I'm looking to get into PC gaming, but don't wanna spend $400-$500 and risk breaking something.
just get a fucking console then
You can't break something unless you go significantly out of your way to damage it.
>>321768084
>Alienware
Build a fucking PC you idiot.
>>321768163
Why are you guys always so fucking mean the consoles board treat me like a human being
I mean, it was just a simple question.
>>321768395
You aren't a human if you don't build your own pc from scratch
You are going to get nothing but bullshit responses OP so let me help you out.
1. Yes, you are better off building your own PC, could at least get a 950/i3/8gb for the price
2. You will never build something that small, ignore mITX idiots, I love my mITX build but the alpha is the size of like a Wii plus a bit.
3. Its a bit more powerful then a PS4 from benchmarks depending on the game. It is at least on par
So if you want to play PC games on a console then go ahead and get it. It is good for what it is, a console.
>>321768395
lol. All of the extra pounds are bringing their mood down.
You seem like the type of person these things were made for - simplicity and price of console with the PC platform. I'd say go for one.
>>321768629
Also this is the size, it is near impossible to build something this small that looks generally nice.
Yeah yeah, alien logo, but you can turn off the LEDs.
My friend bought one for his couch to complement his actual PC build. He enjoys it, plus it comes with a 360 controller.
>>321768629
Thank you.
>>321768875
Better picture
>>321768953
You're welcome. Not everyone here is PC master race douchebagWhich is funny because, at least half of them probably game on a shitty laptop or a old build that maybe matches a modern console
I wouldn't pay over $450 for it including tax and shipping though. Thats me personally though
>>321768953
>>321768629
Terrible advice you're setting him up for failure
The alienware steam machine has some kind of apu where the video card isn't even a desktop video card and some kind of mobile shit.
This means you can never ever upgrade the video card.
If you must get a steam machine at least get one that you can upgrade in the future like the syber.
Just look at your price range here and build whatever is on there
http://www.logicalincrements.com/#!/
or pay somebody 20 bucks to assemble it for you.
You're essentially buying yourself a laptop with out a screen. That's what the consoles are and what these "console-esque" PCs.
You're pretty much limiting any part upgrades on what you could do with say a normal desktop PC.
It doesn't take much to learn and get up to speed with PC parts so just take a couple of hours to read on what's hot or not.
>>321768629
>ignore mITX idiots
Only an ATXfaggot would say something like that.
>>321768084
you're going to regret it. When I first started PC gaming I was so set on a prebuilt but in the end just built one myself. I'm glad I did because I've learned a lot since my first time and can now perform maintenance/upgrades on my own.
I know it seems scary at first but there's tons of youtube videos on how to build a PC. Personally I used TekSyndicate's how to build a PC video when I first started and found it very useful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4Js2A1qdB8
if you're still hesitant on building yourself, I still strongly advise you to get a regular prebuilt gaming PC instead of that Alienware, since you won't be able to upgrade it. At least with a prebuilt you can learn new things at your own pace but you'll learn nothing with that Alienware.
>>321768629
>>321769317
awful advice.
>>321769440
The alpha isn't a steam machine. Its a tiny Windows PC.
And yes, it does basically have a 860m or something but
1. It is his choice. Maybe he does't want to build his own PC. It is his money.
2. The alpha is the cheapest of the "steam machines" even if its not one as the Alienware steam machine is a different product.
3. The alpha is a console in my opinion, and as long as PC ports aren't shit. It will still last you almost as long as a console.
>>321770079
>I know it seems scary at first
m8 you have 14 years old doing this shit
I did it at 13 and thought I fucked up but forgot to connect the power to the cpu
It's fullproof since it's not like you have to solder anything
>>321770025
Did you read my post. My current PC is a mITX, its the people who spam just build a mITX build when even mITX builds take more room then a console. The alpha is at least half the size.
I've never owned a ATX board/case. Only mATX and mITX
>>321770025
How does this keep cool, it's so cramped. Also what case and fan?
The instant you receive and realized that with a little bit of research, you could have built a gaming PC that's at least twice as powerful you'll suffer acute buyer's remorse.
Probably enough to want to kill yo self.
>>321770283
Except the CPU, and even a kid like Achmed can do that
>>321770194
Oh my mistake they looked the same.
Still though buying something that you can't upgrade the video card on?
Come on
alienware is bretty good if you know how to shop for it. Bought this gtx 980m, i7 skylake cpu+ a graphics amplifier (connect a desktop gpu to the laptop when docked) for $1100 on Black Friday.
Runs everything like butter.
>>321768395
Then go back to the console boards
>>321770079
I'm simply telling him, that it is his money. I even said it is better to build a PC.
But I gave him options, options are always better. If he wants something that can fit inside a tv stand then maybe its a good fit. I'm lucky I can fit my mITX build in my Besta but not everyone can. Nobody wants to look at a big PC case besides their tv (which I assume OP is going to do since he asked about the alpha) especially the ugly cases people around here own.
>>321770351
You reek of ATXfaggotry.
