DT: ALX Aurora SLI review

ALX Aurora SLI “with all the bells and whistles”

First impressions…

This is a fast machine. I mean very fast like a cartoon “which way did they go” fast. I first noticed it during the almost instantaneous boot-up. At first, I thought it was the lack of installed programs but despite adding a large number of boot-up modifying programs it still is really fast. Given my work it opens up all kinds of new opportunities. I can try things I would have never tried before.

I hooked up four LCD monitors to the machine. It took just a few minutes to get everything configured (just remember to disable the SLI mode). It was a real pleasure. So far the system has been stable and working as expected.

Heads up, for those thinking of buying a machine at this level, a couple of concerns I had…

1) As mentioned else where AW is clearly showing signs of strain under increasing production pressure. Stupid stuff, like the left sided metal grill missing from the front vents. Missing acoustic padding despite paying for it and having it listed on the inventory sheet. No etched metal identification plaque. Like I said foolish stuff but it is like ordering a Ferrari with leather seats and it shows up with cloth ones. I bought it for the speed but with that kind of money exchanging hands you like to see a bit more attention to the details.

2) Old drivers… version 66.93 for those of us buying a SLI machine those are not going to cut it. Those are virtually beta compared to 71.84 which added the SLI profiles of over 70 games. Of course, upgrading the drivers caused minor issues with the Audigy 2ZS drivers (As an aside, when in the hell is Creative going to get their act together and give us stable drivers?)

3) No Windows Product Key (at least that I can find…). Another stupid oversight, I fear. While at the moment not essential, I suspect a year from now, those will be important.

4) Out of the box, System Restore was set to off <sigh>.

While I am at it, a couple of benchmarks…
3DMark05 – 9697
3DMark03 – 21,372

Over the next few days I will try and get a few photos posted.

Insides...



Missing front grid



Four monitor set-up



Back of the set-up showing the computer.

Thanks for the kind words. It is a very functional environment. I will note that after playing Half Life 2 for two hours, I had nightmares all night.

Update:

Re: Window Product Key
I used the keyfinder program suggested by Razyl but the number it generated was reported as invalid by Microsoft. I contacted Eddy at AW via e-mail and left two phone messages. No answer so far.

Running nTune kicked my 3DMark05 to 9,895. I have not tackled OC’ing yet.

Wow, I am impressed. I just got an e-mail from the Vice President of Manufacturing for Alienware. He apologized for the problems and had the missing parts sent to me. It is clear to me that Alienware intends to be a long term player in this business.