This sure as hell does look like a original Xbox / New slim Xbox hybrid, but no! Though it looks like a game console, Alienware’s X51 is a compact $700 gaming PC that just somehow has design influence from the Xbox 360. The X51 represents Dell’s attempt to build an affordable gaming PC for the comfy couch gaming fan.
Alienware's X51 Slim Form Factor
Fully upgraded, the X51 costs $1150 with a 3.4GHz i7-2600, 8GB of DDR3, 1TB of storage and a 1GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 555. With such a small and compact case the Alienware X51 has to stick to only the necessity’s; a 330W power supply can’t handle a better video card and might not be stable enough to support CPU overclocking, hence the unfortunately locked processors.
The case is only 13.5 x 12.5 x 3.75 inches, making it incredibly easy to fit in to an entertainment center. The $700 X51 comes outfitted with a Sandy Bridge i3 processor and a GeForce GT 545, which may leave the couch fan happy but it is really not going to give anything to a hardcore gamer, with it being unlikely to push Battlefield 3 at 60fps.
This computer is definitely prioritizing it’s size over anything else leaving it needing more in many areas to be considered a gaming product. An SSD may have been a nice inclusion even though it would’ve made it more expensive, but all in all if you want to do serious gaming in the living room, do not buy this. Build your own PC and just don’t care that a big tower is sitting next to your TV cabinet, I know I don’t.
You are able to order the Alienware X51 if you so desire on the Dell Website now.