>>321770432
>it's so cramped
It is, but the GPU and CPU are in different chambers and have direct intake from three 120mm Cougar Vortex PWM fans.
It's the most air efficient case I've ever bought.
>>321770283
haha I fucked up in the same way my first time around too, I forgot to plug in the CPU power
>>321770641
when someone is first starting out it's best to not give them shitty options. They don't know any better when they're starting, they need to be told the best options.
>>321768395
>human being
clearly you aren't but either a pleb ot woman
>>321770975
>haha I fucked up in the same way my first time around too, I forgot to plug in the CPU power
Were you tearing up/freaking out and having a mini panic attack too in front of your pops?
>>321770535
Why not buy a better PC for that price you autist
>>321771150
I like to play in the tub
>>321771150
Once this guy linked a pc well worth over 1k that was prebuilt for like 900 something with a high end gpu and cpu.
Prebuilts can be cheap if you find them at the right time.
>>321771071
OP didn't give us enough information on what he wants to do with the computer though either.
If he wants something that small then he has literally two options (really just one because steam OS is shit)
It is OPs decision after all not ours.
>>321771150
Because I already have a better PC at home. This is my home away from home rig.
Also my main workstation. Comfy as fuck.
My mistake. I should've noted earlier what I wanted from a PC.
I wanted a PC that can play some old 7th Gen classics and emulators at a smooth frame rate. I'm not looking for a ICBM targeting computer that can run Crysis 4 at 10000 fps(i'm over exaggerating).
>>321768084
It's easy
You get the case, right?
Then you open it!
Hope it's big enough to fit your Mobo in.
>Screw that sucker down shut until it can't move and don't hang it over your CPU.
Put in CPU, RAM, dvd player and harddrivers
Put in "hueg" Power box (this after the above because it's so fat it'll block everything you from here on out.
>Work away cables
Put in sound, gfx card, etc.
>Work away even more cables, yay.
Everything is self explained when it comes to wiring.
>My case wiring handbook, to make it go on and off, contained more words than the bible.
Install Windows, Lynx, The Democratic Republic of Ubuntu or the late Steve Jobs
>>321771582
why is your rig in a basement/garage
>>321770535
Shieet, nice deal.
>>321771660
Thanks reddit.
>>321770535
Shit I plan on doing this too cept I want a dx12 mobile card
Can you even upgrade that vidya card
>>321768395
You sound like a little kid. If you are a kid, then you don't want to deal with PC. It's a lot of work and there's a ton of things you need to know just to even buy the right parts, let alone at a good price. If you don't know what you're doing, you'll end up like pic related.
>>321771683
Because IT department.
We're actually located on the highest floor of the hotel but we're moving down to a more comfy room come next quarter.
Either way, comfy job, comfy pay and comfy chairs.
>>321771893
Of course you should get into PCs while you are still a kid, fuck off retard.
>>321768395
human bean*
>>321768395
FUCKING KILL YOURSELF YOU SUBHUMAN CONSOLEKEK PIECE OF SHIT
>>321772054
Did I hit a nerve?
>>321772126
I got my first PC with 10 in 2001.
When did you get into it? Last year with 34?
Did anybody even read my recent post?
>>321769684
That site is shit.
>i5s start at $950
>>321769440
>some kind of apu where the video card isn't even a desktop video card and some kind of mobile shit.
>This means you can never ever upgrade the video card.
>not knowing what an APU is
>implying PCs with APUs can't be upgraded
>>321772781
I managed to get my GTX 980 for $250 with 11 months warranty left. Pretty chuffed with it.
My mistake. I should've noted earlier what I wanted from a PC.
I wanted a PC that can play some old 7th Gen classics and emulators at a smooth frame rate.
I'm not looking for a computer that can run Crysis 4 at 10000 fps.
>>321772336
Anon, once a thread gets this far everyone stops caring about the thread topic and it turns into a cesspit.
>>321768084
PC gaming isn't fun, there I said it.
Sure it's nice to have a general purpose porn machine but for gaming it's just a waste of cash.
>>321773009
>emulators at a smooth frame rate.
Emulators like dolphin required a gud pc
Emulating is the most taxing desu
>>321773340
...and you know this...how?
>>321773009
>I wanted a PC that can play some old 7th Gen classics and emulators at a smooth frame rate.
Here's the problem. Your shitty Alienware won't handle 6th gen emulation, let alone even 7th generation (which is barely starting out).
You'll need a decent quad-core CPU, like i5 6000 at the very least with a decent GPU, not like the laptop versions found in these Alienwares.
If you can't afford and/or too stupid to learn to build a decent system, then just stick to consoles.
>>321773471
I've seen gameplay videos of this very same PC running dolphin almost perfectly.
>>321773506
Because I've got a gaymen PC years ago. Where else should I base my opinion on?
>>321772067
What possesses someone to make a post like this
>>321773649
What are the specs?
>>321773340
I want to get every game I can on PC, because I always enjoy playing them more on it
>>321773340
top pleb
>>321773340
What does that even mean?
