IdeaStorm can help take your idea and turn it into reality.
Over 18,900 ideas submitted. 740,915+ votes. 97,840+ comments. 531+ ideas implemented.
If the Alienware X51 had a higher wattage Power Supply Unit
January 11, 2013
20 Votes
Status: Not Planned
Promote
Hello,
We all love and are passionate about the X51 and what it represents for PC gaming. The release of a larger PSU in the future would certainly add a lot more longevity to the X51. A new PSU would also future proof the X51 for many years to come. As a result, everyone will be happy:).
As you can imagine since i have had the X51 I have had many queries and concerns, as have many other people due to the small form factor design of the machine. The two biggest concerns amongst current X51 owners and potential X51 buyers alike are graphics cards upgrades and the 330 watt power supply unit. However, graphics cards upgrades would no longer be a major concern if a larger power supply unit was released for the X51.
As you are no doubt aware, there is going to be a huge push in bringing pc gaming to the living room from Valve and possibly other companies too. The X51 is already doing this. I use my X51 from the comfort of my sofa and its amazing. I am experiencing right now the very thing that everyone is getting excited about, with the X51. There most certainly is going to be a lot more focus on small form factor gaming pc's, more so than there ever has been. Therefor it is imperative that Dell release a larger PSU as this could be a major sticking point for potential buyers. Howver, not just potentail buyers but also current X51 owners. If Dell do not release a new PSU then I fear that many X51 could abandon or trade in their X51's. This is not something Dell wants to see happen nor X51 owners for that matter.
If Dell/Alienware continue to support the X51 with new hardware and parts going forward and the public notice that, then X51's could fly off the shelves like hot cakes! Dell could stand to make a lot more profit as many people would have peace of mind knowing that the PSU can sustain the X51 no matter what hardware is installed. Sure the X51 shipped equipped with Steam! But the most pressing concern for current X51 users and potential X51 customers, is the 330 watt power supply.We would all be very grateful and also very relieved if Dell could confirm if a new PSU is possible, and also when we couid expect to see a new power supply unit. We have all spent good money on this fantastic little machine and the release of a larger PSU would be both exciting and greatly appreciated.
[Redacted at request of idea poster]
Status Update: Please see Jeff_C's comment for further information. Thank you for posting!
Please login to report abuse.
Please login to IdeaStorm to post a comment.
Apr 9, 2013 Comment Link
Report Abuse
Posted By: AlienwareX51
Well now I own the M17x and the M18x and the nice latitude 14 inch bus laptop. Based on my usage of the m18x as a desktop replacement I think the x51 would be more suitable. As one of your very best customers I also own a Dell 30 inch I would like to suggest one humble change to the x51 or two rather lol.
Please, Please add the new Asus gtx 670 dcmoc small card. This thing is purely awesome 6.5 inches long and 30 percent cooler and quieter then the reference card. This will make the X51 perfect except two more things really lol.
Drop the darn optical drive That will save space, improve cooling, cabling and weight and cost. Most everyone downloads or you can just add an external, please take the lead in this Dell. Also add the possibility of a 480 to 500 gb ssd.
If you just do these things I will once again throw the x51 on my dell financial account and add to the already 15k I have spent in the last 4 years Dell. I am seriously looking at htpc cases from Silverston and Lian Li because the X51 is far from perfect right now. I hope you are listening, I suppose I could add the card myself and the ssd but then it would not be under warranty which is the whole point of buying Alienware.
