Dell is reviving one of its classic Alienware-brand desktop lines, the Area 51, with a new look and feel. The new gaming desktop model will be carrying a newly-released high-end processor and chipset from Intel to match the looks, CNET reports.
The last Area 51 desktop from Alienware was built back in 2010, featuring red accent lights and alien-like fins protruding from the top of a sleek black rectangular case. The 2014 edition now carries a "triad" design; a distinctive three-sided shape that not only gives off a sci-fi vibe but also allows easy access to the ports and doors of the desktop with one hand.
"We're excited to reveal the reimagined Alienware Area-51, a system that is the result of 18 years of innovation fueled by our love of gaming," said Frank Azor, General Manager of Alienware.
"We questioned everything and then began working on a system based on how we actually use our full-tower desktops rather than based on what was quick, easy or comfortable for us to design. The Area-51 features the all-new Triad chassis, designed from the ground up to deliver on exactly what gamers want, state-of-the-art performance, scalability and ease of use," Azor added.
The new Area 51 desktop is built around Intel's Haswell-E processor, designed to provide a fourth-generation Core i-series structure for hardcore PC gamers. With the new Core M technology designed for laptops, ultrabooks, and hybrids, it looks like the Haswell-E CPU will be Intel's mainstay processor for gaming desktops.
Alienware redesigned their Area 51 line to maximize cooling efficiency and increase the portability of the massive chassis, says Tech Times.
Dave Altabilla of Forbes.com says Alienware "has managed not only to deliver a unique futuristic look to their flagship Game PC lineup, but also the design itself has significant thermal and mechanical advantages that offer a fresh, new approach to PC chassis design."
"Alienware's latest Area-51 has a design and styling approach that will likely still have some folks scratching their heads or pointing the ugly stick but personally, I think it looks great and the intrinsic mechanical and thermal advantages, at least in theory, get my inner geek all fired up," adds Altabilla.