The Hardware of Gamescom 2014

Alienware

Alienware's presence at Gamescom was almost exclusively about the Alpha. If you're not in the know, this is the company's answer to PS4 and Xbox One, and we have to admit that we're more than a little intrigued.

Firstly, the size of the Alpha is pretty minuscule compared to its larger console brethren. Even so, Alienware says that it should be on par or better than the PS4 in terms of performance in games (using medium settings), though of course this remains to be seen.


Alienware wasn't as forthcoming with specifications as we'd like, but we do know it will use an Intel Haswell processor and a custom-built Nvidia GPU that uses the highly efficient Maxwell architecture paired with 2GB of dedicated GDDR5 video memory. The basic system has a £429 UK retail price (including a single Xbox 360 wireless controller) and features a dual core Core i3 processor, 4GB 1,600MHz system memory, 500GB HDD and dual-band wireless-AC 1x1. However, it can be configured to include Core i5 and Core i7 parts (including quad core ones), up to 8GB 1,600MHz memory, 1TB or 2TB of storage and 2x2 wireless. However, the pricing specifics of said upgrades remains to be seen.


We were allowed to take a look inside, where we find a proprietary motherboard smaller than the mini-ITX form factor by some margin. Even so, the CPU is socketed, so it can be upgraded, as can the memory and hard drive, but sadly the GPU cannot. Upgrades do not affect the warranty, though as it's only 1 year in most regions this probably won't be a concern anyway. Alienware was keen to guide us towards the X51 for those interested in an upgradable GPU, and also wanted to make it clear that this is a machine that, at this size, you cannot build yourself and cannot build for less money (challenge accepted?).


The Alpha features HDMI in and out ports so it can be used as a pass-through device if necessary. There are two front-facing USB 2.0 ports and two rear USB 3.0 ports next to a Gigabite Ethernet port too. There's also a USB port in a hidden slot beneath the chassis, designed to house the wireless receiver of the Steam Pad (or a thumb-drive) once it's released. With no audio jacks, headsets need to be USB compatible. As said, a wireless Xbox 360 controller is supplied, but it's also compatible with the wired Xbox One controller and will support the wireless PC version of it too once it's available.


When it launches in time for this year's Christmas season, it will be running the Windows 8.1 OS. Alienware is planning a version with Steam OS and a Steam gamepad too, but isn't waiting around for those products to be completed: this is essentially a Steam Machine without Steam. Well, not quite, as the Alpha will still use Steam Big Picture Mode so users can browse, buy, install and launch their games. Speaking of games, your £429 will net you 9 or 10 pre-loaded games, though it's not clear which ones yet, and of course Steam games will be cheaper than their console counterparts. Finally, for those worried about having to use a controller, mice and keyboards can also be used, and as you can see here there are nearly 600 games with full controller support.


If you're wondering how on earth you're going to use the Windows interface from 10 feet away, Alienware's answer is the Alpha UI, which we've included screenshots of above and below. It's what greets the user on boot up and while it looks very basic we had a play and it's definitely easy to use and also smooth. It will also be available on the X51. There are also plans to add extra services, such as music or TV streaming ones, directly to the interface.



Do you think there's a place for the Alpha? Or would you rather just buy a console or build a more powerful, albeit bigger, PC yourself? We're yet to make up our minds, so do let us know your thoughts!