Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Engadget goes hands on with the X51 gaming PC from Alienware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-the-x51-gaming-pc-from-alienware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-the-x51-gaming-pc-from-alienware/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-the-x51-gaming-pc-from-alienware/#comments Alienware is looking to abduct a few console devotees with its new gaming PC, the X51. What separates it from Alienware's normal crop of powerful rigs, you ask? The X51 is all about form factor, cramming decent horsepower into a diminutive, console-like package. It features a slot-loading optical drive, front facing USB ports for controllers, lots of rear USB ports and plenty of output options.

Engadget recently got some hands-on time with the X51, which ran Street Fighter IV swimmingly (and Portal 2, which isn't exactly a graphics showcase). The base configuration runs for $700, while the top-of-the-line model will set you back $1150.

JoystiqEngadget goes hands on with the X51 gaming PC from Alienware originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwaredellpcx51Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The benefits of building your own gaming PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/the-benefits-of-building-your-own-gaming-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/the-benefits-of-building-your-own-gaming-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/the-benefits-of-building-your-own-gaming-pc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Igniq.com has posted an interesting look at the vast cost difference between purchasing a pre-built, high end gaming PC or building one yourself. Of course, even those who don't tinker inside their own PCs knows that a home-built rig is usually cheaper than a retail counterpart, but it might surprise you to learn just how much cheaper.

Igniq's Gary McKeon priced the various components he would need to build a top-of-the-line gaming rig. With a quad core 3.07GHz processor, beefy graphics card and loads of RAM, his PC clocks in at just under $2,400. Not cheap, to be sure, but an Alienware PC with similar specs would cost nearly twice as much at over $4,600.

The lesson here: If you need the best gaming PC around, you can save a lot of money by building it yourself (or finding someone to do it for you). Unless you just need a little alien head on your PC case, of course.

JoystiqThe benefits of building your own gaming PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlienwareculturepcThu, 26 Aug 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Florida legislature passes bill for better digital tax breaks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/florida-legislature-passes-bill-for-better-digital-tax-breaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/florida-legislature-passes-bill-for-better-digital-tax-breaks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/08/florida-legislature-passes-bill-for-better-digital-tax-breaks/#comments
 Though the peninsular state of Florida plays host to a handful of video game companies, including EA Tiburon and Alienware, it's not really a hotbed of ludological movers and shakers. The state's governing bodies are looking to change that with a recently passed bill which will increase tax cuts on film, television and digital media (see: video game) production from 15 percent to 20 percent.

Our favorite part about the bill, however, is that it awards an additional 5 percent break to film studios who produce movies during hurricane season. We wish this rule applied to game developers as well. "Okay, guys, we know we set a launch date of Spring 2011, but it's officially crunch time, because our studio doesn't have a roof anymore."

JoystiqFlorida legislature passes bill for better digital tax breaks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwaredigital-mediaea-tiburonfloridapoliticstax-breakstax-cuttaxesThu, 08 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alienware offering free Dragon Age shield codes for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/alienware-offering-free-dragon-age-shield-codes-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/alienware-offering-free-dragon-age-shield-codes-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/alienware-offering-free-dragon-age-shield-codes-for-pc/#commentsAh yes, Dragon Age Origins' storied realm of Thedas, where great warriors and mages do battle against the Demon Spawn, play kings and knights off of each other in political schemes, and register promotional DLC codes for in-game items. What's that? Your heroic Grey Warden hasn't done the last one yet?

Here's your chance -- Alienware is giving away some free DLC keys for an in-game shield called the Bulwark of the True King. If you only have the original PC game, it's a tier 5 shield, but apparently if you have the Awakening expansion, it revs up to a Tier 7 item. All you have to do is run over to the Alienware website, create an account in its Arena community (you didn't think it'd be that "free," did you?), and then redeem the code in-game to claim your shield.

Note that these keys don't work in the console versions of the game -- Alienware only wants you PC users. But it is a pretty easy way to get a new shield. Much easier than slaying the mad mage of Ferelden or saving the Arl of Redcliffe.

[Thanks Wayne!]

