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When the refreshed Alienware Aurora R16 was launched in 2023, we applauded it as a capable pre-built gaming desktop, featuring a newer design over earlier Auroras and packed with performance in a cleaner, unobtrusive chassis.
This time around, the latest Alienware Aurora ACT1250 gaming desktop features the same distinctive and compact design, which feels and looks more office-friendly, yet still retains that unique Alienware allure, thanks to its sleek aesthetic. While Alienware’s two latest releases have pared back the signature “alien” look of Dell’s gaming towers for a more staid, mainstream appearance, they remain incredibly powerful and can now be used for both work and play.
Beyond the looks, the changes have extended to the price, too, as the Aurora ACT1250 starts at ~$1,500 for the entry-level Nvidia RTX 5060Ti model and can easily push $3000 and above if you want all the bells and whistles. Dell has done a good job to address the issues that have dogged the Alienware line – thermal performance and use of proprietary hardware that can’t be upgraded – and largely, they’ve succeeded in the latest models.
Our review build comes packed with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285, Nvidia RTX 5080, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD. That’s just enough for 1440p and some 4K gaming at respectable frame rates, despite benchmark tests showing that there hasn’t been much of a framerate gain in many games over the Aurra R16 (RTX 4080) from 2023.
About the Alienware Aurora ACT1250
The Alienware Aurora ACT1250 is a fairly compact mid-size desktop tower with a case that sits between ATX and mATX in form factor, at around 25 liters. It’s hard to pin down a specific comparison since Dell uses a proprietary, uniquely shaped motherboard in the ACT1250 that is longer than it is tall. Here are the specs on our review model:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 285
- RAM: 32GB DDR5 RAM
- Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Ports: USB-A, USB-C, 3.5 mm audio, Ethernet, DisplayPort, HDMI, SPDIF, surround sound
- Size: 18 x 16.5 x 7.7 inches
- CPU: 240mm AIO Liquid Cooler
- Included: Dell wired mouse & keyboard
With a wide array of configuration options on offer with the latest Nvidia RTX 50-series and Intel Core Ultra 200-series chips, you won’t have any trouble configuring a system to meet your budget and specific needs.
The system has limited upgradability once you have it in hand, but that doesn’t take away the overall package. But for a prebuilt system, it’s a value that’s hard to beat. It comes bundled with a gaming mouse and keyboard, but the monitor is bought separately. I recommend the 34-inch Alienware AW3425DWM with a 180Hz refresh rate, 1500R curve, and AMD FreeSync Premium.
Design & Features
The Aurora ACT1250 is the second machine to sport Alienware’s Legend 3 design, a significant departure from the bolder aesthetics of the Aurora R15. It features a sleeker and more conventional mid-tower chassis that’s 40% smaller than its predecessor, with a 25-liter capacity. This compact build improves desk compatibility and maintains the ability to house high-end components like the RTX 50 Series GPUs.
While still a gaming rig through and through, the rather plain black case with modest RGB lighting and a single clear side panel creates a PC that’s a gaming powerhouse but still a perfect fit for the office. It’s impressive how little space it takes up on a desk and how easy it is to move around than previous models.
To a larger extent, I do enjoy the gaming flair of Alienware’s gaming desktops, but all that’s lost here; instead, you’re getting a more professional look, although the interior is set up pretty much like any other Alienware gaming machine. The build also includes improved cable management with lots of vents on the top and sides of the chassis for seamless airflow, along with the 240mm liquid cooling system on the inside.
Port selection is excellent, with the case offering enough ports for all your peripherals. There are four USB 3.2 Gen Type-A ports, three USB 3.2 Type-C ports, one audio jack, two SPDIF digital outputs, one side surround output, one rear surround output, one center/subwoofer output, one Ethernet port, one line out port, and one line in port.
Gaming Performance
Most gaming PCs nowadays not only perform well with high-end PC titles but are configured to double as productivity and creative/editing workhorses. The Alienware Aurora ACT1250, with its minimalist design and powerful hardware, fits right into that class.
Our Aurora ACT1250 review unit has an Intel Core Ultra 9 285 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080, and 32GB of RAM (two 16GB sticks of DDR5 running in dual-channel), and 1TB SSD storage. Playing Cyberpunk 2077 at 3840 x 2160 at the Ray Tracing preset with DLSS frame generation, the ACT1250 averages 78-89 fps indoors and low-90s outdoors. The game is highly playable, and it’s free of any noticeable lagging or performance spikes.
Cyberpunk 2077 presents the biggest challenge to gaming PCs due to its extensive use of high-res textures, long draw distances, and extreme ray tracing effects in the Ultra RT mode. Still, the Aurora ACT1250 can exceed 67 fps at 1080p for both its average and minimum frame rates, even without utilizing DLSS. Bumping to 1440p at the same settings, the system remains steady, which is not possible with most midrange gaming PC in the market.
The Alienware Aurora ACT1250 remains a dependable choice for mainstream buyers seeking a well-rounded gaming desktop
The Aurora ACT1250 can take advantage of its upscaling technology to improve frame rates, and it supports DLSS 4.0, too. With the latter enabled, the ACT1250 can exceed an average of 100fps at 1080p Ultra and 76fps at 1440p, which are both fantastic results.
With excellent performance in Cyberpunk 2077, there’s no doubt that the Aurora R16 holds well in other games as well. Whether you’re gaming at 1080p or 1440p, the system performs well in Total War: Warhammer 3, maintaining 60fps and above at 1440p, and it’s still playable in 4K too.
This means gamers could go for a 4K resolution on this system if they’re playing less graphically demanding games, or if they’re willing to tone down some settings or don’t mind playing a little under 60 fps. Most importantly, the performance from the Aurora ACT1250 is consistent, with just a few variances between games.
Finally, with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285 processor, 32GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, this is a balanced system for almost any kind of usage, including content creation, 3D modeling, and pretty everything else, though the storage drive may fill up quickly with too many games or raw videos. We’ve seen up to 4TB storage on top-tier gaming PCs, but you have some wiggle room to expand your storage and RAM if needed.
Alienware Aurora ACT1250 Review: Bottom line
The refresh Alienware Aurora ACT1250 is stellar. At its core, Dell managed to slim down its gaming desktop line, and while the resultant tower isn’t as flashy as past generations, let’s say the Alienware Aurora R14, the Aurora ACT1250 improves on thermals, affordability, and ease of upgradability.
But buyers are likely to be confused by the plethora of different models and upgrade options in this lineup, making it a little difficult to hunt for deals. Just focus on the RTX 50-series models and don’t spend more for a processor you don’t need, and try to get the 1,000-watt power supply if you can.
There are also strong competitors out there that give the Aurora ACT1250 a run for its money, but most of them lack the “hardcore gamer” aesthetic Alienware is famous for. For around the same price, the Skytech Azure 3 delivers the same RTX 5080 graphics card, AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D (4.7GHz), 2TB NVMe SSD, and 32GB DDR5 RAM. On the less expensive side, the iBuyPower Slate Mesh (SMI7N5701) line provides a compelling entry-level configuration for the price.
Overall, the Alienware Aurora ACT1250 remains a terrific value, and if you’re happy wth the specs, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, the Aurora’s many available configurations allow it to shine at almost any tier., delivering strong main and productivity performance across most resolutions.
Price Comparison
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