The Alienware Aurora R8 is a mid-tower gaming PC that is relatively compact for its class and unusually easy to open, but it is not a small-form-factor system. Its RTX 2080 configurations delivered strong 1080p results and playable—but not consistently high-frame-rate—4K performance in 2019 testing. Today, whether an Aurora R8 is worth buying depends on its exact CPU, GPU, condition, and used price.
How compact is the Aurora R8?
Dell lists the Aurora R8 at 472.5 mm (18.60 in.) high at the rear, 212 mm (8.34 in.) wide, and 360.5 mm (14.19 in.) deep. Its maximum listed weight is 14.82 kg (32.67 lb). That makes it manageable for a mid-tower, but too large and heavy to describe as a small-form-factor PC. Check those dimensions against your desk, shelf, and transport needs before buying. Dell’s Aurora R8 specifications provide the official measurements.
The case has angular, UFO-inspired styling, configurable RGB lighting, and ventilation on the front, side, and top. Tom’s Guide considered it relatively compact for a mid-tower, while Tom’s Hardware called it chunkier than competing systems. Those descriptions reflect its size relative to other gaming towers, not a claim that it occupies little space. Tom’s Guide’s review and Tom’s Hardware’s review discuss the design.
Which configurations were available?
Aurora R8 is a family of desktops, not one fixed specification. Configurations ranged from a budget-oriented system with Radeon graphics to more expensive builds with NVIDIA RTX cards and 9th-generation Intel processors. The following examples are launch-era US prices reported in 2019 publications; they are historical reference points, not current prices or estimates of today’s used-market value.
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- Intel Core i7 Processor: 9th Gen Intel Core i7 9700 processor for fast performance.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070: Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card for crisp visuals.
- 16GB DDR4 Memory: 16GB of DDR4 memory provides smooth multitasking.
- 256GB Solid State Drive: Fast 256GB solid state drive for quick load times.
- Windows 10 Home: Pre-installed Windows 10 Home operating system.
| Configuration reported | CPU, memory, and storage | Graphics | Launch-era price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom’s Guide entry configuration | Core i5-8400; 8 GB RAM; 1 TB hard drive | Radeon RX 560X | $839 (Tom’s Guide, 2019) |
| Tom’s Guide middle configuration | Core i7-9700K; 16 GB RAM; 256 GB SSD and 1 TB hard drive | RTX 2060 | $1,799 (Tom’s Guide, 2019) |
| Tom’s Hardware tested configuration | Core i9-9700K; 32 GB RAM; 512 GB NVMe SSD and 2 TB HDD | RTX 2080 | $2,624.99 (Tom’s Hardware, 2019) |
| Tom’s Guide tested configuration | Core i7-9700K; 32 GB RAM; 512 GB SSD and 2 TB hard drive | RTX 2080 | $3,064 (Tom’s Guide, 2019) |
| HotHardware reported RTX range and sample | Configuration details vary by system | RTX-equipped systems | From $2,159.99; configured sample $3,014.99 (HotHardware, 2019) |
These examples show why a listing that says only “Aurora R8” is not enough to judge gaming performance. The graphics card is especially consequential, and the processor, memory, and storage also differ across builds. Confirm the installed parts rather than relying on a product-family name or a seller’s broad description. HotHardware’s 2019 coverage reports its RTX pricing examples.
How easy is it to upgrade?
The case’s tool-free access is the Aurora R8’s clearest practical advantage. A lever releases the side panel, and a hinged power-supply assembly swings out of the way, opening access to the graphics card, memory, and drives. That is convenient for replacing or inspecting those components without first dismantling the whole case. Tom’s Hardware notes, however, that some internal components are still awkward to reach; tool-free access does not mean every repair or upgrade is equally simple.
Rank #2
- Intel Core i7 8700K (6-Core/12-thread, 12MB Cache, up to 4.7GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology)
- 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 up to 64GB, (additional memory sold separately)
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080, 8GB GDDR6
- 256 GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD Boot + 2 TB 7200 RPM SATA HDD 6GB/s storage
Tom’s Guide reports three front USB 3.1 Type-A ports and one front USB-C port, alongside a broad rear selection that includes USB, Ethernet, optical audio, and coaxial audio connections. If a particular port matters for your peripherals, verify the exact rear-panel layout on the machine being sold rather than assuming every configuration or revision is identical. See Tom’s Guide’s review for the reported port selection.
