Those of you who are interested in buying an Alienware system should definitely read this article.

Ordering Process

When it came time for me to purchase my new system (about a month ago), I was deciding between two computer companies: Dell and Alienware. After reading positive feedback on both eopinions.com and cnet.com, I decided to give Alienware a try. (Alienware is a custom computer manufacturer located in Miami, Florida. They make high end machines primarily targeted to gamers.) The ordering process was simple and easy - just select the components you wanted and click the submit button once you were done. An e-mail message would show up in your inbox to confirm your order. About one or two business days later, Alienware would call you to review your order and ask you to complete some survey questions for them (e.g. Where did you hear Alienware?, What are you using your Alienware computer for?). However, you can choose to call them up if you felt that was more convenient. For about two weeks before my system arrived, I was constantly checking the order status on their web site. Although the order status page wasn't very detailed, it was better off than not having one. You could see what phase your computer was in, and that was about it. When it came time to ship your system out, Alienware would post the FedEx tracking numbers on that page.

Package Contents

Well, exactly two weeks (and those were two very long weeks) later, I got my system from Alienware. The ATX mid tower, keyboard, and peripherals came in one box and the speakers came in another box. The first box had an Alienware logo and was completely black. The second box was the original box that came with the speakers. Note that I did not get a monitor with my system. A small white box (that was placed in the black Alienware box), contained all the manuals and drivers that I needed for my system. It also included the Emergency Recovery CD at no extra charge. An Alienware 3-ring binder that contained order/warranty information and also a mousepad (whether it be an Alienware Everglide or a Surface1030) came free with your system too.

Setting it Up

Setting up the computer was really easy. A poster also came with the system so that if you have any difficulties, you could always refer to it to make the proper adjustments. It's actually a pretty neat looking poster. :) Alienware also tells you where to place your system, for maximal performance and efficiency.

System Stats

OK enough talk. Let's review the stats on my system:

-ATX Mid-Tower Case (300-Watt PS) - COLOR ( SPACE BLACK )
-AMD Athlon 1.2GHz Processor 266MHz FSB w/Heatsink & Cooling Fan
-256MB DDR SDRAM (PC-2100)
-NVIDIA GeForce3 w/64MB DDR TV-Out 4X AGP
-KoolMaxx Video Cooling System $46.00
-30GB HD 9.0ms seek time, 7200RPM, UltraATA
-SoundBlaster LIVE! Value
-Altec Lansing ACS54 5-Piece Surround Speakers & Sub
-Pioneer 16X DVD 40X w/Software MPEG-2 Decoder
-107-Enhanced Windows Keyboard - COLOR ( SPACE BLACK )
-Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer USB
-PlexWriter 16X/10X Write 40X Read CD-RW Recordable-IDE
-Aliencare Toll-Free 1-Year 24/7 ONSITE Warranty (No-Charge)
-Microsoft Windows Millennium
-Fed-Ex 2nd Day Air w/insurance (No Monitor included) $29.00

(this was directly copied from my order confirmation e-mail)

* As you can see, they put quality components in my system. BTW, the 30GB HD is a Seagate Barracuda, the 256 MB DDR PC-2100 RAM is from Apacer, and the Geforce 3 is an Elsa Gladiac 920. The motherboard was not an ASUS, but was an AD11 from a company called FIC. They are the very first companies that support DDR RAM on a motherboard.

Performance

The system kicks butt (too bad I couldn't use the other three letter word :p)! It really does. It takes about 15 seconds to load WinMe. Also, the desktop is uncluttered. The system tray is empty. The background is a cool Alienware logo. The only programs that are installed are benchmarking programs, Quake 3 demo, MDK2 demo, and Gamespy Arcade. In Quake 3, I get an average of 90 fps at 1024x768x32 with everything set to the max. I must admit that I am not a hardcore gamer, but at those speeds, I can see why gamers are always upgrading their systems for max performance. Everything works great, and the computer hardly crashes. One thing that I am saddened by is that they didn't overclock my video card or my CPU.

Drawbacks

One of my major complaints is that the CPU gets too hot. Even with six fans in the system, the CPU gets up to 50 degrees Celsius. The fans are also quite noisy. The case is larger than most mid-tower ATX cases and is also heavier. The KoolMaxx Video Cooling System is also a bit pricey, and it's not as fancy as you think (all it is a fan attached to the side of the case with a grille). Other than that, I absolutely enjoy the system. I really think that people should consider buying an Alienware system for the first time.

Common Complaints Answered

1) System is too pricey.
Yes, I have to admit that the system is expensive (and that you could built it for less), but hey, if you are complaining about the price, you shouldn't even be reading this review because Alienware computers are not cheap. Also, Alienware computers are top of the line.
2) Shipping times takes forever (for some people).
I have to agree with that statement. If you order a CUSTOM system, shipping time will take longer. They will probably overclock your system and do a whole lot of adjustments to it. However, if you order a PRE-CONFIGURED like an Aurora DDR or an Area 51 system, you will get it in a faster time, but they will probably not overclock your system. Also, make sure you have a credit card that can support the price. Otherwise, you'll be waiting forever to get your system. They are pretty strict about that.
3) Bad tech support.
I never had to use tech support. Hopefully, you don't have to when your order your Alienware system.
4) Alienware sucks!
Well, as far as I heard, all computer manufacturing companies suck. :)

In Conclusion...

I hope this review has been helpful to you, and that if you are planning to get an Alienware system, do it! However, don't be an idiot and buy 2 or more Alienware systems at the same time or even in the future. With a little research, you can get all the components (even the cool looking case) for less money. Besides, you are getting an Alienware computer to test it out and have bragging rights on your block, aren't you?


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1875
Operating System: Windows
Processor: AMD Athlon (K7)
Processor speed: over 1000
RAM: 256
Internal Storage: CD-RW and DVD
Hard Drive (GB): 21-30