>hook PC to TV
>use controller
What does a console do that makes it more "fun"? Less options? No mods?
>>321773737
GTX 860m
i3 4130t
8gb ram
ayylmaoware alpha is pretty decent machine, when you can get it on sale. When it was on sale for $300, perfect box to put almost anywhere, and the nvidia 860m gfx is on par with the desktop 750ti.
like the other anon said, I wouldn't pay too much for it, but for what it is, it's decent. you can upgrade the ram, cpu, and hdd as well
>>321774058
PC just doesn't get any notable exclusives which really utilize the hardware anymore. It's mostly just mediocre steam games these days which is pretty unfortunate.
Which brings me to another point. Steam.
Thanks gaben, the whole platform is Digital only, locked behind Steam these days.
I remember having shitloads of fun with Jazzjackrabbit and Tycoon games back in the olden days. Shit was cash.
>>321774161
>GTX 860M
That GPU barely handles 1080p gaming, expect to lower settings below PS4 levels since it's GPU is actually more powerful.
>i3 4130T
Emulation requires CPU power and this low-TDP version i3 barely has any. You'll need the i7 equivalent for stable performance ($749 Alpha)
http://www.futuremark.com/hardware/gpu?_ga=1.139740595.1642667747.1451323969
http://www.dell.com/us/p/alienware-alpha/pd?~ck=mn%E2%80%8B
For the $499 or so you're thinking of for the weakest Alpha, you can build a decent 1080p system with older, but more powerful parts.
>>321772218
With 10 what?
With 34 what?
smgdh@u famagucci
Kids these days is2fg*d
>>321774481
>I remember having shitloads of fun with Jazzjackrabbit and Tycoon games back in the olden days
One of the best things about PC is that it's infinately backwards compatible, you could play those right now. Thousands of other games too. From almost any platform
>>321774945
I know, but those games are playable on a toaster. And to be honest who doesn't have atleast a low spec laptop?
>>321768084
The Alienware thingamajig is alright, but a bit weak. It won't perform much better than consoles, if at all. Building a PC actually isn't that hard at all, since every slot is keyed to only fit exactly what belongs there, and the motherboard manual will tell you what's what pretty clearly.
If you want to build:
>Fractal Design 1100 case
>ASRock or ASUS micro-ATX Intel motherboard, socket 1150
>Intel Core i3, a cheap one like an i3-4130
>8GB (2x4GB) DDR2 1600MHz RAM, recommend G.Skill for cheap and reliable
>Western Digital 500-1000GB HDD, recommend WD blue or black
>EVGA GeForce GTX 950
>400-500 watt PSU, recommend something certified, Seasonic or Corsair are my favorites.
You can make a significantly powerful PC these days for ~$600 including taxes and shipping. Peruse Newegg sometime.
>>321774645
>i7
>Required for anything
You literally don't know what you're talking about
OP just buy the computer
Just buy it and leave this hellhole before it's too late
>>321775669
>dat lack of reading comprehension
Go ahead, buy your buyer's remorse, idiot OP.
>>321775825
>You'll need the i7 equivalent for stable performance
Go fuck yourself kid
I'm not sure if I benefitted from posting this. Thanks...I guess.
>>321776175
Well, with all of these trolls not helping me in the slightest, it is hard to tell if this helped.
>>321776401
Long and short: the Alienware and other "console-fied" gaming PCs are alright, but won't blow you away. Building is always recommended, but it's your money, really, spend it how you want to.
>>321775952
>>equivalent
See that word kid?
That's what you're not understanding.
>>321776117
tl;dr; You're wasting your money with such a weak system. It's better that you save up AND research about what's good. Don't be the ignoramus that you are right now.
>>321776895
Equivalent to fucking what
>>321772054
I did when I was 8, Battlefield 1942, Morrowind, Half-Life, and so on.
>>321776993
being a retard for buying an alienware in the first place
just get an i5 kids, and for resolutions lower than 1080p, an i3 will suffice
>>321770470
>>321768395
>Caring what pckeks think
>>321771582
Why do you use the stock background instead of adding a bit of personality so that we can shitpost about it.
Are you a robot?
>>321774481
you can make physical backups of all your games onto DVDs/Blurays if you wanted to
>muh exclusives
oh boo hoo, so it doesn't have a few games, no platform has everything.
>PS4 isn't worth it because look Halo
>Wii U isn't worth it because it doesn't have Uncharted
The thing is, PC has the most games, that's a fact. what used to be just a multiplat is now an advantage to PC since consoles aren't backwards compatible. PS4 can't even play PS3, so it's missing all of gaming from 2013 and earlier.
>>321768084
Look, i'm gonna assume you've never assembled a pc before so i'm gonna also assume that building one yourself is out of the picture. any pre-built for 500$ or less is literal garbage. and the experience you will get is gonna be on the same level and in many cases worse than the console experience. so stick with consoles until you're ready to get something good. this is just not worth the hassle.
