Print
Alienware updated its Area-51 case for the new ALX line of desktop systems. The new ALX line itself features beefy specs for a micro-ATX system, but the craziness doesn’t end at a blazing fast GPU or speedy i7 processor. This machine features…fins. Not just any fins, motorized fins.
The new cooling technology in use in the ALX works in tandem with the Command Center to open and close the vents according to “thermal values.” Unfortunately, those are the only details listed on the site regarding Active Venting. As a part of the Command Center software, you can change the lighting styles on various parts of the case as well as tweak thermal controls.
Starting price is $2,299. You can check out the full specs on the Alienware ALX site
Ridiculous, or ridiculously awesome? What do you think?
Comments are closed on this article
Terdog
October 07, 2009 at 12:59pm
Meh. Personally. I dont like the idea, what happens if something fails, then you are screwed. Besides, I never liked the look of an Alienware case anyway. Too bold for my taste. I'd rather have an Antec Solo or Cooler Master 590 (which is my current case btw)
vhernandez2005
September 28, 2009 at 10:50pm
When I first heard the news, I honestly thought it was bullsh*t or a joke, but then I read it online and yes, Dell owns Alienware. Their computers are nice and unique, but damn, they are f**king expensive! Honestly. I think the reason they waited so long to sell only their Alienware case is because that's all people will buy, reason being they will be cheaper than buying a thousand dollar computer from them. I do like the new case design though. It looks like a mohawk or air damps from a car....now if only they would actually raise up when you turned on your computer, then that would be SICK!! But seriously, with $2,299, and that's not including taxes and shipping...I can build a better beastly computer. Looks is one thing, but having a bigger "engine" is a whole other benefit.
nadako
September 23, 2009 at 10:52pm
Wow i just went through the customization on the website and dam it is way to over priced i would love to just buy the case and thats it lol.
gendoikari1
September 24, 2009 at 8:48pm
Alienware used to let you do that with the older P2 chassis (besides, it was $300, only came in black and silver, yet came with lights and 750w PSU), but not this one sadly.
Jono
September 23, 2009 at 8:43pm
equivalent of a geo with a spoiler... ok maybe a honda but anyways. looks cool but thats about it... At least someone finally figured out hot air rises so why not expel it out the top! Is this innovation worth over 2grand??
foamcup
September 23, 2009 at 7:26pm
Mechanical failure is a concern with any kind of cooling solution except passive. I think this is cool, I wish Dell would just sell the cases, that's all I want. I'm not paying their ridiculous prices for a whole machine.
Rob86
September 23, 2009 at 6:20pm
i like the idea.
i don't think its practical but how often has that stopped me from doing something! i'm on board. although i could see mechanical failure being an issue like someone else pointed out.
bikerbub
September 23, 2009 at 6:05pm
dont really know why you would want to close the vents. i think it could be somwhat of an inconvienience, especially if one of the actuators goes out, and you have to prop the vents open while you order a new part from dell. I have no problem with the noise my Antec900 makes, and it has a fan the size of texas on the top.
gendoikari1
September 23, 2009 at 5:56pm
What a letdown. The older models looked better, and were huge (EATX). Perfect size for epic coolers/huge GPUs.
gendoikari1
September 23, 2009 at 5:56pm
What a letdown. The older models looked better, and were huge (EATX). Perfect size for epic coolers/huge GPUs.
aziobron
September 23, 2009 at 5:46pm
what reason would you have for leaving the vents closed as opposed to open? noise mayb? if so, would it even make much of a different sound-wise?
pl4t0
September 23, 2009 at 5:32pm
Seems pretty cool, albeit a little ridiculous. It's just not going to be necessary for most people.