How did the Aurora R8 perform in games?
Published results demonstrate what particular 2019 RTX 2080 systems could do, not what every Aurora R8 will achieve. Tom’s Guide recorded 88 fps in Shadow of the Tomb Raider and 97 fps in Grand Theft Auto V, both at 1080p with maximum settings. In its two tested 4K game scenarios, the system recorded 30 fps in each. It also scored 6,036 in 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra and received a perfect 11 in the SteamVR Performance Test. Those results suggest strong 1080p play and 4K that was playable in the tested titles, rather than a guarantee of smooth 4K performance in newer or more demanding games.
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 5070 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 7 265F processor as you game, livestream, and multi-task for hours on end.
- 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.
- Dell Services: 1 Year Onsite Service provides support when and where you need it. Dell will come to your home, office, or location of choice, if an issue covered by Limited Hardware Warranty cannot be resolved remotely.
Tom’s Hardware ran a 15-run Metro Exodus test on its RTX 2080 review system, averaging 55.6 fps. In that testing, the CPU averaged 53.2 °C and the GPU averaged 76.3 °C. The measurements belong to that test setup and should not be treated as universal operating temperatures or frame rates for all R8 configurations. For the specific test conditions and results, consult Tom’s Hardware’s review and Tom’s Guide’s review.
What are the drawbacks?
- Noise: Tom’s Guide reported that fans can become loud under load. Noise sensitivity and the condition of an individual used system matter, so listen to the PC under gaming load if possible.
- Access is not effortless everywhere: the swing-out power supply makes major components easier to reach, but Tom’s Hardware found some internal parts difficult to access.
- Performance varies sharply by configuration: the documented range includes an RX 560X system as well as RTX 2080 builds. Do not infer RTX-class performance from the R8 name alone.
- Age changes the buying calculation: the published benchmarks and launch prices date from 2019. They do not establish how a particular machine has been maintained or what it should cost now.
Is the Alienware Aurora R8 worth buying used?
It can make sense as a used gaming PC when the price reflects the exact hardware and the system passes inspection. The chassis and hinged access are appealing if you want a conventional desktop that is easier to open than many prebuilt towers. But a 2019 RTX 2080 result is not a substitute for checking the machine in front of you, and launch prices are not a guide to its current value.
Rank #4
- 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 5060Ti 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 processor 7 265F as you game, livestream, and multi-task for hours on end.
- 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.
- Dell Services: 1 Year Onsite Service provides support when and where you need it. Dell will come to your home, office, or location of choice, if an issue covered by Limited Hardware Warranty cannot be resolved remotely.
Before agreeing on a price, compare listings with matching components and check the following:
- Exact CPU and GPU: verify the model names in system information or device settings; distinguish an RTX 2060, 2070, or 2080 configuration from the Radeon RX 560X entry model.
- Memory and drives: confirm installed RAM capacity and whether storage is an SSD, HDD, or both, including capacities and drive health where available.
- Power supply and clearance: ask for the PSU wattage and check whether the installed graphics card and any planned replacement fit the case and are supported by the system’s power supply.
- Cooling and acoustics: test the machine under a game or other sustained load; listen for excessive fan noise and check for unexpected shutdowns or instability.
- Access and condition: inspect the interior for dust, damage, missing parts, or signs of poor maintenance, and make sure the side-panel lever and hinged power supply work as intended.
- Total cost: include any needed upgrades, replacement parts, and local repair costs when comparing the asking price with alternatives.
- Warranty and seller terms: establish whether any coverage remains and get a clear account of the system’s condition and return options.
With those checks, the R8 is best treated as a particular used computer—not as a uniform model whose performance or value follows from its name. Its appeal is strongest when the configuration is clearly identified, the condition is sound, and the asking price makes sense against comparable systems.
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Best Value
- 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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
