PS4 vs Alienware Alpha – Comparing The Specs And A Brief Review

Although Sony and Microsoft rule the roost as far as video gaming goes, players like Alienware are also entering the fray.

[IGiveHugs2NakedWomen]

Does Alienware have The Last Of Us Remastered? How about The Order 1886?

No? What a shame.

[Fro_xoxo]

lol.

The PS4 can't play PC exclusives either.

And, whatever they share in common, the PC does better.

That's a balance.

[ElVeneno]

Funny how Xbox1 vs PS4 arguments are always about who has the better graphics but when PC steps in the conversation they change their tune and all of the sudden it's about gameplay and exclusives.

[Eddie20101]

@ELVeneno

No one said anything about it being just about game play, but exclusives do play a role in who buy what system and for what reason. PS4 does amazing graphics with the hardware it has. A PC with the same hardware as a PS4 probably wouldn't have as nice a looking games as the PS4 because of all the overhead from the OS. There are other problems with PC's not being a fixed system.

Consoles don't need to be compared to PC's to begin with. We all know that PC's can have better graphics if it has better hardware.

[Return_of_the_Mack]

PS4 does have the better graphics...if you're playing from my computer. See how that works?

[Clunkyd]

@theFro

I don't think any console gamer is asking for any PC "exclusives" No offense :)

[AliTheSnake1]

PC can't do optimized games for the life of it.

[AliTheSnake1]

@ElVeneno Because the graphics on PC are customizable, depending on the hardware you have.
The gameplay aspects and exclusives do not change much from a $600 to a $1100.

[sorane]

How will we live without those 2 short linear simple action games with average at best gameplay! Oh yeah we'll be playing the 300+ PC exclusives that will be released this year alone.

[starchild]

@Eddie20101

Get out of here with that nonsense. If you asked PC, Xbox and Nintendo gamers, most of them would tell you that Sony fanboys are the real A-holes around here. You guys can bash everybody else's platform choices nonstop, but if anybody ever defends their platform of choice and even suggests that the PS4 isn't god's gift to gamers then you guys get all pissy.

I, too, have a PS4 and a nice PC with a G-Sync monitor and there is no doubt that there are some nice games on the PS4 you can't get on the PC. But the same is true the other way around as well. There are PC games I love that simply are not available on the PS4. All platforms, in fact, have some great games that can't be played anywhere else.

Also, it's true that the PS4 (and other consoles for that matter) does a great job with the hardware specs it has. That's the benefit of fixed hardware. However, it doesn't take that much more powerful of a PC to get better performance and graphics in multiplatform games.

99% of my PC games run amazingly well. The rare times I do run into issues I am able to very quickly resolve them. When I run into problems with my console games I can't usually do anything about it and I just have to hope and pray that the developers will fix them with a patch.

[Eddie20101]

@starchild

I went through your post and they pretty much show that you are a PC elitist.

Seems you got pretty pissy about my comment enough to make a statement about PS4 fanboys like I did about PC elitist, but I gather you think your different. Frankly I was talking about PC elitist not PC gamer's and I don't think my comment makes me a PS4 fanboy.

Also you repeated half of what I said.

You are dreaming if you think 99% of PC games run well for everyone, many game require several patches to run completely as they should. Many of the games you mention in other post as being better on PC were buggy as hell when released.

Their were a lot of PC games that when released were a complete mess especially this past year.

When comes to games needing patches it happens way more on PC. Fact not fiction.

I am a PC gamer, Xbox Gamer, Playstation gamer Nintendo gamer. I play games on everything. I don't feel the need to bash consoles over PC's because I know that both PC's and consoles have there pluses and minuses.

The reason I mentioned PS4 is because that is what was being compared in the article.

Saying one group fanboys is Bigger A23 Holes than the other is kinda juvenile and is pretty much just opinion but in reality is probably not true. My comment was base on stupid comments in this thread mostly.

[u4one]

@theFRO:

Precisely.

