Which alienware pc is better?

Question

So I was looking at the current desktop lineup from alienware and the top 2 models seem to be:

(ALX CrossFire)
-Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme QX9650 3.0GHz 12MB Cache 1333MHz FSB - Over-clocked to 4.0 GHz!
-Dual 1GB ATI® Radeon™ HD 2900 XT – CrossFire Enabled

and

(ALX SLI)
-Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme QX6850 3.0GHz 8MB Cache 1333MHz FSB - Over-clocked to 3.33GHz!
-Tri 768MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8800 Ultra – 2.3GB Dedicated Video Memory – 3-Way SLI Enabled

Seems to me like the ATI version has the better cpu option(QX9650) and the NVIDIA one has the better video card option(3-way 8800 Ultra sli). Disregarding prices what system do you think is best? Is cpu power more valued than graphics power?

I want to point out, I wrote "disregarding prices" so if money wasn't an option which system appeals to you more and why.

Also just because a game does not support sli or crossfire dosnt usually mean you can't play it. It just means you wont be utilizing SLI in the game.

Answer 1

Overall, many games today are limited by GPU, not CPU cache size. Both CPU are quad cores, same frequency, you'll hardly notice any difference

The graphic card is a different story. HD2900XT sucks rear. Its too hot, consume too much power, and performance is crappy. Its crazy why they even want to run 2 of that card.

And since games are more GPU limited, the 2nd system gives you the best performance money can buy.

While it may be true that some games don't support multiGPU, but hey, the first system is multiGPU too, and if the game were to run on single graphic card, the GeForce 8800 Ultra will still outperform the HD2900 by leaps and bounds.

Seriously, IMO the first system is a waste of money and power usage.

Answer 2

theres still problems with the dual sli so I think the 3-way sli is nothing but problems. Knowing the prices of those computers I have to say quad core 4Ghz seems like overkill..

I mean yeah you'll be good for longer than most users today but you'll have paid thousands more.

But given those, I'd say go for the first one. Ultras are way overpriced on Alienware (almost 1000 when they really cost ~600) and three of those will be quite expensive.

Answer 3

Alot of games don't support 2 video cards. Read more about SLI or CROSSFIRE on CNET before u make 5k purchase. You may not be able to play many games.