Alienware Area-51 Extreme

Pros: FAST! Top of the line components...

Cons: Kind of noisy (multiple cooling fans are required I guess). Obviously Alienware is aware of this issue (see optional sound insulation). Upgrade to liquid cooling system might be ok for more $$$.

Summary: I have the new Area-51 5550 P4 EE 3.73GHz! Ordered it on 2/22/05 and arrived on 3/15/05 (Alienware estimated 3/4/05 delivery and they could have been "more realistic" on the date). Ordering was ok except for overcharged shipping that I noticed the following morning. Called customer support and fixed the problem. Email correspondence was very helpful too.

The product arrived beaten up but overall in good condition. The "waiting" aspect of my order was the worst (who's not excited with this new "toy"!), and if you can live with it you're be fine...

Unpacking and setting up this system was tough! The documentation that came with this product wasn't too helpful at all. After several teeth grinding hours, I was ok and the system was running. I immediately tried Doom3 at 1.6K x 1.2k resolution with 4xAA and ultra settings, and boy this baby was "singing"! So far I don't have any problem with this product and I'm very happy. I could have given them "10" if not for the minor hassle of ordering error and the "noise" of this system. I guess I'm getting used to the noise now... my Creative GW S750 speakers pretty much compensate for this drawback! Buttom line comment is this system is recommended for people with extra $$ not brave enough to assemble a custom-made fast rig...