JoystiqAlienware offering free Dragon Age shield codes for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarealienware-arenabiowarebulwark-of-the-true-kingdlcdragon-agedragon-age-originsdragon-age-origins-awakeningeaElectronic-ArtsWed, 24 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alienware introduces teensy M11x gaming laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/alienware-introduces-teensy-m11x-gaming-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/alienware-introduces-teensy-m11x-gaming-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/alienware-introduces-teensy-m11x-gaming-laptop/#commentsFor those of you who want a high-end gaming experience, but don't want to develop totally ripped arms from lifting a standard "gaming laptop" or carry a computer that can double as a sail, Dell-owned Alienware has introduced the M11x, which combines power with tininess.

The M11x, basically Alienware's version of a netbook, features an 11.6-inch screen and an NVidia GT335M card that can be switched off to increase battery life when not gaming. Retailing for some unspecified sub-$1,000 amount (so $999.99?), the tiny computer can apparently run Crysis at 60 frames per second in 720p.

Check our gallery for more official images, and see some closeups of the device over on Engadget. The M11x is simply our pick for the most neato of the many new Dell and Alienware computers unveiled at CES.

Gallery: Alienware M11x laptop

JoystiqAlienware introduces teensy M11x gaming laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarealienware-m11xces-2010dellgaming-computergaming-laptoplaptopm11xnetbooknvidiaFri, 08 Jan 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alienware machines now come pre-loaded with Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/alienware-machines-now-come-pre-loaded-with-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/alienware-machines-now-come-pre-loaded-with-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/25/alienware-machines-now-come-pre-loaded-with-steam/#comments If you've got an impressive amount of money buried in your backyard and would love to own a super slick gaming machine, Alienware might be an option you're currently considering. The company has announced that its "All Powerful" systems will ship with Valve's Steam platform pre-loaded onto the system, allowing potential gamers to sign up for Modern Warfare 2 boycotts mere moments after booting the rig up.

The Steam client will also include a free copy of Portal, in case you missed most of 2007.

JoystiqAlienware machines now come pre-loaded with Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwaredellportalsteamvalveWed, 25 Nov 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: The Recap Post]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/tgs-2009-the-recap-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/tgs-2009-the-recap-post/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/02/tgs-2009-the-recap-post/#comments
Last week, the Tokyo Game Show brought in over 100 posts worth of news, previews, interviews, galleries, and videos. Clearly, a lot happened. If you're looking for a comprehensive list of all the goings-on during TGS 2009, Joystiq has you covered -- and organized!

Click on a platform below to scan the highlights:

(On the far right: that's "News" and "Culture" on the top and bottom, respectively)

Continue reading TGS 2009: The Recap Post

JoystiqTGS 2009: The Recap Post originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0-day-attack-on-earthace-attorney-investigations-miles-edgeworthace-combat-xialienwarearmy-of-two-2army-of-two-the-40th-dayassassins-creed-2badman-2bayonettacapcomcrackdown-2dantes-infernodead-rising-2DSdynasty-warriors-onlineeaechoshiftelectronic-artsend-of-eternityepic-gamesfablefinal-fantasty-crystal-chroniclesfinal-fantasty-crystal-chronicles-the-crystal-bearersfinal-fantasy-versus-xiiifinal-fantasy-xiiifinal-fantasy-xivforza-motorsport-3four-warriors-of-lightfour-warriors-of-light-final-fantasy-gaidengears-of-war-2ghost-trickGhost-Trick-Phantom-Detectiveghosts-n-goblinsghouls-n-ghostsgran-turismo-5gundamgyromancerinafunejoy-ridekojimakonamilast-guardianleft-4-dead-2little-king-storylittlebigplanetlost-planet-2metal-gear-solid-peace-walkerMicrosoftminna-no-sukkirini-no-kunini-no-kuni-the-another-worldNintendonis-americaokamidenphil-spencerplaystation-roomproject-natalpsp-gorecapresident-evil-5resident-evil-5-directors-cutresident-evil-the-darkside-chroniclesresonance-of-fatesands-of-destructionsegasilent-hill-shattered-memoriessnoopysonyspace-invaders-extremesplinter-cell-convictionsquare-enixsuda51super-monkey-ball-step-and-rolltgs-2009the-last-guardiantokyo-game-showtoy-soldierstsumujiubisoftvalkyria-chronicles-2valvewii-hulaxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeyoshiro-kimuraFri, 02 Oct 2009 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS 2009: Oh yeah, this is that Alienware announcement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/tgs-2009-oh-yeah-this-is-that-alienware-announcement/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/tgs-2009-oh-yeah-this-is-that-alienware-announcement/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/tgs-2009-oh-yeah-this-is-that-alienware-announcement/#comments Did you feel that? It could only be one of two things: the Large Hadron Collider has exploded, tearing our universe in half, or Alienware has completely shaken "the gaming world to its foundation."

