Alienware is stepping up its game with the introduction of AMD’s latest Ryzen 9000 X3D processors in its renowned Area-51 gaming PCs. Starting today, gamers across North America can upgrade their rig with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D or the formidable Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with prices beginning at $4,350. The lineup also includes the solid Ryzen 7 9700X option.
When initially reviewed, the 8-core 9800X3D showcased superior performance over non-X3D chips, largely due to AMD’s innovative 3D V-cache technology. This tech strategically positions on-die memory just beneath the core chiplet die (CCD), enhancing both memory capacity and reducing latency. Not long after, the 16-core 9950X3D hit the scene, proving to be a powerhouse, albeit potentially more than most users need.
Power and Performance
Both the 9800X3D and 9950X3D are known for their high energy consumption, with the former drawing up to 160.3W and the latter maxing out at 200W during tests. These processors have secured the top spots in lists of the best gaming CPUs, making Alienware’s PCs formidable contenders against other gaming systems from MSI and Asus. However, these upgrades come at a steep cost, with the starting price significantly higher than the $3,650 for the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K version of the desktop.
Configuration and Customization
Aside from the new AMD processors, the other configuration options remain unchanged. Buyers can still select from Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 5070 to RTX 5090 GPUs, though the popular AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT is not available. RAM, ports, and storage options are consistent with previous iterations. The distinctive front cooling vent remains, conveniently doubling as a handle for accessing the machine’s rear ports.