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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition hands-on behind the “benchmark annihilation” headline tested a pre-production 2017 desktop with AMD’s 16-core Ryzen Threadripper 1950X and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti. HotHardware reported a Cinebench R15 score of 2,905, but its coverage was preliminary—not proof that the system dominated every game or workload. Those results describe one historical configuration, not a current buying recommendation.
What configuration did HotHardware test?
Dave Altavilla’s HotHardware hands-on, published July 28, 2017, examined a pre-production Alienware Area-51 Threadripper Edition. The tested components were:
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- AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X, 16 cores, listed at 3.4/4 GHz
- 16 GB DDR4-2666 memory
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti with 11 GB GDDR5X
- 512 GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD and a 1 TB, 7,200 RPM hard drive
HotHardware explicitly cautioned that it was a pre-production system and that details could change. Its price was still undetermined in the preview, so this configuration should not be treated as the only retail version. Read HotHardware’s 2017 hands-on.
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HotHardware reported that the processor peaked at about 3.5 GHz with all threads loaded and scored 2,905 in Cinebench R15. The publication described that result as roughly 30–32% faster than Intel’s 10-core Core i9-7900X. It also said Alienware was still optimizing the system. This is a result from HotHardware’s pre-production Area-51 sample in 2017, not a current benchmark or independently replicated comparison.
#1 Best Overall
- Next-Gen AI Performance: Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processor, featuring 24 cores and a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit). Experience intelligent performance optimization for gaming, streaming, and AI-driven creative workloads.
- Blackwell Architecture Graphics: Dominate the latest titles with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 (16GB GDDR7). Leverage DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation and advanced ray tracing for cinematic realism and ultra-smooth frame rates at 4K.
- Advanced 360mm Liquid Cooling: Stay cool under pressure with a 360mm All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooler. The innovative positive-pressure airflow design uses dual 180mm front fans and 140mm bottom intakes to keep the system up to 45% quieter than previous generations.
- High-Speed DDR5 Memory: Multitask without limits with 32GB of DDR5-6400 RAM. Whether you are rendering 8K video or running demanding simulations, this high-bandwidth memory ensures lightning-fast responsiveness.
- Massive & Fast Storage: A 2TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD provides ample space for your massive gaming library while delivering near-instant boot times and ultra-fast game loading.
AMD published a separate Cinebench R15 nT comparison at the 1950X’s 2017 launch: 3,042 for the Threadripper 1950X versus 2,212 for the Core i9-7900X, which AMD characterized as 38% higher. That was AMD’s vendor-published comparison, not the Area-51 result; the two scores should not be combined. AMD’s August 2017 launch announcement.
What do the gaming results say—and not say?
The Cinebench result reflects a heavily threaded rendering workload; it does not by itself predict frame rates in games. A separate 2017 TechRadar review reported these figures for its review system:
Rank #2
- Unapologetic power: Area-51 was intentionally designed to reach new performance horizons by enabling higher graphics and processor power limits.
- Game changing graphics: Step into the future of gaming and creation with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50 Series Laptop GPUs, powered by NVIDIA Blackwell and AI
- Intelligent processing: Intel Core Ultra HX processors integrate CPU, built-in GPU, and NPU into a single package designed for AI acceleration and balanced performance across your favorite things to do.
- Introducing the Cryo-Chamber: Developed by our engineers, Area-51’s new Cryo-Chamber structure, located at the bottom of the laptop, focuses air to the core components where it matters the most.
- Bringing comfort to the forefront: Our new Area-51 laptops combine mystery and other-wordly design with fluid contours and soft surfaces that inspires comfortable gameplay for hours.
| Test | TechRadar result |
|---|---|
| 3DMark Sky Diver | 39,619 |
| 3DMark Fire Strike | 18,324 |
| 3DMark Time Spy | 9,048 |
| Cinebench CPU | 1,589 |
| GeekBench 4 single-core / multi-core | 4,464 / 24,163 |
| PCMark 8 Home | 4,065 |
| Total War: Warhammer, 1080p Ultra / Low | 110 / 265 fps |
| Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, 1080p Ultra / Low | 28 / 128 fps |
These are TechRadar’s historical review-unit figures, not HotHardware’s benchmark results; the available summary does not establish matching test configurations or methodology. TechRadar also said its sample played Battlefield 1 at 4K Ultra without frame-rate hitches, while Rise of the Tomb Raider averaged about 27 fps at 4K and 58 fps at 1440p. In that review, Game Mode’s gain was negligible except in real-time strategy games. The variation is a reminder that game, resolution, graphics settings, GPU and mode all matter. See TechRadar’s 2017 review.