@IGiveHugs:

TLOU is a great game but not the only great game… and it was great on the PS3 too. There are a number of great PC games not on the PS4 either. Nobody knows if the Order is even going to be good as its not released yet. So far the best thing about the Order has been the graphics. Games with this level of graphics are common on PC. Plus PC's can be upgraded and expanded. Its kinda like the consoles are the entry level gamer machines and PC's are for people ready to level up and take it more seriously.

Sincerely an xb1/ps4 owner who uses PC gaming rigs at work

[IGiveHugs2NakedWomen]

Anyone with an ounce of common sense knows that Alienware will outperform a PS4 so this hardware comparison is rather pointless wouldn't you agree?

The cheapest model is $500 and doesn't really have the types of games I'm interested in playing.

Persona
Infamous
Uncharted
The Last Of Us
Gran Turismo
The Order
Bloodborne
Until Dawn

So for those of you keep trying to introduce a PC into a console scenario, you must understand that by default, Alienware is better than a PS4, BY DESIGN, so any REAL comparison would have to come down to the type of games a person is interested in.

When PC gets games made by Naughty Dog, Polyphony Digital, Bend Studio, Guerrilla Games, SCE London, SCE Santa Monica, SCE San Diego, and Sucker Punch, then i'll get a PC, but as of right now, I have no need for a PC because I have a high end laptop that has all the PC features that I need.

[andibandit]

But those arent "Types of games".

You just listed a bunch of PS4 exclusives...

next time instead of writing a wall of text, and trying to make some silly argument against PC, just write

"Im a Sony fanboy to the death", and save us all from reading your drivel

[tee_bag242]

Yeah that's what I was thinking..
He's just rattled off titles.. how are those 'types of games'.
Nothing wrong with being a fanboy. Just don't be a dumb fanboy.

[tee_bag242]

Ahh the bankrupt mans argument.

[firelogic]

They missed one crucial aspect in the comparison. How do I play PS4 exclusives on the Alienware?

[Immorals]

There are far more pc exclusives than ps4 exclusives.

[cutthroatslim]

Yes, but are they any good..?

[Vegamyster]

@cutthroatslim

Is that a serious question?

[tee_bag242]

They're only good when his friends start talking about it in the school playground.
Damn children on this site

[cutthroatslim]

@veg sort of, I know there are rly good games on PC just like I kno there are lots of not so good ones so..

[Two-Face]

Don't even bother guys. The PS4 fanboys think that PS4 is the only platform with exclusives.

[darx]

PC poops all over consoles!

[andibandit]

Good find, they also missed the crucial aspect: How do you play PC exclusives on PS4

[VJGenova]

Please stop approving console vs pc comparison articles! All the trolls come out to play everytime and I'm incredibly sick of reading both sides. Everybody needs to enjoy what they like and STFU!

[Immorals]

To be fair, I rarely see a single article on N4G that's troll free

[YamiMarik]

"Does Alienware have The Last Of Us Remastered? How about The Order 1886?"

"How do I play PS4 exclusives on the Alienware?"

Looks like some of you missed the 'Comparing The Specs' part of the title.

[higgins78]

I have to admit, the PS4 fanboys quickly resorting to exclusives made me laugh. Anytime exclusives were mentioned as a huge plus in Nintendo's/Wii U's corner, you would get the PS4/XB1 fanboys saying 'but 3rd party, but better specs'. Its a fact, all consoles and PC builds have their strengths and weaknesses...so then, its a level playing field all taken into account.

[KonsoruMasuta]

Alienware products are completely overpriced for what you get. You're basically paying for the size of the unit.

You can build something with a lot more power at a cheaper price.

[ninjahunter]

I dont think you can. The alienware alpha is currently $500(before coupon discounts which dell gives you at checkout), including its OS and a controller. So that leaves a nice $340 for a motherboard, case, cpu, gpu, ram, harddrive, psu and cooling.

Worth noting, the alphas CPU benchmarks equivilantly to a fx8320 and gpu is identical to a 750ti in performance.

Saying that is overpriced is an exercise in ignorance.

[Immorals]

While I agree with your post, alienware (like most prebuilt pcs) are hugely overpriced for what you get.

