You can get 32GB or more included with the R12, too, but you only need this for work, not games.
But, again, equivalent AMD chips are better for productivity.Įntry-level Alienware Aurora R12 machines have 8GB of memory, but you’ll want to upgrade to 16GB for more versatility in games and work. The beefiest Aurora R12 PCs use the Intel Core i9-11900F and Core i9-11900KF, which offer high-end gaming and content-creation potential. They’re good options for underpinning a 4K gaming rig too.
The Core i7-11700F and Core i7-11700KF can also run content-creation tools and streaming software reasonably well if you’re committed to Intel.
The entry-level Aurora R12 uses an Intel Core i5-11400F, which is excellent for 1080p and 1440p gaming and for everyday multitasking, like running Office apps and loads of browser tabs. Intel isn’t bad in these departments, but AMD is noticeably better. The same goes for streaming, with Ryzen processors succeeding there, too. But if you want to tackle photo- and video editing, design work, and productivity multitasking alongside gaming, then you’d be better off with AMD’s Ryzen chips. If you’re primarily buying a PC for gaming, then you should be buying Intel – these are all a little better than AMD equivalents. It’s ideal for widescreens, too.Īll the chips inside the Aurora R12 are Intel 11th Gen products. The RTX 3070 is a more powerful mainstream option that’ll handle any game at 1080p and 1440p. More affordable Alienware Aurora R12 machines use the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, which is the perfect card for playing games at 1080p and for tackling esports titles like Fortnite, Warzone, and League of Legends on 144Hz and 240Hz displays. These cards are the best around right now thanks to the superb Ampere architecture, lashings of memory, and proper ray-tracing. Most Alienware Aurora R12 models get their gaming grunt from Nvidia GeForce RTX 3000-series graphics cards, and that’s a tremendous place to start for a gaming PC. And if you want to tinker, upgrade or do serious overclocking, you’d be better off going to a local builder. If that’s what you need, the Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition is better. The Alienware is not the best option if you want a PC that you can use for work alongside gaming. If you want a safety net, Dell provides it.
Dell’s support systems and warranties make the Aurora R12 suitable if you want a system that will be well looked after, too. The Aurora R12 is ideal for people who want to play top-end games and have a machine that looks superb.