Alienware Aurora R16 launched with a redesigned case and better airflow

Dell has launched a new iteration of its Alienware-branded gaming desktop. The Alienware Aurora R16 abandons the pill-shaped case and replaces it with something more conventional. As far as the internals are concerned, there aren't many changes, given AMD, Intel, and Nvidia haven't launched too many new components. That said, the available configurations for the Alienware Aurora R16 are far fewer compared to its predecessor.

One can befit their Alienware Aurora R16 with an Intel Core i9-13900F, Core i7-13700F and Core i9-12900F. Neither of the CPUs has an iGPU (as denoted by the F), so one has to rely on a dedicated graphics card for video output. The GPU choices are a bit interesting and include the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080, RTX 4070 Ti, RTX 4070, and for some reason, the last-gen RTX 3050. Only the RTX 4080 and RTX 3050 SKUs will be available for purchase at launch.

The Alienware Aurora R16 drops support for DDR4 RAM entirely and can be configured with up to 64 GB of DDR5 5,200 MT/s (or 32 GB 5,600 MT/s) memory. It is also worth noting that the Alienware Aurora R16 comes with just two DIMM slots, a travesty for a machine sold in 2023. It can be paired with up to a single 4 TB NVMe SSD. Those looking for more storage can throw in a second NVMe drive (up to 4 TB) or substitute it with a 1 TB 7,200 RPM mechanical hard disk. Physical media enthusiasts will be pleased to know that they can purchase an external DVD drive with the pre-built gaming desktop.

Dell includes both air and liquid-cooled options for the Alienware Aurora R16. Similarly, there is a transparent side panel and a non-transparent alternative. Picking the former gets you an extra rear fan in the case. There's plenty of RGB that can be configured via the Alienware Command Center software. Like all of its predecessors, the Alienware Aurora R16 has a proprietary Z690 motherboard. Power supply options (once again, proprietary) range between 500 Watts and 1,000 Watts, with nothing in between.

The Alienware Aurora R16 offers plenty of connectivity options, wired and wireless. For the latter, one gets Killer Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth. At the front, there are three USB 3.1 Gen 1 (two Type-A, one Type-C) ports. The rear port selection includes standard offerings, such as six 3.5 mm audio jacks, optical audio, 2.5 Gig Ethernet, four USB 2.0 Type-A ports, Two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, and two USB 3.2 Type-C ports (one rated at 10 Gb/s and the other at 20 Gb/s).

One of the main criticisms of older Alienware gaming desktops was its abysmal airflow. Dell claims to have addressed the issue with air vents and two additional chassis fans while being 40% smaller than its predecessor. It goes on sale today starting at US$1749.99/CA$2299.99 in North America. Global price and availability should be announced soon.