Alienware Aurora R16 gaming PC review

Dell

has introduced a new addition to its Alienware line of gaming devices with the Alienware Aurora R16. This gaming desktop offers a smaller size, improved cooling, and current-gen specs at an impressive price. After testing the R16, I have gained a newfound appreciation for PC gaming and its versatility. Starting at $1,749, you can customize the R16 to meet your gaming needs. I had the opportunity to use an R16 with mid-range specifications, and it proved to be one of the best gaming PCs I’ve tested, delivering top-level performance in a compact and attractive package that is also relatively affordable.

standout features

According to Alienware, it is approximately 40% smaller than its predecessor, measuring 16.5 by 18.05 by 7.76 inches and weighing just under 34 pounds. This reduction in size allows the R16 to accommodate more gamers, especially those with limited desk or gaming space. Despite its smaller housing, Alienware has managed to address the challenge of heat and fan noise. The R16 is equipped with a 120mm front fan, a 240mm top-mounted heat exchange for CPU liquid cooling, two 120mm fans at the top, and another 120mm fan at the rear with RGB lighting. The cooling gear is not immediately noticeable when viewing the R16 from the side through the tinted glass panel, adding a touch of mystery to the internal hardware.

The front of the tower features an RGB version of the iconic Alienware logo, along with three USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port with PowerShare, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The left side of the housing has a removable glass panel with honeycomb cutouts at the bottom third for improved airflow. The rear of the case houses a range of ports, including six USB ports, two USB-C ports, a 2.5Gbit Ethernet port, and various audio connections. The GPU’s video connections are also located at the rear, with the RTX 4070 offering three DisplayPort connections and one HDMI option.

During my testing, I was impressed by the R16’s quiet operation. The system remained mostly silent even when subjected to intense benchmarks and gaming sessions. The fans only kicked in occasionally to adjust temperatures, and they were not overpowering. Alienware’s claim of a quiet system holds true.

The R16 is available in various configurations. The base configuration includes an Intel Core i7-13700 processor, 16GB of memory, 1TB SSD storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card for $1,749. However, you can customize and upgrade the base build. The review build I received featured an Intel Core i7-13700, 32GB of DDR5 memory, 1TB SSD storage, and an RTX 4070 GPU. It also included a clear side panel, optional 240mm liquid cooling, and a 1,000W Platinum-rated power supply.

In terms of performance, the R16 excelled in benchmark tests, outperforming many gaming PCs tested by CNN Underscored. It delivered smooth and responsive gaming experiences, particularly when playing Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0. At extreme graphics settings and 1440p resolution, the R16 averaged 104 fps, and at 1080p resolution, it averaged 134 fps. The game looked and felt great, showcasing the R16’s capabilities.

What’s even more impressive is the price of the R16 compared to similar configurations. The configuration I tested costs $1,899, while a similar configuration on Alienware’s website costs $2,749. This demonstrates that you don’t have to spend excessively to get a reliable and high-performing system. Alienware has also made it easy to upgrade and customize the R16’s internals, allowing for future enhancements without the need for tools.

The R16 features three dedicated areas for controlling RGB lighting, including the power button on the front, a vertical AlienFX stadium on the left side for drawing in air, and an RGB fan at the rear. All of these lights can be controlled using Alienware Command Center 6, which makes its desktop debut with the R16.

Overall, the Alienware Aurora R16 is an impressive gaming PC that offers top-level performance, small form factor, attractive design, and affordability. It is a reliable workhorse that delivers excellent gaming experiences and can be easily upgraded over time.