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The best Alienware gaming PC options have been serving up space-age goodness and speedy specs for decades at this point. While you could argue you're better off building your own system or even just opting for a cheaper brand, you'll struggle to think of anything that looks quite as quirky as Dell's builds.
Aurora | From $1,849 at Dell
Area-51 | From $3,649.99 at Dell
If you've always fancied picking up one of Dell's rigs, but need something more customizable, you'll want to check out the Alienware Area 51. The new pre-build is designed to be easily upgradable and use non-proprietary parts, which helps it feel like a traditional desktop. CES 2026 actually introduced us to some new AMD X3D systems in addition to the existing Intel range, so if you're looking for an absolute powerhouse, it's worth a look.
The quick list
It's monstrously expensive, but the Area-51 desktop range offers Alienware specs that live up to the sci-fi name.
The latest Aurora rig is out to impress with its subtle but stylish case and top-tier PC performance capabilities.
Still an absolute powerhouse even in 2026, and will appeal to players looking for a true "Alienware" rig.
If anyone get's why Alienware PCs are special, it's Phil. Having first tried out their cousin's Aurora ALX rig back in 2006, they've watched the brand evolve from a space-age oddity to an out of this world range of powerhouse machines. While a lot has changed since Dell snapped up the original company, they know exactly what separates the stellar systems from the duds.
January 27, 2026: The Area-51 is now our best Alienware gaming PC pick, and that's largely thanks to its lofty specs. The standard "Aurora" model that used to be labelled as the R16 remains the model I'd point most players towards, while the Aurora R15 is your best bet if you're on a budget. It's worth noting that if you'd prefer AMD parts, a Radeon version of the flagship machine is now a thing, so make sure to check out all options when browsing at Dell.
The best Alienware gaming PC overall
The Area-51 is back, and it just so happens to be Dell's best Alienware gaming PC right now. It wins out thanks to its cutting-edge spec options blended with conventional design elements that make it easier to upgrade, but it does come at an equally monstrous price point.
✅ You want to customize: The Area-51 is basically a conventional gaming PC, so there's not much in the way of you swapping in and out any parts you like
✅ You need extreme specs: If you are hellbent on acquiring an RTX 5090 Alienware rig, the Area-51 has you covered with customizable options.
✅ You prefer a huge case: The Area-51's case is extremely spacious, so you'll never need to worry about squeezing in larger GPUs and coolers in the future.
❌ You're aiming for mid-range specs: Due to its pricer starting point, you're better off checking out the Aurora R16 if you're in the market for a mid-range machine.
❌ You need more flair: You'd assume that the Area-51 would stand out at a LAN event, but in truth, it looks like a conventional, extra-large case with a Zeta-head logo on the front.
Design: The main appeal of Area-51 is, without a doubt, its conventional design. That might sound a bit bland for something bearing the Alienware badge, but this rig (mostly) ditches proprietary elements and components. I might look like a larger version of the Aurora R16, and it sort of is, but inside you'll find heaps of space, a standard ATX motherboard, and the option for third-party cooling.
For the most part, you can treat the Area-51 like a regular gaming PC, which means you can upgrade it as you see fit. While you can swap out things like the GPU and RAM in other Alienware models, this specific model won't hit you with many curveballs while doing so. Dell basically makes good on that marketing promise, although you will need a $35 adapter kit to retain elements like the RGB case lighting and front IO ports.
Features: The Area-51 retains both Alienware and regular gaming PC features by still including things like its Cryo-Tech AIO cooler and boutique build vibes, while also allowing you to upgrade it however you'd like. That's both good and bad depending on how you look at it, as it means you're getting a no-nonsense rig, but it's one that honestly feels almost like any other premium system in this price range. Still, power is the focus here, and with build options letting you hit blistering specs via the RTX 5090 and Intel's Core Ultra 9 285K CPU, it trades blows with the very best systems out there.
Performance: I've fully tested the RTX 5090 version of the Area-51, and it's just as beastly as you'd expect. 4K in the latest games is the expectation with this machine, and even Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing on isn't much of an issue. If you take advantage of Nvidia's DLSS Multi-Frame Generation tech, though, you're talking about sky-high frame rates that'll satiate even the very best gaming monitors out there.
The Alienware Area-51 pulls off top-end 4K performance without getting too toasty, with temps rarely reaching beyond 72°C. That's before you even get to making your own tweaks to the build, so while it's targeting DIY enthusiasts, hands-off players will be able to kick back and enjoy ripping frame rates out of the box, no matter the settings.
Verdict: The Area-51 is ridiculously expensive, but when it comes to the $5,000 RTX 5090 system specifically, you'll struggle to find a similar build for less. If you're looking for the best Alienware rig right now, this is it, but you will have to pay a pretty penny for flagship specs bearing the Zeta-head logo in 2026.
