Dell Aurora Dell Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop Review
The Alienware Aurora ACT1250 offers a killer CPU and clean design, but its 500W power supply and 16GB RAM base config make us question its long-term value.
The 30-Second Version
The Alienware Aurora packs a fantastic 20-core Intel CPU and a capable RTX 5060 Ti GPU into a clean, quiet case. Its 16GB RAM and 500W PSU hold it back from being a true champion. Worth buying only if you catch it on sale under $1700.
Overview
The Alienware Aurora ACT1250 is a pre-built gaming desktop that tries to balance power with a clean look. It's built around Intel's new 20-core Ultra 7 265KF CPU and NVIDIA's RTX 5060 Ti GPU, promising solid 1440p gaming performance right out of the box.
Dell says this Aurora model has improved airflow and lower noise, which is a welcome focus for a pre-built. It comes with Windows 11, a keyboard, and mouse, so you're basically ready to plug and play. But that convenience comes at a price, and we need to see if the specs justify it.
Performance
The CPU is the star here, landing in the 95th percentile. That 20-core Intel chip will handle gaming, streaming, and productivity without breaking a sweat. The RTX 5060 Ti GPU is good, sitting in the 73rd percentile, which means it's a solid 1440p card but not a top-tier 4K monster. The 16GB of DDR5 RAM is fine for now, but it's only in the 54th percentile, so don't expect to keep 100 browser tabs open while gaming. The 1TB NVMe SSD is fast for your OS and a few games, but you'll likely need more storage sooner than later.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF CPU is an absolute beast for multitasking. 96th
- Clean, minimal design with Dell's focus on improved thermals and acoustics. 88th
- Comes fully assembled with Windows, a keyboard, and mouse—true plug-and-play. 79th
- Future-proof connectivity with Wi-Fi 7 and plenty of high-speed ports. 76th
Cons
- The 500W power supply is cutting it close for future GPU upgrades.
- Base configuration only has 16GB of RAM, which feels light for a $1500+ PC.
- The 1TB SSD will fill up fast with modern game installs.
- It's a heavy tower, scoring poorly in the 'compact' category.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 265K |
| Cores | 13 |
| Frequency | 3.9 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 30 MB |
Graphics
| GPU | 5060 Ti |
| Type | discrete |
| VRAM | 16 GB |
| VRAM Type | GDDR7 |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 32 GB |
| RAM Generation | DDR5 |
| Storage | 1 TB |
| Storage Type | NVMe SSD |
Build
| Form Factor | Desktop |
| PSU | 500 |
| Weight | 15.4 kg / 33.9 lbs |
Connectivity
| HDMI | 3x DisplayPort 2.1b Output1x HDMI 2.1b Output |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 7 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
System
| OS | Windows 11 Home |
Value & Pricing
This is where it gets tricky. Prices swing from $1500 to $2000 depending on the retailer. At the lower end of that range, it's a decent deal for the CPU and GPU combo. At $2000, it starts to feel overpriced, especially with only 16GB of RAM and a 500W PSU. You're paying a premium for the Alienware brand and the convenience of a pre-built. Shop around hard—if you can find it for $1600 or less, it's worth considering.
vs Competition
Stacked up against the HP Omen 45L, the Aurora often trades blows on price, but the Omen might offer better upgradeability. The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is usually a more budget-friendly option with similar specs, though you might sacrifice some fit and finish. Against something like the MSI MEG Vision X, the Aurora is less flashy but potentially better value if you find a sale. The real competition is building it yourself; for $1500, a custom PC could net you 32GB of RAM and a 750W PSU.
| Spec | Dell Aurora Dell Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop | HP OMEN HP OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop, Intel Core Ultra 7 | MSI MSI EdgeXpert-11SUS AI Supercomputer | Dell Dell Tower Plus Desktop Computer | Lenovo T Series Towers Legion Tower 5a Gen 10 (30L AMD) 90YJ001LUS | Apple Mac Studio Apple - Mac Studio - M3 Ultra - 1TB SSD - Silver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 265K | Intel Core Ultra 7 265K | NVIDIA GB | Intel Core Ultra 7 265 | AMD Ryzen 7 7700X | Apple M3 Ultra |
| RAM (GB) | 32 | 32 | 128 | 32 | 32 | 96 |
| Storage (GB) | 1024 | 2048 | 4096 | 1024 | 2048 | 1000 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 | NVIDIA | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 | Apple M3 Ultra 60-core |
| Form Factor | Desktop | Desktop | Mini | Tower | Tower | - |
| Psu W | 500 | 850 | 240 | 750 | 850 | - |
| OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro | NVIDIA DGX OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | macOS |
Common Questions
Q: How much VRAM does the RTX 5060 Ti in this model have?
It has 16GB of VRAM, according to the product specs. Some retailer listings have conflicting info, but 16GB is correct for this configuration.
Q: Can you upgrade the graphics card later?
Technically yes, but the 500W power supply is a major limitation. You'd likely need to upgrade the PSU first for any high-power next-gen GPU.
Q: Does it come with a keyboard and mouse?
Yes, it includes an Alienware keyboard and mouse in the box, so you have everything you need to start gaming right away.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a hardcore enthusiast planning frequent upgrades, skip this. The 500W power supply and proprietary Alienware motherboard design will make your life difficult. Also, if you need a small PC, look elsewhere—this thing is a tank and scores in the bottom half for compactness.
Verdict
Buy this if you want a no-fuss, good-looking pre-built with a top-tier CPU for gaming and work, and you find it on sale for around $1600. It's a great 'set it and forget it' machine for someone who doesn't want to mess with building a PC but still wants strong 1440p performance.