Alienware at Game Developers 2007
by
on March 07, 2007,
The latest from Alienware at the 2007 Game Developers Conference.
Alienware will be unveiling two new workstations at the 2007 Game Developers Conference tomorrow. These next generation MJ-2 series represent the latest high tech offerings for gaming and workstation applications, and are capable of being the hottest workhorses on the planet. Being an avid gamer and “obviously” needing expanded workstation capability myself, I was excited to bring this news to our readers.
I was invited not long ago to review the video community WeWin.com, and out of course suggested to CEO Brian Carrozzi that rather than award PS 3's and similar prizes he should offer a “super computer” as reward for user incentives. Brian opted to go with a nice jewelry give away for Valentine's Day, and has reverted back to PS 3's as of today. Well one of the big stories of today is the release of the very computer system I was referring to (Mine, Mine, Mine).
All of us tend to overlook the actual platform that Web 2.0 operates from! Everyone is so focused on the latest video, gaming, community and social aspects of Web 2.0, while the engine that really drives the Web (The PC) sits in the background. This has always been puzzling to me, because everyone needs and loves a great PC right? Well let's take a look at a couple of PC's that anyone would be happy to operate from.
Alienware MJ-12® 8550i
The MJ-12 is available in either single or dual processor configurations with up to 8 processing cores. The newest versions are stated to produce 50% better performance than earlier generation Intel Xeon workstations. Here is the short list of data of this amazing machine:
Intel® XeonTM Quad-Core Processor - Up to 1.86GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 8MB Cache (4 times faster than my brick)
4GB Dual Channel DDR2 FBDIMM at 667MHz - 4 x 1024MB (That is like 4 of what I have) upgradeable to 16 GB
NVIDIA® QuadroTMFX 5500 - 1GB GDDR2 and 2 x Dual Link DVI-I Output (You don't want to know)
147GB Serial Attached SCSI 3GB/s 15,000 RPM w/ NCQ & 16MB Cache - up to 4 Hot Swap SATA-7200-15000 rpm drives (15,000 Rpm?)
Integrated Dual High Performance Gigabit Ethernet Ports Two Gigabit Ethernet ports
Creative Sound Blaster® X-Fi® Audio Cards
28 in 1 Digital Media reader/writer
one PS/2 keyboard port
one PS/2 mouse port
Two IEEE 1394a port
Six Hi speed USB 2.0 ports
These machines support up to 4 monitors, and there are 4 “hot swap” drive bays! Storage capacity is 2 Terabytes (on 7,200 Rpm drives), and there are 3 x 120mm cooling fans. Acoustic dampering allows you to live “without” that familiar buzzing in your head. The drive capability of these latest aliens can be configured for RAID 0 or 1, and the quality of Alienware machines is inherent in their latest offerings as always. The price tag for one of the configuration listed is not unbearable at $6000 (well it is a little unbearable for me), but there is great flexibility for cheaper configurations.
Alienware MJ-12® 8550a
The MJ-12 utilizes many of the same features of the 8550i except its processor heart is the AMD 64 Opteron. Two dual core processors are paired on a single motherboard for a more energy efficient arrangement. This machine is certainly configured with business in mind, and USB ports are increased to 8, while graphics and sound are downplayed compared to the “i” version. This machine is clearly designed with an amazing flexibility for attaching peripherals like fax and printers etc. ATI FireGLTM is also an option on either configuration as are several various read and writable drive configurations. The machines come standard with XP Professional, but Windows VistaTM Ultimate is recommended.
Alienware essentially uses the best and highest quality components inside their ultra reliable and durable cases. Heck, I would be willing to pay $50 bucks extra for the cool alien dude affixed to the front! I have never been into pitching products, but if I had a choice I think you are looking at it. If you get a chance to check out the conference, just note how many booths Alienware is associated with!
We will be looking forward to the latest in gaming technology out of the GDC and will keep you all apprised of new developments. Brian! Get one of these for your next video champion at Wewin, it's only like 15 - PS 3's!
