Computers & Home Networking

[Justice_AA]

The new Alienware gaming computers (AA-2343CSB & A51-2443CSB) show dual graphics cards on the back image but make no mention of that on the specs.  They also make no mention of the power supply wattage which is entremely important if you ever plan to upgrade the graphics card(s). 

Why does Bestbuy always fail with the “gaming” computers?  There is no way I would spend $2400 when I have no idea what I am getting.

[TheLexMachine]

Neither one of those has dual graphics cards so it would be a PSU likely around 500w. If they did have dual graphics, it would be around 800w. If you want a system like that, it's better to get it from Alienware directly.

[Justice_AA]

Take a look at the back angle image:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=cat13506&type=page&skuId=9573231&productId=1218126639717&...

That definitely has two graphics cards in the PCI slots with a sound card in between.

What gives?

[Drew-Intel]

looking at the specs, it probably does have dual graphics cards. the gtx260 comes standard with 896MB of video memory, so the system listing of 1792MB makes sense for two cards (896 * 2 = 1792).

while explicitly stating that dual graphics cards are installed on the system in the specs is commonplace for many retailers, most of the systems that best buy currently sells are single graphics card solutions.

i would venture to say that someone who's in the market for a high-end computer would invest the time to get some hands-on experience with the machine. with that said, i'm about 99.9% sure that any in-store employee would know about the aforementioend systems having dual graphics, and they'd point it out.

[dbone]

I just spent about 30 minutes talking to a customer service rep about this, and a few other questions.

1) Power supply?  Rep told me 1100W, but was not certain.  Seems kinda important for future-proofing.

2) Why two graphics cards on picture, but only one (ATI Radeon 5870) listed?

3) Radeon 5870 has an HDMI output, but specs on Best Buy say no HDMI output.  Also says no S-video output, which is in line with listed specs, but not with picture, which shows 2 S-video outputs.

4) RAM is DDR3 and ships with 6GB, but what speed?

5) Picture appears to show dedicated audio card, but specs list integrated 7.1 support.  Is there an optical out?

6) What are DVD drive speeds?

Rep said he would get back to me.  Most logical explanation is that picture is just wrong, and some of the specs as well.

As to the only reason why someone would purchase this rig here and not at Dell, Dell only offers 12 months interest-free financing and Best Buy offers 18 months with approval.

[Justice_AA]

I just ordered the AA-2343CSB, if the picture is wrong and there is only one graphics card and a minimal power supply I am going to be sure to get my money back.  I will keep you posted, it says they are in stock.

[jaesposito]

Be sure to let us know.  I'm very interested to hear what you received as I have the EXACT same questions that you posted.  Thanks in advance!!!

James

[Justice_AA]

It shipped right before it was listed as backordered on BB.com. UPS says it will be here on Friday, I took the day of work! I will let you know what really is inside this thing.

[Kirkkarnage]

I also ordered the alien ware AA-2343CSB it should be here 11/19/2009 I really do not care if it have one or two graphics cards it will still be worth the money cause the way it looks on the site all the aurora cases have liquid cooling systems in the cases.

And I just returned http://www.bestbuy.com/site/HP+-+Pavilion+Elite+Desktop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i7+P... and I must say selling computered with faulity motherboards should be a crime it is just a horrable computer!

So I am hopeing Alien Ware does not let me down!

[Nokia]

I'm just wondering why anyone would purchase Alienware, period.