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I know it's only been a week since the X51 was unveiled to the masses but, already, I can see the need for a few improvements that may have been surprisingly lost in the development process. All in all, however there really isn't much wrong with what the system provides to users.
As with the M18x R2 thread I've made a number of suggested changes below, which will probably need a Dell technician to update over time as it becomes a proper debate. Those marked in bold are considered as priority adjustments to the options:
1) White, red and silver chassis-colours, as well as the standard black.
2) Aluminium Chassis instead of plastic, for greater durability.
3) The Killer 2100 NIC should be a possible wireless upgrade.
4) The ability to have Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit) as well as Home Premium.
5) Three USB 3.0 ports instead of two -- thus having five USB 2.0 ports.
6) 7.1 connections for output to external speakers.
7) Slot-loading Lightscribe, Dual-Layer Blu-Ray Burner.
Now I'll talk about the "X71" concept I have in mind. I really like the fact that the new desktop has output for 3D Monitors/TVs, but a 1GB graphics card doesn't really give you a lot to work with. With gaming desktops also approaching the capacity of 64GB RAM and larger storage, I think it would be advantageous to think about a system that was set between the X51 and the Aurora...
Slightly larger but nowhere near the size of the mainstream tower cases, my proposal for the X71 is to incorporate the same functionality as the top-range X51, but with a few changes:
1) Instead of an NVIDIA 545/555 GTX 1GB, have options for a single NVIDIA 560Ti GTX 1.5GB, as well as an NVIDIA 590GTX 3GB card.
2) Options for a single 3.5in 2TB and 3TB HDD Drive, including a small, separate area for a 2.5in SSD.
3) Optional memory for up to 12GB and 16GB DDR3 RAM configurations.
4) A secondary HDMI 1.4 port.
5) An Expresscard slot for a TV Tuner.
6) A small area for reading SD/SDHC cards.
7) X71 R2 -- a removable hatch where the CPU is located, for attaching an additional Closed Radiator (like this) to improve heat exchange.
Cosmetically, it would reflect external changes similar to how the LEDs of the Aurora were different from the Area-51 tower cases, with more prominent lighting space either side. For this chassis, and possibly the X51 R2, the LED facade could also be improved with heiroglyphs similar to those found on Alienware's nameplate engraving service; where a standardised set of characters and the "beehive" symobology in the Aurora case are present.
The overall size of this desktop compared to the smaller X51 could be approximately 16ins (front-height), 14ins (rear-height), 4.75ins (width), 14ins (depth), and weigh approaximately 15lbs.
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Jun 14, 2012 Comment Link
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Posted By: AlienwareX51
I agree, especially with the aluminum case and larger size but same style for an X71. I am eagerly awaiting the R2 version and would happily pay up to 2500 dollars for the perfect X51.Aluminum case
larger size
gtx 675 or 680
ssd 256
improved Cpu
improved cooling and noise
improved wireless
option for no optical drive
color options although I am great with Black
perhaps bettter lighting options
If these changes are made I am buying two!!
Feb 2, 2012 Comment Link
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Posted By:
Jeff_C
BTW, the two USB 3.0 ports on the X51 are on the back of the system (not the front) so hopefully that addresses part of your ask. :-)As for CPUs and GPUs we alway strive to stay inline and TTM with new technologies and offerings on our products.
Thanks for the great input on the other system areas we totally value your input.
Jan 25, 2012 Comment Link
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Posted By:
I would reaffirm that an SSD is useful only to store the Operating System. Despite its lack of noise and improved heat dissipation, if you have any files you've created on it and part of the drive breaks, all the data on it becomes corrupted equally, making it totally ineffective as a storage solution...Hyncharas
But, by holding just the OS on the SSD, your data is protected much better on an HDD and system applications run much faster without loading delays.
Besides the Fata1ity range, Creative Labs really have been late to improve their lineup of 5.1/7.1 soundcards. It seems to me the JBL speakers in the XPS 17 should be present in all Dell/Alienware systems, including the X51, in addition to the Creative Sound Core3D chipset -- thereby having not just premium sound processing, but also a set of speakers that can actually provide quality audio output with it.
As for the GeForce 600 cards... I don't know where you got that information! I have twin-1st Gen 9800M GTX chips and, if they're planning to rebuild it from the ground up, it truly would be a breath of fresh air. It's nice to know NVIDIA has taken heed of complaints about no power-saving technology for the existing builds.