Back in 08, a friend bought an alienware for £400 more than I spent on my dell, and it had ~65% of the power, and half the storage space

[snookiegamer]

Ironically using a Console controller...Lol

Taking Consoles out of the equation for a moment, the argument would be 'My PC Gaming Rig Blows Your PC Gaming Rig' ;/

Anyway, there is no comparison, and shouldn't be. PC's do what PC's can do, Consoles do what Consoles can do. Period! ;)

[kevnb]

I play on both pc and ps4.

[BC_Master_Haze]

Same here, they have their separate advantages. I find it stupid how people try to compare subjective material like exclusives, controller, style, etc. Specs Initially make sense, but there's still the factor of better optimization on PS4, leaving three things to compare really: performance on games (whether it be max settings or a pre-built model like the Alpha), game prices, and capabilities past games.

Something like the Alpha should be compared through actual testing of games, not specs -_-

[DougLord]

Forget comparing the specs, they have done the benchmarks for Mordor, Dragon Age, Far Cry etc... The difference between the Alpha and the PS4 is about the same as PS4 vs Xbox.

For Sony fan boys that want to pretend that a few extra pixels in multi platform games is all that matters - you must now sell your PS4 and buy an Alpha.

For Gamers that say it's about the exclusives, nothing has changed. If you like ISS, KZ, Knack and Drive Club, buy a PS4. If you like F5, DR3, HMCC, FH2, SSOD, TF, Ryze - buy an Xone. If you like Mario and Zelda buy a WiiU. If you like to speculate about future games, you shouldn't own any consoles yet. Just troll on N4G.

[cutthroatslim]

ur comments are ALWAYS pure ass, no one ever agrees w u.. wut are u ever on about ? spreading your unpopular opinion amongst folks who really couldn't care less? what's the point in that, u like hearing itself talk, yea? ..anyways, have at it mate :D

[starchild]

What is your problem? His comment made perfect sense.

If it's about which platform gives you the better graphics and performance then PC is the objectively better platform. If it is a matter of preference in exclusives then it is going to be a subjective decision. Some people will prefer PC, some PS4, some Xbox, some Wii U, etc.

He's pointing out a very real hypocrisy among many people. They bang on and on about the PS4 having superior multiplats and don't respect the fact that people may prefer another console due to the exclusives found on that console, but then they don't follow their logic through and get the platform with the objectively superior graphics and performance (PC).

If people can choose the weaker PS4 because the PC doesn't have certain exclusives that they love then why can't other people buy the weaker XB1 because it has the exclusives that they love? This is the double standard that he is alluding to and I think he is completely right about it.

[Mega24]

PS4 over this crap, they never mention the GPU details, ram details, CPU details, etc. Going blind into a PC is a bad idea.

Anyways, been out of the PC game since 2007, getting back bit by bit. Exited to get into CS again.

[ninjahunter]

The alpha performs well at its price.
Ive maxed out every game ive played on mine, some examples being Metro LL, starcraft 2, Hitman absolution, witcher 2 and skyrim. all of which average 40fps or higher.

It gets a lot of hate for whats on paper, but in practice its a 750ti with a newer architecture, and performs accordingly.

[Shineon]

Im new to pc gaming, thank God I took a chance with Alpha its an impressive device. add me alecatt3 on steam

[Darkxen117]

I'm a fan of Xbox one and ps4 in general I'm fan of gaming console all my life and never been a PC gamer but when alienware introduce the alpha I was like this my opportunity to introduce myself in a PC gaming machine and I did with the alpha. The alpha is a more powerful hardware than Xbox one and ps4 by far and I talking about the basic model of the alpha. And have more games to play than Xbox and PS. And with valve steam makes the alpha more lucrative and you buy all the games that spear on Xbox and PS on the alpha at a better prices. Don't take me wrong I love my Xbox and my PS and always be a home console gamer first but when you look at it the alpha is the beginning of what we can expect in the near future.

[LoveSpuds]

I think that the key consideration must be that even if the Alienware is more powerful its games will not be optimised to take maximum advantage of that power.

