'Fixing' the Alienware R13 Dumpster Fire

We're trying to fix the $5000 Alienware R13 for as cheap as possible. The R13 is one of the worst pre-builts we've ever reviewed, so we're trying to see if it's salvageable.

The Alienware pre-built is one of the worst we’ve ever reviewed: using alien technology, they turned an i9 into an i7. Alienware, owned by Dell, seems dead-set on continuing to pump-out trash instead of improving. The design faults are far beyond the case -- Alienware's BIOS is so incomplete that it doesn't even include fan speed controls, the power toggles are all locked (likely because the motherboard VRM is way underspec), and the motherboard is limiting. Fortunately, the case can natively fit larger radiators; unfortunately, Dell doesn't offer those, so we decided to do it ourselves.



TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Fixing the Alienware R13
02:13 - Our Rules & Ideas
04:33 - Looking for a New Cooler
07:03 - Attempting to Install a 240mm Cooler
11:20 - Steve Recruits Patrick
13:10 - Patrick Rants About Things
17:13 - Testing Prep
18:55 - Screeching Loud PSU Fans
19:38 - 16-Degree Reduction in CPU Thermals!
21:30 - CPU Frequency Comparison
22:23 - GPU Thermal Benchmarks
23:33 - Incompetent Motherboard BIOS
25:15 - Trying One Last Time
27:12 - Conclusion

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Hosts: Steve Burke, Patrick Lathan
Video: Andrew Coleman
Video Production: Keegan Gallick

[parminderjaura]

I remember when alienware was my dream computer back when I was a kid. Thank goodness I didn't fall for this bs.

[the_dark_defender]

Is it really the Alienware look though? It looks a lot like a Dyson Air Multiplier released back in 2008 or so. One key difference is that the Dyson Air Multiplier actually moves air instead of choking it off, as this case does.

[nathanmiddleton]

Before Dell bought Alienware they were a standard that others were measured by. It's amazing that has carried through for all these years.

[punchfrancescka]

Almost 2 years ago from this day, I was looking to buy my first PC. Stumbled across this channel. I was dead-set on Alienware. Couple weeks go by of watching GN & learning about computers - then I decided to build my own.

I used a lot of parts that were recommended through GN videos (for example, using a Lian Li Lancool II, and a 2060 KO Ultra) and was off to the races. Couldn’t imagine myself if I had gone any other way, especially if I ended up wasting money on an Alienware. The $~900 I spent on the independent parts took me further than ~$1500 that Alienware would have ripped me. I can only thank the GN team for sharing their wisdom, and for inspiring people like me to believe in themselves.

Cheers to you all!

[Gabu_Dono]

Dell’s slogan should be, “Dell-
Resist Improvement!” or perhaps “Alienware- because progress is alien”

[theStunivurse]

Seeing all that plastic and proprietary metal parts is demonstrable proof that Dell can do much better WHILE SAVING MONEY

[StolenJoker]

So, The answer to “can it be fixed” is “Yes. By leaving it in the trash and building a better, cheaper one yourself.”

[Jacques]

Alienware was god tier dream pc back in the mid 2000s, looking for a case from then so i can feel like i finally made it. Its sad that its the computer equivalent of a burnout pop culture icon of the previous decade getting a permanent show in Las Vegas.

[cadkoger]

It always boggles the mind how little space is inside an Alienware when those cases look larger than everything else in the category.

[tweakedshot]

"Stack of plastic bullshit"
Alienwares in a nutshell.

[jasonhotchkiss]

I know it makes exposure/light control hard, but the natural backdrop of this set is really nice and makes the overall color of this video stand out compared to the dark/contrasty main set. Maybe one set in the new space can have a brighter feel than the others. Great job to everyone at GN!

[thereverant]

I'm just here to say I love the part where you work in the sudio with the window behind you. It's a breath of fresh air (pun intended) compared to the usual dark industrial-type studios.

[stonecrestmovies]

It's like Dell actively hates the people who are spending thousands of dollars on these computers

[nolfclvr]

Dell is such junk. I remember when I was young and Alienware, although unnecessarily expensive, was top of the line systems. I would visit their site and drool at their configs. How the mighty have fallen.

[unclebobby]

Just found this channel and i'm loving it. This series makes me feel so much better about building my own PC.

It's very informative and entertaining to boot.

[ximmons]

Out of curiosity I looked to see if Dell took your advice. They did and added air holes on the plexiglass window. The icing on the cake was the added 240 rad to the top without changing the 10 year old case.

[banj]

If you want a laugh, this was in the #2 spot on PC Gamer's annual prebuilt recommendation list.

[Mave-rick]

Before Dell, Alienware used standard PC parts. Their cases back in the early 2000's were rebranded Antec cases. I ended up getting a few on eBay years later for retro builds, because I liked the color choices. I miss those days.

[imelman]

Keep up the good work! BTW, @10:26 I realized you could use a tip: I temporarily hold the fans to the case with 2@ short tapping fan screws. That makes lining up those long bolts easy.

[zhardy]

please do some more content like this. how to improve on big company's failures. really enjoying this