Home PC console, running on SteamOS Big Picture Mode (HiveMind overlay), Core i5 version.
At the time of release, Valves Steam Controller was not available, so the one i bought came with an xBox 360 controller instead. Versions purchased now have the Steam Controller.
I bought mine a few months ago and this is my opinion/quick review and experiences of owning the Alienware Alpha (Core i5 version).
Pros:
- Compact Size
- 1TB Storage
- Easy to Navigate Menus
- No need for Mouse and Keyboard (Should you wish)
- Re-mappable controller
- Great Gaming Performance
- Apps include Origin and Uplay as well as Steam
Cons:
- 2GB Video Ram Can Make Some Games Difficult to Run Smoothly
- Kodi Menu System is Not Always User Friendly
- Expensive Price Point Compared to Gaming PC Self-Builds
Specs: (Core i5 Version)
- Quad Core, Core i5 CPU
- 3 GHZ Processor
- Custom Nvidia GeForce GPU, Based on GTX 860M, 2GB GDDR5
- 8GB DDR3L Ram
- 1TB HDD
- Dual Band Wifi
Experience/Opinion
I took the decision to purchase the Alienware Alpha, as i was just getting back into the PC Gaming scene, having been a huge console gamer since a young age. I looked at purchasing a purpose built gaming PC and Steam Machines - upon researching Steam Machines, i came across the Alpha. Essentially an unofficial Steam Machine, in the sense that those official versions were awaiting the go-ahead from Valve. The Alpha was proving to be a slightly more expensive option then a self-build gaming PC option. However, being a huge console gamer i was attracted to the simplicity and familiarity of the Alpha. Playing PC games, on a PC which imitates a console was ideal. So i took the plunge and haven't looked back and i do not regret it.
When you boot up the Alpha, you are greeted with a Kodi based HiveMind UI which is an initial overlay screen. You have a selection of basic Apps including Steam, Settings, Games and a Movie and Photo App. If you select Steam, it will take you into Steam OS Big Picture Mode which is what the core of the Alpha is, and what steam machines will be built upon. Aside from those apps, you can add a library of other apps too. The only ones i went with were YouTube, Chrome, Ubisofts Uplay and my personal favourite EAs Origin. The Origin App allows you to connect to your Origin account to download games held on the Origin Store, load your library and play the games from there. The Games App, is simply a shortcut to your Steam library, which when you select a game through that option will load up Steam OS and load the game automatically, bypassing the Steam menus.
When you chose to load the Steam App, is where the real heart of the the Alpha lies.
From here, you launch Steam OS Big Picture Mode - a version of Steam OS, specifically build for use on your television, just like a traditional console.
You will connect to your Steam library. You have access to the Steam Store and Steam Community. The layout of Steam Big Picture Mode is very console like in it's look and navigation. All of which can be completely navigated with the included controller. Keyboard and Mouse can be used, but not necessary. Everything you would expect from Steam is there including the Community for accessing forums and Mods (Steam Workshop) etc.
The performance of the games within the Steam Store are as you would expect on a traditional PC, that is, the performance is dependent on your hardware. From my experience using my i5 version, only WWE 2k15 had a little trouble running smoothly with the 2GB Vid Ram not quite being enough for a really smooth performance. The game does run and is in my opinion still playable. But there is a little stuttering from time to time which the purists will be quick to point out. Other games in my library include Cities: Skylines, Payday 2, Metro: Last Light and Crysis 3 (played though Origin, not Steam).
Metro: Last Light, i am able to play on High Settings, with High Textures and Lighting and Shadow effects, locked at 30 fps (which as a heavy console gamer i feel comfortable with, although some will feel 30 fps is not enough. You can increase the frame rate but may find the settings need reducing). The game looks absolutely stunning on my TV and plays beautifully. Likewise Crysis 3 is on high settings also.
My favourite two games in my library are Cities: Skylines which runs perfectly on high res settings, and TerraTech (Early Access). both of which i have put in over 70 hours of gameplay.
The Alienware Alpha is also capable of switching to full Windows Desktop mode, which at time of purchase came running on Windows 8.1, but is now upgradable to Windows 10, although i haven't upgraded to Windows 10 myself as i don't require it and am happy with Windows 8.1 for the very minimal usage i need.
Recommend?
The real question is, who to recommend the Alienware Alpha to, or any Steam Machine for that matter. The answer really is a console game who wishes to get into the PC Gaming world or simply expand their videogame credentials and options. Purist PC Gamers, who annoyingly refer to themselves as the 'Master Race' will point out that you can purchase a purpose built, custom built Gaming PC, which for the price of the Alpha will have higher specs. However, they do not come with the convenience or familiarity of the Alpha to those used to gaming on a console. They are also more inconvenient when you want to hook up to your TV for big screen PC gaming.
If you already own a decent gaming PC and simply want to play on the big screen, while very convenient, the Alpha represents an option which in my opinion is too high on price. There are cheaper ways of achieving this such as the Steam Link. If you are looking for an upgrade, i would recommend at least giving the Alpha a look. But if you are a console gamer looking to get into the PC gaming world, the Alpha is a very good, if slightly expensive option. You will be right at home with the look and feel of the console and be without the often confusing or comprehensive navigation of a traditional PC. Gaming performance is great and it looks beautiful sat under your living room TV next to your games console.