So, could this machine handle gaming and streaming at once? Its 16-core processor offered substantial parallel processing capacity, but the supplied results do not measure simultaneous gaming and streaming. The headline and Cinebench score alone cannot establish performance for that combined workload.
Rank #3
- Legend perfected: Modern design with a matte "basalt black" finish in an optimized chassis with customizable AlienFX lighting zones, including the striking stadium lighting.
- Game changing graphics: Step into the future of gaming and creation with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics, powered by NVIDIA Blackwell architecture.
- Marathon gaming unlocked: This high-performance technology ensures clean energy is consistently available, unleashing the top-level power of Intel Core Ultra 9 processor as you game, livestream, and multi-task for hours on end.
- 240mm heat exchanger: The 240mm heat exchanger, available on the optional CPU liquid cooling, heightens thermal resistance, ensuring temperatures stay consistently low during longer gaming sessions.
- Total command: Alienware Command Center software allows you to create and edit AlienFX lighting across the ecosystem, choose and monitor your performance mode across distinct power states, and create custom gaming profiles for your whole library.
How was the chassis designed for cooling and upgrades?
HotHardware described the familiar Area-51 Triad chassis with cool air entering at the front through top- and bottom-mounted intake fans. The PSU fan and CPU radiator fan exhausted warm air from the rear, and the 1950X used an engineered all-in-one liquid-cooling solution. The reviewer called the tested machine quiet, a subjective observation rather than a measured sound-pressure result.
The preview describes storage mounted on the rear side, with 2.5-inch cages and room for up to three 3.5-inch drives; its sample had a Toshiba 1 TB, 7,200 RPM SATA drive in addition to the M.2 SSD. A GPU cage had room for three cards, although the tested system contained one GTX 1080 Ti. Any SLI or CrossFire description in a 2017 article is period-specific and does not establish support in current games or drivers.
Rank #4
- 100% Brand New, High Quality AC Power Cord
- 3 prongs USA standard power cable design
- Cable Length: 6 feet == 1.8 meters
- Safety Features: Over current protection; Total power protection; Over voltage protection; Short Circuit Protection.
- Manufactured with the highest quality materials. Certification: FCC, CE and RoHS.
Dell’s Area-51 R7 documentation identifies an AMD X399 chipset and lists PCIe Gen3/Gen2 bus details. It gives an approximate weight of 28 kg (61.73 lb), subject to configuration and manufacturing variation. TechRadar also highlighted the angled 45-degree component arrangement and relatively tool-light access to GPU, storage and memory. Check the exact R7 model and its documentation before assuming that an expansion part or upgrade is compatible. Dell’s Area-51 R7 setup and specifications.
Which Threadripper models belong to later Area-51 R7 systems?
The HotHardware unit used a first-generation 1950X. Later R7 documentation and AMD’s 2018 announcement describe different processor options:
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- Input: 100V-240V AC; great for replacement or travel back up
- OVP, OCP, SCP Protection (OVP: Over Voltage output Protection. OCP: Over Current output Protection. SCP: Short Circuit output Protection)
- Tested Units. In Great Working Condition.
| Processor | Cores / threads | Maximum boost clock listed by Dell | Listed power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen Threadripper 2950X | 16 / 32 | Up to 4.4 GHz | 180 W |
| Ryzen Threadripper 2920X | 12 / 24 | Up to 4.3 GHz | 180 W |
| Ryzen Threadripper 1900X | 8 / 16 | Up to 4.0 GHz | 180 W |
These are Dell’s listed specifications for those R7 processor options, not specifications for the 1950X test unit. AMD’s 2018 announcement said the Area-51 Threadripper Edition would offer the second-generation 2950X and 2920X, and added the 1900X to the Area-51 R7 portfolio. AMD’s 2018 announcement.
Is a used Area-51 Threadripper Edition worth considering?
The article establishes historical performance and design details, not present-day value. TechRadar listed an entry Area-51 Threadripper configuration at $2,999 in its 2017 review, with a GTX 1060 6 GB, 8 GB RAM and 2 TB hard drive; that review-era price is not a current used-market benchmark. Current prices, availability and warranty status are not established here.
For a used system, identify the exact processor generation and confirm the GPU, memory, drives, cooling condition and included warranty from the specific listing. Compare the asking price and support terms against current alternatives rather than relying on the old launch-era price or the 1950X preview’s Cinebench score.
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