Alienware are attempting to lead the way when it comes to the compact gaming system. Their new X51 Ultra gaming systems will feature an ultra small form factor measuring in at just 343 x 95 x 318 mm (HxWxD). The X51 Ultra systems will feature Sandy Bridge processors a choice of either the i3-2120 or i7 2600. Slightly disappointing that there is no i5 2400 available or any other i5 as it means you can only go to either end of the spectrum of expensive and entry whereas the i5’s would provide a nice spot in the middle. In terms of the graphics Alienware haven’t gone mad: recognising a small form factor impedes airflow they have gone with mid range graphics cards offering either the GTX 555 or GT 545 from Nvidia (both OEM units). The front of the case features an optical drive, USB and audio ports.
The X51 Ultra comes with 4GB of 1333MHz as standard, again slightly disappointing as Sandy Bridge supports higher frequency RAM, also disappointing to see up to 8GB is the maximum available when it is so easy to get hold of a 16GB RAM kit these days. In terms of storage you can equip a 1TB mechanical drive or some SSD drives. Connectivity includes 7.1-channel HD audio with Waves MAXX Audio Software, gigabit Ethernet, Wireless b/g/n, optical and coaxial SPDIF audio outputs. The graphics card gives out HDMI and DVI outputs.
Source: Dell
Pretty poor i feel, why start with 4GB's of 1333MHz when 8GB 1600MHz is pretty cheap and 16GB is more common now plus an i5 option say 2500k would provide a good balance between performance and price. Love to also see a 560 in the there as that is a nice card that's not too expensive, provides good performance and would fit well in the system with an i5 and 8gb of ram