While top-tier prebuilt PCs demand a premium, significant savings are still possible with the right deal. Dell is currently offering the Alienware Aurora R16 with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 for just $2,899.99, thanks to an instant $1,000 discount. This marks the first time in months we've seen an RTX 4090 system dip below the $3,000 threshold. Given that standalone RTX 4090 cards from reputable retailers are rising in price and start at around $2,000, a custom DIY build might not be the most cost-effective route. Furthermore, a prebuilt system like this comes with the added benefit of a comprehensive, single-unit warranty.
Alienware Aurora R16 RTX 4090 Gaming PC
Alienware Aurora R16 i9-14900KF RTX 4090 Gaming PC
$2,899.99 at Alienware (Save 22% - was $3,699.99)
This Alienware Aurora R16 is configured with an Intel Core i9-14900KF processor, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, 32GB of DDR5-5200MHz RAM, and a 2TB NVMe SSD. The Intel Core i9-14900KF is currently the pinnacle of Intel's gaming CPUs and a powerhouse for productivity tasks. While this chip is known to generate significant heat, it is effectively managed by a capable 240mm all-in-one liquid cooler. The entire system is driven by a reliable, efficient 1000W 80PLUS Platinum power supply.
The RTX 4090 remains the undisputed champion of consumer graphics cards, with no competing model from NVIDIA or AMD coming close to its performance. In his review, IGN's Chris Coke noted, "The RTX 4090 may be huge and expensive, but holy smokes if it doesn’t blow the competition out of the water... For the unrivaled frame rates it delivers, even its $1,599 price tag seems justifiable." This GPU enables flawless 4K gaming with ultra settings and ray tracing enabled, delivering high frame rates even in the most demanding new titles like *Black Myth: Wukong* or *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2*. Its 24GB of GDDR6X VRAM also makes it a top choice for AI applications.
A Note on Upcoming RTX 5000 Series GPUs
NVIDIA's next-generation GPUs are scheduled to launch starting in late January. While the anticipated RTX 5090 will undoubtedly be more powerful, it will command a significantly higher price, with the Founder's Edition expected to retail for around $2,000 at launch, likely with limited availability. The RTX 5080 is set to launch at $999, but may face similar stock constraints. Initial analyses suggest the RTX 5080 will feature less VRAM than the 4090 (16GB vs. 24GB), meaning it may not fully supplant the 4090 as the definitive high-end option.
About Alienware's Latest "R16" Desktop Chassis
The R16 represents Alienware's 2024 desktop design, featuring a 40% smaller footprint than its predecessors. It utilizes a straightforward and effective airflow design: cool air is drawn in through side vents over the GPU and a front 120mm fan, then exhausted by a rear 120mm fan and two top 120mm fans. A 240mm radiator for the liquid cooling system is attached to these top fans. While some base configurations use air cooling, we generally recommend the liquid cooling upgrade, as Alienware's solution is far superior and well worth the additional cost. Note: Dell unveiled a new Area 51 chassis at CES 2025, but its appearance and design are very similar to the current R16.
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