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Alienware Aurora (ACT1250): Two-minute review
The Alienware Aurora (ACT1250) is the latest iteration of a distinguished line of pre-built gaming desktops. Launched after the popular Aurora R16, it maintains a unique design while enhancing performance capabilities that appeal to both gamers and professionals alike.
With a starting price of $1,399.99 / £1,699 / AU$2,798.40, the Aurora offers an array of configuration options, including GPUs from the RTX 5060 to RTX 5080 series and Intel’s Core Ultra 7 and Ultra 9 CPUs. While higher-spec configurations show optimal performance, the desktop also flaunts smart ventilation and relatively easy access to its internal components, despite an interior that may lack visual appeal.
However, the proprietary motherboard can limit future upgrades, which might be a concern for hardware enthusiasts. That said, the model’s variety of configurations ensures it caters to a broad range of user needs.
My review unit, priced at $2,049.99 / £2,148.98 / AU$3,699.30, comes with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF, an Nvidia RTX 5070, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD, managing respectable frame rates for 1440p gaming. Nonetheless, benchmarks reveal minimal improvements over the earlier Aurora R16.
Notably, although it can handle recent games like Doom: The Dark Ages and Black Myth: Wukong efficiently, older yet demanding titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 don’t show remarkable FPS increases unless utilizing multi-frame generation, which may introduce input latency during intense gameplay.
Newer RTX GPUs come equipped with enhanced AI upscaling via DLSS 4, and the Alienware Command Center aids in optimizing system performance, allowing users to customize RGB lighting and other settings with ease.
Despite the limitations in upgradeability and modest performance gains, the Aurora remains a striking desktop. Its appeal lies in its blend of aesthetic prowess and reliable out-of-the-box gaming capability, making it a top contender for those who prioritize design along with functional performance.
Alienware Aurora (ACT1250): Price & availability
(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)
- How much does it cost? Starting at $1,399.99 / £1,699 / AU$2,798.40
- When is it available? It is on sale now
- Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
Currently, the Alienware Aurora (ACT1250) gaming PC is available in the US, UK, and Australia, with a starting price of $1,399.99 / £1,699 / AU$2,798.40. My review configuration, at $2,099.99 / £2,198.98 / AU$3,749.30, represents a balanced option for solid 1440p gaming, while other configurations cater to 1080p and 4K experiences.
The budget-friendly US model features an Intel Core Ultra 7 265F, Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB SSD, supporting quality 1080p gaming. For those aiming for maximum specs, configurations with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285K, Nvidia RTX 5080, and expansive storage are also accessible.
Interestingly, my review build is priced around $100 less than the previous Aurora variant, despite the newer components. Users might find that opting for a mid-tier version of the outdated 40-series can yield similar performance at a lower cost.
Alienware Aurora (ACT1250): Specs
With various configuration options available, the latest Nvidia RTX 50-series and Intel Core Ultra 200-series CPUs can meet diverse performance expectations. However, the lack of post-purchase upgradability can detract from the overall value of a prebuilt system.
Alienware Aurora (ACT1250): Design
(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)
- No major design changes from last year’s model
- Plenty of ventilation and easy access to internals
- Rather boring internals make the glass panel less appealing
The Alienware Aurora’s design refresh retains the strengths of its predecessor, particularly in cooling and port design. Enhanced cooling systems, featuring an array of airflow options, result in a quieter operation compared to previous models.
While the sleek exterior remains, the interior’s limitations, like cramped space for future upgrades, may cause concern for users looking to modify their setup. Nonetheless, easy access to the interior is facilitated through a simple screw mechanism.
The forward ports come with audio and USB connectivity to cater to whether you’re gaming or producing content. However, the absence of a six-channel audio connection may disappoint those interested in surround sound setups.
Ultimately, the Aurora desktop balances futuristic design with effective performance, albeit with some drawbacks regarding upgradability. It’s designed primarily for gamers who prefer ready-to-use systems.
Alienware Aurora (ACT1250): Performance
(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)
- 1440p performance doesn’t significantly improve over the 40-series edition
- Alienware Command Center can help fine-tune performance
- Higher-spec or base-spec configurations provide a better value
The Aurora’s performance is impressive, maintaining solid numbers for 1440p gaming, yet comparisons with past models reveal that raw power hasn’t dramatically increased. For instance, benchmarks detailing CPU performance show minimal fluctuations across various computing tasks.
The testing included modern gaming workloads, where the system tackled both demanding and lighter titles efficiently. Consequently, for intensive gaming sessions or creative tasks, configurations with higher specs tend to offer better value.
For regular users, the Aurora handles everyday applications with ease, showing smooth operation with tasks in software like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro, suitable for content creators looking for reliability in a gaming PC.
Ultimately, while it doesn’t deliver overwhelmingly superior performance compared to older models, the combination of enhanced cooling, upgraded DLSS features, and versatile software makes the Aurora a solid choice for both gamers and content creators.
(Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)
Should I buy the Alienware Aurora (ACT1250)?
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
Value | The Alienware Aurora ACT1250 balances style and power across a wide range of price points. For gamers who value design and performance over long-term upgrades, it’s an easy recommendation. | 4.5 / 5 |
Specs | With a lot of configuration options available and the most up-to-date hardware, you have a wide range of specs available with this PC. The proprietary motherboard and limited expandability isn’t great though. | 4 / 5 |
Design | Though there haven’t been any tweaks to the Aurora Desktop over the past couple of years, it still stands out as something futuristic despite issues with the proprietary motherboard, which limits upgradability in areas. | 4.5 / 5 |
Performance | Don’t expect max settings at 1440p resolution without using DLSS upscaling, as native performance is good but not great compared to other mid-tier offerings. Those who want 1080p and 4K performance will be satisfied on that end of the spectrum for sure. | 4.5 / 5 |
Final Score | The refreshed Alienware Aurora ACT1250 gaming desktopremains a futuristic-looking gaming desktop that delivers solid 1080p and 4K performance across price points, even if its mid-tier value and limited upgradability hold it back. | 4.38 / 5 |
Buy the Alienware Aurora (ACT1250) if…
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How I tested the Alienware Aurora gaming desktop (ACT1250)
- I tested it using games like Doom: The Dark Ages, Ninja Gaiden Black II, Forza Motorsport (2023), and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
- I ran TechRadar’s standard suite of PC benchmarks.
- I used creative software like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro for long stretches.
In addition to typical benchmarks, the review included real-world tests using modern titles to determine the desktop’s gaming capabilities and creative performance.
For everyday activities, I utilized the Aurora as my primary work PC for a couple of weeks, engaging extensively with creative applications.
Experience insightful evaluations and specifics on the Alienware Aurora (ACT1250) Here.
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