According to Alienware, the M15x is "the most powerful 15-inch gaming laptop in the universe" and its Area-51 and Area-51 ALX are "designed for extreme gamers and tech enthusiasts who demand only the latest, most advanced equipment." Wait ... this can't be ... just as we predicted!

Oh, and the desktops have retractable ventilation scales. Seriously. Better watch out for micro black holes!

JoystiqTGS 2009: Oh yeah, this is that Alienware announcement originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarealienware-m15xarea-51m15xtgs-2009Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Alienware threatens to 'shake gaming world to its foundation']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/alienware-threatens-to-shake-gaming-world-to-its-foundation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/alienware-threatens-to-shake-gaming-world-to-its-foundation/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/22/alienware-threatens-to-shake-gaming-world-to-its-foundation/#comments PC manufacturer Alienware has be teasing a reveal at TGS that it says will "shake the gaming world to its foundation." As you can tell from the video after the jump and the company's Facebook page, there's not much more information than that to go on.

Though Alienware's keeping mum, we've got a theory: What if the big reveal ... is an extremely powerful computer? We know, it seems out there, but think about it. Connect the dots.

Continue reading Alienware threatens to 'shake gaming world to its foundation'

JoystiqAlienware threatens to 'shake gaming world to its foundation' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwaretgs-2009Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[QuakeCon 2009 detailed, first public demos of Rage and Brink]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/quakecon-2009-detailed-first-public-demos-of-rage-and-brink/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/quakecon-2009-detailed-first-public-demos-of-rage-and-brink/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/quakecon-2009-detailed-first-public-demos-of-rage-and-brink/#comments
Nothing more clearly shows the new relationship forged by Zenimax Media between id Software and Bethesda Softworks than this year's QuakeCon lineup. Littered with little extras like an hour-long presentation by Bethesda's Todd Howard and the first public demonstration of Splash Damage's Brink, QuakeCon 2009 is clearly accommodating some new faces.

That being said, id Software's John Carmack will be giving this year's keynote speech, and the event is still very much PC-centric, with Alienware, NVIDA and Ventrilo hosting a handful of events. Upcoming post-apocalyptic, not-Mad Max FPS Rage will also be getting its first public demo at the show, further asserting id Software into the event. For those of you attending, we encourage hounding Todd Howard for information on the next Elder Scrolls game during his Q&A -- if not for us, do it for the kids.

JoystiqQuakeCon 2009 detailed, first public demos of Rage and Brink originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarebethesdaBethesda-Softworksbrinkconventionelder-scrollsfpsid-softwarejohn-carmackMicrosoftnvidiapcquakeconquakecon-2009ragesplash-damagetodd-howardventriloXbox-360zenimaxzenimax-mediaSun, 09 Aug 2009 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alienware to lay off workers, in spite of global expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/alienware-to-layoff-workers-in-spite-of-global-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/alienware-to-layoff-workers-in-spite-of-global-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/alienware-to-layoff-workers-in-spite-of-global-expansion/#comments Alienware is expanding their global reach this year, offering their products in 35 countries, including Russia, China, Japan, Korea, Latin America and Brazil. So why is it that the company is axing an indeterminate number of employees? Simple: to take care of redundancies. Alienware's parent, Dell, is looking to consolidate many of the divisions both companies share, such as accounting, finance, and others. Alienware spokesman Winnie Wong said the consolidation is "putting two teams together into one unbeatable team."

Dell has been hard-hit by the sagging economy -- the decision to layoff employees at its high-end Alienware division seems logical. Wong reiterates that, in spite of the layoffs, the Alienware brand will still remain intact. "We will still build the brand, still have our own position to represent the Dell gaming brand," she said. "A lot of the products' messaging will still be intact."

