Title: Alienware Revamps Area-51 with Versatile Laptops and Powerful Desktops
Title: Alienware Revamps Area-51 with Versatile Laptops and Powerful Desktops
Emulating the government crashers of 2019, Alienware harks back to Area 51. The Dell-owned brand treats longtime fans to a bit of nostalgia with its new laptop designs, incorporating rounded corners and colorful RGB lighting - reminiscent of its classic vibe. Conversely, the Area-51 desktop retains its functional appearance, though it's noticeably larger this time.
The new 16- and 18-inch Area-51 laptops stand as the bigger siblings of the 2024's m16 R2 and m18 R2. They boast Intel's latest Core Ultra processors and Nvidia's 50-series GPUs. Furthermore, they support up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM (32 GB featuring DDR5XMP at 7200 MT/s) and can handle up to a 175W TGP for the more powerful GPUs.
I didn't get a hands-on experience before the show, but a brief keypress on the CherryMX mechanical switches provided a delightful throwback to past gaming laptop experiences. Both laptops boast a QHD+ (2,560 by 1600) resolution IPS LCD that goes up to 240 Hz.
The Area-51 laptops will start at around $2,000, with the high-end 50-series configurations going for $3,200. They're expected to hit the market sometime early in 2025, with additional configuration options to follow.
Alienware's design ethos has shifted in recent years. This shift is most evident in the recent Aurora R16 desktop, opting for a more mundane look in contrast to its past sci-fi veneers. The same design features like RGB lighting and rounded, square frames are present here, only larger. The behemoth case is designed to accommodate next-gen 50-series GPUs, with room for up to 450mm long cards. The tower's dimensions aren't for the faint-hearted: 24 by 9 by 22-inches.
Powering these high-end GPUs requires an 850W 80 Plus Gold or 1500W 80 Plus Platinum PSU. A drive cradle welcomes older storage drives, providing extra room within the Area-51's monolithic frame.
The Area-51's approach to cooling is unique – it employs a "positive pressure airflow" mechanism where all fans point inward, while exhausting hot air passively through rear vents. Alienware claims their new tower runs 13% cooler and quieter than traditional fan setups.
Coverage of CES 2025's coolest and most peculiar tech can be found on *Gizmodo's CES live coverage page.
The Area-51 laptops, with their advanced technology, are a glimpse into the future of gaming, equipped with Intel's latest Core Ultra processors and Nvidia's 50-series GPUs. As we step into the tech-filled future, Alienware continues to innovate, offering customizable configurations that cater to various budgets, from $2,000 to over $3,200.