Alienware Archives

Winsage

June 4, 2025

One of Linux’s big hitters declares your Windows 10 PC “is toast,” and one angle needs talking about MUCH more

The end of life for Windows 10 is prompting discussions about alternatives, particularly Linux, as users consider their options. KDE, a key player in the Linux ecosystem, encourages users with obsolete Windows 10 devices not to discard them but to consider repurposing them with Linux, which can extend the lifespan of older PCs and reduce electronic waste. Many functional PCs, even those over a decade old, can run alternative systems like Linux or Chrome OS Flex efficiently. KDE's initiative highlights that Linux can revitalize old machines, promoting sustainability in the face of potential e-waste accumulation from Microsoft's push for new hardware.

AppWizard

May 24, 2025

I’ve found every major Memorial Day sale that’s relevant for PC gamers, and handpicked my favorite deals

Memorial Day weekend features sales for PC gamers, offering discounts on gaming rigs, laptops, and accessories. Notable deals include the Alienware Aurora R16 with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265F and RTX 5080 for ,349.99 at Dell, and the HP Omen 45L with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K and RTX 5090 for ,189.99. The HP Omen 35L, featuring an AMD Ryzen 5 8500G and RTX 4070 Super, is available for ,349.99, down from ,679.99. For laptops, the HP Omen Max 16 is priced at ,799.99. Monitor deals include the 32" Alienware AW3225QF 4K 240Hz QD-OLED Gaming Monitor for ,199.99 and the 32" Dell S3222DGM QHD 165Hz monitor for 9.99.

AppWizard

May 11, 2025

I just tested Doom: The Dark Ages on an RTX 5090 PC — and I’m still in shock

Doom: The Dark Ages was tested on an Alienware Area-51 gaming PC with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090, achieving 155 frames per second at Ultra Nightmare settings and 4K resolution without DLSS. With DLSS 4 x4 activated, the frame rate increased to 344 fps. The Alienware setup included an Intel Ultra Core 9 285K CPU, 64GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. Testing with other RTX 50 series cards showed the RTX 5060 Ti reached 153 fps at 4K with DLSS 4, while the RTX 5070 Ti achieved 185 fps with DLSS 4. Performance results for various RTX 50 cards at different settings were provided, highlighting their capabilities.

Winsage

March 31, 2025

Windows 11 setup bypass blocked, smaller Surface Pro confirmed, and Amazon raises concerns over Xbox & Surface returns

Microsoft is expected to unveil a smaller Surface Pro powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X platform, aimed at competing with the iPad Pro, featuring a premium metal chassis and high-quality display, with pricing projected to start between 0 and 0. Additionally, Microsoft plans to introduce a smaller Surface Laptop. The company has blocked a bypass that allowed users to set up Windows 11 PCs without a Microsoft account, which has led to the emergence of a new method involving the command prompt during setup. Certain configurations of the Surface Laptop 7 and the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 have been flagged by Amazon as frequently returned items. Bill Gates has stated that AI will replace humans "for most things," while identifying coders, energy specialists, and biologists as professions likely to remain safe from automation.

AppWizard

March 23, 2025

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is hands-down one of the most beautiful PC ports I’ve ever seen

Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows is noted for its stunning visuals, comparable to Cyberpunk 2077 post-launch. It is one of the best-looking games on PC, though it has performance challenges, particularly with Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 struggling to maintain over 60fps at 4K max settings. The game's enforced Ray Traced Global Illumination (RTGI) in the 'Hideout' area contributes to its demanding hardware requirements. The reviewer experienced smooth gameplay at an average of 74fps using an Asus TUF Nvidia RTX 4080 Super OC Edition and an Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED ultrawide monitor, with zero stutters. Recent Nvidia drivers have caused some performance issues, leading the reviewer to use version 572.47 for stability. DLSS Frame Generation is effective in optimizing performance, despite some ghosting. The game's visuals are highlighted as a key feature that justifies its performance demands, and Ubisoft's choice to skip last-gen consoles is seen as prudent due to the game's requirements.

Winsage

March 15, 2025

Rumour: Valve about to launch SteamOS for all PCs

SteamOS is set to be released for all PCs, with expanded hardware support indicated by recent rumors and code changes. Valve announced during CES 2025 that SteamOS will be available to third-party manufacturers, with the Lenovo Legion Go S being the first device to feature it, launching in May 2025. This marks a shift from Valve's previous attempts with Steam Machines. SteamOS is designed as a streamlined Linux alternative for gaming enthusiasts, aiming to compete with Windows by offering a simplified interface. Nvidia's introduction of an ARM chip raises speculation about broader hardware compatibility, potentially including ARM-based devices.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

Make Your Windows PC Last 30 Percent Longer by Adjusting These Settings

The text discusses ways to optimize battery life on Windows laptops, which can extend usage by approximately 30 percent and potentially add up to 90 minutes of additional battery life. Key strategies include: 1. Using Standby Mode: Pressing Alt + F4 to activate standby mode can conserve energy when the laptop is idle. 2. Lowering Display Refresh Rate: Adjusting the refresh rate to 60 Hz can save between 10 to 30 percent of battery life. 3. Creating Custom Power Plans: Users can create tailored power plans for different tasks, optimizing settings for various times of the day. 4. Adjusting Additional Settings: Enabling dark mode and using Efficiency mode for specific applications can further enhance battery performance. These adjustments can significantly improve battery longevity and productivity without the need for a charger.

BetaBeacon

March 7, 2025

Winlator is still my favorite app for emulating PC games on Android

Linux distros offer endless customization options, including the ability to choose from a variety of desktop environments to enhance the user interface.

Winsage

February 6, 2025

Sick of laptop docks and spaghetti cables, I moved my entire daily workflow to a Windows 11 PC no bigger than a bagel

The author discusses their experience with various PC hardware, particularly focusing on the advantages of mini PCs like the Beelink SER9 and Geekom A8|A7 models compared to laptops and desktops. They highlight the Lenovo Slim 7i 14 (Gen 9) laptop for its features but note its inconvenience due to the inactive power button when closed. The author finds that a mini Windows PC, such as the Geekom A8 Max with an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and 32GB of RAM, effectively addresses their needs for a compact and powerful setup. The Geekom A8 Max is priced just under ,000 and offers ample I/O options, including dual HDMI-out ports. The author appreciates the mini PC's performance, silent operation, and ability to handle multiple tasks without storage or RAM concerns.

Winsage

December 20, 2024

The best Windows laptops we tested in 2024: Our pick lasts longer than the M4 MacBook Pro

The landscape of Windows laptops in 2024 features a variety of options, including robust workstations powered by Qualcomm technology, dual-display devices, and discreet gaming machines. The 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 is highlighted as the top choice, equipped with the Snapdragon X Elite processor and exceptional battery life. The HP Omnibook X 14 is noted as the best mid-range option, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3 is recommended for budget-conscious users. The Lenovo Yoga 9i (Gen 9) is recognized as the best 2-in-1 laptop, and the Alienware m16 R2 is identified as the best gaming laptop. Upcoming models include the Dell XPS 13, HP Omnibook Ultra Flip, and Framework Laptop 13, with updates expected after testing. The HP Omen 17 gaming laptop received mixed reviews, praised for performance but criticized for keyboard, speakers, and battery life.