- Read more: Alienware Area 51 review
The best Alienware gaming PC for most players
Now that Area-51 is a thing, the Aurora now feels more like the best Alienware gaming PC for most players. The latest iteration still holds onto the same elements as the "R16", and you can still pick from punchy SKUs that pack up to an RTX 5080. However, you're trading absolute power for a smaller case and some Dell proprietary shenanigans that help it stick to a more affordable price point, even though it does just look like a baby version of the flagship.
✅ You want something fairly conventional: The Aurora R16 almost looks like a regular gaming PC, featuring a standard-shaped case that prioritises airflow and efficient use of space.
✅ You want great specs: While the Area-51 is the flagship machine, the Aurora is still packing fantastic high end specs.
✅ You want top tier 4K performance: At this stage, it's safe to say that Dell's RTX 50-series machines are monstrous, especially compared to older GPUs.
❌ You want something unique: While not everyone will agree, some of you might be craving that oddball Alienware design that has become synonymous with Dell's gaming rigs.
❌ You prioritize upgradability: Dell's newest Aurora rigs still aren't as upgradable as we'd like, so we'd still suggest avoiding these machines if you love to swap out parts frequently.
Design: Dell claims the Aurora R16 runs 7% cooler than its R15 predecessor, and it's 20% quieter to boot. That's going to appeal to anyone worried about high-spec gaming thermals, as the new design allows the build's AIO cooler to perform efficiently. Arguably, it also looks better than previous models, featuring a case that looks conventional. That said, if you're an Alienware fan, you're likely not looking for a down-to-earth system in the first place.
Features: There are a few constants with Aurora gaming rigs, like AIO coolers, custom motherboards, and RGB lighting. That said, the R16 ditches a lot of Dell's usual DNA for a more refined approach, focusing instead on getting the most out of the expensive parts inside than acting like a PC peacock. Now that the company's systems come with DDR5 options and speedy M.2 drives, it feels like Alienware rigs are properly equipped to take on conventional rivals and receive less scrutiny from enthusiasts.
Performance: In testing, the new Aurora provided punchy performance in our benchmark games, hitting higher figures than the R16 in Cyberpunk 2077 specifically. Performance was more than adequate at 4K in the likes of Baldur's Gate 3 too, with averages remaining steady across lengthy gaming sessions. Keep in mind that if you pick up an Nvidia version, you'll also have DLSS at your disposal, enabling you to theoretically double frame rates using AI upscaling and frame generation.
Verdict: I know some of you out there will be disappointed with the Aurora R16's fairly conventional approach to case design. However, when it comes to raw performance and having universal appeal, the Aurora still makes an impression. If you're not reaching for the stars in terms of specs, and aren't fussed about complete upgradability, this is the machine to grab, especially since it's starting price is way lower than the Area-51.
Read more: Alienware Aurora R16 review
The best budget Alienware gaming PC
The Alienware Aurora R15 is a powerhouse pre-build that'll make short work of your Steam library, even at 4K with ultra ray tracing enabled. The rig's lofty specs and curious case design embody the brand's out-of-this-world vibe more so than even the newer Aurora R16, but there are a few caveats to consider when it comes to upgradability.
✅ You want a unique powerhouse: The Aurora R15 might be the last Alienware of its kind, as it still features that iconic capsule case while offering up RTX 4090 performance.
✅ You love RGB lighting: Dell's approach to customizable lighting arguably peaked with the R15, which could be down to its unique design helping colors stand out.
✅ You want to play at 4K: You'll be able to pick from a range of R15 options, and you should have no trouble finding a system that'll run the latest games at 4K.
❌ You prefer conventional design: If you really can't vibe with the R15's unique case, you'd be better off checking out the newer R16 for something more boxy.
❌ You want something customizable: If you're the type of player who likes to completely overhaul your rig every few years, this rig might not be for you due to its custom motherboard.
Design: Dell's Alienware rigs traditionally look a little funky, but the R15 could be the last machine to feature an otherworldly aesthetic. Its space-capsule-inspired case isn't going to be everyone's jam, and you certainly won't be able to lazily sit things on top of this beast. However, its RGB lighting and weird shape are iconic and will turn a few heads at LAN events, should you lug it to any big multiplayer outings.
While there's nothing stopping you from cracking open Dell's capsule PC and tinkering inside, you might find there's little you can actually change. The proprietary motherboard inside only features two DIMM slots, meaning your options are limited when it comes to upgrading RAM. There's also not much space unoccupied within the case, so trying to squeeze different parts inside could be something of a difficult voyage.
Features: Some of the R15's biggest features are tied to its aesthetic, with a custom motherboard and AIO cooler working to provide a unique flair and elevated efficiency. Compared to the R14, Dell says it has increased airflow by 19%, and the resulting GPU noise has been reduced by 32%. Not that you want this rig to blend into the background, which explains why it features flamboyant RGB lighting throughout its design that can be customised using AlienFX software.