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqAlienware to lay off workers, in spite of global expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwaredelllayoffsThu, 26 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crazy curved Alienware monitor perfect for Crysis]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/crazy-curved-alienware-monitor-perfect-for-crysis/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/crazy-curved-alienware-monitor-perfect-for-crysis/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/crazy-curved-alienware-monitor-perfect-for-crysis/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Many uses come to mind when thinking of a curved, 2,880x900 resolution (16:5 aspect ratio) monitor - multitasking aside, we'd have quite a fun time opening every Photoshop panel simultaneously, or created the most complex, intricate World of Warcraft user interface imaginable. Alienware decided to show off its arcing display at CES with Crysis, the apparent benchmark for all technology of the future.

Our friends at Engadget who are attending the show noticed three faint vertical lines, indicating the curved illusion is assisted by four sub-panels. The DLP display with LED illumination is due out the second half of this year for a currently-unknown price. Check out their gallery of the monitor; we also have video of the display embedded after the break.

Continue reading Crazy curved Alienware monitor perfect for Crysis

JoystiqCrazy curved Alienware monitor perfect for Crysis originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarecesces-2008crysisengadgetPCThu, 10 Jan 2008 13:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Alienware shows off developer PCs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/alienware-shows-off-developer-pcs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/alienware-shows-off-developer-pcs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/11/alienware-shows-off-developer-pcs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Alienware launched a new developer workstation and showed off a recent laptop at GDC. The company was tucked away in the meeting rooms of the North hall, and we stopped by unannounced to ogle the hardware.

The MJ-12 8550i is the new high-end desktop machine with two quad-core Xeon processors, DDR2 memory, and other industry-leading specs. Alienware decided to ship this machine with the consumer-level Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX so that developers don't need to switch machines to test their progress. (Alienware reps even suggested getting in a game of F.E.A.R. while waiting for a recomplie.)

We asked about a dual video card configuration, and we were told that that may happen; the company is even considering a switch that would toggle between pro and consumer cards connected to a single monitor.

Keeping the desktop machine company, Alienware also showed the m5790 laptop that ships with a 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo. And Alienware is so confident in the stability of the chip that it can overclock it under warranty to 2.66GHz.

Prices for the systems vary by configuration, with the laptop starting at $1,300 and the workstation at $2,500. Of course, both are able to run thousands of dollars higher.

Gallery: Alienware at GDC

JoystiqAlienware shows off developer PCs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Mar 2007 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarearea 51area-51Area51GDCgdc07over clockoverclockPCSun, 11 Mar 2007 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual reality student project aims to cure acrophobia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/virtual-reality-student-project-aims-to-cure-acrophobia/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/virtual-reality-student-project-aims-to-cure-acrophobia/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/24/virtual-reality-student-project-aims-to-cure-acrophobia/#commentsFiled under: ,

acrophobiaThe Last Boss's Tom Fronczak (a semester away from a degree in game design) profiles a VR studio at the University of Pittsburgh's Medical Virtual Reality Center, which he and a small team of classmates will use to develop an acrophobia (fear of heights) sim to be used during habitual therapy sessions. Tom's group will be using Unreal Engine (1) to design a level, ideally representing an unfinished skyscraper. Players Patients will slowly ascend the floors of the building, eventually emerging into the open air, where they'll have to navigate up scaffolding to reach the top, grab the flag, and sprint back to base. Development time has be limited to ten weeks.

Tom will continue to update The Last Boss readers on the status of his project during the coming weeks, and notes he's eager for feedback. Our advice: Don't look down!

JoystiqVirtual reality student project aims to cure acrophobia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlienwareUnreal EngineUnreal TournamentUnrealEngineUnrealTournamentVirtual RealityVirtualRealityVRWed, 24 Jan 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA['Luxury' gaming PCs: When a solid-gold PS3 isn't enough]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/luxury-gaming-pcs-when-a-solid-gold-ps3-isnt-enough/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/luxury-gaming-pcs-when-a-solid-gold-ps3-isnt-enough/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/luxury-gaming-pcs-when-a-solid-gold-ps3-isnt-enough/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Associated Press writes about high-end, "luxury" gaming PCs easily overpowering the consoles. The computers cited from Alienware and Falcon Northwest cost $5,400 and $9,600 respectively. (The Falcon PC includes a 30-inch display at that price.)

Our first reaction was, "So what, of course PCs are faster." Then, we moved to, "How much again!?" There seems to be a sense of pride in enthusiasts spending a lot of money on their PC. At a recent Nvidia event, audience members in the front rows were thanked for being such strong supporters of the company; they'd each spent about $1,000 for SLI setups on their current gaming machines. Yes, that's just for video cards.

