Alienware's new Area-51 desktop PCs are built for upgrading as it finally ditches the proprietary parts and covers everything in QR codes
If there's one thing sure to draw the ire of PC enthusiasts, it's proprietary parts. One of the great joys of our beloved hobby is upgrading an older machine with the newest components, but Alienware gaming PCs have previously featured non-standard sized motherboards, PSUs, and coolers that have made that process more painful than it needs to be.
No longer it seems, as the new Area-51 machines boast standard ATX motherboards, industry-standard power supplies, and even a smattering of QR codes designed to help inexperienced users upgrade.
Alienware says the Area-51 is «our most quiet, coolest running, and highest performance desktop» thanks to a focus on thermals and overall performance. Beyond the new standardised parts, the chassis has been designed to have positive pressure airflow, meaning that all fans point inwards—which Alienware says negates the need for a rear exhaust fan.
Hmm. I'd be keen to test that out for myself, as it seems like a lot to ask of positive pressure to passively eject substantial amounts of heat without the help of a rear fan.
Still, the new Area-51 is said to run up to 13% cooler and 45% quieter, while providing up to 25% more airflow overall compared to previous models.
There's room for up to a 450 mm long GPU up to four slots wide, with an included graphics retention mechanism and holder that can be positioned to accommodate various lengths of card. The top, bottom and front of the case include removable fan filters, while the AIO trays can scale to fit up to 420 mm heat exchangers.
The new chassis can support mATX motherboards as well as regular ATX models, and there's support for up to six total storage drives spread over the two 2.5-inch storage caddies, one 3.5-inch, and three available M.2 slots.
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