Performance: We've put the Aurora R15 through our usual benchmarking tests, and it's clear that the rig has awesome capabilities. Supporting up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090, Intel Core i9-13600K CPU, and 32GB DDR5 RAM, we're talking about specs that could rival any machine in the market. The result? Well, the setup can run Cyberpunk 2077 at 147fps at 4K with ultra ray tracing settings enabled, albeit with a helping hand from DLSS 3 AI upscaling.
The Aurora R15 also isn't the quietest system around, but not because it's overly noisy. Its plastic case seems to create strange acoustics that produce an eerie sound, which is perhaps appropriate given its extra-terrestrial design. It also tends to creak a little as internal temperatures rise and fall, which sort of sounds like it's going to transform and take off.
Verdict: The Aurora R15 is the best Alienware gaming PC we've tried to date, and it's got plenty to offer on the performance front. That fact alone might make up for its upgradeability pitfalls, as you probably won't need to even think about switching out its core parts for many years to come. While it's now a few years old, it remains my "budget" pick since you're more likely to find it discounted out in the wild.
Read more: Alienware Aurora R15 review
Best Alienware gaming PCs - Frequently asked questions
Is Alienware just Dell?
Alienware is a subsidiary of Dell, which means they're a company that is directly owned, and will be influenced by Dell, but they aren't Dell directly. Alienware focuses directly on the gaming PC and gaming laptop market, and a lot of their products tend to take on a lot more flashy design work that isn't typically found in Dell's product ranges.
Is Alienware good for gaming?
Alienware is one of the best gaming PC brands with hardware and software geared specifically around gaming. Programmes such as Alienware Command Centre gives users good control over how their system operates in everything from the fan speeds to the RGB colors, too. In our testing, we've found Alienware machines to work incredibly well depending on their overall configuration.
Why is Alienware so expensive?
Alienware gaming PCs are high end builds, and the parts dwelling within Dell's rigs aren't cheap. You can customise some components if you're on a budget, but you're ultimately going to end up with system armed with the latest Nvidia or AMD graphics card paired with a shiny new CPU.
Is Alienware worth it?
We think that Alienware is worth the price of investment despite the premium price tag these machines usually carry. All Alienware machines that we've had our hands on have been very well built and able to be pushed to their limits. One thing we can tell you, though, is that Alienware PCs do get quite loud and warm under stress, but that's ultimately par the course depending on how high-end you go for.
How much does an Alienware gaming PC cost?
Alienware gaming PCs generally start from around the $1,100 mark depending on what hardware you opt for in your machine. It's entirely possible to find Alienware gaming PC deals all year round, but you can also find deep discounts often, too, with frequent special events.
Best Alienware gaming PC 2024: Minimum specs to look for
When looking for the best Alienware gaming PC, you want the most bang for your buck as possible, especially when Alienware products aren't the cheapest you'll find. You want to make sure that your rig is futureproofed with solid specs, but what are these? We've supplied our minimum spec recommendations for in 2024 down below.
In particular, we'd look to secure an NVMe, Gen 4 M.2 SSD, as we consider these the best SSDs for gaming. As for capacity, don't get your wallet out for anything less than 500GB. Yes, there are some exceptions. If a prebuilt PC comes with a hybrid storage system, so 250GB of SSD combined with 2TB of HDD, maybe it's alright. But ideally, you don't want an SSD in your machine that's less than 500GB.
Elsewhere, look for a 13th Gen Intel Core i9, or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor, as these are often the best CPUs for gaming. 11th Gen, or 5000 series AMD CPUs are the absolute minimum we'd shoot for in the year of our lord 2024. These chips will perform just fine, but they won't be futureproofed going forward. Also worth keeping in mind, is that DDR5 RAM is only compatible with certain motherboards, and by proxy, will only reach its top speeds with a newer generation CPU.
The choice that will impact price the most, is whether or not you get one of the best graphics cards. At this point in time, we'd recommend an RTX 4060 and above, since these are now readily available and much more affordable. If you've got the budget, you'll perhaps want to pick up a build with a shiny new RTX 4090 inside, as that way you'll be able to smash through system requirements for new releases with no compromise. That said, the new Aurora R16 actually caps out at the RTX 4080, so keep that in mind if you're looking for the absolute best Aurora rig in terms of performance.
In terms of memory, we'd look for 16GB of DDR4 as a minimum. If you can get DDR5, then even better, just make sure your motherboard supports it. It's also worth noting that some builds only come with two DIMM slots, meaning there will be limits on how many modules you can use to upgrade.