Is the ability to appreciate gaming rigs for their price just a gene we're missing? Are we getting old and cranky? Where's our pudding?

Joystiq'Luxury' gaming PCs: When a solid-gold PS3 isn't enough originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarefalcon northwestFalconNorthwestgaming PCGamingPcluxuryPCSLIWed, 06 Dec 2006 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[HP to buy Voodoo, don't think about HP scandal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/29/hp-to-buy-voodoo-dont-think-about-hp-scandal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/29/hp-to-buy-voodoo-dont-think-about-hp-scandal/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/29/hp-to-buy-voodoo-dont-think-about-hp-scandal/#commentsFiled under: ,

HP plans to buy gaming PC company Voodoo Computers in order to reach gamers and their wallets. Voodoo will continue to operate -- now under the HP umbrella -- with co-owners Rahul and Ravi Sood staying on with HP jobs. The acquisition should close by November, after the requisite approvals by shareholders and the SEC.

Well look who's following Dell (which bought Alienware earlier this year). While this sort of buyout must take months or years of anticipation, we think the timing is a little more than coincidental; HP is currently being scrutinized by the press, Wall Street, and Congress for spying on media outlets and its board members. There's nothing like a good, old-fashioned buyout to push your scandal out of the headlines.

[Thanks, Derek]

JoystiqHP to buy Voodoo, don't think about HP scandal originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlienwareDellHPPCvoodoovoodoo computersVoodooComputersFri, 29 Sep 2006 18:10:00 EST<![CDATA[NVIDIA denies enthusiasts the Quad-SLI goodness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/05/nvidia-denies-enthusiasts-the-quad-sli-goodness/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/05/nvidia-denies-enthusiasts-the-quad-sli-goodness/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/05/nvidia-denies-enthusiasts-the-quad-sli-goodness/#commentsFiled under:

Techreport has posted a review of nVIDIA's latest dual-GPU graphics card, the GeForce 7950 GX2, which also happens to be capable ("capable" being the key word) of Quad-SLI. You won't be surprised to read that this card is fast when compared to its predecessors. It positively destroyed all the other single-GPU cards the Techreport guys tested it against; in Battlefield 2 the GX2 managed "twice the average frame rate of the GeForce 7900 GT." As you probably already know, this kind of performance doesn't come cheap. NVIDIA expects the 7950 GX2 to cost around $599 to $649, and that's before you check your power bill: in tests the card drew 133 Watts at idle and a whopping 237 Watts under load. In comparison to the card's main single-GPU rival, ATI's X1900, the 7950 featured similar levels of power consumption, size and heat output but performed significantly faster in all the benchmarks. The 7950's dual-GPU solution also surpasses the performance of traditional SLI configurations like dual 7900 GTs, with the added advantage of being compatible with any PCI-e motherboard chipset.

Strangely, the biggest problem that the review found had nothing to do with the card itself. Although the 7950 GX2 is perfectly capable of being partnered up with another card to make a Quad-SLI system, nVIDIA refuses to support this type of configuration, citing the "complexity" involved. The only way you'll be able to get a Quad-SLI setup is by either hacking two cards together or by purchasing a (some say overpriced) system from Alienware, Falcon Northwest or Dell.

The company went as far as refusing to supply the website with a second review card. As the reviewer points out "when explaining to your best customers why they can't purchase two of your $649 video cards for themselves without also buying a $5K PC built by someone else, it's probably not good idea to use a shaky excuse with an embedded insult."

JoystiqNVIDIA denies enthusiasts the Quad-SLI goodness originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7900 GT7900Gt7950 GX27950Gx2AlienwareATIBattlefield 2Battlefield2DellDual-GPUFalcon NorthwestFalconNorthwestinsultNVIDIAPCpowerQuad-SLISLIWattsX1900Mon, 05 Jun 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Jade Empire on PC, Alienware giveaway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/jade-empire-pc-alienware-contest-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/jade-empire-pc-alienware-contest-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/13/jade-empire-pc-alienware-contest-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jade Empire PC, Alienware contest
This week at E3, BioWare announced they will be porting their Xbox hit Jade Empire to the PC. To commemorate the event, registered members of the Canadian developer's community site can enter to win an Alienware Area-51 5500 PC with Intel's Dual Core technology.