Jan 24, 2012 Comment Link
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Posted By:
Love your X71 idea. I'll post the ones I've posted in my suggestion for an updated X51:StigtriX
CPU
Add intel Ivy Bridge CPUs when they arrive. They crave less power, produce less heat and have an improved performance.
GPU
Since the nVIDIA GeForce 600-series is almost here, it would be wise to wait for it - Q1 2012. It is said to have a hefty gain in performance per watt along with less heat produced. If the rumours are true, nVIDIA will skip the original 600-series and go straight for a 700 series, making this leap quite a big one.
HDD
I really miss SSD as an option. Less noise, heat and weight are three really positive features that comes along with a SSD - which is also faster and provides a nicer user experience than a HDD.
Ports
I was really disappointed when I learned that the X51 has only two USB 3.0 ports, and that they're on the front of the chassis where I rarely plug in anything, except a USB key now and then. Would it be too much to ask for USB 3.0 only or at least two ports on the back in addition to the ones on the front?
SDHC
I was surprised when I learned that there isn't a SD card slot to be found on the unit. One can buy addons for that, but that takes away from the overall impression of this gorgeous stationary PC. A simple SDHC slot near the USB slots on the front would be a lovely addition.
Sound card
What disappointed me the most with the Alienware X51 was the lack of a dedicated soundcard or a built-in solution with high performance. When I play games, I use high-end headphones, and without a good soundcard the sound is rubbish. Creative have some solutions for buil-in soundcards which are really good. The newest addition is the Creative Sound Core 3D. If you add this, I can as good as guarantee that you will please more gamers and get free PR. Good sound is important for gamers.
>>More about the Creative Sound Core 3D<<
Cooling
____________________________________________________I saw the cooling solution of the X51, and while it looks decent, there is room for improvement. A more effective fan could be added and you could also add quality thermal compound or offer it for an added price. I would be willing to pay up to 20$ for added thermal compound because it can mean several degrees in difference when compared to a unit without the paste.
>>Numbers don't lie - a big test of thermal compund<<
ALIENWARE - gaming controller
ALIENWARE - In-ear monitors
DELL XPS 15zx
Jan 24, 2012 Comment Link
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Posted By: CyJ
Thank you for the additional information.Jan 24, 2012 Comment Link
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Posted By:
The way I look at it where the X71 is concerned is; currently in my room, I have a very, very old Alienware desktop with WinXP that no longer works anymore, but also a modest-sized TV due to FreeSat HD and such (not 3d, mind).Hyncharas
Now, a lot of the stuff I use is Adobe, Autodesk, UDK etc, and is better if it's on a system independent of my gaming rig. So, if the X71 could hold the specs I suggest for a max price of £1400 -- or possibly also have an "NVIDIA Quadro 5000" option optimised for the chassis, for a total price of £2500 -- I could plug that into my TV and make it a workstation with Win7 64-bit...
Meanwhile, I could still have an M18x R3 at a later date, just for gaming.
Jan 24, 2012 Comment Link
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Posted By:
... sorry! 100mm, not 120mm.Hyncharas
Jan 24, 2012 Comment Link
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Posted By:
BTW, if it is 80mm for the X51, the X71 would be able to have a 120mm exhaust.Hyncharas
Jan 24, 2012 Comment Link
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Posted By:
Hmm, well it's too small for a water-cooled solution. My thermoreactive vapor-based system might work if the system was sitting on it. Alternatively, if the X51/ X71 had a docking station, you could conceivably have a vacuum-like extractor that removes dust out from the exhaust, preventing heat buildup and dust clogging the fan blade into a separate compartment... then all people would have to do is empty a dust collection tray once a month.Hyncharas
There was also something I remembered from certain motherboards, where it had an aluminium meso channel coldplate, which absorbed some of the heat and then the fans took care of the rest.
I know this also sounds like a broken record coming from me, but having swappable dust filters over the exhaust fan would minimise dust getting into the machines, making them cooler! You don't really explain about the cooling on this chassis, but I'm assuming it's just an 80mm fan?
Jan 23, 2012 Comment Link
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Posted By: CyJ
While you are at it, any ideas on cooling alternatives?