Last Updated on May 1, 2024 by Daniel Osakwe
The Alienware Aurora R9 is the newest entry in the Alienware gaming line. The R9 is a massive beast of a desktop that will certainly be the envy of the gaming community.
A gaming machine built to the highest standards and intended to satisfy even the most discerning gamer.
The Alienware Aurora R9 is based on a strong and reliable Intel Core i7 9700k processor paired with an NVIDIA GTX2070 graphics card. The R9 offers an enormous 16GB of RAM, a solid steel chassis, and a massive set of aluminum legs. The Alienware Aurora R9 is a monster, and we are pleased to offer you our detailed review of this gaming powerhouse.
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Alienware Aurora R9 Specifications
Please find below the configuration of the Alienware Aurora R9 that was sent to Newlintech for review:
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K 3.6GHz (8-core, 12MB cache, Turbo Boost up to 4.9GHz)
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super (8GB GDDR6) graphics
- 16GB DDR4 (2,666MHz) RAM
- M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (Boot) 512GB + 2TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s
- Headphone/Line Out, Microphone/Line In, 5 USB 2.0 Type-A ports, 1 USB 3.1 Gen 2 port
- RJ-45 Killer E2500 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
- Weight: 39.2 pounds (17.86 kilograms)
- 8.7 x 17 x 18.9 in (2232.8 x 431.9 x 481.6mm; W x D x H)
Price
This level of quality comes at a fair price. There are a variety of Alienware Aurora R9s on the market, ranging from $747.99 to £899 for basic i5 sets (in Australia, the minimum configuration comes with a Core i7 CPU and costs AU $2,124) and $4,157 to £3,999 or AU $5,499 if you choose an extreme setup.
This means it takes up the baton from the previous model—the Aurora R8—and carries it (over county lines and across distances, in the case of the i9-9900K Geforce 2080 TI version).
The gaming machine can handle whatever you want, and it can also accommodate a wide range of budgets. As a result, it will be very versatile in the future.
Design of the Alienware Aurora R9.
Alienware has always been considered a premium gaming brand, and the R9 supports this notion with a classy, but restrained design.
The matte finish evokes old-school Mac-style with those bulbous curves, while the scooped-out front allows for better airflow.
In addition, there are no distracting RGB light shows or weird angles to turn it into a sci-fi hovercraft. As such, there are no ostentatious features that don’t accomplish very much other than shout loudly.
The Aurora R9 takes a more subtle approach. The only flourishes on display are a single hoop of light at the front and lit-up logos. Its simplicity is assured.
Although we personally would have preferred more premium materials (the case itself feels a bit “plastic-y”), the smooth, oh-so-shiny front more than makes up for this. The distinctive strip that protrudes from the cooling vents when overclocking complements functions as well.
Although Alienware’s R9 won’t be to everyone’s taste (a colleague described it as a vacuum cleaner considering all those vents), I give Alienware credit for breaking the mold. The only concern we have would be the design’s longevity. We suspect it won’t age gracefully, but time will tell.
Alienware Aurora R9 Features
The Aurora R9 has the same basic features as the Aurora R7; that memorable chassis, almost a dozen USB ports (many of which are SuperSpeed) as well as the usual connectivity gubbins such as DP, HDMI, and more on the GeForce card.
Three USB ports and audio/microphone jacks are conveniently located on the front for easy access. Additionally, the case has sliding locks on the back for easy access. However, you must unscrew the entire case to get to the inside.
Depending on which model you choose, its innards will be different. Our review machine featured a 9th-gen Intel i7-9700K CPU, 16GB of Dual Channel HyperX Fury DDR4 RAM, a 512GB NVMe SSD, a 2TB SATA HDD, and a powerful GPU in the form of a Nvidia Geforce RTX 2070 Super card.
Its inclusion of next-gen technologies, such as ray tracing, and entry-level 4K makes the Super range an excellent choice if you want to future-proof your PC. Gaming is about to enter a new era with the upcoming PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Yes, Alienware machines are expensive because of these features and the usual premium. Yet, you can at least be assured that you’re getting quality for your money.
Performance of the Alienware Aurora R9.
When it comes to everyday computing, the Alienware Aurora R9 excels. It performed admirably despite being bombarded with heavy game downloads while also handling other tasks.
Due to the SSD, it also boots up extremely fast. Both day-to-day tasks and more advanced pursuits such as video editing will be made easier with this system.
How about games? You will get different mileage with different Alienware Aurora R9 models, but ours held up well when benchmarking and gaming.
As an example, it sailed through 1080p tests in 3DMark with absurdly high frames per second without a sweat. In 1440p mode, it also performed admirably. That’s not to say it isn’t good at 4K gaming-it is.
Despite not performing quite as well in the 4K benchmarks, it was still quite good. As a result, it won’t become outdated too soon (and even if you opt for a less powerful system, you can always buy new components later).
It can also handle today’s heaviest games with no problem. The R9 handled large, complex firefights in Division 2 at Ultra settings with little trouble, averaging 56–60 FPS even when multiple foes were on screen at the same time.
Total War: Warhammer 2 battles averaged 50 FPS on high settings during in-game benchmarks, while large scripted battles featured realistic rays of light warming elven towers and bouncing off meticulously detailed armor.
When zoomed in, the camera was silky-smooth in spite of furious melee combat between multiple units, and I never even had to turn on the R9’s overclocking. Regardless of whether we had success, the overclocking systems on the R9 are easy to use, monitor, and tweak.
By the way, this is the first time you’ll notice those fans; engage overclocking and you’ll notice a ruckus at the front of the unit. Though not offensive, the volume is easy to ignore.
Overclocking is handled via the comprehensive Alienware Command Centre, so we can forgive a lot as well-it’s an appealing, approachable piece of software that lets you customize peripherals and RGB and isn’t as intimidating as other overclocking programs.
The only issue we had with the Alienware Command Centre was a minor glitch after reinstallation when certain options wouldn’t activate, but that’s easily fixed.
Advantage and Disadvantages
| Pros | Cons |
| stylish and functional at the same time. | Costly |
| Various specifications are available. | You might not want to use that design in the long run. |
| Elegant yet subtle design. |
The verdict
Is the Alienware Aurora R9 a worthy addition to the Alienware line? Absolutely. This unique case represents a bold new chapter in Aurora’s playbook, packed full of features and smart, practical details like the scooped-out vent at the front.
There is also a large variety of available builds, so you can find one that suits your needs. However, those models are quite expensive. Despite that, the Alienware Aurora R9 works hard to earn its price tag. It feels like a premium device.
