock at msy for example

  • futaris on 26/08/2015 - 10:52

    Pretty impressive for a Device that will only use 130W max.

    But then again, the NVidia Shield TV (Android TV based Tegra X1) uses only 5-10W typically on a 40W power supply.

    • Max999 on 26/08/2015 - 11:52

      I love my shield TV but you can't compare the Android gaming library to that of pc's at the moment.

      On top of that you need to couple shield TV with a decent gaming PC to unlock its full potential via gamestream.

  • atotheb on 29/08/2015 - 02:14
    +1

    i5 model out of stock.

    i3 still available for $559.20 after discount. Pretty good deal, considering the included games, wireless Xbox 360 controller and receiver.

    I bought one for use as an HTPC and games machine.

  • aussieprepper on 29/08/2015 - 02:27

    Lol some of you people don't know much. The gtx860m is a mobile chipset only Nvidia never released a desktop 860 and it is the same as the as gtx960m Google it. I have the i7 model and I play battlefield 4 max setting aa on 4 times and get a solid 50fps and on a stage like locker upto 70fps. On gta 5 max settings I get average 45fps more then playable. When I brought mine I was looking for a windows tablet and dell through in 8inch windows tablet with Microsoft office so I payed about 1k for the system! It's small and makes almost no noise.

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