[Zklaus]

I can't even understand this article... The graphics, the Alpha has a frame rate of 58 FPS which is pretty good. OK but 58 fps in what game and which settings? I'm just confused.
What I mean is, stop measuring d*cks arguing console vs pc when the article can't compare both at all.
And I don't get why pc is even important here... I thought the goal of steam machines was to create a bridge between pc and console making the Alpha, essentially, a console.

[Silly gameAr]

Like we no one can see what the point of this article is right?

[Shineon]

I purchased the base model alienware last weekend and its very impressive. Took advantage of a edios steam sale and got over 30 games for 30$ which included Theif, Tomb raider, Hitmam, Sleeping dogs and the list goes on.I was a console gamer previously but now ive swithed over. Im enjoing the flexibility of cranking up my settings to my likings hats off alienware

[WickedLester]

I have a question to all you PC gamers out there, just what ARE all these must have PC exclusives you talk about? I find it interesting that when console gamers talk about the exclusives advantage that consoles have over PC's they actually list AAA specific titles. However on the PC side, I never see anyone talk specifics but rather in general terms like "PC's have exclusives too." Well OK then, give me your list of must have PC exclusives, and no I'm not interested in hearing about the countless number of indie shovelware bullshit games found on steam. I'm talking about REAL big budget, crItically acclaimed AAA titles that cannot be found on consoles,

[ShottyGibs]

Ok.. because AAA = Fun ?

Seriously.. what AAA game on any system has been stellar this generation?!
Why don't you start from there..

[WickedLester]

Forza 5
Forza Horizons 2
Sunset Overdrive
Killer Instinct
The Last of Us Remastered
Resogun
Driveclub
Infamous Second Son
Infamous First Light
MLB The Show 2014
Little Big Planet 3
Mario Kart 8
Super Mario World 3D
Pikmin 3
Legend of Zelda Windwaker HD
Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze
Super Smash Brothers Wii U
Captain Toad's Treasure Tracker

Coming in 2015...

The Order 1886
Bloodbourne
MLB The Show 2015
Forza 6
Quantum Break
Scalebound
Splatoon
Legend of Zelda Wii U
Star Fox Wii U
Halo 5

The thing is, NONE of those titles will ever find their way to PC's. However most of the really good PC games always find their way to consoles eventually.

Oh and I'm still waiting for that AAA list from you PC elitists, and don't EVEN start trying to play the "fun" card because it's you PC gamers who are constantly blowing your own horn about specs and how PC is more powerful and games look better. Well then, show me the AAA exclusive games that actually take advantage of all that extra power you cling to so dearly.

[ShottyGibs]

Lol...
PC is only 1 platform, as is PS4, as is WiiU and X1.

I find it interested you need to group all the consoles together in order to come up with that tiny list of "REAL big budget exclusives".

This shows me you think any of those console's aren't strong enough to stand alone on their own merits. Is it that bad is it?

You don't get the pleasure of playing all those games from 1 console - but nice try.

Why so threaded by PC?
I have a PS4, X1, Gaming PC and most of consoles before them. Nothing wrong with mixing up gaming systems. I can, as anyone else can tell you PC easily has the most exclusives.

Run along now salty troll

[hairy]

Why wouldn't I want my console to be a pc? To be able to play all past games and not have to buy multiple systems just to follow the story of say uncharted or the witcher? imagine you wanted to watch a full season of game of thrones but you needed to have 3 different machines just to play the various dvd's, that would be miserable. That's what I think of console gaming, it's miserable.

[feraldrgn]

Where in the heck are the specs?
What type of RAM is it, what's the GPU they tested, what cooler, what power supply & power usage at low & high load, temps etc.
Come on, I want to know this stuff when I go to an article about "specs".

[WickedLester]

LOL the discussion was consoles VS PC. Not one specific console.

I'm still waiting on that list of AAA PC exclusives.

[etownone]

That's what I'm waiting for.... Where are the pc exclusives?

I'll admit, some of the best games out every year or multiplats found on pc... But there are just too many other exclusives that can only be played on consoles.