The updated version of Jade Empire will include shinier graphics and new fighting styles, as well as additional enemy types and increased difficulty levels. LTI Gray Matter has been tapped to handle conversion duties, but with Microsoft Game Studios out of the picture, BioWare is looking for a publishing partner to get the new and improved Jade out by year's end.

It will be interesting to see how the new keyboard control scheme works out for Jade's real-time combat. Hopefully, the transition will feel as natural as the turn-based fighting in KOTOR. For more information, check out GameSpot's first look from E3.

JoystiqJade Empire on PC, Alienware giveaway originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 May 2006 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarebiowaree3jade empirePCSat, 13 May 2006 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Seen around eFocus event]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/seen-around-efocus-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/seen-around-efocus-event/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/seen-around-efocus-event/#commentsFiled under: ,

We stopped by the eFocus event over at the California Mart in LA's Fashion District. Just a few snapshots of what we saw... 

Continue reading Seen around eFocus event

JoystiqSeen around eFocus event originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 May 2006 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwaredean takahashiDeanTakahashie3e3 mediae3 partiese3 partye32006eForcetakahashiWed, 10 May 2006 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell's Alienware purchase, the week after the morning after]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/16/dells-alienware-purchase-the-week-after-the-morning-after/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/16/dells-alienware-purchase-the-week-after-the-morning-after/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/16/dells-alienware-purchase-the-week-after-the-morning-after/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Now that the world's had a few weeks to digest the news that Dell acquired Alienware, some more thoughtful analyses are starting to appear.

The basic justification for the merger hasn't changed -- Dell purchased Alienware because Dell repeatedly failed to build credibility in the high-end PC gaming market -- but the analysis has gotten better. Slate's Séan Captain writes the best one yet.

Our readers also suggested a few areas for evaluating the merger. Will Alienware's tech support suffer? Wrote Sloopydrew: "At least now Alienware PC owners will be able to enjoy long chats with underpaid folks in India." And how about the fact that truly hardcore PC gamers would never buy any pre-assembled computer because they know that they can get a faster box for less cash by assembling components purchased separately?

One more thought: now that Apple's released bootcamp (it runs games fast!), maybe the market for pre-assembled gaming rigs will shift to from Star Wars geeky to the sexy brand of geek chic that Apple peddles.

JoystiqDell's Alienware purchase, the week after the morning after originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Apr 2006 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwareappledellgaming rigsMacPCvideogamevideogamesSun, 16 Apr 2006 13:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Dell confirms Alienware purchase]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/dell-confirms-alienware-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/dell-confirms-alienware-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/22/dell-confirms-alienware-purchase/#commentsFiled under: ,

After denying the rumors that first started circulating a couple weeks ago, Dell has finally confirmed that they've acquired high-end gaming rig manufacturer Alienware for an undisclosed amount.

When suits are making such acquisition decisions, they often start with a "make or buy" investigation. One can assume that whenever the decision to "buy" (that is, acquire an external company) has been made, said suits determined that the acquisition target offered something that they couldn't "make" on their own for the right price and within the right time frame.

Oh hell, we'll stop beating around the bush: Dell purchased Alienware because Dell has repeatedly failed to build credibility in the high-end PC gaming market. Few Joystiq readers associate the Dell name with gaming performance, and that's exactly why Dell had to acquire an outside company.

How many $10,000 gaming rigs do you reckon Dell will sell now?

JoystiqDell confirms Alienware purchase originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Mar 2006 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwaredellgaming pcsPCWed, 22 Mar 2006 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Dell has bought Alienware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/14/rumor-dell-has-bought-alienware/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/14/rumor-dell-has-bought-alienware/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/14/rumor-dell-has-bought-alienware/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dell Alienware XPS desktopCNET has heard from "a reliable source" that Dell has indeed bought Alienware, the high-end PC vendor.

It's obvious that Dell wants a bigger piece of the PC gaming pie, considering their XPS line of systems and the fact that hardcore gamers are willing to pay a pretty price to eke out higher framerates and screen resolutions.

The question is whether Dell was actually willing to buy its way into gaming credibility and if it would move the company into the realm of AMD-powered game/workstations or not. More word when we have it.

[Via CNET, Evil Avatar]

Continue reading Rumor: Dell has bought Alienware

JoystiqRumor: Dell has bought Alienware originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Mar 2006 23:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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