Expert Consulted: Adrian Gardiner. Years of experience buying both computers and computer parts for my own new customer builds has given me a useful perspective when trying to identify quality and value in the marketplace. In this article I’ll be sharing my knowledge in this field of expertise.
The subject “Is Alienware still the best for gaming?” presents a problem that revolves around the ever changing gaming industry and increasing competition from its gaming hardware competition.
Do gamers still see Alienware as the best option for their gaming needs?”
Alienware and key competitors like ASUS, MSI, and Razer each boast distinct strengths in the gaming industry. In the high-end premium gaming segment, Alienware remains a top contender due to great customisation choice, quality, and distinctive designs. Their market leadership is further reinforced by excellent backing from parent company Dell.
In this article I’ve provided more detail on how, in the face of growing competition, Alienware have managed to just about hold on to their dominant position in the premium sector of the gaming world.
Related article: Should I Buy a Prebuilt Gaming PC?
Is Alienware Still the Best for Gaming?
The following sections address the major factors in Alienware’s favour that make it very hard for competitors to gain the same level of loyal following amongst diehard gamers.
History and Reputation
Alienware was founded in 1996 by Nelson Gonzalez and Alex Aguila with the name ‘Saikai of Miami’. Inspired by the sci fi genre, the name was then changed to ‘Alienware’ in 1997.
Dell bought the company in 2006 but left Alienware to it’s own devices as a subsidiary, keeping control of its own design, marketing and brand identity.
As a subsidiary Alienware was able to make use of Dell’s huge resources, helping to keep their costs down, whilst driving forward with development and helping to grow the business in to the well respected global phenomenon we know today.
Newcomers to the gaming sector wanting to upset Dell’s firmly established position have a lot to contend with and achieving such a degree of success doesn’t come over night.
Innovation
Alienware established a reputation for innovation, leading the way in the gaming sector and coming up with a range of game changing developments.
1. Unique Designs
Alienware has built a reputation for its extra terrestrial inspired designs, characterised by sharp angles, striking colours, and the unmistakable alien head emblem.
These very distinctive aesthetics set the company’s products apart from its competitors and appeal to those gamers seeking a personalised and unique look for their gaming systems.
2. New Technologies
One area Alienware has used to great effect to stay ahead of the competition was to keep innovating, often integrating new technologies in to their gaming builds.
New technology examples developed by Dell and through one partnership include:
- Cryo-Tech Cooling Technology: Alienware’s advanced cooling solution uses multiple fans, heat pipes, and ventilation systems to efficiently dissipate heat, ensuring best performance and system stability during those intense gaming sessions
- Graphics Amplifier: Alienware introduced an external graphics amplifier that enabled users to connect a desktop class graphics card to their Alienware laptop, providing additional graphics power for improved performance in gaming and other graphics intensive tasks
- AlienFX Lighting System: Alienware developed the AlienFX customisable RGB lighting system, which allows users to personalise the lighting colours and effects on their gaming systems, keyboards, mice, and other peripherals. This enhances the gaming experience and adds an element of individuality to their set-up
- TactX Keyboard: Alienware designed the TactX keyboard, featured in some of their gaming laptops, to provide a superior typing experience with optimal key travel, anti-ghosting technology, and customisable per-key RGB lighting
- Tobii Eye Tracking: In partnership with Tobii, Alienware integrated eye-tracking technology into some of their gaming laptops, enabling users to control certain aspects of games and applications using eye movements, providing a more immersive gaming experience
- Area-51m R1’s Upgradable Design: Alienware introduced the Area-51m R1 gaming laptop with a unique upgradable design, allowing users to replace key components like the CPU and GPU for better performance in the future, extending the laptop’s lifespan.
Customisation
With a focus on personalising your computer, Alienware presents a vast range of customisation options allowing customers to choose systems that perfectly fit their particular gaming preferences.
Choices include many hardware set-up options plus exclusive design elements like adjustable lighting and colour choices.
The Alienware website shopping experience is very clear and well laid out with many options to choose from including a final customisation stage for the Desktop offerings.
Dell Customer Support
One of the the major benefits for Alienware of being a subsidiary of Dell is access to their comprehensive and very well established support network that includes the following:
- Technical Support: 24/7 technical support to assist customers with any hardware or software issues they may come across with their Alienware products. This support is available through phone, email, live chat, and online forums
- Warranty Coverage: Alienware products come with a standard warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. Customers can also extend their warranty or purchase additional protection plans, such as accidental damage coverage, for even more peace of mind
- Online Resources: Dell provides extensive online resources for Alienware customers, including product documentation, troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and driver downloads. These resources can help users quickly find solutions to common issues and help keep their systems up-to-date
- On-Site Service: Depending on the warranty and service plan chosen by the customer, Dell may offer on-site service, where a technician comes to the customer’s location to diagnose and repair any hardware issues
- Remote Diagnostics: Dell’s support team can remotely diagnose certain issues with Alienware systems, helping customers identify and resolve problems more efficiently
- Community Forums: Dell and Alienware maintain active community forums where customers can ask questions, share their experiences, and seek advice from other users and company representatives
- Social Media Support: Alienware and Dell also provide support through social media platforms, enabling customers to ask questions and receive assistance through channels like Twitter and Facebook.
This comprehensive support system enables customers to feel confident with their customised gaming builds, knowing that help is readily available if needed.
Conclusion
All the above factors present the image of a company that’s focused on the customer, listening to what they want and providing it in the form of high quality, unique gaming systems that should a) last and b) will be very well supported.
The prices are definitely at the premium end of the gaming PC spectrum but you’re paying for something that will not only give great enjoyment, but peace of mind too.
It’s for these reasons that Alienware still enjoys something of a cult following and is expected to continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
If you want peace of mind, have the funds and like the look of their products I would say go for it!
If money is tight, you can build your own of course and enjoy the many benefits (i.e., save money, choose your own parts and learn from the build process etc.) that come with that approach.
Either way, there is lots of choice out there.