Alienware Takes Area-51 Desktops Core 2 Duo

Alienware's new Area-51 7500 sports tool-less entry, extra slots and ports, mood lighting...oh, and Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Extreme processors running up to 2.93 GHz.

Not a day after Intel’s Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme unveiling and hip computer maker Alienware has a revamped Area-51 7500 desktop computer to go with them, sporting Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Extreme processors running at speeds up to 2.93 GHz, tool-less entry and optical drive access, front-based ports, and—naturally—a new “P2″ design which resembles the head of a Star Wars droid in four stunning colors…with mood lighting!

The P2 case features lighted I/O ports, drive bays, front air vents, and front and side Alienware badging, plus AlienFX functionality which enables users to customize the lighting color and brightness (so you can look cool during bright afternoon sunlight or late-night gaming sessions—because the requirements are totally different). The front panel offers headphone, FireWire, and two USB 2.0 ports.

“Beyond its visually stunning appearance and design, the Alienware P2 Full-Tower Case dramatically improves thermal performance, device connectivity and ability to effortlessly upgrade,” said Frank Azor, Alienware’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Worldwide Product Group. “Combined with cutting-edge Intel Core 2 Extreme and Intel Core 2 Duo processors, Alienware’s new desktop systems continue to enhance our reputation as the undisputed performance and innovation leader in the high-performance PC space.”

The Area-51 7500 desktop will be available with a Core 2 Duo processor up to 2.66 GHz or a Core 2 Extreme processor running up to 2.93 GHz, each on a 1066 MHz frontside bus. The systems support up to 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800 MHz, offer either Nvidia 512 MB GeForce 7900 GTX or 1 GB FeoForce 7950 GX2 graphics cards, or an SLI-enabled dual graphics option with a 2 × 512 MB GeForce 7900 GTX. Inside, you’ll find our drive bays with Serial ATA (3GB/s) interfaces, 16x dual layer DVD writers (with optional LightScribe technology), and an optional 28-in-1 digital media card reader, plus two gigabit Ethernet ports, 6 USB 2.0 ports (two on the front), ne external SATA 1.5 GB port, PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports, one FireWire 400 port (front panel), and surround sound support with six 1/8th-inch analog outputs, coax and optical output, and front-mounted headphone and mic jacks. Also on board: up to four DVI outputs and two S-Video outputs.

Pricing starts at $1,777 and quickly zips toward $4,000 (without monitor!) once you start adding options like AlienIce Video Cooling. Systems should start shipping in September; some options may delay delivery.