Mar 17, 2013 Comment Link
Report Abuse
Posted By: gandalfdgx
I agree. A 330 watt power supply is not enough. Alienware is not a budget gaming operation and we should not have to live with budget gaming options. I have enough money to buy an Aurora, but I don't want that huge machine. I like my X51 and I wish they would make it a truly upgradable machine.Mar 13, 2013 Comment Link
Report Abuse
Posted By: dl0rd
Thumbs Up! (:Mar 3, 2013 Comment Link
Report Abuse
Posted By: Irishlad147
Hi Jeff C,You are correct in the fact that graphics cards are becoming more power efficient with each new generation. However, the graphics is not the only computer part people want to install or upgrade. Your customers may want to add more ram, an extra ssd and maybe even an external USB hard drive. You mention the GTX 670 as a viable upgrade yet quite a few users have reported problems by installing the 670 and are having system shutdowns! I have a GTX 670 in my X51 and its working fine but I do fear the day that the dreaded system shutdowns could occur. We are not looking for a 690, we just want that peace of mind by having a more powerful power supply. If Dell could increase it to a 430 watt power supply I'm sure all your existing and future customers would be very pleased. Remember, this 330 watt power supply brick was developed for your gaming laptops, it was not developed for the Alienware X51. Forget about us, but for your own sake you will only stand to benefit if you release a new power supply. Right now the digital bolt and revolt have a big edge over you in this regard. If you can match their highest psu then you will have the upper hand because the X51 is the smallest and sleekest gaming pc on the market. You can offer the new psu with your highest end model of X51 and you can still sell the 330 watt psu with the gtx 660 X51 model. People will pay that little extra for the new psu, extra peace of mind, and more choice when upgrading. Regardless of gpu power per watt trends there is still always going to be that gpu that X51 owners will want but are concerned whether it will work with the 330 watt psu. Releasing a new psu will no doubt give the X51 the crown of best small form factor gaming pc in the world.
Mar 2, 2013 Comment Link
Report Abuse
Posted By: bushidounohana
While I don't disagree that there is some credence to the notion that the x51's form factor is an inherent "limiting factor" to the device's capabilities, I think the current line in the sand (i.e the 330W PSU) may fall short of the potential the machine could have. With the announcement of next-gen consoles surfacing, the x51 is uniquely positioned to redefine how the PC fits into the mix of gaming in the living room and on television sets everywhere. The ultra-powered gaming rig has existed for a long time but this new, console-sized, highly efficient sort of rig is emerging from the shadows of a niche to find a place in the larger market.While the current unique blend of form factor and power are impressive and more than capable in many respects, the ability to utilize a higher wattage PSU seems like a sure fire way to expand the conversation and keep the x51 relevant as these new kinds of machines continue to evolve into a more mainstream notion.
Feb 8, 2013 Comment Link
Report Abuse
Posted By:
Jeff_C
As GPU technology advances the trend continues to move toward more efficient graphics cards that provide you with more performance per watt than previously possible. X51 was created with the goal in mind of achieving that balance of performance and size.All cards that fit into X51, like GTX670 for example can be supported and don't require anything more than the currently provided 330W PSU. Cards with larger power budgets are also typically too large to fit into X51 (for example GTX690). For those power users we wholeheartedly recommend our Aurora system that has both single and dual graphics card configurations to satisfy the hungriest of performance/enthusiast appetites.
Jan 14, 2013 Comment Link
Report Abuse
Posted By: silus
Another vote for a larger PSU for the x51.Given this machine is advertised as a machine in which upgrading components is not only supported but recommended, it is disappointing that we are limited by a LAPTOPS psu so we cannot run the high-end graphics cards for fear of running out of juice.
A larger PSU would be most welcome.
Jan 13, 2013 Comment Link
Report Abuse
Posted By: scoutthesoldier
Man, we need to advertise this idea, I want a better PSU in the X51!Jan 12, 2013 Comment Link
Report Abuse
Posted By: Virtua
Everyone benefits -- new models can have bigger and better cards
- existing owners can continue to upgrade their cards - ultimately building loyalty in the brand.
With both a resurgence In pc gaming and steam bringing the pc into the console space the x51 is really poised to dominate.
A simple boost with a bigger psu would make it a real console killer.
Jan 11, 2013 Comment Link
Report Abuse
Posted By: will824
Thumbs up!.I want a higher wattage x51 PSU!. Come on Dell, this would make the x51 a hardcore gaming machine!!! :D