Lastly, it's important to highlight that there are major design differences between the the Aurora R16 and previous machines, as the latest version features a more traditional shape and refined cooling system. So, if you'd rather opt for something less flashy, picking up the newest model might make all the difference.
The recently revived Area 51 systems also make for a good blend between old and new, as the premium system is designed to be upgradable. It's perhaps still not as versatile as an ordinary rig since it uses some Dell-specific parts, but it's specs and design certainly cater more to enthusiast needs.
How to choose an Alienware gaming PC
Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.
Picking an Alienware gaming PC might feel straightforward, but it's easy to focus on the wrong specs or overpay for an older model. Dell releases new configurations yearly that feature new GPUs and CPUs, and since we're now entering a new graphics card generation with the GeForce RTX 5000 and Radeon RX 9000 series, it's worth double checking specs to ensure you get good value for money.
That's not to say you should automatically pick up the latest Alienware gaming PC. In fact, opting for an older model can save you money while still providing you with fantastic specs. Sure, you won't want to spend top dollar on a machine with an RTX 4090 inside if you can get one with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, but there's certainly a balance that can be struck.
I've been buying PCs of all shapes and sizes at this point, and shopping for Alienware gaming PCs feels like second nature. If you're trying to work out how to choose the right rig, you might want to break the each aspect down into the following categories, as that way you'll get a better idea of what you need.
Price: Naturally, you'll want to come up with a budget before hunting for an Alienware gaming PC. Dell's pre-builds can be pretty expensive, but setting financial boundaries can stop you from going overboard, not to mention it'll help you work out if you should even pick up an Aurora rig or go for another brand with a more approachable MSRP. Once you've got a feel for what's possible with your specific funds, you'll have a better idea of what systems are practically available to you.
Specs: Many of you will want a souped-up system with great specs, but carefully making sure you're getting right components is vital. The last thing you want is to get excited about a machine boasting the latest CPU, only to realize you've picked something with either not enough RAM or a lower tier graphics card than preferred. That's why I like to go through each model's spec sheets and ensure I've selected optimal components for what I need, as it'll save any upgrade frustration in the future.
Design: Every now and then, Dell likes to revamp the look of its gaming PC line-up. Last year, it released a rather conventional looking Alienware Aurora R16 rig that almost looks like a regular rig, and that could be a big turn off for players seeking a space age vibe. If you consider yourself in that category, deliberately aiming for an older model like the Aurora R15 could be a wise decision, while anyone who isn't into weird looking egg shaped cases will want to embrace the latest model.
Upgradability: Dell's gaming machines aren't renowned for their upgradability, but considering future components before buying a machine is wise. If you know for a fact you'll want to completely overhaul your system with new cooling systems, processors, and other fundamental parts, investing in the new Alienware Area 51 will grant you access to a more upgradable design. If you simply want to swap out RAM or a graphics card when the time comes, the Aurora R16 is still good for that without being a complete pain.
Glossary: Alienware gaming PC terms explained
Aurora: The specific brand name given to Dell's newest Alienware gaming PCs. The first model, the Aurora R1, arrive back in 2010, and there has been 16 versions released yearly since then.
AlienFX: The term used to describe the RGB lighting included with both Alienware gaming PCs and laptops. The latest model, the Aurora R15, features what Dell calls a "AlienFX stadium loop" that surrounds the front vent and provides illumination. Customizations can be made via the Command Centre app.
AIO cooler: The liquid cooler used in most mid to high-end Aurora builds that fits straight to the CPU and to either a 120mm or 240mm radiator at the top. Opting for system with liquid cooling will result in lower fan noise and lower temperatures overall.
Cryo-tech: A variant of Alienware's liquid cooling system that features additional RGB illumination and a thicker five-blade radiator.
Dark Side of the Moon: The name given to the black and red colorway included across the Alienware Aurora family. These specific models normally features AMD graphics cards and processors.
Lunar Light: A term used for the white and blue version of Dell's Alienware PCs. The last version to release with this colorway was the Aurora R15 since the newer R16 only comes in matt black.
How we test Alienware gaming PCs at GamesRadar+
Our expert team spends countless hours putting gaming PCs through their paces, and Alienware rigs are no exception. While performance capabilities are at the forefront of our testing, we also closest consider specs, design, features, and price to determine whether a system should make our recommended list.
In a way, gaming PCs are multiple products in one, and our tests involve benchmarking each system's graphics card and CPU in addition to the entire rig. To maintain consistency, we use a set collection of games to collect data on frame rates, temperatures, and general performance, which can be then used to compare against alternatives.
Our a full rundown, check out how we test gaming PCs for more information on our benchmark procedures. Alternatively, take a peek at our hardware policy guide for insight into how we conduct all of our reviews.
You'll also find guides to the best gaming mouse, best gaming keyboard, and best gaming monitor if you're refreshing your whole setup as well.
