Alienware systems are always impressive, but the X51 really takes the cake. Without even jumping into the guts of the X51, this system is impressive based on design alone. Most gaming PCs tend to be bulky and unattractive, but this isn’t the route that Alienware has gone (thankfully). The X51 is really slim. Not only is it slim, it’s also covered in a nice black exterior that doesn’t look like it belongs in the previous decade. Design-aside, the X51 has also been built to perform – and out-perform – both competing gaming PCs and consoles.

Inside the X51

The number of ports that the X51 includes is really quite impressive. Don’t let the size of this gaming PC fool you – the X51 comes packed with more than 10 different ports. You’ll find your typical microphone and headphone jack and two USB 2.0 jacks on the front of the system. On the backside rests four USB 2.0 jacks, two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI 1.4 jack, a 3.5mm surround sound set, and a Gigabit Ethernet. If sound is what you’re looking for, a mini-HDMI, two DVI outputs, and an 802.11n Wi-Fi option should take care of any noise details you don’t want to miss – impressed yet?

Not only is the X51 packed with ports, but this PC also comes with Nvidia’s Optimus graphics card. Nvidia has been at the top of the graphics pack (soon to be outdone by AMD, possibly, but that’s a different review altogether) for some time now. In case you’re not too familiar with what Nvidia has been putting out, the Optimus cards make switching between discrete and integrated graphics a snap. The addition of the Nvidia Optimus card also means that setting up any additional software is very easy to do – in fact, this is one of Alienware’s main selling points with the fairly priced X51.

X51 Pricing

Speaking of pricing, the Alienware X51 PC is priced very well for a PC that means to become your main gaming system. You’ll find that the X51 sells for around $699 out of the box. Inside of the box, you’ll get everything that’s been reviewed here in addition to some basic setup guides, a basic mouse, and a really basic keyboard. If you want to upgrade any of these options, you’ll have to pay a bit more. Interestingly, the X51 doesn’t come with a media remote, which competitor PCs tend to come with. However, it’s also important to point out (just in case you want to make the X51 your living room console option) that this PC doesn’t come with a TV tuner or any video inputs, so making it your number one living room go-to PC might not be such a good plan.

Still, the X51 does impress with a sleek (slicker than any other gaming PC on the market, really) design, an amazing number of ports (really, it’s hard to beat the many ports built into this baby), and a great graphics card (not to mention excellent sound capabilities). The X51 is also moderately priced and will work well right out of the box if you don’t want to add onto the PC at all. Can the X51 replace most gaming consoles on the market right now? It certainly comes close to many and is better than some. You can get your hands on the new Alienware X51 right now, so make sure to check it out if you’re in the market for a great gaming option.